Graham Arnot Trophy 2009

Here is a more detailed report on the Graham Arnot Competition prepapred by Ian Young:

This years Graham Arnot was played over two days, 28 and 29 December 2009 again sponsored by Strathmore Foods who provided the prizes.


12 teams took part with three games being played in the first day. 6 sheets were used with all sections playing at the same time. All teams coped well with having to play three games and some excellent curling took place.

8 teams qualified for the semi finals. Gordon Craik, Ian Young and Andy McGlynn qualified for the High Road as winners of the three sections with Adrian White taking the fourth spot as best second place in Section 3.

Bill Thomson, David Russell, Stuart Stark and Don Stark qualified for the Low Road with the latter making it into the semis by one end.

All semi finals were keenly contested with Adrian White and Andy McGlynn going through to the High Road final. Andy found himself 3 down going into the last two ends but managed to take a three in the 7th end and a single at the 8th to win through.

Bill Thomson and Stuart Stark won through to the Low Road final with Stuart managing to succeed over his father.

Two marvellous finals then took place with both games going to the last end.

In the high road Andy and Adrian exchanged a two and a three in the first two ends with Adrian having the upper hand. Three ends were then blanked with Andy taking a two in the 6th end to lead by one. Adrian took a three in the 7th to take a two shot lead into the last end. Despite Andy’s best efforts he was only able to take a one in the last to leave Adrian victorious.

The Low Road final was a very close affair with the teams exchanging shots at each end. They went into the last end all square and it was anyone’s game but Stuart Stark having the advantage of last stone. This proved crucial as he managed to take the last end by one shot.

The presentation of prizes took place immediately after the finals with Ian Clarke. Sales Director of Strathmore Foods, presenting the trophy and prizes.

Thanks go to all the teams who took part and we look forward to your entry for next years competition. Thanks also go to Steve and his team for the preparation of the ice and Linda and her team for provision of food and drink over the two days.

Festive Curling Activity

There is a great deal of activity going on at the ice rink right now.

It was very encouraging to see a healthy turn out for the Graham Arnot trophy over Monday & Tuesday. Healthy competition was had by all with Adrian White's rink of Adrian, Jill McDonald, Craig Johnston and Adrian's sister the eventual winners beating Andy McGlynn's rink in high road final.

Stewart Stark's rink beat Bill Thomson's rink in the low road final. The losing semi finalists were Gordon Craik & Ian Young in the High Road and Don Stark & David Russell in the low rink.

Great competition played in an excellent spirit. Many thanks go to the sponsors McIntosh Scottish Foods and well done to the Curling Centre for organising the event.

As I write this the Forfar Young Curlers are hosting an under-17's competition which reaches it's climax today (Wednesday). It is great to see the rink full of so many young talented curlers with many having travelled quite a distance to get to Forfar through some dreadful weather. Good luck to all

Farmers Sponsors Invitation 2009.

After many years absence the Forfar Farmers Curling competition was resurected in the format of a sponsors invitation.

With eight rinks battling it out over 2 days good competition was had by all. With excellent fast and swinging ice most games went to the wire with one section only decided by shots up after points and ends were the same for three rinks.

Our thanks go to the sponsors without whose support the competition wouldn't happen: -

• Powerwasher Services
• Netherton Tractors
• John Guthrie Limited
• Strathtay Potatoes Ltd
• Ferguson Oliver
• Forfar Indoor Sports

All involved enjoyed the 2 days and it is hoped we can build on this success and make the Farmers Competition a regular event on the calender.

The competition was won by Ferguson Oliver 2 comprising of Colin Inglis, Ron Caithness, Roy Kerr, Bill Thomson, Bobby Craik and Mike Ferguson who played in the rink at some time or another over the competition. Here are a selection of the winning teams: -

Well done to all and very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year from all at Forfar Indoor Sports.

RCCC Masterclass: Saturday 19th December

By all accounts the RCCC Masterclass was a great success with good feedback from those that attended.

A full report and pictures can be found here: -

http://www.royalcaledoniancurlingclub.org/nlstory.cfm?ID=36321&NLID=40830

Our thank go to all who participated and to the RCCC coaches and staff for travelling up to Forfar on such a cold day. Hopefully we can hold another masterclass next year.

Ice Skating Update

I nipped through to the ice skating last Thursday night to see what went on during the Thursday Family nights.

It was very encouraging to see so many parents and kids enjoying themselves and to see the efforts of all the stewards and attendants whose hard work is truly appreciated.

I hope to post much more from the ice skating rink in the new few weeks.

Bowls Report w/c 30/11/09

SENIORS:

Forfar exacted revenge on Bon Accord with a 20 shot victory, mainly due to the rink skipped by Angus Walker well supported by Jock Buist, Ian Gerrard & Peter Simpson.

The full results are: -

• A Walker  32  -  D Callum  7
• J I Stewart  16  -  J Patterson  17
• A M Milne  8  -  R Airth  11
• A Dick  12  -  A McGaughey  13

Total Forfar  68  Bon Accord  48

THE WILLIE PETRIE MIXED PAIRS

An excellent weekend of bowling with some really exciting stuff with the final going to the last bowl.

The semi-finalists were: -

Matthew Ord & Audrey Stewart   v   Dave Carrie & Margaret Webster
Edward Aspinal & Janet Milne  v  Sheila Alexander & Philip Nicoll

Winners Edward Aspinal & Janet Milne who beat Dave Carrie & Margaret Webster in the final.

The club is once again indebted to WIllie Petrie for his sponsorship and continued support for next year.

My thanks go to Ian Stewart for providing me with the report. More next week.

Curling Coaching

We are often being asked about coaching for curling and we know there are many curlers both novice and experienced who would enjoy the odd session or two. Less well known is that fact that there are regular coaching session when you can simply turn up and participate. The sessions booked in at present are: -

•  Sunday 6 Dec @ 10.30am
• Saturday 12 Dec @ 3pm
• Sunday 27 Dec @ 12.45pm
• Sunday 10 Jan @ 1pm
• Saturday 16 Jan @ 10.30pm
• Sunday 24 Jan @ 1pm
• Saturday 6 Feb @ 3pm
• Sunday 14 Feb @ 1pm
• Sunday 21 Feb @ 1pm
• Saturday 13 March @ 3pm
• Saturday 20 March @ 3pm

In addition Andy McGlynn holds sessions every Monday morning at 11am.
 
If you want to come along please feel free to do so you will made most welcome as can be testified by those already attending. We are in the process of creating a coaching & development notice board where more information on the subject will be found.
 
If any club wants to organise a coaching session for their members please get in touch and we will see what we can do.
 
Oh and don't forget about the RCCC Masterclass on December 19th we are still taking bookings for what is an excellent and not to be missed day.
 
Good Curling !!
 

Bowls Report

Ian Stewart has kindly supplied the following bowls report: -

SENIORS:

The seniors palyed Stonehaven last Wednesday and were beaten by 17 shots. This was a keenly contested match with the rinks of Vernon Russell and Ian stewart beaten by "lucky" bowls when lying game. The other skips on the day were Archie Dick & Alex Milne.

SATURDAY LEAGUE:

The men visited Bon Accord and went down by 13 shots. The scores were as follows: -

Mike Nicoll  14  A.T. Molley  19
Phillip Nicoll  19  J.Millar  19
Vernon Russell  20  S Anderson  20
Laurence Torrie  18  J. Patterson  26

LADIES:

The Ladies picked up mezximum points and shots on Saturday as the infortunate Headwell team were caught up in traffic chaos and failed to meet the time deadline.

CLUB MIXED PAIRS:

Well done to Hazel Stewart & JIm Struthers who made an heroic effort in going down by the odd shot against the strong pair of Phyllis Aitchison & Phllip Nicoll.

More reports soon.....

Bowling Update

I have been passed the following results from the Indoor Bowling committee. Hopefully we can build on this and start posting some match reports, future competitions, etc. In the meantime my thanks go to the bowling committee for supporting the blog with these results.

The pictures above show the senior bowlers in action at Forfar.

31/10/09


Forfar Men win by one shot at Stonehaven

Forfar Ladies win by one shot at home to Stonehaven

7/11/09

Ladies go down by 15 shots at Alloa

11/11/09

Gents senior team pipped by one shot at home to Dundee

14/11/09

Men win by 29 shots at home v. Inverness Ladies go down at Dundee

Talks are under way for a curlers v bowlers game of bowls anyone interested from either camp please send me an e-mail: mike@ferguson-oliver.co.uk
 
 

Plant Update & Curling Stones Field Test

Just a very quick note to inform members that the plant is now fully operational and the problem has been identified and repaired. Steps have also been taken to make sure the same problem doesn't occur again (hopefully).

Thank you for your patience. If you were effected by the closure please accept my apologies for any inconvenience. If you need to re-arrange games please speak with Steve or Aileen in the office as soon as possible.

With regard to the temporary stones we are testing as we now have considerable feedback we will review the position with a view to arriving at decisions on how best to proceed. We will publish the result of all the feedback and actions we propose to take as soon we have decided what they are going to be. It is a complicated process and a great deal has to be taken into account before we refurbish stones. Once stones are altered there is no going back so we have to get it correct first time. Your patience will again be appreciated.

Plant Failure Update

The Temporary Plant

Linked Up To Our Plant

The Ladies Open Pairs

After another day of up's and down's I am delighted to say we managed a full day of curling with the Ladies Open Pairs and various club games managing to compete.

It really has been a testing and stressful few days but it would now appear we are through the worst with the new plant back up and running and the ice rink back at the correct temperature. The plant still needs a couple of repairs but these should be fairly simple and shouldn't put the plant at risk. So we are told.....

To try and demonstrate just what we have been going through I have posted a picture of the temporary plant that had to be installed while the engineers sought the problem to the internal plant. As you can see it takes quite a bit of equipment even to hold the core ice never mind make the finished ice. Again my thanks go to Steve, Andy & Keith for their determined efforts to "save the ice". Perhaps we should start a campaign.

The other picture is a far happier sight as the ladies compete in the Ladies Open Pairs earlier today.

As I say hopefully the worst is behind us and we can now look forward to settled ice once again and continue to test the temporary stones to see what we want to do with our stones. Please complete the feedback forms as any final decision will be based on the feedback recieved.

Keep checking back for updates & news.

Plant Update

After another stressful night. After a temporary "fix" was installed eventually at 1am the ice is starting to freeze again thankfully. The replacement electrical part for the motherboard should be arriving today. All going well we will be ready for the first evening session tonight and the plant will be running smoothly again.

Unfortunately the Ladies Open Pairs has been put off until tomorrow (wednesday) and it is hoped that the competition will be played over 2 days. Thank you ladies for your understanding.

Again please accept our apologies. It is something outwith our hands however the efforts of all at the ice rink to hold our core ice have been tremendous. A truly dedicated team led by Steve. Thanks go to all.

Announcement: Ice Plant Broken

The Ice Plant went down in the early hours of Sunday morning leaving us with no other option other than cancel Sunday & Monday's ice. We deeply regret this however we trust everyone will appreciate that the fault is outwith our control.

The problem has been identified and steps are being taken to get the ice sheets back up and running as quickly as possible. If everything goes to plan we should have curling ice back up on Tuesday morning in time for the Ladies Open Pairs competition.

I am sure you can appreciate it has been a particularly stressfull past couple of days and my thanks go to Steve for his tremendous efforts to keep our core ice intact, ably assisted by Andy.

We will keep everyone informed as events progress but as mentioned if everything goes to plan we should be back to normal by tomorrow (Tuesday) mid-morning.

Thank you for your patience & understanding.

M.S. Ferguson (Director)

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."