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25th April 2025
2025 Annual General Meeting
Comprehensive reports from the office-bearers were duly presented and accepted. The match secretary said he would endeavour to get a better balance of fixtures throughout next season. The Club made a loss on the year due to planned assistance to the Inverness Ice Centre and to promote the sport.
One of Paul Macdonald's las duties as retiring president was to prcesent Mike McInnes with a certificate confirming his Honorary Membership of Nairn Curling Club, in recognition of his outstanding support of coaching and junior curling. Mike joined Nairn in 1978, and over the years has proved to be a skilful and enthusiastic curler and a great supporter of the Club, and the award is well deserved.
A re-shuffle at the top sees Gus Gorbes step up to president for the next two years. Stephen Lawrie becomes vice-president and continues as match secretary. There are two committee vacancies which, in the absence of any proposals have been left for the management committee to fill.
Michael Green gave a report on the position of the Ice Centre before their upcoming EGM on May 7th. The situation is painfully clear - the centre needs finance now or the doors will have to close. Finance would buy time to continue with a more realistic energy contract and to plan better use of the building.
RCCC President Ali Asher announced that they hoped to hold their Annual AGM at the Inverness Ice Centre on June 28th,
Members left the meeting with the reassuring feeling that the Club is in good hands.
25th March 2025
25th March 2025
Memorable Millennium Match
Memorable Millennium Match
The top four rinks in the Sandy Gunn League played out an exciting evening's curling. In the 'semis', last minute sub Robbie Asher stood in for Angus Smithson, but succumbed to Scott Fraser, while in the other game Stephen Laurie who had been 5 - 1 up after 4 ends against Gus Forbes, scraped home 9 - 8.
In the Final, Stephen Laurie's rink would do "the double" and add the Millennium Tropphy to the Park Cup if they could beat Scott Fraser. A tense game ended 4 - 4, and a count-back on ends was evens, so a draw to the pot lid was be the decider. The result was a win for Stewart Baird (lead), Alan Bulcraig, Robbie Cope and Scott Fraser(skip).
Congrulations to the winners, and well done to both teams on a memorable final !
5th March 2025
Laurie Snatches League Title
Stephen Laurie and his rink played a stormer of a last game to capture the win plus 5 ends to add to their total for the season to pull level with Scott. Fraser, so that his marginal advantage in shots difference over the season would give him the title.
The top four teams in the Sandy Gunn League who qualify to play off for the Millennium Trophy on March 25th are the Steven Laurie, Scott Fraser, Angus Smithson and Gus Forbes combos.
Pictured are the winners receiving the SGL shield from Club president Paul Macdonald (2nd left) are Danny Gray (2), Steven Laurie (skip), Jana Miller (lead), and Alan Morton (3rd).
Photo: Gus Forbes
1st March 2025. A Perfect End to the Season !
The Inverness Ice Centre's Seniors (over 50) and Masters (over 60) competitions have been well supported by those who qualify from the ranks of Nairn Curling Club with a fair degree of success. In this year's leagues, sponsored once again by Gordon & McPhail, Seamus McArdle and his rink held their nerves in the final game of the Masters League to snatch a better shots difference compared to Alan Stanfield's rink in the final round of games. Peter Duncan finished third. Peter's rink finished third in the Seniors, the best placed Nairn CC rink.
Well done the McArdle rink!
Now firmly established at the end of the "oldies" season is the "Pot Lid Curling" Bonspiel. This format makes for a challenging but entertaining series of games where every stone in the house at the end of each end can count! As can be seen from the attached report from the organisers, Nairn members were once again to the fore!
Gus McPhee, Bob Jack, Linda Hoskins, Malcolm Jones, Alan Stanfield, Sylvia Bochel and Amanda James delivered the perfect end of Pot Lid Curling when both teams drew all 8 of their stones into the house with Alan, Sylvia and Amanda securing the bonus three points for being nearest the button. This was the first time in the three years the bonspiel has been played that a maximum score has been achieved . It was almost repeated in the afternoon when Ann MacCallum, Willie Main, Gregor Munro and Alan Searle scored 11 points too with the opposition team skipped by Seamus McArdle having 7 stones in the rings.
However Ann and her rink had the very acceptable compensation for missing out on the ‘Celebration Chocolates’ by being the highest scoring rink with 61 points to take the main prize. Runners up on 57 points were Graham McKenna’s rink closely followed by the teams skipped by Yvonnie Birnie on 56 points and Roy Sinclair on 55 points.
An enjoyable time on the ice then moved to the lounge where the sociability of the day continued over lunch kindly sponsored by Donnie Macleod of Event Catering, before being followed by something for those with a sweet tooth courtesy of someone’s better half.
A huge thank you to everyone for taking part in all the best traditions of the Spirit of Curling.
Alan and Innes
18th February 2025 David Brown Shield
There was a poor entry for this year's David Brown Jubilee Shield, but an inspired last minute collaboration with the Highland Gateway Club made for a great evening!
The Shield was presented back in the 'good old days' when being elected a skip was a bit like being elevated to a peerage - a job for life, It was to be competed for by 'non-skips' to provide more experience for lesser mortals. Gateway clubs follow on from 'Try Curling', where members new to the game can play regularly with support from qualified coaches. So a good match!
Six teams played three games, each of two ends, and the winners, pictured receiving the trophy from Vice-president Gus Forbes, are (L to R): Alan Stanfield (2nd), Caitlin Ross (lead), Gordon Millar (skip) and Colin Henderson (3rd). Well done team !
And a big "Thank you" to Highland Gateway Club members !
13th February 2025 George Philip Bonspeil
Congratulations to Neil Pottie whose rink in the Dalcross George Philip Bonspiel were triumphant. Also 'well done' to Ali Asher for finishing runner-up.
Dalcross have a chance to revenge the capture of their silverware when they play Nairn in the annual "Dalcross Needle" match between the clubs on Feb.27th.
4th February 2025
2025 Dinner and Court
2025 Dinner and Court
Nairn Curling Club held their 68th consecutive annual Dinner & Court on Saturday February 1st in the Muthu Newton Hotel, once the holiday home of Club Patron and founder member, Sir Robert B Finlay KC.
The usual traditions of the brotherhood of curlers were observed, and Nairn had again the onerous responsibility of inducting some well known curlers - an evening to remember. Thanks are due to Club members, speakers and hotel staff who worked to make the evening a success.
Top Table & Speakers: Andrew Craigie, Danny Gray, Murray Urquhart, Vice-pres Gus Forbes, Pres. Paul Macdonald, RCCC President Ali Asher, Tom Pendreigh (Jack Frost), Ally Fraser, & Stephen Laurie.
30th January 2025
Singles Night Result !
The competition for the Match Cup, the Nairn Club's competition for singles competition, was competed for over a series of 3-end games and provided an exciting final, between six times winner Dean Clark and newcomer Calum Stewart. Calum came from behind to win 3 - 1.
Mant Congratulations to Calum on winning this cup which was presented to the Club by past president Michael Green and was first competed for in the 2005-06 season.
27th January 2025
More From Wengen !
Peter Duncan has sent evidence of further success in Wengen. Peter is seen here holding the Wylie Shield in the company of some charming support.
The magnificent shield rivals Nairn's David Brown Jubilee Shield for size.
Once again, many congratulations Peter. ! We hope you realise this puts you at risk of a serious fine for 'Pot Hunting' at the up-coming court ? So save your money by leaving the trophies in Wengen thereby avoiding excess baggage charges on the way home.
23rd January 2025
Wengen Trophy Winner
Hot off the Internet today is the news that Peter Duncan has won the Hewitt Trophy at Wengen this year, after a four game competition played over two days. Congratulations and Well Done, Peter!
Peter is a modest chap, so he hasn't mentioned the skilful rink who supported him in this campaign. He is a regular visitor to Wengen for their annual round of competitions, and over the past years has been instrumental in persuading other Nairn club members to try curling in the heady atmosphere of the Alps..
Anyone interested in participating in next year's Wengen Week should contact Peter to get the details about participating in this enjoyable event.
21st January 2025
Swiss Tour at Inverness
Nairn curlers were involved in the games against the Swiss Touring when they visited Inverness. Ali Asher added the weight of the President of The Royal Club to the Moray Province, and along with the skilful Hamish Clark contributed to a Province victory.
A Nairnshire team comprising Mike McInnes (skip), Steven Laurie (3), John Bochel (2), and James Greenwood (Ardclach)(1) was also involved, and recorded a 12 - 5 win over 8 ends.
Photo: Steven Lauries's Phone
12th January 2025
Outdoor Curling Is Back !
Sadly, the facilities for enjoying the outdoor game in Nairnshire no longer exist, but at the start of the recent cold spell, Dabber and his Muir of Ord Clubmates were in touch with an invitation to play on their rink behind the Tarradale Hotel.
Yesterday (Saturday), Jim Robb of Highland CC arranged a match at their Kingsmills rink. Many Nairn players were already committed to an indoor bonspiel, but Erich Berhendt, Jim Clark, Alan Bulcraig and Peter Duncan rose to the challange, and enjoyed a brilliant afternoon's curling capped with an 8 - 6 victory.
Maintaining an outdoor rink in readiness for a visit of Jack Frost involves a 12 month a year commitment, and local curlers are grateful to those two clubs who manage to produce ice on which the traditions of the outdoor game can be enjoyed.
Left - Kingsmills (photo Michael Green).
Centre - Muir of Ord (photo Alan Bulcraig).
Above: Time for a Break (photo Paul McIvor).
6th Januarry 2025
Whitelaw Kettle Points Competition
There was a good turn out of members for the annual "skills test".
Congratulations to the winners (pictured below with president Paul Macdonald), to those who took part and to Match Secretary Stephen Laurie.
Winner - Handicap
Winner - Handicap
Winner
Winner
Whitelaw Kettle
Whitelaw Kettle
Winner - Draw to the Bottle
Winner - Draw to the Bottle
28th December 2024
Past Presidents' Lunch
Past Presidents' Lunch
Twelve past presidents attended this biennial event held at Nairn Golf Club. The illustrious company included Alister Asher, currently president of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. Others in the picture are: Alistair Adam (1990-92), Dean Clark (2021-23), Stewart Baird (2010-12), Alan Stanfield MBE (1992-94), Club president Paul Macdonald, Hamish Clark (2012-14), Bill Young (1994-96), Alex Scott (2016-18), Hamish Bunker's nose (2014-16), Alistair Cruickshank (2018-21), Michael Green (2004-06), and Harold Forrester (1978-80). Camera-shy Colin Macgregor (1998-2000) missed photo call.
The Golf Club excelled in providing traditional curler's fare of broth, beef and greens and Paul kindly provided the wine. A good time was had by all.
7th December 2024
Area 13 Dennis Ice Bowl
Area 13 Dennis Ice Bowl
Nairn entered two teams in this Area 13 Bonspiel at Inverness Ice Centre and finished Winners and Runners-up. Congratulations to both teams - the result couldn't have been closer !
Runners-up - Nairn 1: Al Cruickshank(skip), Eric Behrendt (3), Colin Macgregor(2), and Danny Gray (Lead) - (4pts, +17 shots, 9 ends)
Winners - -Nairn 2: Mike McInnes(skip), Neil Gallacher(3), Gordon Millar(2), Ally Tunstall(Lead) - (4pts, +18 shots, 9 ends)
6th December 2024
2024-25 PARK CUP FINAL
This season's final saw the holder, Alex Bochel and his rink of Neil Watson, Peter Duncan and Gordon Millar, line up against a new Nairn Club Member, Calum Stewart and his rink of Neil Mapes, Michael Green and Garey Kerr. It was Alex's third consecutive appearance in the final, against Calum, who hails from Brora but with an excellent curling pedigree.
The Bochel rink started well, scoring a single, but then lost two singles in the next two ends. Crunch time came in the 4th end where Alex was a tadge heavy with his last stone and conceded a three. Calum was in control and scored two further singles against a single from Alex.
Congratulations are due to Calum Stewart and his rink. After the game Alex commented " The best team won. great performance from Calum's rink".
The final was played on excellent ice at Inverness Ice Centre, and Club members sitting back in Nairn were kept updated by Paul Macdonald posting commentary on WhatsApp with photos and videos as the drama unfolded.
Robert Park, the Club's first secretary who gifted the cup in 1921 and which was renamed by the Club in his honour in 1946, could not have imagined such a scenario.
But he would have recognised the curling spirit that prevailed ! Well done both teams !
2024-25 PARK CUP WINNERS
2024-25 PARK CUP WINNERS
Left to Right
Paul Macdonald (Cub President) , Calum Stewart (Skip), Garey Kerr (Third) , Michael Green (Second), and Neil Mapes (Lead).
16th November 2024
Nairn Curling Club ANNUAL BONSPIEL - 2024
Photos: Paul Macdonald
Nairn Curling Club. are strong upholders of the traditions of the game of curling. They have successfully held a curlers' Dinner and Court every year since 1957. (Read what happened to the 1956 dinner in the Club's history timeline here). Since November 2008 the Club have held a bonspiel in memory of the late Eric F Brown, ( pictures here) where it aims to capture the fun and friendly rivalry of times before artifical ice when the Game was played out-of-doors whenever Jack Frost obliged.
This year's Winners are:
2024 Winners - Loch Ness CC
2024 Runners-up. Alan Scott, Nairn CC
Low Road Winners - Ross Cope Nairn CC
Low Road Runners-up - Muir of Ord
2024 Macarthur Cup Winners - Nairn Alan Scott
2024 "Neeps" - Dalcross CC
Photos: Gus Forbes -Forbes Farm Fresh
10th November 2024
CONGRATULATIONS
ARDCLACH !
2025 - 25 PROVINCE CHAMPIONS
24 th September 2024
Nairn Curling Club's 2024-25 Season kicked off this week with the opening round of games in the Sandy Gunn League. Six teams took to the ice - it should have been eight but the Laurie v Forbes game had to be re-scheduled and was played some days earlier.
There were wins for Alex Bochel over his brother John, Paul Macdonald (last year's "neep") over Murray Urquhart (the title holder), Angus Smithson (new skip) over Scott Fraser, and Steven Laurie beat Gus Forbes in the earlier game.
The scores and league table can be found here
photo: Paul Macdonald
12th September 2024
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