Seasons greetings from the sporting community – part 1
Taynuilt Golf Club
‘Seasons greetings to all our members and best wishes for a happy 2021.
‘2020 has thrown up lots of challenges for the club but our members, old and new, have been supportive and we have welcomed many new members to the game of golf.
‘Many rounds have been enjoyed on our fabulous course which has given some respite from the pandemic. We have really appreciated the professional coaching offered by Craig Lee and Heather MacRae and look forward to their return visits.
New season
‘We also look forward to welcoming members, member’s guests and visitors by the time the new season begins in March 2021.’
Oban Otters
‘Oban Otters has had the longest dry spell in its 45-year history, with seven months out of the pool due to Covid restrictions.
‘The club ran online dry-land fitness training with help from Joe Wicks and encouraged swimmers to run, cycle and generally stay active.
‘Getting back into the pool in early November was a major achievement. New procedures were implemented by Covid officer Emma Boyle and head coach Amanda Coates, with essential support from Atlantis Leisure and Scottish Swimming.
‘We’ve ended the year on a high with a virtual Argyll and Clyde Championship, with each club doing their races in their own pool and combining the results to find medal winners. We had some personal bests and hopefully some medal winners.
‘Club chairwoman Moira Logan’s message to Oban Times readers is: ‘Swimming is a fantastic sport for mental and physical health and no matter what your goals are, get in the water and swim.
‘The pool at Atlantis needs swimmers to stay afloat, so book in and enjoy the fab new changing rooms and swim in whatever way is right for you.
‘Season’s greetings to everyone.’
Isle of Seil Golf Club
‘Best wishes and thanks to all members, sponsors - the Oyster Bar and Enviro-centre - visitors and supporters during this year of Covid restrictions.
Our course is in great condition enabled by our volunteer greenkeepers, led by Mark McDougall and the tractor shed mechanics.
New forward tees - blue for beginners, juniors and less able - along with a reinstated ladies red tees course led to an increase in membership and visitor numbers.
Most competitions, some primary school coaching and all social events were cancelled with exception of the following 9-hole stableford competitions: Winter League and Wednesday Winter 2019/20 – John Taylor; Summer League 2020 – Gordon McKenzie; Graham Hunt Trophy (Wednesday Summer) – Mark McDougall; Ian Fullerton Charity – Mark McDougall (Autism Aware UK chosen).
2021 is our 25th anniversary and we hope to welcome everyone to celebrations and to the return of competition and social golf starting with the Ne’er Day 9-hole stableford, noon start. We will also be going online with scottishgolf.org in 2021.’
Oban Lorne RFC
‘Oban Lorne Rugby Football Club wishes all their members and the wider community a good New Year.
‘2020 has been very challenging for everyone but our wee town has shown great community spirit and resilience.
‘Oban Lorne will be back in 2021 for a fresh start and is looking forward to welcoming you all back to the clubhouse.
Take care of each other and stay safe over the festive break.’
Abi Evans
‘2020 started with a knee operation which kept me out of the 6 Nations.
‘The whole 7’s season was cancelled but the Women’s Allianz Premier League is up and running and it’s great to be playing again.
‘Scotland has much to look forward to in 2021 with the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand - if we get through qualifying and the 6 Nations as well as a full 7’s season.
‘I hope 2021 sees all sports flourishing again and I wish everyone all the best for 2021.’