150th Anniversary
Tallying up one and a half centuries on the ice, Broughty Ferry Curling Club recently celebrated its 150th anniversary in fine style with a special get together. A host of past and present members aged in their 40s to their late 90s were joined by their guests for a sumptuous afternoon tea at the Woodlands Hotel.
High on the list of shared memories were exploits and competitions enjoyed far and wide, including European fixtures and rare Scottish grand matches, such as the last one held in 1979 when the club fielded three teams. Enriching the recollections were further delights offered by a display of curling memorabilia, including historical equipment, trophies and photographs.
President Hamish Thomson welcomed members to a much anticipated post-lockdown year of matches and past president Ian Steven provided some illuminating highlights of playing in different environments.
“These days, it is hard to imagine enjoying outdoor competitions,” observed Ian. “When our rinks occupied the current Bonspiel Gardens site, we hosted regular al fresco games during the 1930s to the end of the 1950s.”
Ian continued: “Throughout the years our successes have been many and varied. These include those of the women’s team who famously won the 1981 Scottish ladies championship to much acclaim.”
Following Ian, honouree member Sinclair Aitken’s regaled amusing tales of the last Grand Match in 1979, when the club had enough members to field three teams on the ice of Lake Menteith. The celebrations were concluded as anniversary cake designed by Vivien Scott was cut by senior past president John Gray and Lindore Aitken. Vice president Doug Allstaff closed with a vote thanks to Match secretary Alastair Scott, Vivian Scott and all involved in making the occasion such a success.
The club welcomes new members: Contact broughtyferrycurling @gmail.com or through
Facebook/broughtyferrycurling www.broughtyferrycurling.co.uk.
