Category Archives: Uncategorized

Outdoor Curling at Herbertshaw Farm

The heavy rain at the New Year followed by the recent extreme cold led to ideal conditions for outdoor curling this week on a flooded and frozen field at Herbertshaw Farm, long held by the Brown family, near Penicuik. Craig quickly put the word out for any keen curlers to congregate, although his suggestion of shorts and teeshirt attire was swiftly declined.

The two Jims (Ramsay and Cowper) assisted in marking out the ice, and soon the cars started to arrive. To quote a favourite film – ” If you build it, they will come”.

Precision needed here
Jean Louise Graeme and Reg ready for action

The refrigeration unit held out for a second day and, with blue skies and lovely views the curlers enjoyed some great curling.

Competition was as usual quite fierce, with Jim R and David Gillespie winning 9-7 over Jim C and Roger in an 8 end thriller.

Great play guys.
Roger in action
Good stone
Don’t crack the ice Jim.
Historic Photo of Walter Brown, Jim Cowper and Tom Alexander from 2009

Unfortunately, the thaw has begun, so no more play this week. Many thanks to Craig and Jim Ramsay for organising, the Brown family for allowing access to their land, and to all who helped and played over the two days. A great experience.

London Calling!

Attached below two photos taken by club member Geoff near Kings Cross, in London.

The delight of curling as a sport is obviously spreading to our cousins south of the border, but maybe it’s a bit far to go for a social game.

Update on Paul Murton Estate Visit

You will remember that Paul Murton visited Penicuik Estate recently to film for part of his upcoming TV series on Scottish Rivers. The Club has had an update from the producers as copied below:

‘ I just wanted to apologise that we haven’t been in touch regarding the transmission of Grand Tours of Scotland’s Rivers – Series Two. We’re still waiting for confirmed details from the BBC. We are now expecting the series to go out in January 2023 but will of course let you know when we have any updates to pass on. ‘

King George 1V Trophy

Congratulations to David Gillespie and his rink of Dave Carr, Reg Dunbar and Kirsty McWilliam for winning their first round match in this competition against Duddingston with a score of 9-4 . They will now meet SIAE in the next round on Friday 9th December.

Opening Bonspiel 2022

The first winners of the 2022-23 season were decided at the Opening Bonspiel on Sunday 2nd October when 24 keen curlers took to the ice. Craig was on top form, organising the play and keeping everyone right as to their next opponents as they moved about the ice. Many congratulations to Dave Carr, Kirsty McWilliam, Jim Cowper and Ian Neil who finished with a score of +3 to take the Bonspiel Trophy. Jim in particular was delighted to retain his Bonspiel medal.

Bonspiel Winners, Dave C. Jim Cowper Kirsty and Ian Neil (missing from photo)
Bonspiel winners presentation at Golf Club.

Craig, on the other hand may not have been quite so delighted to retain the ‘Bonspiel Booby’ Trophy with his rink of Roger, Mike and Saho.

Presentation of Bonspiel Booby prize to Craig, and Roger (Saho and Mike missing from photo)

An excellent meal was enjoyed by participants and members at the Glencorse Golf Club after the Bonspiel. Many thanks to the catering team, to Craig and the Social Committee for organising the event and to Ian Neil for his sponsorship. Lots more to play for in the season ahead.

Report by Jean Noble

Statement from our Club President

HM Queen Elizabeth II

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As the late monarch was Patron of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, I am sure many of you will have taken a moment to contemplate recent events. Our thoughts are with the royal family at this sad time, as well as reflecting on our own recent losses.

Iain Scott, President Penicuik Curling Club

Sunday 18th September 2022

Ronnie Hope

It is with great sadness that Penicuik Curling Club announces the passing of Ronnie Hope, who died suddenly at home on Monday 9th May.

Ronnie was an Honorary Member of our Club, and had served both as President and also regularly on the Management Committee during the thirty years since he first joined in 1991. He will be remembered for his boundless enthusiasm for curling, and his tireless support of the Penicuik Club and it’s members over the years. He will be sorely missed by all his many friends in the curling world and beyond.

The photo below was taken at the Saturday League Christmas Bonspiel in 2019, and is a nice one to remember him by.

Christine, Irene (DAFS), Ronnie , Aileen and Maisie with Rebecca.

Hamish Tait Trophy Winners

Ronnie Hope has very kindly provided an excellent report on the origins of the Hamish Tait Trophy as well as an update on this year’s competition, in the earlier News item posted today. The winners for 2021 were the team from Chartered Surveyors, here seen receiving the trophy.

Chartered Surveyors – Nick Chapman, David Dipping, Martin Hall and Archie Rintoul.