The hard work has been done and Ice World Skating Club opens for business on Thursday 22nd October with the first Family Hour of the new season between 7pm and 8pm followed by the Disco night on Friday (7.30pm to 9.30 pm) and the Fun Day on Saturday 11am to 2pm.

Please support the ice stewards and committee with all their efforts. Thanks to all who have helped with the pre-season preparations in any way and good skating.

Planning Ahead

left to right: Steve Wilson (Ice Rink Manager), Ally Miller (President: Ice World Skating Club), Ian Young (Chairman: Forfar Curling Centre Club), Mike Ferguson (Director: Forfar Indoor Sports), Ian Stewart (President: Forfar Indoor Bowling Club).

"Through The House"

The second group meeting of the President's of the sporting clubs together with Steve Wilson the Ice Rink Manager and Mike Ferguson the owner of Forfar Indoor Sports was held tonight, Tuesday 20th October.

Another very positive and forward thinking meeting. The strength of all the sports pulling their ideas together was quite apparent and bodes well for the future. The Presidents will report back to their various committee's with the actions discussed.

At the same time there were some exciting games going on "through the house" with Rink Championship ties being played as the picture shows. As previously mentioned we are hoping to post scores from games shortly.

RCCC Area 9 Top Ten Competition

We are delighted to be hosting the RCCC Area 9 Top Ten Competition at Forfar this year.  After several successful years at Aberdeen Ice Rink the Area 9 committee have agreed that it is time for a change of venue to Forfar.

It is also been decided to move the timing of the competition towards the end of the season to allow clubs the opportunity to use the event as a end of season celebration with a strong social bearing.

A number of clubs have already entered and Area 9 is currently working on the competition details.  If any club who hasn't entered this great fun and sociable competition would like further details please send an email to mferguson@forfarindoorsports.co.uk or if you would like to enter a team please call Aileen at the ice rink on 01307 461777 or speak to Anne Donald your Area 9 RCCC representative.

As all clubs who have played in this event before will tesify this is a unique event with rinks, triples, pairs and hotshots all part of the make up of the competition.  Surely not to be missed.

Curling Coaching Sessions

The follow up to the open day continues with a very busy and active coaching session at the ice rink today (Saturday). With a good mix of adults and youths it was an excellent session and with bookings taken for the next session it looks like we will manage to find several new curlers for the season.

We have a meeting this forthcoming week between the presidents of the Forfar Curling Centre, Forfar Indoor Bowling Club and the Forfar Ice Skating Club to continue with the very positive ideas and thoughts presented at the first meeting between the groups.

We hope to start posting results from the curling and bowling on the blog soon in order that everyone can catch up whenever it is convenient for you. We will also be placing suggestion boxes around the complex so start thinking up those ideas and suggestions for us to get our teeth into.

Open Day Report

After a very successful day here are a few comments from Forfar Curling Centre's Chairman Ian Young: -

"The regular open day was held on Saturday 10 Oct 2009 with 5 kids and 13 adults turning up for an insight into what curling was all about.


A demonstration game was given by two teams, which gave those that turned up an idea what they were in for.

None of them believed they would be able to curl but after only an hours tuition by experienced coaches they took part in a game, surprising both themselves and the coaches of what they could achieve in such a short period. Clearly they would improve significantly for the beginners coaching sessions taking place on the 17 and 24 Oct and from the feedback received they all appear to be keen to come back.

One of the participants was so keen she was introduced to one of the club match secretaries on the day and is determined to get signed up.

Once the beginners sessions are completed the participants will be given details of the local clubs so that they can approach them to join up if they wish.

The regular coaching session took place after the open day session and we were glad to see a good turn out. It is hoped that this will be repeated throughout the season. The beginners will be encouraged to take part once the initial sessions are completed. Dates for the coaching sessions are posted on the notice boards."

Yet again a successful open day and thanks go to all those who helped and participated in any way. It brings home the importance of these events to keep new blood coming into the sport. We would hope to build on this success and hold further events and I would appeal to all clubs to support the efforts of the curling centre committee.

Let's not forget about our more experienced curlers and in this regard I would remind you about the RCCC Masterclass which is coming to the ice rink on Saturday 19th December, 2009. Truly it is a day not to be missed for any curler or coach looking to develop their game. For further information please ask at the rink or send an e-mail to mike@ferguson-oliver.co.uk.

Full Steam Ahead.......

Sorry there haven't been many postings lately. A quick holiday to warmer climates was needed but now back in blighty it is great to see the sports complex a hive of activity with the curling and bowling in full swing and the ice skating just about to start as well.

Thanks must go to Steve, Andy & Keith for the many hard hours of work getting the ice prepared and getting used to all the new plant equipment in such a short time. Particular thanks go to Steve for the many extra hours spent at the ice rink wrestling with fluctuating tempartures and teething problems. Indoor ice doesn't make itself so well done to all.

Thanks also go to Aileen for all her hard work in the office getting the ice bookings arranged and trying to keep everyone happy, often a thankless but necessary task.

I would also thank Linda, Moira and all the catering and bar staff and wish them a successful season. Please make use of all the services and facilities. It is your club and your sport let's have a great season.

More posts soon with pictures notifications and stories.

Curling Open Day: Saturday 10th October, 2009

Just a quick reminder that Forfar Curling Centre is holding it's annual free open day on Saturday 10th October starting at 10am. The session will consist of a demonstration game, a brief history of the sport followed by coaching and a chance to play a game.

Previous open days have proven a great success so please rally numbers to make this year equally successful. Guests can simply turn up on the day or pre-book by calling 01307 468668.

Suggested clothing is warm loose clothes with trainers. Follow up coaching will be available on Saturday 17th October and Saturday 24th October at 10am on both sessions. Further coaching will be available throughout the season.

FCC has put together a poster to publicise the event. If you can display the poster or would be willing to distribute it please e-mail: mferguson@forfarindoorsports.co.uk or call 01307 468668.

RCCC Masterclass: Saturday 19th December, 2009.

The next RCCC Masterclass will be hosted by Forfar Ice Rink on Saturday 19th December. This is a great opportunity to seek advice and feedback to improve areas of your own game and to use some of the technologies used at the elite end of the sport. To download an application form or for more information on the Masterclass, click RCCC Masterclass.

I would strongly recommend anyone with an interest in developing their game to register for the Masterclass. I have been present at two so far and the reaction from attendees to both was entirely postive. Judith McFarlane and her team are continually developing and improving the content on the day and it would be great if Forfar could support their efforts with a full turnout. Places are limited with bokings taken on a first come, first booked basis. So the message is clear don't delay book your place now.

We will post a full agenda for the day shortly.

Almost ready.....

The stones are lined up and waiting........

The sheets are freshly painted.....

Most importantly the plant is installed........

Events are progressing well at the ice rink as we prepare for the new season. A great deal of effort has gone in over the close season with car parking improvements, repairs, decoration and of course an entire new plant.

The plant is fully installed and was commissioned off over the weekend. The picture shows Steve Wilson & Andy McGlynn getting some instruction from the commissioning engineer Martin. Temperature is gradually being reduced in preparation for the laying of the core ice.

Other improvements are planned in the build up to the first session of ice on 10th October, 2009.

The management & staff are looking forward to welcoming everyone to a new season of competitive yet friendly curling. Please keep visiting this blog for updates and news.

Transfer of Ownership

The ownership of Forfar Indoor Sports has changed hands with local curler and businessman, Mike Ferguson taking over the helm from Brian Bonnyman after 20 years dedication and commitment.

Commenting on the transfer Brian says "I am very pleased to announce the ownership of the Forfar Indoor Sports has been taken over by Mike Ferguson a well known figure in curling circles.

Mike has been the RCCC Area 9 representative and was the first chairman of the Board of Directors of the RCCC. Less well known he was also a competitive bowler in his younger days.

Mike is a keen and enthusiastic curler as well as an able businessman and I am delighted to be handing over to such a competent successor.

All arrangements with the Forfar Center Curling Club, Ice World Skating Club and the Forfar Indoor Bowling Club will continue as before as will the ice staff and catering arrangements although I am sure Mike is brimming with ideas to impove all our activities.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 20 years ownership of Forfar Indoor Sports and am pleased to hand over with everything in good order including a recently renewed bowling carpet and brand new ice making equipment which will set up operations for many years to come.

I will of course continue with my curling and look forward to seeing everybody in the future."

Likewise Mike is equally enthusiastic. "I am delighted to write to you as the proud new owner of Forfar Indoor Sports having agreed terms with Mr Brian Bonnyman after extremely amicable negotiations.

My first act is to thank Brian for his dedication and commitment to Forfar Indoor Sports over the past 20 years. I only hope I can build on his success to the ultimate enjoyment and benefit of all members.

As a curler, bowler and very poor ice skater I look forward to working towards developing participation in sports I am passionate about. The coming season will offer considerable opportunities to develop our sports notably a Winter Olympics and a further "Dancing on Ice" series. I sincerely hope I can work with members, listen to your ideas and suggestions to make the entire Forfar Indoor Sports experience an enjoyable and rewarding one. I look forward to working with Forfar Curling Centre, Forfar Indoor Bowling Club, Ice World Skating Club, individual clubs and members to this end.

Whilst it is my intention to keep all arrangements as is I will look to gradually bring in a few new ideas and concepts and your support and patience would be greatly appreciated. I am a great believer in communication therefore please look out for notification of events and projects as they arise."