MINUTES OF 87th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF GANGRELS CURLING
CLUB, held at Greenacres Curling on Monday 23rd March 2026 at 6.15 pm.
The President, Fraser Hogg, opened and initially chaired the meeting.
The following members were present:
Donald Cattanach Ally Henry Ernest Mutter
Allan Chapman Fraser Hogg Jimmy Niblock
Bob Cherry David Hope Ronnie Peat
Robert Charters Euan Lawrence Peter Reynolds
Peter Galloway Steell McFadzean
David Graham Richard Morrison
Item 1 - Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from:
Jenny Bloomfield, Simon Bloomfield, David Gray, Anne Hay, George Hay, David
Stubley, Gillian Watson, Ronnie Wilson.
Item 2 - Endorsement of Minutes
The Minutes of the 86th Annual General Meeting dated 17 Mar 25 were endorsed.
Proposer, Peter Reynolds, Seconder, Fraser Hogg.
Item 3 - Actions arising
The Secretary reported on the following minuted actions:
a. Item 6 - Constitution amendment. Action complete.
b. Item 8 - Inclusion of A&A in Pairs, Points and NWC. Action complete.
c. Item 10 - Ice bids at Greenacres and NWC. Action complete.
d. Item 11 - Establishment of Working Group. Action complete.
e. Item 13 - Recovery of outstanding fee. Action complete.
Item 4 - Financial Statement
The Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 20 Feb 26 had been
approved by Committee and subsequently circulated by email to all members prior to
the meeting. In his supporting report, the Treasurer said that there were no
outstanding debts or monies due in receipts. He then gave an explanation for some
of the particular items of expenditure. As had been agreed by the Committee, the
practise ice session at the beginning of the season was paid for by the Club at a cost
of £144. Moreover, there had been an unexpected cost of £144 for the Pairs event.
due to a misunderstanding of the amount we would need to pay and the Secretary
could not persuade Greenacres to amend or reduce the ice cost demanded for this
event. There had also been missing player subsidies totalling £58 as there had been
issues when no players were available for a few curling sessions. Notwithstanding,
he was pleased to report that club funds had only been depleted by £122.08 and that
there was a healthy cash balance of £3909.96 to carry forward to next season.
He thanked David Graham for examining the supporting paperwork and asked if
there were any questions concerning the Financial Statement as presented.
As there were no questions or objections, the Financial Statement was endorsed.
Item 5 - Reviews of past season and presentation of trophies
The President addressed the meeting as follows:
"Brother (& Sister) Curlers, and fellow Gangrels, it has been both an honour and a
privilege for me to serve as your President this past year.
We kicked off our season on Monday 29th September with a session of practise ice
at Greenacres. The hope was that this would help playing members brush off any
cobwebs, hone their skills and limber up sufficiently for the coming full season of
games. This extremely useful session was followed by a social lunch at Greenacres
and both events were thoroughly enjoyed by all those who could make it, so much so
that I’d like to think it could become a regular feature at the start of each season.
Honorary President, Jim Lyburn, was delighted to be invited along to our first proper
game of the season on Monday 6th October where he said a few good, wise words
of encouragement before throwing the first stone.
The ensuing season has indeed been a full one and, without pre-empting any of the
detail that our Match Secretary is about to impart, Gangrels went on to enjoy a total
of at least 34 different curling sessions across the season, and almost exactly half of
those were played in conjunction with Ayr & Alloway.
Our association with Ayr & Alloway has, once again, worked extremely well and the
relationship seems to be going from strength to strength with all our games together
having been played in the best possible spirit and with lots of fun and enjoyment for
all participants.
We would, of course, hope to continue in this vein for next season but, with
continued decline in playing numbers across ALL clubs, your Committee would be
remiss if we did not investigate other possible playing alliances, and there will be
On Friday 12th December we held our annual Christmas gathering. With changes at
the Brig ‘O Doon precluding us from using our usual room, we instead held it at the
Abbotsford Hotel and they did us proud. Another great night, enjoying good food and
convivial company in cosy surroundings, it was thoroughly enjoyed by all who
attended and I’d particularly like to thank Gillian Watson for all her help in organising
it.
As I just mentioned, playing numbers continue to decline and I am sad to report that
two of our stalwart Gangrels are included amongst those numbers with Dr. Jimmy
Begg & Steell McFadzean deciding to step down to being a non-playing member
and Reserve respectively for next season. Both of these gentlemen have many,
many years of experience and skill between them and they have contributed a
tremendous amount to the club, both on and off the ice, over the years. They will be
greatly missed from the pool of players and, on the club’s behalf, I’d just like to
express our sincere thanks and gratitude to both of them for all they have done to
help make Gangrels the wonderful club that it is.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the very skilled Greenacres staff, on your
behalf, for providing us with wonderful, if not sometimes unpredictable, ice
throughout the season and, to the cheery & helpful catering and bar staff for keeping
us so well fed & watered.
And finally, I’d just like to thank my Committee for all their support, input and
assistance over this past year and, in particular, our wonderful Secretary, Peter
Galloway, who does such a tremendous power of work on our behalf, both behind
the scenes and on match days, keeping us all right on every aspect of the club and
its activities. Thank you Peter, very much, and, thank you all for allowing me the
honour of being your Gangrels President over the last year. "
Report on Open Competitions
Bob Cherry, in his role as Match Secretary, then presented his views on the 2025-26
season:
League
The inaugural mini-league of 6 rinks with each club playing for its own trophies has
been a success.The feedback from A&A is positive and they are happy for the
arrangement to continue if feasible.
Fraser Cup : won by Gangrels 2 who were also the overall winners
Presidents Cup : The final game having just been played, it was won by Gangrels 3.
However A&A can only field 2 teams next season. In addition, our 5 member team
format will be reduced which will make finding subs more difficult.
We really need a minimum of 6 teams to make a meaningful competition on this
seasons format. We are exploring possibilities with other clubs. One idea is to ask
Curl Ayrshire to email all Ayrshire clubs to say we are running a Club League
(Mondays 10am) and would welcome more club teams to join us.
Other internal competitions
Rosebowl
A 3 game format involving the 3 Gangrels teams. Won by Gangrels 2
Drew Duncan Quaich
Won by Charters, Cattanach, Watson, Cherry. An enjoyable format.
Kennedy Pairs
Won by Gray/Stubley . However too expensive to run again at Greenacres (no
discounts available).
Points
Winners Ally Henry and Ken Ireland (A&A) - (32 points).
Stranraer trips
The three trips considered very successful, particularly the joint one with A&A in
December. To continue next season
External competitions
Participation viewed as important but little success this season:
Rink Championship: lost to Galston in first round
Eglinton Jug: lost to Sorn 17-0 and then Curl Ayrshire 13-1
Beresford Ladies: winners-Carol Simpson, D Cattanach, Una Semple, P Galloway
Indoor Grand Match: peel 8-8 against Helensburgh
Tarbolton: lost by 2 shots
Province Medal: lost 14-1 to Dundonald and 11-2 against Dalmellington
Province Knock-out: lost 10-1 to Galston
Like all the smaller Ayrshire clubs, we are facing a severe membership decline. We
can’t carry on doing the same thing and expect things to improve. Change is
necessary."
Trophy Winners 2025 – 26
The trophies won during the season were awarded to the following:
Fraser Cup Rink 2 (Charters, Galloway, Lawrence, Niblock). While
Skips rotated throughout the series, as the final Skip, the
Cup was presented to Jimmy Niblock.
President’s Cup Rink 3 (Gray, Reynolds, Hogg, Henry, Mutter). As the
final Skip, the Cup was presented to Peter Reynolds.
Kirkbride Rosebowl Rink 2 (Charters, Galloway, Lawrence, Graham, Niblock).
The trophy was presented to Jimmy Niblock.
Drew Duncan Quaich Rink 1 (Charters (S), Cattanach, Watson, Cherry). The
Quaich was presented to Robert Charters.
Pairs David Gray and David Stubley. Neither could attend.
Robert Boyd Points Trophy
Ally Henry (32) for the second consecutive year.
Frame Salver Rink 3 (Hogg(S), Cherry, Cattanach, Henry)(+3).
Sportsman’s Award Fraser Hogg majority from 5 nominees..
Item 6 - Election of Office Bearers
With President Fraser standing down, the Secretary asked Vice President Ally and
Past President Fraser to explain their reasoning in departing from the norm of the
Vice President automatically assuming the role of President. This Vice President Ally
did and announced that they recommended Peter Galloway as President with Ally
Henry retaining the role of Vice President for another year. Peter had agreed that
he would also retain the post of Club Secretary. No objections being voiced, Past
President Fraser handed over Presidency to Peter Galloway who assumed the
Chair. President Peter thanked Past President Fraser for his appreciable application
and contributions while in office and also thanked the Committee and membership
for their support which he felt would be maintained as we determined the way ahead
for the Club in the aspiration that a new curling ice rink would be build in the vicinity
of Ayr in a meaningful timeframe.
The President/Secretary then stated that the Office Bearers and Committee for
2026-27 would therefore be:
Honorary President Jim Lyburn
President Peter Galloway
Vice President Ally Henry
Past President Fraser Hogg
Secretary Peter Galloway
Treasurer Richard Morrison
Match Secretary Bob Cherry
Committee Gillian Watson
Examiner David Graham
of Accounts
Item 7 - Fixing of Subscriptions
The Secretary reported that in view of the current cash in the Bank situation and
satisfactory state of the Club accounts as previously stated at Item 4, the Committee
proposed there be no change and thus Playing Member and Reserve subscriptions
should remain at £15 and Non-Playing £10. The Secretary added that we were
unlikely to be advised of the subscription fees for the RCCC, Greenacres, NWC and
possibly Curl Ayrshire Charity until about Aug 2026. The Committee recommendation
that Club subscription rates be accepted as above at £15 and £10 was unanimously
endorsed.
Item 8 - Endorsement of Rink selection methodology and fixture plan
The Secretary thanked the membership for their input and summarised the results of
the annual questionnaire returns. This seemed to indicate just sufficient support for
a similar programme to that just completed, albeit A&A cannot match the same Rink
numbers. Currently there were 3 Gangrels and 2 A&A Rink resources identified.
Early discussions with the Match Secretary suggested the plan for next season
should be the same, rotating Skips in 3 x 5/6 person Rinks for the Fraser Cup and
President’s Cup. However, with the reduced number of Playing Members in both
Clubs and little prospect in inducting new additional players, discussions had been
opened with Curl Ayrshire, Beresford Ladies, Tarbolton, Symington and Ayr Country
Club to secure more players to enter in to the mini-league series which would
generate a greater number of fixtures throughout the season. The Match Secretary
added that at least 4 more players were needed to generate 6 Rinks which formed
the basis for last season’s fixture list. He suggested that Curl Ayrshire be contacted
and a request made for them to canvass their membership to secure an additional
Rink in the mini-league series. The Vice President reinforced this view by adding
that national demographics were not working in curling’s favour as was a lack of
curling facilities to nuture the upturn in interest in the sport generated by participation
in the Olympics and media coverage elsewhere. Alan Chapman said that an
informed source within Curl Ayrshire had indicated that a new curling rink in the
vicinity of Ayr was unlikely to be in being before late 2028/early 2029. Action: Sec.
The Secretary then went on to highlight the strengths and weaknesses in terms of
support for external competitions. He drew attention to the need for more support for
play in the Eglinton Jug, Rink Championships and the Province events where
commitment from all Playing Members and Reserves would be essential. This was
also appropriate in our own internal fixtures when shortfalls arise and Reserve back
up is required. Fixtures at Stranraer were always popular so there should be few
difficulties for that venue over the 3 planned visits there.
A draft ice bid would have to be worked up for both Greenacres and Stranraer for
endorsement by the Committee when finalised and then submitted to both venues
with the Greenacres bid having to be with them by 18 May 26 at the latest. The
Secretary then went on to say that as soon as an endorsed fixture list was available,
it would be circulated to all playing and reserve members to enable them to pencil in
dates in their diaries and identify potential clashes in commitments at an early stage.
The Vice President asked if practise ice would be bid for as the start to the new
season which the Secretary assured would be done as long as sufficient (minimum
8) members participated to cover the cost of the ice. Past President Fraser
advocated it also be used as a try curling event for potential new players which
Robert Charters echoed could be achieved through internal advertising well in
advance of the date selected. Action: Sec/All.
The Secretary reported that the post match reports and results published on the
Blogsite and the degree of effort expended in producing them had been considered
by the Committee and it recommended that the detail therein be minimised for next
season. Jimmy Niblock raised his concern at this proposal as he, and he suspected
others, fully appreciated the reports, narratives and photographs and requested that
the current format and detail be continued. This was agreed.
Action: Sec/Blogmaster.
Item 9 - Election of Scottish Curling/Eglinton Jug/Ayrshire Province Reps
The Secretary sought the agreement of, and it was endorsed, that the extant SC
Representative, Ronnie Peat, and Eglinton Jug/Ayrshire Province Rep, David Hope,
should continue.
Item 10 - Selection of venues and ice times for 2026/27
The Secretary sought and obtained a unanimous agreement to base the Club
internal games programme at Greenacres on Mondays at 1000 with whole day
events at Stranraer also bid for mid week dates in late Oct, late Nov and mid Feb
2027 to include lunch and bacon rolls on arrival for those who wish them. A&A would
also be made aware of our bid dates to permit them to do the same for any spare
sheets. He said that an ice bid would be drafted according as indicated at Item 8
above but that ice allocations were not likely to be know until about July. Once
obtained and the detail of external events sponsored by the Jug/Province/RCCC
known, a fixture list might then be issued about late Aug/early Sep. The Secretary
and Match Secretary had previously highlighted in their comments at Item 8 above
that all of their considerations would be focused on the availability returns on the
data sheet drawn from Member replies to the Club annual questionnaire. However,
ice bids based on player preferences and actual venue allocations may differ and
would therefore have to be managed on a compromising basis but would rely on the
full commitment of the membership. It was expected that the Club season would
commence on or about 5 Oct 26 and finish mid Mar 27. Ice at Greenacres would be
available from 24 Sep 26 to 26 Mar 27. Action: Sec/MS/Committee.
Item 11 - Working Group continuation
The Secretary reported that no formal meetings of the Working Group, whose
composition had been agreed at last year’s AGM, had been held as the unanimous
view from both Club’s was that the methodology being used worked well and Club
identities were being sustained regardless of increased combined play programmes.
He added that a watching brief was being maintained with the aim of maximising
play opportunities where Rink numbers being generated permit. However, looking
ahead, both Club’s have reduced Playing Member numbers and no significant
increase in new members. Jimmy Niblock expressed the view that all curling clubs
were in survival mode but that he particularly liked the current play combination
model we have with A&A, Beresford Ladies and Tarbolton.
Item 12 - Any other business
a. David Hope proudly announced his selection for the 2027 RCCC Tour to the
USA which starts on 14 Jan 27. He was roundly applauded for his success.
b. The Match Secretary questioned whether all of our Playing Members liked the
Skip rotation policy being applied in all of our events and that if not, to let the
Secretary know and Rink compositions would be adjusted accordingly. Action: All.
The subsequent question posed by Euan Lawrence as to why A&A had a fixed Skip
playing structure was answered by A&A President/Match Secretary Alan Chapman.
Item 13 - Date of next meeting
Mon 22 Mar 2027 at a time and venue in Ayr (to be confirmed once events
programme finalised and aligned with the final match date
