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Minutes of Dunfermline Curling Club Annual General Meetingheld in Dunfermline Northern Bowling Club, Dewar Street, Dunfermline 7 th April 2016

Present : A Noble, R Park, A Mitchell, K Kilgour, R Knox, A Rae, J Stevenson, I Simpson, D Thomson, R B Stevenson, F Thomson, J Craig, D Laird, J Geyer, A Barr, G Barr, B Faichney, W Scott, A Bowie, A Hempseed, D Souter, S Rennie and J Barr. (23)

Apologies: S Barr, D Forsyth, H Geyer, A Kininmonth, C Low, B Mayne, D Mayne, I McDonald, E McFarlane, G Rae, D Ritchie, D Scott, Jamie Stevenson, Robbie Stevenson, D Templeton, K Young, S Young,

1 minute’s silence for the passing of Ian Borland on 29 November last was reverently observed. He will be sorely missed in the Club and in his other various curling and social circles.

Minutes: The minutes of the AGM held on 9th April 2015 were duly approved, proposed by W Scott and seconded by A Hempseed.

Matters Arising: A rink change has been intimated for Fife & Kinross Vs Perth game Albert Rae in fact played lead and the rink beat Perth Teachers by 14 shots to 2. The Perth Teachers rink was skipped by the President of Muthill Club, which had just celebrated its 275th anniversary. Muthill Club had produced pottery coasters to mark their event, and following the game Dunfermline rink members exchanged our 275 anniversary badges for the Muthill coasters - a very fair exchange!

Secretary’s ReportIt is pleasing to welcome Derek Laird as a new member. Derek previously was a member of Thornton Curling Club. The club is in good heart. Our season started with 54 playing members including 4 junior members. During the season the Club was represented at the following suppers/dinners:

Kinross -President Alastair Noble & John GeyerOrwell – Orwell again cancelled at last minute – 2 years running!!Markinch – President Alastair and Willie ScottInverkeithing – President Alastair and Robert Stevenson Broomhall – David Thomson and Jim Barr

The Club was represented at the following other club bonspiels: -Tulliallan Bonspiel –Jim Barr, Stuart Rennie, John Craig and Eddie McFarlane represented the Club on 28 October and won 10 shots to 7. Inverkeithing won the bonspiel.

Our Thistle, 275th Rose Bowl & Mixed League results were kept up to date by Match Secretary Stuart Rennie with the web site being duly populated and kept up to date by Robin Park. Unfortunately, there was yet again insufficient demand this year to continue the Stevenson League. The Notice Board at Kinross also continues to be used for communicating results.

Internal Club Competitions

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President (Alastair Noble) Vs Vice President (Robin Park)The game opened our season at Kinross on 22 September with a‘Granny’ being experienced by the VP rink skipped by Colin Low. (Alastair 13 shots Colin 0!!!) – not a good start to the season as far as camaraderie and etiquette is concerned!! Alastair’s rink members were well fined at the Club supper in November. It is understood Alastair was handing out drink to his rink before the event!

The Thistle League First time skip, Grant Barr one of our juniors, shot off to what has borne out to be an unassailable lead and won reasonably comfortably. Last season’s relegation battle was emulated by being decided on the last game of the season in which Colin Low was comfortably beaten by Robbie Stevenson and resulted in his rink being relegated.Congratulations to Grant’s rink of Derek Mayne, John Craig and Douglas Scott, commiserations to Colin’s rink of Alec Bowie, Andy Stevenson and Robin Ferguson. Runners up were Robbie Stevenson, S Young, D Ritchie (D Laird) D Forsyth. The trophies and glasses will be presented at our Supper in November.

Rose Bowl Daytime League (Donald Whyte Trophy)This trophy was rebranded as agreed at the last AGM. 5 rinks participated with the day being a Friday at lunch time! This year there was an invitational rink ‘Neighbouring Clubs’ making up the five rinks captained by Bob Smith from the Inverkeithing Club. This enabled a ‘pool’ to be created of nine Dunfermline curlers. Substituting problems not yet fully overcome but, again, we have been grateful to members of neighbouring clubs participating to make up numbers. Notwithstanding all of this the camaraderie was good and the winning skip this season was Robert Stevenson with his rink of Alec Bowie, Brian Mayne and Kenny Kilgour. The trophy and glasses will be presented at the dinner.

Sinclair ShieldOur opening club bonspiel was played at Kinross on 23 September with a clear winner emerging. The results of the games were S Rennie 3 R B Stevenson 8, J Barr 6 C Low 8 and finally, R Stevenson 15 J Stevenson 3. Congratulations to Robbie’s rink of Alex Bowie, Alan Barr and Andy Stevenson.

Borland Insurance PairsA good entry of 12 teams contested this competition. After many good victories along the way the final on 22 February was a repeat of last year - nearly - with family Thomson and not Barr involved. David Thomson and Eddie McFarlane took on Steven Young and Fraser Thomson. Dave started well with 2s at the first 2 ends and really never looked back eventually winning by 7 shots to 2. Dave and Eddie will represent the Club in next seasons Province Pairs competition. Well done!

Dow MedalOnly 4 rinks entered this competition this year! The final was played on 18 November between the rinks of Jim Stevenson and Alec Bowie. Jim eventually won by 7 shots to 3. Congratulations to Jim’s rink of J Lindsay, Doug Ritchie and Brian Mayne.

Barry Stirling TrophyThis was played at Kinross on 16 October amongst only 4 rinks – again! This year the format reverted to a bonspiel notwithstanding the revised rules. The game between Jim Stevenson and

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Willie Scott was closely contested with Jim’s rink winning by 1 shot. However, the second game was a little different with Grant Barr beating Robert Stevenson by 13 shots to 2. Congratulations to Grant’s rink of K Young, A Rae and D Ritchie.

Lochend Farm Shop Trophy6 rinks competed in this bonspiel on 19 November. As you will know this Trophy has now been tastefully renamed from the Pitfirrane Trophy and this new sponsor generated 2 rinks more than last season. After 5 ends Robert Stevenson’s rink looked well on course to win BUT this was not to be!! The results are as follows, Martin Silvera’s rink peeled 5 shots all with Doug Templeton’s rink, Robert’s rink beat Stewart Barr’s rink by 9 shots to 4 but the winning rink skipped by Jim Barr, 3 rd Ken Young, second Alan Barr and lead Brian Faichney beat Stuart Rennie’s rink by 10 shots to 3 a fine margin of 7 shots up! Congratulations to the winning rink. Both Martin Silvera and Mike, his father, made the presentation of large trays of vegetables to the runners up of Robert Stevenson, Willie Scott, Allan Hempseed and John Craig and ‘Shop Vouchers’ to the winning rink.The Club’s appreciation for this new sponsorship was expressed on the night.

Festive BonspielThis competition took place on the afternoon of 19 December amongst 4 rinks with some members dressed in tasteful festive apparel (Simpson as Gaviscon man and Ken Kilgour as an elf) or not! Anyway the games were fairly closely contested with the highest up rink of J Stevenson, Albert Rae, Ken Young and Alan Kininmonth beating Jim Barr’s rink by 10 shots to 5. They ended 5 shots up whereas Alan Barr’s rink was very close being 4 shots up. Alan gave his son Jim a severe talking to when they got home because with having last stone and an open house he could not draw the shot which would have given Alan victory!!! Congratulations to Jim’s rink and commiserations to the others. The sponsor of this competition, Brian Mayne, presented bottles of Port to the winners and Christmas novelties to the losers – thanks Brian.

Centenary Plaque4 rinks contested this knock out competition. The final was contested on 24 March between Robbie Stevenson and Dave Thomson with Robbie’s rink winning 11 shots to 1. Congratulations to Robbie's rink of Albert Rae (third), Ian Simpson (Second) and Alan Kininmonth (Lead).

Exxon Mobil Chemical Points Night Yet another extremely disappointing turnout on 9 February – only 10 members. This year each player played 4 stones for each discipline albeit we didn’t quite finish them all. In 3rd place with 39 points was D Templeton, 2nd place was R Stevenson and joint winners on 42 points were S Barr and C Low. Thanks to those who turned out. Well done Stewart and Colin.

Mixed BonspielThis match was played on 25 February at Kinross with 8 rinks competing. This, as usual, was a very sociable event with sandwiches, shortbread tea/coffee being provided post-match. Additionally, the ladies were congratulated for the array of prizes provided for the raffle – there weren’t many participants who went home with nothing.Anyway, to the result second placed skip was Steven Young with first place skip being C Low with his rink of Alice Thomson, K Kilgour and Violet Christie. The trophy and glasses were duly presented to the winners by President Alastair.Well done to the winners.

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KCT LeagueThe 1st Division was won by Kinross Juniors, again, finishing on 12 points but so too did Dunfermline! However, Dunfermline finished second losing out to the juniors on end and shots difference. What are we going to do with this man Grant Barr! Well done Grant and maybe next year we’ll win it? The rinks were skipped by Robbie Stevenson, Jim Barr and David Thomson.

John Stewart Double Rink K.O.The first game took place on 8 December and the rinks progressed all the way, beating Orwell en route, to the final on 31 March against Kinross. How pleasing was it to win the final given the competition had been won by Kinross 5 times out of last 6 years!!! Congratulations to both rinks 1) Martin Silvera, Jim Barr, Stuart Rennie and Albert Rae and 2) Robbie Stevenson, Dougie Templeton, David Thomson and Colin Low.

Kinross Curling Club ChampionshipThis inaugural competition was, unfortunately, played on Saturday/Sunday 30/31 January immediately after the YARA at Perth. This did mean a few curlers made themselves unavailable for selection. We did enter a pool of 7 players, Alastair Noble, Rab Stevenson, Stuart Rennie, Ken Young, Derek Laird, Albert Rae & Steven Young. We played Fossoway, Inverkeithing and Orwell Ladies. We came second in all three games but had a most enjoyable time, despite these results.The competition was won by Fossoway in which our past President was in the rink – much heavy fining at forthcoming dinner!

Mixed LeagueThis season was a close run thing until the last game on 14 March. It was very tight with Stuart Rennie’s rink of Lorna Rennie, Eddie McFarlane and Kathleen Norris being victorious. Congratulations to the victors.

Matches V Neighbouring Clubs

Dunfermline v InverkeithingPlayed on 25 October this year the result being exceptionally disappointing – indeed somewhat humiliating! This year’s result was 14 shots Dunfermline with 33 shots Inverkeithing. All four Dunfermline rinks lost with the results being Dougie Templeton 4 Phil Barton 7, Jim Barr 4 Bill Galloway 7, Robert Stevenson 3 Alastair Lamond 9 and finally Robbie Stevenson 3 Bob Tait 10. Congratulations to Inverkeithing, particularly Bob Tait’s rink, but we should ensure this humiliation doesn’t happen again next season. (Inverkeithing really went to town on this win both at our supper and in the Dunfermline Press)

Dunfermline v BorelandThis match took place on 25 November. This year Boreland again won for the second successive year. Scores were C Low 6 S Jamieson 5, D Templeton 7 I Baker 4, Robbie Stevenson 5 Bill Linton 10. Overall Boreland won by 19 shots to 18 shots. Will require redressing the position next year.

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Outdoor Match against KinrossAt very short notice this match took place on Sun 17 January: - Rink A was Robbie Stevenson, Jim Stevenson, Jim Barr & Jamie Stevenson who defeated Dougie Rodgers’ Kinross Rink, with a winning score of 14 - 3. Rink B was Alastair Noble, Alan Barr, Rab Stevenson & Colin Low who defeated Peter Malcolm’s Kinross Rink, with a winning score of 8 - 7. The above scores, resulted in Dunfermline Curling Club retaining the John-Jo Kenny Trophy - well done to all who competed. The trophy was presented to President Alastair at our annual indoor match on 11 March.

Dunfermline v Kirkcaldy Virtual ClubThis game on 24 February with a view to attracting new members. Unfortunately, the rink was mixed and 1 male was already signed up with the other wishing to join a mixed club. That said Dunfermline won 14 shots to 3 and the usual camaraderie and banter was enjoyed. The rink was K Kilgour (skip), G Stewart (3rd), A Noble (2nd) and R Park (lead).

Dunfermline v MarkinchThis match was played on 4 January. 3 Dunfermline rinks competed. The match finished less tight than last season with Dunfermline winning 24 shots to 20. The individual results were F Thomson 3 K Wilson 5, G Barr 4 R Wilson12 and Robbie Stevenson 17 R Filsell 3. Congratulations to highest up rink on winning side which was Robbie, R Park, A Bowie and J Lindsay.

Neighbouring Clubs BonspielThis took place at Kinross on 14 January with 2 back to back sessions – 6.00 & 8.20. Unlike the last two seasons Dunfermline won this season! The first session resulted in Dunfermline being 2 shots down but the second session rinks did very well in ensuring the Dunfermline win. The results were: 6.00 Session – D Thomson 7 Aberdour 8, J Stevenson 11 Bank of Scotland Fife 7, J Barr 7 Boreland 5 and C Low 3 Tulliallan 10 (Dunfermline 28 shots N C rinks 30 shots)) 8.20 Session – G Barr 7 Broomhall 8, D Templeton 10 J Skelton 4, M Silvera12 Dunfermline Ladies 3 and R Stevenson 7 R Tait 3 (Dunfermline 36 shots N C rinks 18 shots) Overall Dunfermline won by 64 shots to 48 shots. Congratulations to the highest up Dunfermline rink of Martin Silvera, Stuart Rennie, Graeme Rae and J Craig.

Dunfermline v OrwellThis match took place on Tuesday 19 January :-Dunfermline Skip, Robbie Stevenson, played Orwell Skip, Willie Paterson and Willie won with a score of 7 shots to 3. Dunfermline Skip, Jim Barr, played Orwell Skip, Johnny Nelson again winning with a score of 9 shots to 5. Dunfermline Skip, Jim Stevenson, played Orwell Skip, Ian Robertson with that game resulting in a peel - 9 shots each. Dunfermline Skip, Dave Thomson, played Orwell Skip, Callum Forshaw and won with a score of 11 shots to 5. The above results ended with a combined score of Dunfermline 32 Orwell 26. The highest scoring rink on winning side was Dave Thomson, Alan Barr, Stewart Barr & Ian Simpson – well done!

Dunfermline v BroomhallUnfortunately, on 1 February, Broomhall could again only field 2 rinks. Dunfermline managed to win the match by 20 shots to 7. The scores were J Barr 10 Ross Muir 4 and R Stevenson 10 Ian McFarlane 3. Congratulations to Robbie’s rink of A Hempseed, A Noble and G Stewart.

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Burt & Graham Trophy Dunfermline v KinrossThis season’s match was played on 11 March – the usual 4 rinks per session. The first session left the second session a mountain to climb (Kinross 35 shots – Dunfermline 16 shots) Just when we thought matters couldn’t get any worse – they did!! The second didn’t cover themselves in glory either (Kinross 31 shots – Dunfermline 20 shots) All in all the worst of results for many years!! – you do the maths!!The winning Kinross rink was skipped by David Clydesdale being 9 shots up and the trophy was timidly presented to David by President Alastair – must do better next season!! Not all was lost as David presented outdoor trophy to President Alastair.

West Fife Province Competitions

LeagueWith seven ‘Thistle’ rink teams entered, four being balloted out, we did a little better than last season moving from third to second! Roll on next season? The league was won by Bank of Scotland (12 points and Dunfermline on 10 points)

Mixed K.O.Our President Alastair’s rink comprising Stuart Rennie, Derek Laird & Andy Stevenson progressed no further than the second round against Boreland – yet again, where they lost by 1 shot?? The really bad news is they were given a bye in the first round! The final was contested between Bank of Scotland and Dalgety Bay with Dalgety Bay winning by 8 shots to1!

PairsGrant and Craig Barr as winners of our own Pairs last season represented the Club. They unfortunately lost in the semi-final, grannied (10-0) by Raith and Abbotshall? (It transpires Grant was unable to play with his place being taken by Stuart Rennie!!) Boreland won the competition.

West Fife Province BonspielThe Club had 2 rinks in the 8pm session at Kirkcaldy skipped by Martin Silvera and Jim Stevenson respectively. Overall Dunfermline won (23 shots up) Martin Silvera’s rink with A Barr, R Park and K Kilgour played against Kirkcaldy Virtual Club and Jim Stevenson’s rink with A Rae, G Rae and J Geyer played against Raith & Abbotshall. Presence at Province AGM will be required to accept Province Medal??

ZermattThis inter province competition was won by East Fife, again by 77 shots to West Fife’s 62! Our rink of R Stevenson, F Thomson, A Noble and D Laird lost by 1 shot to Cambo (7-6).

Waldie GriffithsA Dunfermline rink, asked to make up numbers at the last minute, represented West Fife Province against Mid Lothian at Fife Ice Arena on 2 March. The rink was Alan Barr, R Park, A Rae and A Noble and played against a rink from DAFS. It was a game where Dunfermline had chances but not taken and DAFS ran out winners 10 shots to 4. Mid Lothian won the match.

Area 7 Competitions

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Inter Province LeagueThis was won by East Province with 100% and West Fife coming last! The Club rink involved drew with Falkland 5 shots all. The rink was skipped by A Hempseed.

Inter Province BonspielWe were not involved but West Fife ended winning 26 shots up. Teams involved were Boreland, Bank of Scotland and Raith & Abbotshall Ladies.

Fife & Kinross Vs PerthThe game we were supposed to play in at Kinross on 29 October was cancelled! This left a rink skipped by C Low to play at Perth on 5 November. Dunfermline lost 17 shots to 11 against Muthill. Perthshire won by 175 shots to West Fife’s 152.

George Sinclair Memorial TrophyThis competition played in January was won by Raith & Abbotshall Ladies being + 13 shots. Dunfermline’s rink skipped by I McDonald, D Laird, D Scott and B Faichney lost 6 shots to 4 to Balkaskie.

North Fife v South FifeThe North triumphed in this season’s North v South Competition played over two sessions at Kirkcaldy on 11 February.  The South actually won more of the matches – 4 to the North’s 3, with one match peeled – but two big wins for sister East of Fife clubs – Hercules and Hercules Ladies –

made the difference. Dunfermline won their game against Dunfermline Ladies representing the North by 7 shots to 6, how bizarre, and was represented by A Noble (Skip).

RCCC CompetitionsIndoor Grand Match 24 October

Braehead, Glasgow. Dunfermline Team was Jim Stevenson, Willie Scott, Alec Bowie and Ken Kilgour. The team arrived at Braehead in good time for registration where they were given commemorative badges, and after coffee got changed and ready for curling. As the team were on sheet one they were first on to the ice. Dunfermline were piped on with Gogar their opponents. The other teams followed around the rink to finish at the far end. A good close game was enjoyed on good ice and ended up peels. A fair result . A cup of soup was brought onto the ice at the last end and the players were given a plate of mince and tatties after the game in the bar. Braehead is not a good rink for spectators so not many people were watching. There was no entertainment on offer so the team headed home early to watch Scotland in the Rugby World Cup. (Thanks to Jim Stevenson)

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The team that went to Hamilton was Skip J Barr, Third A Noble (President), Second S Rennie and B Mayne. All had a thoroughly enjoyable game with Coulter 1 from Biggar and managed a win of 6 - 2 for the North.

Following a photograph session on Saturday at Stranraer, the competing Rinks were finally piped onto the ice and Dunfermline Club badges were presented to the Craigielands Club opposition. The

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long journey and late bed time on Friday obviously had their effect on the Dunfermline Rink, who, struggling with the speed of the ice, found themselves three down after two ends before a six at end four saw them take the lead before stacking brooms.Craigielands took the fifth end, but Dunfermline regained their impetus and the Rinks left the ice with Dunfermline the victors by 10 shots to 5. The rink was A Rae (S), R Park, A Stevenson and I Simpson. A more comprehensive report from Stranraer has been posted to the web site.(Thanks Albert)

No report from Murrayfield!!

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10Rink Championship

David Thomson qualified out of Kinross for the Knock out stages at Forfar week end 4 – 6 March.

The Club decided to select a young rink to represent the Club in the finals at Forfar Ice Rink. In the round robin, Dunfermline won 4 of their 5 games to qualify for the quarter finals thereby progressing to the final! In the final they played against the Scottish International rink of David Edwards from Curl Aberdeen and it was no disgrace to lose by 8 shots to 5. This fantastic performance by the youth in the Club ensures the Club can look forward to a very healthy future. The rink members were Craig Barr lead, Drew Thomson second, Fraser Thomson third and skip Grant Barr.

Well done boys.

District Medal2 rinks entered this competition and were drawn against Nairn CC at Kinross on 20 November the date of our Supper. This was by design as 9 Nairn members attended our supper and the least said about this the better!As far as the curling was concerned we won the match by 15 shots to 11 shots. The rinks were J Stevenson, R Stevenson, A Barr and W Scott and D Thomson, S Barr, J Barr and A Noble.

Other CompetitionsKinross Closing BonspielThis was played on 10 April?? Team was Jim Barr(Skip) Colin Low (third), Alastair Noble (Second) and Stuart Rennie(lead). We played Broomhall and had taken 13 shots off them by the end (Even scored a 6 in the 7th end). Unfortunately, we ran out of time and couldn't play the 8 th end. Not enough to win. Markinch were the winners for the 2nd year running with 16shots and Inverkeithing were second with 15 shots. On a more positive note, Dunfermline continue to support the KCT very well by being the last to leave the bar!!!

MiscellaneousAlan Barr should be congratulated in being in a rink reaching the final of the Grand Masters – I have no more information other than the rink lost?????Kinross Mixed League was won by David Thomson, Alice Thomson, David Laird and Gillian Laird – well done!

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Election of Honorary TreasurerWith the sad passing of Ian Borland, having taken on the role of Treasurer, A Mitchell offered to become Treasurer and ‘biting off his hand’, the committee agreed to this as an interim solution to the problem. AGM support is sought to ratify the decision for Alan to continue as Treasurer.This was proposed by J Stevenson and seconded by Ian Simpson.

Election of Honorary ‘Examiner’Agreed this should continue as Fiona Haro of Accountants, Thomson Cooper & Co, Dunfermline. This was proposed by J Stevenson and seconded by Ian Simpson.

Treasurer’s Report The Club Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2016 were presented by A Mitchell the Club’s new treasurer. ‘I am pleased to report that once again the Club has made a modest surplus in the year of £124.46 on the activities for the year.

Income and Expenditure Account Membership Income for the year shows a slight increase to £2,122. In addition, we received subscriptions for four non playing members. Other income includes a surplus from the supper of £42.31 and a surplus from the sale of ties and badges of £9.04 giving a total income for the year of £2,193.35. Expenditure for the year is roughly in line with previous years and includes a deficit on ice activities of £46.50. This deficit does not include the cost of the rescheduled ice for the Donald White League Games which is currently under dispute. Total costs for the year are £2,068.89 which results in the surplus reported above.

Balance sheet The Club continues to hold shares in Kirkcaldy Ice Rink at a cost of £150. The main bank account stands at a balance of £2,269.19 with the youth development account at £406.40. Together with stock of ties and badges and ice money due of £84.00p (which has now been received), the Club funds at 31st March 2016 stand at £3,325.95. These Accounts have been reviewed by Fiona Haro, honorary auditor and signed as approved. Before moving on to the question of next year’s subscriptions, may I ask if there are any questions on these Accounts.

Proposals

Annual subscription

As the cash reserves remain at a reasonable level and there is no expectation at this stage that next year’s activities will show a significant variation, the proposal is that the basic sub of £45.00 remains unchanged for session 2016/17.

Prepaid ice costsOver the last few years we have successfully introduced the concept of prepaying part of our subscription and ice commitment. On the basis that this still holds a financial benefit to the

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12members, it would seem appropriate to continue with this method of paying for your ice

commitments.Based on previous years, the Club is required to make payments of approximately £5,000 each in September and December to cover the costs of ice commitments. As you can see, the Club does not hold this level of funds in its main account and has been supported in the past by members making a transfer of funds/cheque/cash payment to assist in making the initial ice payment. I look forward to your continued support in this respect and would be happy to collect any payments this evening. As a guide, we are asking for £150 each to cover the future outlay.

Honoraria

1. Secretary/Match secretary

Once again we are recommending the status quo of £70.00 for next year.

2. Honorary auditor

Fiona Haro, Partner at Thomson Cooper Accountants has stepped in this year to carry out the review of the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2016.

The accounts and Alan’s recommendations were proposed acceptance by Jim Stevenson and seconded by R Knox.

President’s ReportGOOD EVENING BROTHER CURLERS.FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE YOUR PRESIDENT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY, THE CURLING YEAR STARTED QUITE WELL, WITH A VICTORY IN THE PRESIDENT – VICE PRESIDENTS GAME, BACK IN SEPTEMBER. WE THEN HAD THE OPENING BONSPIEL, THE SINCLAIR SHIELD, WHICH WAS PLAYED IN THE SAME COMPETITIVE MANOR. AFTER THE SCORES WERE ANNOUNCED I THEN INTRODUCED OUR NEW MEMBER - DEREK LAIRD. CARRYING ON INTO OCTOBER, WE ENTERED FOUR TEAMS IN THE INDOOR GRAND MATCH. THE TEAMS PLAYED AT MURRAYFIELD, HAMILTON, BRAEHEAD AND STRANRAER. ALL THE TEAMS PLAYED EXTREMELY WELL, COMING AWAY WITH THREE WINS AND A DRAW - CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL INVOLVED 👏 OUR NEXT GAME WAS THE DISTRICT MEDAL, AGAINST NAIRN CURLING CLUB - A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL, ESPECIALLY AS OUR CURLING DINNER WAS THE SAME DAY. OUR DINNER, HELD IN THE GOLF CLUB, WENT VERY WELL WITH A MOST ENJOYABLE MEAL AND I HOPE YOU WILL AGREE - VERY GOOD SPEAKERS. I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE MY THANKS TO BOTH ROBERT STEVENSON, FOR KINDLY ACCEPTING TO BE MY LORDS OFFICER AND RITCHIE KNOX FOR DOING THE CURLERS OATH - THEY HAVE BOTH RETIRED FROM THEIR DUTIES AFTER LASTING THE BEST PART OF 30 YEARS - I THINK THEY DESERVE A WELL EARNED REST 👏 Both were presented with a bottle of wine as a measure of the Club’s gratitude. I WOULD LIKE TO OFFER CONGRATULATIONS TO SOME SUCCESSFUL BROTHER CURLERS DOUGLAS TEMPLETON REACHED THE FINAL OF THE SENIORS.

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13GRANT BARR, FRASER THOMSON, DREW THOMSON AND CRAIG BARR, WHO

REACHED THE FINAL OF THE RINK CHAMPIONSHIP AT FORFAR. GRANT BARR, DEREK MAYNE, JOHN CRAIG AND DOUGLAS SCOTT, WHO WON THE THISTLE LEAGUE - WELL DONE TO GRANT PLAYING HIS FIRST SEASON AS SKIP. A MENTION MUST ALSO GO TO JIM BARR, STUART RENNIE AND THEIR WIVES JANE AND LORNA, FOR COMING THIRD IN THE MIXED FINALS WEEKEND IN STRANRAER. FINALLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN MY FIRST YEAR AS PRESIDENT - I’M SURE MY SECOND YEAR WILL BE AS ENJOYABLE AS THE FIRST. TO FINISH I WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THE PRESIDENTS PRIZE TO DOUGLAS TEMPLETON FOR REACHING THE FINAL OF THE MENS SENIOR COMPETITION.

THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT ’👏👏

Election of Honorary Secretary/Match SecretaryRobin Park agreed to continue as Secretary and Stuart Rennie agreed to continue as Match Secretary. Robin gave notice at this stage that given he has been singularly unsuccessful in finding a replacement secretary and that having a secretary is essential he tendered his resignation as vice president.

Election of Vice PresidentDavid Thomson proposed J Barr seconded by John Geyer. Unanimously accepted. This of course will apply only for 1 year.

Election of Representatives to R.C.C.C.Agreed to continue as President and Secretary.

Election of Committee of ManagementKen Kilgour, who agree to stand for re-election for 3 years was unanimously accepted. Jim Barr, having been elevated to VP as above created a vacancy on the committee. Alan Barr proposed David Thomson and this was seconded by Ian Simpson. There being no further nominations from the floor David was elected to committee for a 3 year term.

Election of Skips and Competition SkipsIn the election of Skips 42 (forty-two) members voted - an 81% response. With 23 (twenty-three) attending the AGM the postal vote stands. Grant Barr as winning Skip in the Thistle League is automatically a Skip in the forthcoming season and his third Derek Mayne is automatically promoted as skip for next season and neither require votes. The remaining votes on Skips (Assumes 11 Thistle Rinks) in alphabetical order are J Barr, S Barr, M Silvera, J Stevenson, Robbie Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, Dougie Templeton, David Thomson and Fraser Thomson.

On current Club membership three rinks can be entered in Grand Match/Indoor Grand Match, as normal, Skips nominated are President and Vice President, with them to choose suitable rinks if the event takes place.

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14Honorary Membership

There were no nominationsResignationThe secretary intimated he had received an email from Any Stevenson and in fact read the content. Andy is reducing his curling and will only be curling for his mother club Boreland. The secretary had responded to Andy’s email expressing disappointment at this decision and wishing him ‘all the best’ for the future. His wit and camaraderie will be missed.

A.O.C.B.Ice Rebates for JuniorsThe total rebate involved here for the season was some £250 albeit the sum of £120.75 will be applied against next season’s first payment for pre-paid ice.

Daytime IceSituation regarding invoice being received for £160 in respect of 2 cancelled sheets on 26 February. There is no doubt the ice was cancelled at the last minute but given this Club had brought some of its competitions from Perth and created this daytime league as a measure of support it was agreed that the secretary communicate with the Trustees to establish if there can be some negotiation in respect of this invoice. It was proposed that we invite other Neighbouring clubs to join this daytime league which would of course sell another 1 or 2 sheets going forward into another season.A discussion took place regarding the acceptability of a Friday lunchtime as opposed to a Monday or a Thursday but the consensus view was to retain the status quo. It was agreed that sometimes Friday can impinge on week-ends away but the solution is to get a substitute well in advance!

Venue for Club SupperThe committee recommends continuing at Dunfermline Golf Club on 18 November 2016. This was unanimously agreed.

Club Points CompetitionMuch discussion ensued but was really going nowhere. It was agreed to continue as a Club only event but a note should be made on the fixture book that skips should phone their rinks to encourage attendance whereby if 3 or more Thistle rink members attend, their aggregate score could win the team prize.

Selection of rink for Kinross Curling Club ChampionshipCommittee had recommended that winning Thistle rink skip in previous season select rink failing which runner up skip selects rinks going down skips accordingly. AGM happy to leave to committee so committee recommendation stands??

West Fife Province AGMThis will take place 13 April at Fife Ice Arena at 7.30pm.

Area 7 AGMThis will take place 26 April in Fife Ice Arena for 7.30pm. There has been a review undertaken by the Royal Club into Areas and constituent Provinces. As far as we’re concerned Area 7 will be renamed Fife & Kinross i.e. no change.

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RCCC AGMTo be held at Braehead 18 June 2.30pm. Both Jim Stevenson and Albert Rae will be presented with their 50-year membership of RCCC medal. Congratulations to both.

Kinross Curling Trust/Kinross Curling ‘British Curling has booked the rink for three weeks from Monday 4th April and five weeks from 1st August. Previously, they had used Braehead but they got greedy and overpriced the cost. Stirling was proposed as an alternative but rejected by the elite athletes, who insisted they wanted to use Kinross. Quite a number of them have been using single sessions at Kinross over the last couple of months. The Opening Bonspiel will be on 10 th September, which means that there will be ice available for one week before that, once British Curling finish. This would be available for practice ice.Over the summer, we will be fitting a new dehumidifier. The old one was regarded as relatively “new” as against the rest of the plant but it transpires that it came to Kinross second hand from Gogar and was losing efficiency by 5% per annum. The new one will be gas, which is more expensive to purchase, but is more efficient and we will be quids in within two years. For special bonspiels, Catering Packages will be available. Just speak to Katrina. Although many Dunfermline members are reluctant to pre-order drinks, the system will continue next season. Many other curlers have adapted to it very well and I would implore our members to do the same. The purpose is to keep staff costs down, while still providing a good service. We are aware of the concerns – flat beer or cold coffee – but these can be overcome and please give it your support. Finally, we are trading profitably with increased sales on the ice and in the bar. The latest management accounts put us ahead of budget and we thank you all for the part that you have played in achieving this. I trust you will all have an enjoyable summer with lots of barbecues in the blazing sun and look forward to seeing you on the ice next season.’

It is understood that next season’s ice costs will be set at a meeting on 11 April. It was felt each club should have the opportunity to discuss these at their AGMs.

The secretary expressed a view, not for the first time, that the Trust should change its year end accounting date to coincide with a full curling season! This would assist in meaningful debate of factual information at AGMs as opposed to management information which is ‘may or may not’ transpire to be factual.Also he suggested that with membership of the Trust having no cost currently the members should give serious consideration to joining – this will enable attendance at AGMs and having meaningful input to the management of the Trust. It will also provide the Trust with a database with whom they can communicate.

Fife Ice Arena ReportQuite a well-attended meeting.Ronnie Hird had to fend off quite a bit of criticism about the state of the ice this season especially from the clubs who take most of their ice there.

Reasons given were:

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161.  the kickboards were incorrectly installed resulting in water seepage all season (To be

resealed during the summer) 2. Dehumidifiers installed last year blowing to much air down onto ice. (Dehumidifier switched off a couple of weeks ago, icemen thought it had helped)3.Ice cutting machine incorrectly set/balanced (Seems unbelievable that this could happen, even Fife Flyers complained about ridges,)4. Not enough water pressure to flood quickly enough (Ice freezing at different rates)5. TIME! (Under too much time pressure to make good ice)

Proposals for next season:1. Pebbling of ice using filtered water (apparently this was supposed to happen last year but someone said they didn't like it so they stopped. The audience did not agree!)2.Installation of a large water tank to speed up flooding.3. Refurbishment of curling bar area. 

Other than the pebbling I think the other proposals are unlikely. In regards to changes of curling times, the only change will be a reduction from 2 sessions to 1 session on a Thursday evening (new start time 6.15pm). The province league to remain on a Thursday I believe.

Final sting in the tail is an increase of £1 to £11 for ice fees. (Unjustified if they cannot give playable ice!) I think that covers most things. A lot of promises were made but only time will tell if they are delivered. I got the impression that things are near tipping point for some of the clubs who use Kirkcaldy for club ice, they are not happy.

There being no further business the President formally closed the meeting at 9.30pm.

R Park 17 April 2016Club Secretary

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