Craig Brown was on the go early on a sunny Saturday, 27th May, and with his team of helpers was soon ready for some Street Curling fun at Penicuik in the Park.

The Street Rink and banner for Penicuik Curling Club didn’t take long to attract interest, and with Geoff Dawe and David Ballantyne on the brushes, and Jim Ramsay organising the queue the fun was soon in full flow.

A practice shot was permitted, then down to the serious competition – with all age groups willing to give it a go from the very young to parents and grandparents, some keen matches were played. Youngster were rewarded with a sticker for their efforts. There was also the opportunity, for those who could lift them, to guess the weight of a couple of real curling stones with the prize being a free Try Curling Session for two at Murrayfield Curling Rink.

The point of the exercise was of course to raise the profile of our Club locally, and hopefully encourage some new members. Well done to Craig, Geoff, Jim and David for their hard work on the day.

The Club’s Annual Prize Giving Dinner took place on Saturday 22^nd April with 45 members and family attending.  The staff at Glencorse Golf Club had ensured that the tables were beautifully set, with Liz Anderson providing colourful spring flower arrangements as a final touch. Trophies and medals were polished and sparkling, ready for presentation. This year, there was also going to be a Raffle with a wide assortment of prizes donated by the Committee. Geoff Dawe oversaw the ticket sales and was very adept at encouraging members to dip into their pockets for cash.

With everyone seated, Club President Iain Scott formally welcomed attendees and read out a note of apology and best wishes from our Patron, Sir Robert Clerk who along with his wife Lady Faye were unable to attend this year due to a prior engagement. Iain commented on the season’s successes and reflected on the sad loss of Ronnie Hope at around this time last year, before raising a toast to his memory. He also acknowledged Ronnie and Jim Ramsay’s contribution to the recent Paul Murton TV programme featuring outdoor curling at Penicuik Estate.  Jean Lennie was invited to recite the Curlers Grace, before guests settled down to a delicious meal prepared by the Billy and the catering staff at the Golf Club.

With Dinner over the presentations were due to start, but firstly Iain called on Janette Lambie to step forward to collect her 50 Year Medal, delayed from last year – see separate report. Iain also acknowledged all the hard work by Craig Brown’s Social Committee and others in organising and preparing for the Dinner.

So, to business – to much cheering and applause, the various winners were presented starting with the Bonspiels and culminating with the Kettle Trophy retained by Dave Anderson as Skip, along with Kirsty McWilliam, Andy Cameron and Graeme Cassie, the last two unknown to Dave at the start of the season. Kirsty, winning Skip in the Thirds Competition, had been unable to attend the Dinner, and would probably have needed a Security Van to transport her array of Trophies home.  The Outdoor Trophy won by Jim Ramsay’s rink, and a new Trophy donated by David Gillespie for the best Points score from a Lead or Second were among those presented.

The biggest cheer of the night however was reserved for the ladies who had won and retained the Challenge Crook, undoubtedly seasoned curlers but unlikely to be invited on Britain’s Got Talent for their singing ability. Roger Scott, still recovering from the shock of his team’s defeat commented on the unerring focus of Margaret’s rink in sticking to their task.

There are lots more photos in the gallery of the various prize winners.

With the formalities over, David Gillespie proposed a final vote of thanks, guests were invited to collect their Raffle prizes and with time left Craig set up the floor for a ‘Nearest the Bottle’ competition eventually won by Gary Clapperton.

All in all, a great evening to finish off the curling season.

Report by Jean Noble