Category Archives: Social
Hamish Tait Trophy Bonspiel
The annual Hamish Tait Bonspiel event took place on Sunday 8th December with Penicuik represented by Skip Keith Morris supported by Ian Robertson, Jean Noble and Caroline Stoddart, one of our newer members.
Penicuik were drawn against Chartered Surveyors (skip Tom Mitchell) for their first 2 ends and this proved to be very close contest, sadly resulting in a loss to Penicuik by 1 stone at each end (-2). This was hardly surprising with Craig Brown drafted in at short notice as super-sub for the opposition team.
Another very close game next against Merchiston (skip John Addinall), resulting in a loss by 1 stone, but Keith and his rink rallied in the following end to take a 3 leaving them with net zero after 4 ends.
Meanwhile Watsonians (skip Frank Ross) were firing on all cylinders coming out 4 up in their match against Merchiston, before taking another 4 from Chartered Surveyors in the next round, giving a score of +8 after four games.
Next up for the leaders was Penicuik who fared little better, losing a 2 in the 5th end, with the last result going to a measure which unfortunately Penicuik lost. On the other sheet Merchiston took a 1 and then a 3 in their match against Chartered Surveyors.
So, after an exciting afternoon played in the best traditions of curling fellowship, the Watsonians team of F. Ross C. Broadwood E. Lean and D. Lean came out clear winners on +11 ending the recent run of wins by Chartered Surveyors who finished on -6.
Also rans were Merchiston on -2 and Penicuik on -3.
After refreshments and chat in the Clubhouse, Martin reflected on the history of the event and Hamish’s contribution to curling for all the participating Clubs during the 100 years of his life. Martin then presented the impressive Hamish Tait Trophy to Frank who graciously accepted on behalf of his team, before thanking Penicuik for once again organising the event.
Many thanks to all who played.
50 Year Medal Presentation
At the Annual Dinner of Penicuik Curling Club, and after a delay of a year, the opportunity was taken to acknowledge a major milestone for Janette Lambie when she was presented with her 50 year Medal by Club President Iain Scott, who gave a brief history of Janette’s curling achievements.
Janette was first persuaded by Christine and Douglas Hall to join what was then Penicuik Ladies in September 1972. At that time Hamish Tait took her under his wing and with his encouragement she was soon making an impact, winning the Pairs Competition with Douglas quite early in her curling career. This competition became a favourite for Janette and she won again with Martin Brown in 1984-85 and also John Glidden in 2011-12.
With husband Andrew also joining Penicuik in 1976, curling became a big part of the couple’s life, and as well as playing regularly in competitions Janette has served both on the PCC Social Committee and as Club Treasurer for a number of years.
The President recalled in his address how Janette was not shy in giving her Skip advice or querying shot selection, and this approach must have been successful as Janette finished off this season in the winning Closing Bonspiel team skipped by Iain himself.
Janette’s achievement in reaching her now 50+ years membership was acknowledged by all those present as she was formally presented with her medal and a lovely bouquet of flowers.
Penicuik New Stones Friendly
On Sunday afternoon, two teams from Penicuik turned out against 8 keen new curlers from New Stones and Beginners Groups for a friendly Bonspiel.
Some last minute changes to teams left David Gillespie skipping Colin, Alex and Luke whilst Jenny Wray, in her first game in a while skipped the team of Vic, Jean Cassie and Sheila. Kirsty led the other new curlers team of Derek, Alistair and Yvonne leaving Jean N. to do her best at skipping Graeme, Saho and Kate. It was no great surprise that Ian Keron was at the curling rink, and he very gallantly stepped onto the ice to provide some coaching assistance to the newer players on both sheets.
As agreed beforehand, teams swapped opposition after 3 ends to allow everyone to get to know each other and play continued. Although no-one was paying much attention to the scores, the newcomers led by their experienced skips were showing their mettle and definitely up for a bit of friendly competition. A number commented afterwards on their appreciation of Penicuik’s invitation and the chance to play in a match setting.
Hopefully, we have made some new friends and may see some of the new curlers on the ice for Penicuik in the near future. Thanks to all who played.
Report by Jean Noble
Land o’ Burns Return Match
After our game in November at Ayr, which Penicuik lost heavily, we played a return match at Murrayfield on Sunday 19th February.
This time Ian Robertson, who originally challenged us but was unable to play at Ayr, turned out for Land O’Burns. Jim Ramsay was unable to play this time but Trader Geoff Dawe took his place.
Dave Anderson’s team, with Liz Anderson, Geoff Dawe and Pam Ramsay played a steady game of one’s and twos to end up with a good 6-2 win.
Dave Carr’s team, with David Gillespie, Margaret Carr and Reg Dunbar had a tighter game. Several promising ends were turned round by excellent angled raises and take outs by Land O’Burns skip David Balmer. Penicuik rallied and it was 4-4 after 6 ends. But, Land O’Burns had hammer in the last end, and David B played an excellent draw to win the game 5-4.
So, it ended one game each but Penicuik were 8-6 up on ends and 10-7 on shots.
A partial revenge for our heavy defeat in Ayr.
The game was followed by soup and sandwiches upstairs with very good company.
The 2 matches were enjoyed by all who took part and it was agreed to try and have a rematch next season.
Report by Dave Carr
West Linton Challenge Match, 24th January 2023
It’s competition day and PANIC sets in! Concerns of the strength of the West Linton rinks is not top of the list, our concern was…..Where Is The Trophy?
Penicuik retained the trophy last year but who had it in their possession.
It’s found and the game is on! Rink 1 for PCC was Jim Ramsay, Craig Brown, Jim Cowper and Jean Cassie, while Rink 2 was skipped by Dave Carr and backed by Margaret Carr, Liz Anderson and Graham Cassie.
After the first three ends the scores are level across the board with rinks from both clubs having 2 points on the card.
In end 4 West Linton make a charge with team Ramsay losing 1 and a further 2 in end 5. Meanwhile Team Carr lose a 3 in the 4th but gain 1 back in the 5th.
This leaves Penicuik combined score at 5 while W Linton are up to 10! OOPS!
Unfortunately Team Carr could not get the better of Rink McDonald from W Linton and ended up their 8 end game with a score of 8 – 3 against them. Ramsay & Co., started their comeback in the 6th with a 3 and a 2 in the 7th. End 8 needed at least a 4 but W Linton took another 1 from Team Ramsay. While this resulted in a win over W Linton Team Dykes the final combined score resulted in West Linton claiming the Trophy 14 to 10.
Upstairs, we socialised with our opposition and Dave Carr presented the West Linton Challenge Trophy to Chris McDonald
Let’s hope that West Linton don’t mislay the trophy and allow us to win it back next year!
Report by Jim Ramsay
The Curling House in the Snow.
Thanks to Reg for this lovely photo of the Curling House.
Tulliallan Social Game
On Tuesday 6th December, an intrepid group of players journeyed up to Kinross to play in a friendly match against Tulliallan Curling Club. This social game was suggested after a visit by a group of Penicuik curlers to Stranraer in the early part of 2022 where they renewed acquaintances with fellow curlers from the Tulliallan Club.
Jim Ramsay skipped the first Penicuik rink, with fellow curlers Liz Anderson, Jean Noble and Pam Ramsay playing against Alan P. and his team of Elaine, Janice and Gill. It did take the visiting players a couple of ends to get used to the speed and draws of the Kinross ice and it was all square at 1 each after 2 ends. By this time the Penicuik ladies were realising that they were in for a tough game and having to sweep hard to stay in contention. Penicuik took a 2 in the third before Tulliallan come back with a 1. Now more used to the ice both leads were able to play to the edge of the house, and with Jean able to take out Tulliallan counting stones and Liz making some great draws to the middle of the house, Skip Jim and opposition Skip Alan were left to battle it out for the winning shots. With time running out after 6 ends, Penicuik finished 6-2 ahead and the Skips shook hands.
In the other game Dave Carr, Jim Cowper, Stuart Blackwood and Jim Hume played against another team of 3 ladies and 1 gentleman, this time skipped by Angela.
On very swingy ice, big ends were traded early on with the score 5 – 4 to Tulliallan after the fourth end. Thereafter Penicuik picked off 1s and 2s, as Angela narrowly missed some take-outs allowing Penicuik to build up to a final score of Penicuik 11 – 5 Tulliallan.
Both games were much tighter than the scorecards suggest and as always played in a very friendly manner. After retiring to a local restaurant for a very enjoyable meal, the teams made their weary way home. Penicuik will look forward to the return match next season.
Report by Dave Carr and Jean Noble
Hamish Tait Trophy Bonspiel
The annual Bonspiel in honour of Hamish Tait was played on 30th November between the four clubs associated with him.
Penicuik was represented by Dave Carr, Jim Cowper, Jean Noble and Nicki Cassie.
Merchiston was skipped by David Cunningham (with Stuart Blackwood at lead). Pat Edington and Tom Mitchell skipped Watsonians and Chartered Surveyors respectively.
Penicuik’s games were all tight but a risky attempt at removing a Merchiston stone in the last end cost Penicuik a 3.
Chartered Surveyors big win over Watsonians was the deciding factor giving them +7 overall. Penicuik were second on 0, Merchiston third on -1 and Watsonians fourth on -6.
The Bonspiel was followed by refreshments and good chat upstairs, with Tom Mitchell recalling previous outings with Roger and Bill (Jacobs). Bribes may be required to prevent the stories coming out.
Thanks to Jim Cowper for presenting the trophy to Chartered Surveyors. And also for giving the history of the Bonspiel to those who did not know Hamish.
Report by David Carr
DAFS v Penicuik.
Saturday, 26th November . News just in……Bruce Mowat wins European Gold again! Also at this time another (maybe not so big) match takes place at Murrayfield featuring players from DAFS Curling Club against Penicuik Curling Club.
In what looked like a step away from responsibility in the DAFS rink, Graham Thompson persuaded Jon Pickup to take charge of proceedings on their behalf with David Lindsay at Third and Catriona Graham as Lead. For Penicuik, the line up was Sweeping Master Jim Cowper at Lead, David Ballantyne at Second, while Mrs Ramsay supported Mr Ramsay at Third.
The first end of any game is always a tester as teams find out ice speeds and capabilities of opposition players, but the brilliant Penicuik Skip stole the first end with a near perfect draw hide to the button for a 1. Trouble brewed for Penicuik in the 2nd and 3rd ends when a 2 then a 1 were lost.
Not to worry though! Penicuik were in the game again at the 4th with both blue and yellow stones contesting closely for the button spot. Penicuik had last stone which needed to nudge the sitting opposition stone for shot. It had to be the right weight and line which it mostly was but at the last moment the handle changed which, rather than the expected , gave Penicuik a 3.
We were back in charge and stole a further 2 at the 5th end making the score DAFS 3 Penicuik 6. Being a friendly match, Penicuik pulled back and let our opponents back into the game by leaving them the opportunity of a 1.
A lot of thought had gone into the DAFS game which resulted in time catching up with us (nothing to do with Graham of course) Four minutes to the bell and the 7th end started.
It proved to be a very tight last end. Jim and David playing the stones asked to split the house each play only to be countered by their opposite number. DAFS were now lying 2 when it was the turn of the ‘Man of the Match’ , Pamela, who played her second double take out of the game. Unfortunately, the DAFS Third got the better of us and drew shot.
It was now all up to the Skip shots. Mr Pickup played his first stone and took a second counter for DAFS. The poor Penicuik Skip had so much pressure on him… the two DAFS stones were hidden and best that could be done would be to chip one out. Just that wee bit too much weight saw it ‘stay out’ and slip by. The final DAFS stone was perfect weight but could not hide which left them sitting with 3 counting stones. Oh! that poor, poor Penicuik Skip, what to do? Try and chip out again which might work or take the easier 3rd DAFS stone and not miss the gap. A wick in might have been possible but best to be sociable and submit the 2 to DAFS which left the game after 7 ends at 6-6.
As is the custom, the eight players retired to the Bar to relive the game and discuss the if and maybe. 6pm. – better get home for Strictly!
Report by Jim Ramsay
Penicuik Curling Club 