Angela Higson of the South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club and I were exchanging pleasantries (as one does) after a game recently. She was telling me about the best Scotch pies in the country! Important information, I'm sure you will agree, for Skip Cottage Curling to know.Angela has sent the report below:
"The Silver Bell horse racing trophy was run for hundreds of years at Lanark racecourse, but there is a new Lanarkshire-based Silver Bell trophy now - for a very different sport.
Bells Food Group, the Shotts based family bakery firm, sponsored South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling club's first ever Pairs Tournament. Naturally a silver bell was deemed an appropriate trophy, given its Lanarkshire history.
For four Mondays, SLWCC members battled their way to the semifinals, and then the final last week. The winning pair were Gordon Rainey and Brian Douglas. In a thrilling match they beat Rosemary Lenton and Gerald Pocock. The game went down to the last stone of a playoff, the two teams having tied at the finish of five ends.
John Bell presented the new Silver Bell to Gordon and Brian, after they (and all members) had warmed up on some Bells pies! Every member also received a goodie bag of treats from Bells - iced gingerbread. (I'm suddenly feeling hungry. Bob)
It was a great competition to start off the season, and SLWCC thanks the sponsors for their support. The success of the competition will ensure the presentation of The Silver Bell Trophy becoming an annual event on our sporting calendar for many years to come."
So there you are. If anyone now asks you, "What is the connection between curling and the humble Scotch pie?" you know the answer!
And while I'm talking here about Wheelchair Pairs Curling, the Star Refrigeration National Pairs Championship is this coming weekend, October 29-31, at Braehead. Twenty-one teams are taking part, playing in three sections of five, and one section of six. The draw is here. Play begins on Friday at 5.30 pm.
The top team from each section qualifies for the high road semifinals at 12.45 pm on Sunday, with the final of the national championship scheduled for 2.30 pm. Second placed teams in each section play in a low road.
The photo of John with Gordon and Brian is courtesy of Paul Webster.
