The Alternative Curling Club celebrated its twenty-five years by holding a bonspiel at Greenacres today. Six club rinks were joined by representatives from other clubs: Marven's Marvels, Canadian, Galleon, Between the Sheets, Gleniffer, Kilmacolm, Gourock, Reform, Bridge of Weir and Auchenames.Click on the photo to see it much larger!
And here I am with some of the 'Original Alternatives', who haven't changed a bit during the intervening years. Back L-R: Jim Welsford, David Robertson, Gillian Whiteford, Paul Birch, George Manson, Gordon Eadie. Front: Mairi Brown, Sally Gray, Gillian Wright, Janice Manson. (Thanks to Hugh Stewart for taking the pic)The Club recognised some 87 members past and present today.
Jock Laidlaw welcomed everyone! The format was two end games, a break with your opposition, another two ends with different rules, cream tea, more curling, supper and prizes, and great fun.
All played in good spirit!
The curling of course was taken extremely seriously!
Janice Manson, an 'original' - as all would agree in every sense! That's the Alternative crest.
Sally Gray reminded me that when we instructed newcomers to the sport back in the mid-80s, much of the first lesson or two, was spent sliding without a stone! The Alternative Club grew out of regular Sunday night drop-in coaching sessions that I organised with much encouragement from John Stevenson, the rink owner, Hamish the manager, and considerable help from other instructors, in particular Christine and Hugh Stewart.
Could this be a glimpse of the future? Indeed, the Loudmouth and Wack pants have caught on with some men's teams, how about mini kilts and fancy tights for the women's teams?
It was indeed a good shot - especially as a 'no sweeping' rule was in force for this two end game!
I would like to think that when Jamie Forbes is twenty-five, the Alternative Curling Club will be celebrating another big birthday. That's him with mum Clare, being introduced to curling at an early stage in life!I would like to wish the Alternative CC members continued success in the future, and I am extremely proud of my association with them.
Special thanks today to the efforts of Scotrail and the Stewart taxi service for getting me from Aberdeen to Greenacres and return in comfort and on time. What a great day!
Photos © Skip Cottage
