86th Annual General Meeting

 MINUTES OF 86th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF GANGRELS CURLING

CLUB, held at Greenacres Curling on Monday 17th March 2025 at 6.30 pm.

(photos to follow)

The President, Donald Cattanach, opened and initially chaired the meeting.

The following members were present:

Donald Cattanach David Hope Peter Reynolds

Allan Chapman Euan Lawrence Gillian Watson

Bob Cherry Steell McFadzean Ronnie Wilson

Robert Charters Richard Morrison

Peter Galloway Ernest Mutter

David Graham Jimmy Niblock

David Gray Ronnie Peat

Fraser Hogg David Richmond

Item 1 - Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from:

Jimmy Begg, Jenny Bloomfield, Simon Bloomfield, Jim Dunlop, Douglas Haddow,

Anne Hay, George Hay, Ally Henry.

Item 2 - Endorsement of Minutes

The Minutes of the 85th Annual General Meeting dated 19 Mar 24 were endorsed.

Proposer, Fraser Hogg, Seconder, Ernest Mutter.

Item 3 - Actions arising

The Secretary reported on the following minuted actions:

Item 6 - Constitution amendment. Action Ongoing (Item 12).

Item 10 - Venues and ice times. Action complete.

Item 11 - NWC Rinks and play format. Action complete.

Item 4 - Financial Statement

The Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 Jan 25 had been

approved by Committee and signed off on 21 Feb 25. It had subsequently been

circulated by email to all members prior to the meeting. In his supporting report, the

Treasurer said:

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" Lady and Gentlemen, you have before you the income and expenditure for the

Club to 31 January 2025. I am open to any questions but firstly I consider they show

the Club financial transactions are not significant except for the difference between

the income collected from members for their RCCC/Scottish Curling membership fee

and the resultant shortfall of payment by a member. The member concerned had

been contacted on many occasions by email and telephone and promises had not

been kept to rectify the amount due. But for this unfortunate situation, our deficit

would have been £30 less.

There would have been no deficit if we had not agreed at the last AGM to pay £272

for the ice used at Greenacres as a familiarisation event. You will remember this

was an approved expenditure to introduce more members to the Greenacres’

experience.

My thanks go to David Graham who examined the supporting paperwork and signed

off that function.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the annual accounts put

before you."

There were no questions or objections and thus the Accounts as presented by the

Treasurer were unanimously adopted.

Item 5 - Reviews of past season and presentation of trophies

The President addressed the meeting as follows:

"Fellow Gangrels,

I am delighted that this second transitional season has been so successful. It may

not have started auspiciously with the postponement of the opening game but it will

finish on a high with the club's appearance in the final of the Province Knockout

against Stewarton Heather, here, on March 25th at 1800. Well done to all of us for

accepting the challenge and making our season work.

As planned, we bid successfully for ice at Greenacres on a Monday at 1230 along

with sufficient ice at Stranraer to permit three day outings. An invitation to return to

The Galleon was politely declined. We set up a regular and recognisable playing

programme with the addition of a mini league with Ayr and Alloway to maximise

game time and variety for our members. We have also maintained a competitive

presence. All will be detailed in the Match Secretary's report.

The commute has been less arduous than anticipated with the car share

camaraderie to some extent compensating for the loss of our regular post match

meal.

Our playing strength remains essentially static. It is a matter of regret that our current

status as a daytime club makes it difficult for our working members to enjoy the full

extent of our curling programme. In the longer term we can all see the existential

threat that this poses as new curlers are few, retiral age is rising and natural wastage

occurs. The prospect of making the club more attractive by returning to evening ice

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here appears to be remote although there may be some scope for morning play,

freeing up the afternoon.

As a direct consequence, Item 11 in the agenda seeks your permission to allow the

next committee to explore the options for a possible union with another club, Ayr and

Alloway, primarily to secure sufficient playing strength to give us a more certain

future. Your current committee's debate on this was lively, multifaceted and

protracted. It was only terminated by the intervention of a presidential wife

reclaiming her dining room and her husband as hour four approached. I wish the

new committee well in its deliberations which may be coloured by today's news of

progress in the provision of a new ice rink at Ayr projected to open in September

2027.

As our club is currently contracting, we are seeking to amend the Constitution at item

12 to reduce the now disproportionately large number of committee members.

The President is the President of the entire club. Contact with the non playing

membership has been minimal and is a matter of personal regret. The rink at Ayr

afforded casual opportunities to meet others which no longer occur here. We have

run two social evenings which have been well supported in an attempt to address

this.

In keeping with our traditional pattern we are holding the AGM after the Frame

Salver. I am delighted to see 3 members have made the journey without

participating in the competition. I can appreciate the arguments for a more Ayr

centric venue at a different time but for this year I see little harm in adhering to our

usual practice.

I have been blessed with a Committee which collectively knows a great deal more

about curling and the mechanics of running a curling club than I do.

A huge vote of thanks goes to our Secretary Peter who has coped manfully

throughout the season and before with the vagaries of ice rink administrators and

his own members, generating a surprising number of e mails while all the while

recovering from his knee operation. What would we have done without his

reminders? Refer to Spond ,of course! Match Secretary Bob and Peter spent a great

deal of time and effort populating the template with obvious success. We have had

games for all with due recognition of the demands of dual club membership. Not

easy. Thank you, Bob.

To Vice President Fraser, my thanks for your support, for organising the Christmas

event in conjunction with Gillian, who also organised the opening dinner, and for the

dietary advice with particular reference to rowies and skirlie.

Thank you too to Treasurer Richard who has calmly cared for the financial side of

the club. You have played relatively few games this season but I am pleased that

you are still on the reserve list for next.

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David and Allan played their part with solid contributions in committee. My thanks to

them. Thanks to Ronnie for his blog and to David Gray and Ronnie for their

representative duties on the various administrative committees.

A big thank you too, to Past President Gillian. As your Vice President, I watched and

learned technique. As President, I have enjoyed the obvious stimulation of working

with you, trying to stay ahead of your thinking while responding, somewhat

lethargically, to your social prompting.

Finally, thank you all for the opportunity to serve as your President. It is some half a

century since I last enjoyed such a title. Throughout an uncontroversial and hugely

enjoyable year, I have been guided by the fine traditions of the Gangrels. I am

delighted to pass on the mantle to my successor Fraser and wish him well in dealing

with the challenges to come."

Report on Open Competitions

Bob Cherry, in his role as Match Secretary, then presented his views on the 2024-25

season:

"This has been a classic Gangrels season with a few drubbings by better teams but

the occasional triumph!

Eglinton Jug

Cherry, Peat, Stubley ,Galloway lost to Dalry Union 10-1 in the first round and then

to A&A 10-3 in the Low Road. Notwithstanding, an enjoyable day!

Beresford Ladies

Team Morton won . Included Begg and Charters

Rink Championships

Battered once again 13-4 by Dalry. Peat, Cherry, Galloway, Cattanach

Province Medal

Hope, Chapman, Graham, Watson +2 against Curl Ayrshire

Galloway, Cherry, Peat, Cattanach +2 against Troon Portland

A creditable 3rd place behind Sorn and Stewarton Heather following on 2nd place

last year. Consistency!

Wilkie Trophy

Tarbolton unfortunately couldn’t raise a team to play us this year so by default we

retain the trophy.

Province Knock Out

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Peat, Cherry, Galloway, Mutter beat Galston 6-5 in first round

Peat, Hope,Cherry, Galloway beat Fairywell 12-3 in semi final

A good run to date. Playing Stewarton Heather in Final on 25th March (Post meeting

note: lost 2-12)

Mini League

A successful venture with some close and enjoyable games.

Gangrels 2 Lawrence, Watson, Galloway, Begg, Reynolds, Charters

Gangrels 1 Cherry, Peat, Graham, Kennedy, Niblock, Hogg, Cattanach

A&A 2

A&A 1

Stranraer

3 very enjoyable and popular days curling.The winners were:

October. Hope, McFadzean, Galloway, Mutter

November Reynolds, Lawrence, Niblock, Peat

February Galloway, Lawrence, Hogg, Haddow

Fraser Cup

Congratulations to Cattanach, Cherry, Charters, Chapman

Presidents Cup

Lawrence, Henry, Niblock, Richmond won the Knock Out final 11-3. Lots of other

members were involved!

Points

Ally Henry and David Graham tied on 28 points"

Trophy Winners 2024 – 25

The trophies won during the season were awarded to the following:

Fraser Cup Rink 2 (Cattanach, Cherry, Charters, Chapman). While

Skips rotated throughout the series, as the final Skip, the

Cup was presented to President Donald by Vice Pres

Fraser.

President’s Cup Rink 3 ( Lawrence, Gray, Niblock, Watson with subs

Henry (vice Gray) and Richmond (vice Watson) in final

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round.

Wilkie Trophy Donald Cattanach. Won by Gangrels due to Tarbolton

default.

Robert Boyd

Points Trophy Ally Henry and David Graham joint winners (28).

Frame Salver Rink 3 (Cattanach (S), Watson, Peat, Reynolds )(+6).

Sportsman’s Award Steell McFadzean (for the 3rd time!).

Due to the vagaries and programming difficulties experienced again this season

away from Ayr Ice Rink, no other Club Trophy events (Pairs, Drew Duncan Quaich,

Kirkbride Rose Bowl) had been competed.

Item 6 - Election of Office Bearers

With President Donald standing down, he handed over Presidency to Fraser Hogg

who assumed the Chair. President Fraser thanked Past President Donald for his

appreciable application and contributions while in office and also thanked the

Committee and membership for their support which he hoped would be maintained

as we determined the way ahead for the Club. He then announced that he had

invited Alistair Henry to be Vice President which he had accepted and this was

roundly acclaimed by those members present.

The Secretary then stated that the Committee composition for next season would be

at variance with that mandated in the extant Club Constitution and that Agenda Item

12 should now be taken. The proposed amendment to the Constitution was

unanimously agreed and the Secretary undertook to incorporate it and promulgate

the revised version on the Club website. Action: Sec.

An additional member was requested for the Committee membership to fulfil the

amendment to the Constitution and Gillian Watson magnanimously agreed.

The Office Bearers and Committee for 2025-26 would therefore be:

Honorary President Jim Lyburn

President Fraser Hogg

Vice President Alistair Henry

Past President Donald Cattanach

Secretary Peter Galloway

Treasurer Richard Morrison

Match Secretary Bob Cherry

Committee Gillian Watson

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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 and

possibly Curl Ayrshire Charity until about Aug 2025. 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 sufficient support for a

similar programme to that just completed. Early discussions with the Match

Secretary suggested the plan for next season would be the same rotating Skips in 3

x 5/6 person Rinks for the Fraser Cup and President’s Cup. Moreover, it was

intended to expand the mini-league with A&A to be a 6 Rink event with 3 Rinks from

each Club playing each other twice over the season (10 games) which might equate

to 5 games each side of the festive break. Dates and venues had still to be agreed

for all the internal and external events being considered for the fixture list but no

show stoppers had so far been identified albeit it was ambitious and commitment

from Playing Members and Reserves would be essential. A draft ice bid had been

produced for both Greenacres and North West Castle but this needs to be endorsed

by the Committee when finalised and probably before its next scheduled meeting in

May. Greenacres had already stated that ice bids to them had to be submitted as

soon as possible and at the latest by 19 May 25. Dates and venues for games with

Beresford Ladies and Tarbolton had also to be agreed and finalised. The Match

Secretary added a note of caution that care would have to be taken to ensure that

we did not over-commit in terms of Rink capacity and that the fixture list issued, while

maximising playing opportunity, had some spare capacity to cater for the unexpected

especially with regard to player availability. 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. Allan Chapman echoed the

Match Secretary’s warning of Rink capacity which he foresaw as also being

applicable to A&A. He also requested that consideration be given to including A&A

in the forward planning for Points, Pairs and social events at Stranraer. This the

Secretary/Match Secretary undertook to do. Jimmy Niblock suggested that if Rink

capacity was a problem, reduce the number in each Rink to 3. While an interesting

stop gap measure in play terms, it did carry significant ice cost increase implications

for Playing Members as venues would not reduce their ice charges on a pro-rata

basis. For that reason, the proposal was probably not acceptable.

Action: Sec/Match Sec.

Item 9 - Election of Scottish Curling/Eglinton Jug/Ayrshire Province Reps

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The Secretary sought the agreement of, and it was endorsed, that the extant SC

Representative, Ronnie Peat, and Eglinton Jug/Ayrshire Province Rep, David Gray,

should continue.

Item 10 - Selection of venues and ice times for 2025/26

The Secretary sought and obtained a majority agreement to base the Club internal

games programme at Greenacres on Mondays at 1000 with 1230 as an alternative.

Whole day events at Stranraer would also be bid for mid week dates in late Oct, late

Nov and mid Feb 2026 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 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 questionnaire. However, ice bids based on player

preferences and actual venue allocations may differ and would have to be managed

on a compromising basis. Action: Sec/MS/Committee.

Item 11 - Proposed establishment of a working group

The Secretary said that the questionnaire returns were unanimous in support of

considering the practicalities of a long term union with A&A. A&A too were also in

favour. He suggested that members now needed to consider a pathway and

timescale for such an amalgamation to then permit the respective Committees to

make recommendations to their memberships. He proposed a working group of 3

from each Club, with Gangrel members being the Secretary, Match Secretary and

Treasurer which, if agreed, could then be taken forward in conjunction with A&A.

Allan Chapman (President A&A) added the supporting view of his Club. Jimmy

Niblock asked if the long term future would maintain the discreet and distinct identity

of the Gangrels CC and what might the implications be should a new Curl Ayrshire

Charity ice rink be funded and built. Euan Lawrence proposed that contact be made

with Beresford Ladies to establish whether they too might wish to consider changes

in their own Club structure and play methodology. All of these points were noted and

would be taken in to the brief/terms of reference for the Club Working Group whose

composition was agreed as proposed earlier. Action; Committee/WG.

Item 12 - Constitution amendment

Taken and agreed at Item 6 above.

Item 13 - Any other business

Resolving the situation raised by the Treasurer with regard to recovering the non-

payment of the sum highlighted in his report at Item 4 above raised expressions of

discontent and concern. Jimmy Niblock recounted a previous similar incident in the

Club’s history and added that there had been a precedent in resolving it. The

President closed further discussion by stating he hoped to be speaking with the

person concerned shortly and that the matter should be left with the Committee to

implement the means to resolve the issue, hopefully to the satisfaction of all

concerned. Action: Tres/Committee.

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Frame Salver

Four Rinks took to the ice at Greenacres on Mon 17 Mar in the afternoon for the final internal Club game of this season for the Frame Salver trophy.  This was a planned 7 end competition with no scores to be shown on the scoreboards and the winner decided on the highest shots differential.  It was also the prelude to a meal prior to the AGM.  

Rink 1 (Hope (S), Graham, Gray, Cherry) faced off against Rink 2 (Mutter (S), Hogg, Lawrence, Charters) on Sheet A and it resulted in a tight match with Rink 1 winning 7-5 (+2).  

Adjacent to them on Sheet B, Rink 3 (Cattanach (S), Watson, Peat, Reynolds) were to prevail against Rink 4 (Chapman (S), Galloway, Niblock, McFadzean) with no quarter given.  Six shots up by the 5^th end, Rink 3 were in fine form and went on to win 8-2 (+6) to then be awarded the Frame Salver at the AGM prizegiving.

An additional 3 Club members then joined all the players and 19 members sat down to an excellent meal, well served and in a very convivial atmosphere.  It was much enjoyed by everyone and a most fitting close to the season.

POINTS RESULTS

 Crufts Best of Show had no sooner finished when 9 pedigree Gangrel Pointers stepped in to the show arena of Greenacres for the Club annual Points competition.  This was conducted on Sheets C and D and the differing ice on both in terms of keenness and swing soon had loud shouts of either glee or despair depending on the success or otherwise of carefully crafted shots played in each of the 8 out of 10 disciplines completed in the time allotted.  

Those who took part in order of play in this very enjoyable and frustration shared event were Ally Henry, Peter Galloway, Allan Chapman, Jim Niblock, Bob Cherry, Ronnie Peat, David Graham, Douglas Haddow and Fraser Hogg.  

The top 3 results were 1^st equal Ally Henry and David Graham with 28 points, 2^nd Ronnie Peat with 27 points and 3^rd equal Jimmy Niblock and Bob Cherry with 26 points.  The 4^th podium place was taken by Peter Galloway with 25 points.  With only 3 points separating the top 4 places overall, this gives a clear indication of the closeness in capability and competitive terms but it may not have seemed so at any single point in time over the duration of the event!!  Notwithstanding, it was enjoyed by all who took part.

PROVINCE KNOCK OUT SEMI FINAL - MON 4 MAR

 " What a result!  Gangrels (R Peat (S), D Hope, B Cherry, P Galloway) took to the ice at Greenacres late on the evening of Mon 4 Mar to play Fairywell (S Rennie (S), A Sloan, S Sutherland, K Rennie) in the semi-final of the Province Knock Out.  On the adjacent sheet, Stewarton Heather and Sorn were loudly proclaiming their presence and prowess! 

Undeterred by the white noise distraction,  the Gangrels stepped up to the hack having lost the toss and promptly stole a 2 on the first end.  Fairywell responded in proficient style to do the same in the next end, peeling 2-2.  And then the wheel came off their wagon as Gangrels got the better of somewhat fickle pace and swing ice with Skip Ronnie making life very difficult for Fairwell with skillfully placed scoring stones which were then protected from the inevitable barrier/strike weight onslaught.

By the close of the 5^th end, Gangrels had moved ahead to lead 6-3 but there was little room for complacency and every effort was then made to at least secure the lead advantage and at best increase it.  This they did by stealing another 2 on the 6^th end and then repeatedly guarding a close group of scoring stones to take another 4 in the 7^th and last end.  At the bell, hands were shaken with Gangrels winning 12-3.  This was a hard fought and well-deserved victory with sound team play and application throughout.

The final will take place at Greenacres on Tue 25 Mar at 1800 against Stewarton Heather with supporters very welcome and encouraged to attend."

Thanks to Secretary Peter for the above report and all his excellent reports from this year's games.

GCC v A&A MINI LEAGUE FINAL ROUND 6 RESULTS 3 MAR

 The final round of the mini league at Greenacres on Mon 3 Mar was a cracker with A&A1 v A&A2 on Sheet A and Gangrels 1 v Gangrels 2 on Sheet B with all 4 Rinks closely matched in capability and competitiveness.  Gangrels 2 were in the lead with 2 Points ahead of Gangrels 1 and A&A 2 just behind Gangrels 1 on Ends up.  So it was all to play for!

On Sheet A, A&A were in close competition end for end throughout the 8 ends played but A&A 2 edged ahead with a 3 in the 5^th end to lead 6-3.  A&A 1 took single shots in the  6^th and 8^th ends but A&A 2 kept their nose in the lead to win 7-5 at the bell.

On Sheet B, both Gangrels Rinks were to give no quarter and were peeling 3-3 at the close of the 4^th end.  Thereafter, Gangrels 2 won the next 3 ends to go in to the final end leading 6-3 but with Gangrels1 determined to achieve a good score to redress the difference but try as they may and thwarted by A&A2's defensive play, they were only able to secure a single shot to leave Gangrels 2 winning 6-4.

The results were close on both sheets with Gangrels 2 winning 6-4 and A&A 2 winning 7-5 but when added to the overall results table, Gangrels 2 won with 10 Points, Gangrels 2 came second with 6 Points and +21 ends, A&A 2 third with 6 Points and +20 ends and A&A 1 fourth with 2 Points.  The full details of the series is shown here.

This trial run of a mini league is considered to have been a commendable success and has set an impressive benchmark for next season should it be decided to continue and possibly expand the series.

Presidents Cup - Final Day

 Given the difficulties associated with the recent closure of Greenacres due to ice plant problems and the non-availability of original Rink members to play in the initially scheduled Presidents Cup High and Low Roads, it was evident that the most efficient and effective solution would be to hold both events on the same day and to have volunteers play a double header.  And so it was arranged that the High Road would be played at 1000 and the Low Road at 1230 on Mon 24 Feb at Greenacres.

The High Road saw Rink 2 (Cherry (S), Galloway, Wilson, McFadzean) play Rink 3 (Lawrence (S), Henry, Niblock, Richmond) on keen but somewhat inconsistent swingy ice.  It was a challenge for both Rinks but Rink 3 mastered the difficulties from the outset taking the first 3 ends to surge in to 9 stone lead.  Rink 2, realising the gravity of the situation, sought to redress the shortfall and took single stone shots in the following 2 ends to get on to the board but were still lagging 2-9 at the end of the 5th.  Rink 3 then increased their lead by taking another 2 in the 6^th which Rink 2 countered with a 2 in the 7th.  At the bell, Rink 3 were winners 11-4 and will be awarded the President's Cup for this season.

After a quick break for sustinance intake, the Low Road formed from the 2 lowest scoring Rinks in the first 2 rounds of the President's Cup took to the ice with Rink 1 (Hogg (S), Cherry, Graham, McFadzean) facing Rink 4 (Wilson (S), Peat, Henry, Galloway).  This was to become a more closely contested end for end game but Rink 4 edged in to the lead by taking a 4 in the 3rd end to lead 6-1.  Rink 1 took singles in the next 2 ends to close the gap but Rink 4 forged ahead once again by winning the next 2 ends to go in to the 8^th and final end leading 9-3.  Despite Rink 4 seeking to keep the head clear and limit scoring opportunities, Rink 1 thwarted those attempts and took a well crafted 3 to lose 6-9 overall.

The 5 players who took part in both consecutive games were more than glad to rest weary sweeping arms and legs and enjoy the end of day break and banter before heading for home.  Notwithstanding, everyone enjoyed the day and the spirited competition

MINI LEAGUE ROUND 5 RESULTS MON 17 FEB

 The 5^th round of the mini league series of the Gangrels v A&A was held on Mon 17 Feb at Greenacres with Gangrels 1 (Cherry (S), Cattanach, Niblock, Hogg) playing A&A 2 (Mitchell (S), Chapman,         L Wilson, J Cherry) and Gangrels 2 (Galloway(S), Lawrence, Charters, Reynolds) facing A&A1 (Baines (S), R Wilson, Haddow - 1 player short, thus incurring 2 shot penalty).  

Both games were played on the back extension ice Sheets E and F.  Gangrels 1 were in fine form from the start only losing a 2 in the second end to win 11-2 and taking 6 of the 7 ends played.  Gangrels 2 had a tighter match initially on keen but somewhat inconsistent swing ice to be peeling 3-3 at the conclusion of the 4th end.  Douglas Haddow then suffered a leg muscle injury which added to the overall reduction in their stone play and sweeping capacity which may have contributed to Gangrels then creeping ahead to win 8 (10 with penalty points) - 4 as the 8^th end finished.  

The overall league table is shown here with Gangrels 2 in the lead and Gangrels 1 lying second.

Province Knock Out

The Gangrels (Peat (S), Cherry, Mutter, Galloway) took part in the first round of the Province KO at Greenacres against Galston Haymouth (Boswell (S), Dykes, Brown, M Dykes) on the evening of       Fri 14 Feb. This was clearly not going to be a bonding Valentine's Night meeting with Galston showing their take out prowess from the start to take an early lead by 4-1 on completion of the 3^rd end.  

Not to be outdone, Grangrels then displayed their adroit drawing talents to take the next 2 ends to be peeling 4-4 at the end of the 5th.  Things were getting tense and the sweeping effort frantic as the next 2 ends came down to each side having to score on their last stone.  A single score from either side on the 6^th and 7^th ends resulted in a 5-5 peel with 5 minutes remaining on the clock.  

The high emotion was palpable as an early on the button stone from the Gangrels was repeatedly guarded from the persistent attacks of Galston who had the hammer.  Notwithstanding, continued fine protective play kept Galston's endeavours at bay and Gangrels won 6-5.  They now go on to play in the semi final against Fairywell on Tue 4 Mar at 2030."

North West Castle

 Four Rinks set off in fine weather and generally light traffic to play in the final social event for this season at NWC.  Time of arrival was of the essence as a quintet of munchers and glugers had pre-booked bacon butties and a hot drink prior to battle commencing on the ice.  In the morning session at 1000, Rink 1 (McFadzean (S), Hope, Niblock, Gray) played against Rink 2 (Peat (S), Chapman, Cherry, Dunlop) on Sheet 3 and Rink 3 (Charters (S), Mutter, Reynolds, Cattanach) faced Rink 4 (Galloway(S), Lawrence, Hogg, Haddow) on Sheet 4.  The ice was keen and not too swingy which the initial winners, Rink 2 (7-3) and Rink 4 (9-5) made the most of.  Wounds licked and laurels polished, everyone set off for a much-needed warming hot ham hock and lentil soup, fresh sandwiches, chocolate tray bake and thirst- quenching drink.

Mortal souls revived, the war of roaring granite recommenced at 1315 with the previous Skips now leading and Thirds taking tactical control in the Head.  Rink 1 now faced Rink 3 on new ice Sheet 2 and Rink 2 played against Rink 4 on Sheet 1.  The scoring was initially tight on Sheet 2 but Rink 3 shook hands after 7 ends 6-3 winners.  On Sheet 1, Rink 4 seemed to do little wrong and got all the breaks to win 10-1.

President Donald presented the prizes to the smiling overall winners (Galloway/Laurence (S), Hogg and Haddow) and thanked the NWC ice staff for the superb ice, the bar and catering staff for the much appreciated food and drinks and the Club's Match Sec and Secretary for organising the day which had been much enjoyed by all.  He hoped that the Club would have the pleasure of returning to play here next season.

GCC v A&A MINI LEAGUE ROUND 4

After more than a week of significant ice plant problems which resulted in the cessation of curling, through commendable application and diligence, Greenacres produced a return to high quality and keen ice for the 4^th Round of the Gangrels v A&A Mini League on Mon 10 Feb.  No-one was sure how the ice would perform after such an unusual and drastic meltdown and re-flooding but to everyone's immense pleasure, the new ice was true, consistent and motivating for competitive play with little sign of any granite deprivation from those on the ice.

On Sheet A, Gangrels 2 (Lawrence (S), Reynolds, Watson, Galloway) faced off against A&A2 (Mitchell (S), Ireland, L Wilson, J Cherry) and quickly took the lead with a 4 followed by a single on the first 2 ends.  A&A retaliated with a well constructed set of 3 consecutive wins to lead 6-5 going into 6th end. Gangrerls 2 came back with a 2 which A&A countered with a single in the 7^th end to level the score 7-7 with 3 minutes on the clock.  The final end was a high pressure one with a mistake on either side likely to be costly.  Gangrels lay with 3 stones around the T but a crucial guard was too long leaving A&A the opportunity to draw in and nestle as the scoring stone close to the button.   This they achieved and could only be displaced by an adroitly drawn last stone by Gangrels.  Sadly, this was not to be and while the line and weight appeared to be was perfect, the final touch left the A&A stone winning by about 1 cm to then leave them 8-7 winners.

On Sheet B, Gangrels 1 (Peat (S), Hogg, Cattanach, Niblock) lost the first end to A&A1 (Baines(S), R Wilson, H Kennedy, Haddow) but quickly recovered to peel 2-2 after the second end.  Single scores on the next 2 ends took A&A in to the lead 4-2 going in to the 5^th end.  Stung in to action, Gangrels won the next 2 ends with a 3 in each to then lead 8-4 going in to the 7^th and final end.  This A&A won by 2 with hands being  shaken as Gangrels walked off the ice winners 8-6.

The overall results table is shown here.

President's Cup High Road Final Postponed

 The final of the President's Cup High Road was scheduled to be played at Greenacres on Mon 3 Feb but had to be postponed to a date yet to be determined due to an ice plant defect which stopped all curling for the weekend and beyond.  As soon as the defect is rectified and the quality of ice restored which is currently forecast to be Thu 6 Feb, a significant reallocation of ice to Clubs will be undertaken to try and restore the programme of games lost.  As soon as the Club has sight of the proposed reallocation of ice for that lost in the President's Cup, the Fixture List will be updated and affected players notified.

"Social Curling Event" at Greenacres

 When we heard that Tarbolton were unable to play us, Secretary Peter arranged for the  two chosen Gangrels teams to have a Friendly or Social Curling Event, and so it turned out.

We played eight ends with each player taking a turn at skipping and the other positions every two ends. 

A very close game ensued.  Ronnie, Fraser, Donald and David Graham started well by taking a two at the first end. However, Euan, Bob Cherry, Peter Reynolds and Gillian  struck back immediately by scoring a two and then two singles at the next three ends.

Ronnie and team then scored a four at end 5 followed by two singles, leaving them four up playing the last.  There were chances for Euan's team but they were held to two shots and finished behind by 8 shots to 6.

A Friendly and Social snack lunch then followed .

President's Cup Round 2

Today Mon 13 Jan, the second round of the President's Cup was played between Rink 3 (Watson (S), Lawrence, Haddow (sub Gray), Niblock) and Rink 4 Henry (S) (sub Kennedy), Peat, Galloway, Reynolds).  While the atmosphere outside was driech and dull, the spirit of competition inside was bright and the ice keen to play on.  Rink 4 took single shots on the first 2 ends with Rink 3 reducing the deficit to 1 on the 3^rd end.  Rink 4 then opened a significant lead by taking a 4 on the 4^th end to regain the lead 6-1.  Spurred in to retaliation mode, Rink 3 then scored 2 in each of the following 2 ends to be lying 5-6 going into the 7^th and final end.  The tension was palpable as Rink 4 sought to better/remove Rink 3's partially hidden mid-play lying stone but without success.  Rink 3 therefore took the final end to peel 6-6 which was a just result from a very competitive, spirited and skilfully played game from both sides.  

Rink 3 will therefore meet Rink 2 in the High Road on 3 Feb, and Rink 4 will play Rink 1 in the Low Road on 24 Feb.  The results table from the first 2 rounds is shown here.

Province Medal

 The Province Medal annual event took place at Greenacres on Saturday 11 Jan with the Gangrels playing in the first round at 1500 and a second Rink at 1730.  In the first round, Gangrels 1 (D Hope (S), A Chapman, D Graham, G Watson) faced Curl Ayrshire and won by a score differential of +2.  In the second round, Gangrels 2 (P Galloway (S), B Cherry, R Peat, D Cattanach) played against Troon Portland and they too won by a score differential of +2.  Both Rinks played well and enjoyed their games which were enhanced by the social buzz of all who were there and the excellent meals available on completion.  The overall results announced were;  3rd, Gangrels with +4, 2^nd Sorn with +14 and the winners, Stewarton Heather with +20.

Report on Game 1, with thanks to David Hope.

For the Gangrels first game in the Province Medal we came up against a Curl Ayrshire Rink. The ice was keen from the start and a few stones went through the back resulting in people being cautious with their weight. We held on to win the first end with a single shot. End 2 Curl Ayrshire took a singer shot. This was to be the theme for the first 4 where single shots were exchanged. On the fifth and sixth end we exchange a two and after 6 ends it was all square with 4 shots each. On the seventh end manged to hand on and take a one. The point of the competition was to score heavy, but that certainly wasn’t happening here! In the eighth end Curl Ayrshire were lying 1 with several stones lying around the rings. Sad to say the Gangrels weren't looking so good. It came down to the final 2 stones from the skips to decide who was going to win the end. With David Hope’s final stone, came round the guards and was able push Curl Ayrshire’s shot stone back to lie shot. David had shown Curl Ayrshire’s Skip Charlie Steele the route to the shot stone. Charlie played his stone slightly tighter resulting in his stone catching the guards out front! Gangrels finished the game by taking a single shot to finish 6 - 4. After the first half the Gangrels were sitting with positive figures and all to play for in the second half. 

The final Province event of this season is the Province Knockout in which the Gangrels will face Galston Haymouth in the first round on Fri 14 Feb at Greenacres at 1800.

Gangrels v Ayr & Alloway Mini League

 

The 3^rd round of the Gangrels and A&A Mini League took place at Greenacres on Mon 9 Dec at 1230 where the 2 Rinks from each of the respective clubs were playing each other.  On Sheet A, A&A1 (Baines (S), Wilson, Kennedy, Haddow) were facing A&A2 (Mitchell (S), Chapman, Shanks, J Cherry).  Both A&A Rinks initially alternated in scoring 2 per end and were peeled at 4 each at the end of the 4^th end.  A&A1 then took a larger step forward with a 3 on the 6^th end which was redressed by A&A2's score of 2 on the 6^th end.  Only 1 point between them going in to the 7^th end where A&A1 increased their lead by taking a 2 and then adding another single shot in the last end to win 10-6.

On the adjacent Sheet B, Gangrels 1(B Cherry (S), Graham, Niblock, Cattanach) faced off against Grangrels 2 (Galloway (S), Begg, Watson, Charters).  Gangrels 1 opened the scoring with a single in the first end but Gangrels 2 responded by taking a 4 and then a 2 in the following 2 ends.  Gangrels 1 then sought to redress the balance by scoring 2 in the 4^th end where the score was then 3-6.  Gangrels 2 then increased their lead to 9-3 by taking the next 2 ends.  In the final end, Gangrels 1, with the hammer, took a single to leave Gangrels 2 winners at 9-4.  The overall league table results are attached here.

President's Cup 2025

Despite the dire yellow weather warnings of snow and ice, the journeys to and from Greenacres for the first round of the President's Cup between Rinks 1 and 2 were uneventful and completed without incident in fine sunny weather with only a smattering of snow in the vicinity of Greenacres.  Rink 1 (Graham (S), McFadzean, Hogg, Galloway (sub for Begg) blithely stepped on to the keen and well prepared ice unaware of the onslaught which was to follow from Rink 2's "Santa Slay" (Chapman (S), Cattanach, Cherry, Carters).  

It was not a particularly high scoring game but Rink 2 won each of the first 6 ends to be leading 8-0 with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.  Desperate to break their duck, Rink 1 eventually, and much to their relief, managed to securely guard their lying stone to take the final end.  Hands were shaken with Rink 2 winning 8-1.  The results table is shown here.

Rink 2 (Cattanach (S), Cherry, Charters, Chapman) will go forward into the High Road scheduled for Mon 3 Feb at 1230 to meet the winners of the Pres Cup Round 2 to be played on Mon 13 Jan.  Rink 1 (McFadzean (S), Hogg, Begg, Graham) will then play in the Low Road scheduled for Mon 24 Feb against the losers of the 13 Jan game."