PEEBLES Curling Club held its AGM and end of season dinner at the Tontine Hotel on Friday.

At the AGM, outgoing president Graeme Coulthard introduced Jim Ramsay, president of Edinburgh Curling Club, rebranded as “Curl Edinburgh 2018”, who spoke of the need to raise £1.6 million to fund essential renovations and improvements at Murrayfield Ice Rink.

Jim reported that the future of curling was at grave risk with a seriously eroded, corroded and energy inefficient cooling floor.

The building exterior requires cladding and improvements are needed to changing rooms and the bar area. Funding is available from Club reserves and a substantial SportScotland grant. However, member contributions of £250,000 are required and those in attendance were exhorted to either make one-off donations or support the project through a standing order.

The AGM also agreed that Peebles Curling would make a grant to the project from its reserves.

The president and secretary reported on another successful curling season with finances also being sound. The accounts reported a surplus of £332.90 whereby the treasurer was able to advise that subscriptions should not need to be increased for next season.

Graeme Coulthard then handed over to the incoming president, Ian McLeod, Alisdair Dawson was appointed vice-president and the current committee was returned to serve for a further year, with Gary Swinney also joining the committee.

Members, partners and guests enjoyed a good meal where the wine flowed and the company was warm. Brenda Waddell, president of the ladies’ section, handed out the main club trophies, many of great character and antiquity.

The Rink Championship went to Robbie Goodburn, Michael Ireland, Jill Black and substitute. John Cairns, John Still, Dougie Graham and Andrew Muir received the John Milne trophy. The Pairs went to John Cairns and Ian McLeod (substitute for Gary Swinney), the Points to Graeme Coulthard and Jill Black, the Salver to Michael Ireland, John Cairns, Morris Anderson and Bill Goodburn, the Royal Bank Quaich to Graeme Coulthard, John Cairns, Gary Swinney and Tom Hardie and the Denmark trophy to Robbie Goodburn, Michael Ireland, Jill Black and Roger Scott.

The family of Helen Waddell are donating a new trophy that was won by Jo Jeffrey (substituting for Katie Brackenridge), Val Mahon, Susan Ritchie and Moira Boocock. Roger Scott’s rink retained the Silver Broom and Brian Stanage was awarded the Blackstock trophy as most improved player over the season. A successful raffle, supported by sponsorship from such as Peebles Golf Club, the Tontine, Nashy’s coffee house, Frizzante restaurant, Scotia Accounting and Crombie and Co raised almost £200 towards the Club’s bi-centennial event in 2021.

Club members now turn their attention to outdoor activities with Club golf and bowling competitions over the summer before returning to the ice in September.

Peebles Curling Club plays at Murrayfield from Late September to March. It caters for all ages and skill levels.

Should any reader be interested to play and enjoy some winter exercise and good company, then they will be made most welcome. Contact: thomashardie@btinternet.com or 01896 831717.