CLUBS & RINKSThe season starts with a bang; awards, refurbishment, a mixed doubles workshop and freshers fayres!

Your Curlerkeeping you connected with Scottish Curling

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG

FEATURESOur umpires have a refresher day and new member discount offers are available, moreinformation inside…

COMPETITIONSThe 2016/17 season is off to a flying start with success for Scottish teams at home and further afield already

INVERNESSICE RINK REFURBISHMENT

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CLUBS & RINKS

Dumfries Juniors hit the headlines at the Nithsdale Sports Council Awards. Sophie Jackson won the Female Sports Personality of the Year after becoming the Scottish Junior and the Scottish Mixed Champion 2016, going on to represent Scotland at two World Championships. Sophie also gives up her free time to come back to Dumfries Ice Bowl in between her busy training schedule to support the next group of juniors coming up through the ranks by sharing her knowledge and helping out at the Junior Coaching Sessions. Ross Whyte won the Young Male Sports Personality of the year for representing Team GB at the Youth Olympics and winning a Silver Medal in the Youth Olympics Mixed Doubles event. Ross too has been able to support the Junior Coaching in between his own training at Dumfries and competitions schedule. Dumfries Young Curlers also won Team of the Year after defending their title at the Junior Club Challenge - Division 1. Some of the juniors and parents attended the Awards Night at the Cairndale Hotel and had a great night mixing with other sports and watching a spectacular table tennis display.

DUMFRIES JUNIORS COLLECT SPORTING HEROES HONOURS

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | CLUBS & RINKS

Inverness ice rink is currently undergoing an upgrade, with a new plant being installed. This should result in a 25 to 30 per cent saving, which equates to a five figure sum annually, in running costs. A saving that the board of director’s hope will help make the centre more economic and viable for the future. The two largest funding packages have come from sportscotland, the national agency for sport, and The Highland Council Capital Grand fund, contributing £345,125 and £171,870 respectively. The work has been taking place throughout the summer, the photos showing some of the progress that’s been made during these months.

For more photos from the refurbishment, click here >>

3ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | CLUBS & RINKS

Student curling clubs look to be in good shape for the coming season. With over 10 colleges and universities throughout Scotland having a curling stand at their Freshers Fayre they have made a strong start to the coming season. Some student groups have already hosted their first Student Try Curling sessions with great success. The clubs are able to compete in both the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) curling league – which takes place at the Dewars Centre on Wednesday afternoons throughout the academic year – and the SSS curling championship – which takes place at the end of the season at Stranraer ice rink. Both events are equally social as they are competitive.

STUDENT CURLING

For information on student curling, or to get involvedwith your local student club, click here >>

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Ayrshire Province, in conjunction with the Ayr Development Group and the RCCC, held a workshop for the relatively new curling discipline of Mixed Doubles Tuesday 20th September. We were delighted to welcome Bruce Mouat, current Scottish Mixed Doubles Champion, to Ayr to lead the workshop alongside Judith McCleary (leaving sister Babs holding the new baby for the night!) a past Scottish Mixed Doubles Champion. In fact, between them Judith and Bruce have won the Mixed Doubles Scottish Championship for the last 5 years! We spent some time in the classroom having the rules explained to us and discussing possible tactics, always assuming, of course that those playing were capable to executing the shots called! It would be fair to say that despite Judith’s and Bruce’s best efforts there was a fair amount of head scratching going on as we were very quickly dispelled of the notion that Mixed Doubles was Pairs by another name! With two stones placed before the start of the end, one in the house and one out front as a guard, and with no take outs allowed until the fourth stone played, you are virtually guaranteed a “guddle” every end with lots of draws and quiet tap backs. However, once down on the ice, and with guidance from Judith and Bruce, it all started to become a little bit clearer. Some good curling took place, some not so good too - but much hilarity across all four sheets of ice and everybody thoroughly enjoyed the session. We were also able to get Judith’s maternity cover at the Royal Club, Jane Booth, onto the ice for her very first Try Curling experience. Well done Jane and we hope that Judith has, by now, got you enrolled on a beginner’s course at Stirling! Thanks to Jane, Judith and Bruce for coming down to Ayr on behalf of the RCCC and to all the Ayr curlers who came along on the night.

AYR MIXED DOUBLES WORKSHOP

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | CLUBS & RINKS

Murrayfield Curling Limited, Edinburgh We are seeking to appoint a marketing professional to build upon the solid foundations of the club and to take a leading role in growing and sustaining our membership, along with an active team of staff and volunteers who organize and run a wide range of curling programs that

meet the needs of existing and future members. Previous experience in the sport of curling is not essential but a background in sport would be advantageous.The rink, based near Murrayfield Stadium, houses one of the busiest and best respected curling clubs in Scotland with 7 sheets of curling ice and approximately 1900 active members of all ages. For a detailed Job Description please email Jenny Barr – Murrayfield Curling Limited (jenny.barr@virgin.net) Deadline for applications – Monday 10th October 2016

MURRAYFIELD SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING OFFICER VACANCY

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REPORT: ANDREW KERRPHOTOS: LIZ BOSWELL

FEATURESISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | FEATURES

A record turnout of 60 umpires were joined for their Annual Refresher Day at Lanarkshire Ice Rink by Convenor Bill Duncan, RCCC Competition Coordinator Aline Hardie and British Curling Head Coach Tony Zummack. Bill opened with a review of the activities of the umpiring committee over the year along with the number of competitions both at home and abroad at which RCCC umpires had officiated. Alan Stanfield then covered a number of off-ice developments that had taken place during the season as well as future ones planned including an Umpiring Resource Pack to support umpires of all levels in fulfilling commitments as well as their own personal development. Bill highlighted the main rule changes passed at the recent WCF Congress which he had attended as one of the four RCCC reps. This led onto Tony Zummack giving a very interesting and informative talk on all the difficulties over sweeping and brush technology last season before encouragingly outlining what had come out of the Sweeping Summit in Ottawa in May. It had resulted in a clear way forward for the coming season including new sweeping rules. This had been approved at the WCF Congress as well as endorsed by the relevant RCCC committees. A wide range of questions followed which also

UMPIRE REFRESHER DAY 2016

demonstrated how umpires, coaches and athletes were all working together for the benefit of the sport. Splitting into small groups those present looked at a number of videos and written scenarios considering the relevant rules and how they were applied. As usual they provoked plenty of discussion points! After lunch an exercise on ranking from last season’s Scottish Men’s Championship proved a good test of which rules needed to be used to decide who played in each of the play-off games. The rest of the afternoon was taken with learning about new technology around the process of measuring Last Stone Draws (LSD) that will be used at this season’s national championships. After a brief introduction explaining why it was being introduced umpires had an opportunity to use the Curl Distance App in conjunction with using the new laser measures the RCCC had purchased. Inputting the results into a specially designed App by Alan Stephen completed the session. The day could not finish without the result of the traditional caption competition which this year was won by Linsey Alison on a tie break (!) with RCCC Vice President, Jim Cullen then presenting Linsey with her prize. Convenor Bill Duncan summed up another very successful day with a vote of thanks and wished everyone a good season both on and off the ice.

REPORT: ALAN STANFIELD

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Do you know a local curling volunteer who deserves some much-needed recognition? Now in its 14th year, the BBC Get Inspired Unsung Hero award celebrates people from around the UK who volunteer their time and efforts to help people participate in sport. BBC Get Inspired is once again looking for Unsung Heroes this year. Panels will meet in each of the BBC’s 12 English regions and in BBC Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, picking one winner from each area. The overall winner will be selected from those 15 and will be announced during the BBC Sports Personality of the Year programme on Sunday, 18 December in Birmingham. The nomination period is now open, with entries closing at 23.59 on the 23rd October.

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | FEATURES

Click here for more information, or to make a nomination >>

MEMBER DISCOUNT OFFERS We are once again pleased to bring you a range of exclusive discount offers as part of your 2016-17 membership. Get kitted out for the new season with 5% off curling equipment at Curling Supplies and British Curling Supplies, update your club wear with 15% off luxury clothing and performance brands Glenmuir and Sunderland, or just get ready for winter with 10% off outdoor clothing specialists Trespass and Nevisport. If you’re planning a trip to Perth for the Scottish Curling Championships, or just a weekend away, be sure to check in to the Holiday Inn Express for 10% off standard rates. If you’re dreaming of destinations that little bit further away, we have teamed up with Fred Olsen. Cruise Lines for a fantastic 10% discount on all their cruises over and above offers in the market. Whatever your needs, make the most of your membership this season with these great offers. Terms and conditions apply.

DISCOVER YOUR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS ATrcccmembers.org

For more information including your exclusive discount codes, visit here >>

14TH 209TH 2ND28TH

14TH23RD

COMPETITIONS & EVENTS

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | COMPETITIONS

7SEPT-OCT

DATES DIARYfor your

DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE NEXT YOUR CURLER?

Complete our online form by...

Visit the RCCC website or click >>October 19th 2016

Your new look Dates for your Diary…Simply click on the dates for more information.

29th September – 2nd October SWISS CUP

Basel, Switzerland

30th September – 2nd OctoberASHAM UNDER 21 SLAM – KINROSS

JUNIOR CLASSICKinross Curling

30th September – 2nd October

STOCKHOLM LADIES CURLING CUPStockholm, Sweden

7th – 9th OctoberSCOTTISH CURLING SENIOR MIXED

CHAMPIONSHIPStranraer Ice Rink

7th – 9th OctoberLIVE CHANNEL CUPHarnosand, Sweden,

7th – 9th OctoberWOMEN’S MASTERS

Basel, Switzerland

7th – 9th OctoberGOLDLINE SCOTTISH CURLING TOUR

– DUMFRIES OPENDumfries Ice Bowl

9th OctoberASHAM UNDER 14 SLAM – FORFAR

Forfar Indoor Sports

12th – 16th OctoberEUROPEAN PLAYDOWNS

Dewars Centre

14th – 22nd OctoberWORLD MIXED CURLING

CHAMPIONSHIPKazan, Russia

20th – 23rd OctoberCURLING MASTERS CHAMPERY

Champery, Switzerland

21st – 23rd OctoberEJCT OSLO

Oslo, Norway

23rd OctoberASHAM UNDER 14 SLAM –

STRANRAERStranraer Ice Rink

You can also view these dates @

royalcaledionancurlingclub.org

Team Smith (Kyle Smith, Thomas Muirhead, Kyle Waddell, Cammy Smith) had a good start to their first trip to Canada of the season at the Oakville OCT Fall Classic. This was their second competition of 2016/17 after a quarter-final finish at the Baden Masters in Switzerland at the end of August. After coming through the round robin stages undefeated, Team Smith came up against Team Deruelle in the quarter final. After a weak start they came back to win in six ends, final score 8-4. In the semi’s they faced Team Gardner – the game was taken to an extra end where Team Smith came out on top, to win 5-4. In the final they were matched against McCormick of the USA, who were also undefeated so far in the competition. Team Smith managed a decisive 7-2 victory over the Americans and were rewarded with the title, $3,000 prize money and some World Curling Tour ranking points.

OAKVILLE OCT FALL CLASSIC

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | COMPETITIONS

PHOTO: JONATHAN BRAZEAU

There was success for two Scottish junior teams at the first event of the European Junior Curling Tour – the Braehead Junior International which took place on 2nd – 4th September. Twelve men’s’ and eight women’s’ teams took part in the competition, including teams from Norway, Switzerland and Germany. The men’s final saw Team Bryce take on fellow Scots Team Whyte. Whyte stole two in end three to lead 3-1, which Bryce responded to with a two in end four, then a steal of one in end six. Whyte scored two in end seven, but it wasn’t enough, as Bryce took two in the last end to win the match 6-5 and claim the title. In the women’s final 2015/16 champions Team Jackson were playing against Swiss team Witschonke in order to retain their title. Although Witschonke led 2-1 at halfway Jackson came back to score two in end five and steal two in end six for a 6-5 win.

BRAEHEAD JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

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Oct 19th 2016

PHOTOS: LESLIE INGRAM BROWN

The first Asham Slam of the Under 21 series took place on great ice at the Greenacres Junior Masters 16th – 18th September.

After some excellent team displays throughout the round robin stages, spots in the semis were secured by British Curling performance Team Jackson, who won 4-3 against Team Dakers. The other women’s semi-final game was between newly formed Team Macdonald and Team Aitken, where Aitken managed to secure a place in the final with a 7-5 win. The women’s final saw a dress rehearsal for the World B Junior play off. Jackson edging it, again converting her two at the first with hammer, Aitken closing with a two in the fifth, but the sixth killed it with Team Jackson again taking two. In the men’s semi’s the Academy teams of Carson and Whyte (minus Ross on the Sunday, with Bobbie Lammie subbing) faced up in one semi with Team Whyte managing a 7-1 win in five ends. The other semi-final saw British Curling performance Team Bryce matched up against Team Cormack,

ASHAM UNDER 21 SLAM – GREENACRES ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | COMPETITIONS

9For all line scores and more, click here >>

the ultra-aggressive Bryce approach – saw them run out 7-1 winners. The final saw the Bryce steal in the fourth to go two up

– with the draw from Bobby just two inches short of the button – Team Whyte tried to get back into it, but lost a four in end six when Bobby was heavy trying to hide round the centre guard with his last stone and Cameron was able to draw for four and the win for Team Bryce. All four of the teams who made it to the finals will now have the chance to compete in the Junior International in Thun, Switzerland, which is part of the European Junior Curling Tour.

PHOTO: LESLIE INGRAM BROWN

ASHAM UNDER 17 SLAM– LOCKERBIE

Lockerbie Ice Rink was the venue for the first event in the Asham Under 17 Slam of 2016/17, the JEM Stevenson Trophy, which was contested 24th – 25th September. Twenty-four junior teams from all over Scotland competed in this weekend competition, with six sections being played and group winners and runners-up keenly contesting for a place in either the High Road or the Low Road. Some local curlers competed in the final stages, with all the teams showing good competitive curling. Ultimately last year’s winner Team Kinnear (Callum Kinnear, Ryan McCormack, Duncan McFadzean and Matthew McKenzie) emerged the winners of the JEM Stevenson Trophy over James Hair’s team of Fraser Morton, Angus Naysmith and Scott Barr. The Low Road final was played between Dumfries Team Kennedy, (Fergus Kennedy, Scott Hyslop, Nevin Harmjanz and Finlay Kennedy) against Team Haswell (Blair Haswell, Adam Keron, Cameron Paterson and Adam MacDairmid) with Blair’s team winning the Lockerbie & District Rotary Club Shield. Alistair Stevenson, representing the Stevenson family, invited Gordon Dinwoodie to present the High Road trophy and prizes to the winning team. Ian Potts representing the Rotary Club presented the Low Road prizes and Rotary Shield to the winners. Grateful thanks to the Stevenson Family, Lockerbie & District Rotary Club, Gordon Dinwoodie from Sport & Trophy Centre and Asham Curling Supplies for their continued support and sponsorship. Many thanks to Jim Hogg, chief umpire, with assistants Ian Dyer and Eva, and also ice, bar and catering staff for making this a very successful event.

Look forward to seeing everyone next year!

For line scores, team lists and more, click here >>

ISSUE 41 | SEPTEMBER 2016 | ROYALCALEDONIANCURLINGCLUB.ORG | COMPETITIONS

The RCCC have teamed up with award-winning Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to give you a very tempting 10% membership discount* on your fi rst sailing with them – and that’s on top of any current offers. Existing Fred. Olsen customers can save 5%, in addition to their 5% Loyalty Club discount.

Cruise from Greenock & Rosythwith Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

To book using your discount code RCCC10 call the RCCC booking hotline 0800 0355 108

to validate your membership, or visit www.fredolsencruises.com

*All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen’s (FOCL) standard terms & conditions, available on our website & on request. All prices quoted under the RCCC members discount offerare exclusive to qualifying members & their travelling companions only, members must quote their discount code at time of booking. Membership discounts cannot be applied retrospectively. Bookings must be made via the booking hotline number 0800 0355 108. Proof of membership will be required at the time of booking. Offers cannot be extended to any unrelated third party, are subject to availability & may be withdrawn or amended at any time without prior notice. From time to time FOCL may run special offers which cannot be combined with this discount, including selected group travel deals. All guests booked under this scheme are requested to refrain from disclosing the fare paid whilst on board. Offer is for fi rst-time cruisers with Fred. Olsen only. Fred. Olsen Oceans members are entitled to a 5% RCCC discount subject to the same terms & conditions, to be applied after the standard Oceans discount, where applicable. In this instance, Oceans Terms & Conditions apply. E&OE.

The first event of this season’s Goldline Scottish Curling Tour took place on Friday 23rd September. Twenty-four teams entered this year – including teams from Europe as well as English, Irish and Welsh teams. Team Hardie (Grant Hardie, Blair Fraser, David Reid and Duncan Menzies) retained the Braehead Open title, by beating Team Jackson (Sophie Jackson, Naomi Brown, Mili Smith and Sophie Sinclair) 5-2 in a well fought final.Defending Braehead champion Grant Hardie made it to the final after winning their semi-final game against Team Mouat – who were playing without their skip, Bruce - with Grant never losing the lead and winning 5-3. In the other high road semi, Sophie Jackson went out to an early lead and never looked in trouble, beating Stuart Taylor 7-4. The ice for the final was a little trickier than it had been all weekend, but both teams put in a great performance and played some exceptional shots, with the Hardie rink managing a well-constructed steal in the seventh to all but secure the victory. David Reid wasn’t able to attend the prize-giving, so his daughter stepped in to help the team out! The middle road final between Hazel Smith and Coombs went down

BRAEHEAD OPEN

For more from the Goldline Scottish Curling Tour, click here >>

to the wire, all tied at 7, after 7. The Smith team played a fantastic final end and managed the steal and the victory. The low road final ended with Gillespie beating Havercroft 4-3.The next tour event is the Dumfries Open, which will be played 7th – 9th October.

DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE NEXT YOUR CURLER? Complete our online form by...

Visit the RCCC website or click >>October 19th 2016