PEEBLES Curlers and partners met at the Tontine Hotel last month for their end of season AGM and dinner with prize-giving.

And it was an emotional evening as one of the sport's greats bowed out after almost six decades on the ice.

Outgoing President Iain McLeod paid tribute to the Club’s Life President, Bill Goodburn, who has laid his broom to rest after 57 years of curling.

Such longevity was a surprise to Bill who has not been marking the years.

Bill’s final game was a very creditable performance in the Points in March. Despite this, Bill could not be prevailed upon to return to the ice but he will continue to be a great supporter of Peebles Curling. He has many fond memories of a game that has adapted over the years. No longer does play stop at half time for all to partake of a dram. The second half play could be so different from the first!

Bill regrets that he was never able to participate in an outdoor bonspiel. Building his solicitor’s practice meant he was unable to just drop everything when the opportunity arose. Such occasions, when the ice on ponds and lochs is thick enough, are few and far between. Climate change and health and safety rules means such are very unlikely for the future.

The Club intends to hold an event later in the year to pay homage to Bill’s remarkable career in curling, an achievement which Edinburgh Curling also intends to recognise.

President Iain also reported on a successful season with Peebles, for the first time in 50 years, retaining the Paterson Rosebowl, in competition against the other clubs in the Peeblesshire Province.

Once again Peebles will represent the Province in the Scottish National finals in November. The Peebles Province teams throughout the season have been: Skip Graeme Coulthard, with Morris Anderson, Roger Scott and John Cairns; Skip Robbie Goodburn, with Andrew Muir, Billy Emerson and Gary Swinney.

Iain

Following the presentation and acceptance of the treasurer’s and secretary’s reports, the current committee of Gary Swinney, treasurer, Tom Hardie, secretary, Derek McIntosh and Jill Black was re-elected and Douglas Bringhurst was appointed, with Alisdair Dawson also re-elected and appointed the new Club president. Tom Hardie succeeds him as vice-president and will be president for the bi-centenary celebrations in the autumn of 2021.

An enjoyable dinner was held with Tom Hardie sharing amusing club anecdotes that gently teased some club members. Those targeted who were not in attendance will have to wonder! There followed the prize-giving and the presentation of some grand and historical trophies such as the 1823 Points medal, won by Gary Swinney.

The main club premier competition, the Rink Championship, was won by Robbie Goodburn’s rink, with Iain McLeod, Gary Swinney and Douglas Bringhurst. The “thirds” league, the John Milne trophy, was won by Graeme Coulthard’s rink, with Brian Stanage, James Muir and Andy Muir. The final league competition, the Ballantyne Salver, went to Alisdair Dawson, with Robbie Goodburn, Jill Black and Graeme Coulthard. Gary Swinney capped a successful season by gaining the Silver Broom and he also triumphed in the Pairs alongside Graeme Coulthard, another high achiever. Graeme also skipped the team that was victorious in the Royal Bank Quaich with Douglas Bringhurst and Brian Stanage his fellow team members. The three competitions that pitted the main club against the ladies’ section saw the main club (mostly men) victorious against the ladies by two to one, with the main club winning the Blackwood Quaich and the Waddell Quaich and the ladies victorious in the Denmark Trophy. Finally, Peebles’ youngest member, James Muir, was awarded the Blackstock trophy as most improved player.

So, Peebles curlers have a 6 months’ break from their sport, to find solace in other activities whilst they build their resolve to be even better next season. It is intended that club members will get together over the summer for some friendly golf and bowling, with food and refreshments following.

Peebles Curling Club plays at Murrayfield from Late September to late 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. For beginners there are introductory courses and novice sessions via Edinburgh Curling at Murrayfield. Contact: thomashardie@btinternet.com or 01896 831717.