Call for Juniors for Dumfries International

Graham Sloan, the Dumfries Area Curling Development Officer, has been in touch about the Junior International Globe Trophy, now a fixture at the Ice Bowl at the end of the season. He is looking for a few more teams to make up a full draw - the competition (or competitions as the event has a 'road' for everyone) can take a maximum of thirty-two teams.

The competition will see curlers from Norway, Sweden, Poland, England and Switzerland taking part.

So, if you have plans to get together with a new junior team next season, or want to get together with this season's team one last time, or can persuade three friends to join up with you for a fun weekend in Dumfries, then contact Graham NOW. His contact details are here.

The competition dates? April 1-3, 2011.

Of course, for the first time the International will be held in the new dedicated curling rink. I called in to the Ice Bowl today to see how it was getting on since I first saw it last month. A one-day Ladies Bonspiel was just winding up, so here are a few photos which will give you an idea what the rink looks like.

This used to be the indoor bowling rink. Scoreboards have been put up since my last visit, and advertisers are being recruited.

I've heard good reports from curlers using the rink, and the ice seems true and keen.

Despite the constraints of utilising an existing space, the rink to me seems bright and spacious, and of course is not hemmed in by barriers as in the hockey and skating arena which remains in use next door.

It is exciting to see curling in a new venue, and a Council run one at that! I wish it every success.

There's a bright and colourful curlers' lounge overlooking the new ice pad.

Just the place to join your opposition after the game.

Teams from Dalbeattie Ladies, Nithsdale Ladies, Victoria Ladies, Dumfries CC, Nunholm, Maxwelltown (2), Threave (2), New Abbey, and Hollywood took part in today's bonspiel together with a 'Mixed Ladies' (!) side, skipped by Fiona Hardie who finished in third place. The trophy and sponsorship by Barbours of Dumfries is the longest running at the rink. Every participant goes away with a gift voucher for Barbours!

Above is the winning team, the highest aggregate on shots over two games today, representing Dumfries CC. L-R: Gillian Graham (2nd), Ann Johnstone (skip), Irene Doidge (3rd) and June Green (lead).

The runners-up, Nunholm CC. L-R: Margaret Wilson (skip), Chris Anderson (lead), Annie Stoddart (2nd) and Maureen Woods (3rd).

Here's the presentation group, with Douglas Barbour (now 85) representing the sponsor, and Anne Templeton, President Dumfries Ladies Section.

Photos © Skip Cottage