Mike Ferguson to be international representative

Congratulations to Mike Ferguson (left) on being selected to be one of the Royal Club's representatives on the international federations. Applications were invited back in July and I wrote about that here.

The announcement was made on the Royal Club website on Friday and reads, "Following a selection process that was completed on 9th August we are pleased to announce that Mike Ferguson (Edzell Curling Club) will be joining Hew Chalmers, Edith Loudon and Bruce Crawford as the fourth current international representative for the Royal Club, at European and World Curling Federations meetings. Mike has a wealth of business experience in the insurance and investment sectors but is also the owner of Forfar Ice Rink and was chairman of the Royal Club’s board of directors from 2005-08. Mike’s experiences in working with the media, marketing, public speaking and negotiating will equip him well in representing the Royal Club at an international level."

Mike says, "I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to represent the Royal Club and its members in this important role.

I applied for the position, as I genuinely believe in the important role the RCCC has to play in the development of the modern game. As the Mother Club the Royal Club has to steer a tough route between using its experience of the sport gained over many years to influence the direction of the ECF/WCF whilst at the same time building relations with fellow member countries.

I believe the Royal Club has to play a strong role in helping to shape the rules and the future structure of the ECF/WCF to ensure that the sport is fit for the 21st century and to achieve this it is important to work as a team with the other Scottish reps to lobby and network in a consistent manner.

I have already started pulling together the information I need to enable me to get up to speed as quickly as possible and certainly in advance of the external relations committee in September."

The photo of Mike is from 2007 when he was Chairman of the Royal Club Board and is © Skip Cottage.

All ahead at Forfar

It was in September 17 last year that it was announced that Mike Ferguson had become the new owner of the Forfar Indoor Sports complex, see here. There's been a number of pointers that the rink is flourishing under a new regime. There's new plant, new competitions and much support for the youngsters in schools, juniors and even the under-twelves (see here).

There are two developments which have prompted this blog post today. The first is that the rink is looking to employ a full-time Curling Officer, in partnership with the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. The advert and details of the post are here.

The second is that the Forfar Open is back! This competition used to attract competitive local teams. There are many now, right across the country, who might appreciate getting the opportunity for good competitive curling early in the season. The event is open to men or women, seniors and juniors. Overseas teams too will be welcome.

The dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 7-9, 2010. That's the week following the Glasgow Audi Braehead Open which I mentioned recently. The revamped competition deserves support. Pass the word!

I asked Mike what his first season in charge had been like. He said, "The season past has been one of listening, learning and reviewing operations. It has been a most enjoyable and rewarding venture so far. The support from the curlers and staff has been excellent and apart from an early hiccup with the new plant we haven't had many issues to face. We managed to make a few tweaks here and there which were well received and following a recent mailing for opinions and comments it would appear our efforts have been appreciated."

New developments will see the rink's stones being refurbished at Kays of Scotland in Mauchline over the summer. A new corporate/social lounge is under construction in order that the rink can start offering corporate packages to attract new curlers.

Mike adds, "We are also supporting clubs in their efforts to hold more guest nights. With over fifty young curlers attending the Forfar Young Curlers sessions on Saturday mornings the future looks bright. All in all, it looks very exciting for the new season and with the addition of the new Curling Officer it is time to put Forfar firmly on the curling map."

Clarissa's story

Outside curling enthusiasts might enjoy the little story that has just been posted on the Curling History blog here.

And the mainstream media has cottoned on to the possibility of a Grand Match. Here's a story from the Guardian.

Does your club have a team (or teams) in the Grand Match draw? You can check here. Just a reminder that you need to provide your own stones!

Mike Ferguson has been in touch, to remind me of who won last time! In fact the North beat the South 3937 - 3144. The highest up club was Edzell.

L-R: Bob Inglis, Robert Miller, Dave Wilson, Sandy Callagari, Dod Hay, Bobby Craik and David Hood Snr. (David Hood Jnr is missing from the picture, possibly away refreshing himself at the time, suggests Mike!)

Mike says, "As holders of the Grand Match trophy we are looking forward to the event being staged once again and given the opportunity to defend our title."

New owner for Forfar

Forfar's curling, skating and bowling facility has changed hands. Mike Ferguson, former RCCC Chairman, has taken it over from Brian Bonnyman who has run the company for twenty years.

The news is on the rink's new blog here.

I wish Mike every success and best wishes in this new venture. I look forward to visiting the rink in the near future. A new ice making plant is being installed prior to the start of the season.