275 and counting for local curling club
Members of Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club celebrated their 275th anniversary with a special bonspiel at Forfar Ice Rink followed by a dinner at the Red House Hotel in Coupar Angus.
The club is believed to have been founded in or prior to 1749, only three years after Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army were defeated at Culloden, and is the seventh oldest to be affiliated to the Royal Caledonian Curling Club (RCCC).
The club possess the oldest known surviving curling club minutes book, which features continuous records dating back to 1772, although it is thought the sport can trace its roots in the area further back than this.
The earliest form of trophies were medals and the club’s fascinating archive features some of the oldest of their kind in existence, dating back to 1772 and 1774.
Bonspiel participants from club’s across the sport’s Strathmore Province were welcomed to the friendly gathering at the Angus sports complex by club president Liz Ireland.
The dinner, which was also attended by many past members, saw RCCC vicepresident Alister Asher present Allie Lyburn – an honorary Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club members and the club’s longest-serving one – with a special medal to mark 50 years of continuous involvement.
Other speakers were club secretary Barbara Allan, World Curling Federation board member Robin Niven and Keith Spalding from Dunsinane Curling Club.
Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club was formed with a membership of 40, which included local people from all backgrounds who came together to play the ‘roaring game’. Barbara said she was confident that the club would continued to flourish in the future.
Reflecting on the two celebratory events, which took place on February 10, she continued: “Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club wish to thank the many local business who generously donated to our fundraising requests, along with family, friends, Strathmore Province members and ex-members who all helped to make the day extra special.
“In common with many other curling clubs throughout Scotland, attracting and retaining members remains a major issue - but Coupar Angus and Kettins Curling Club has a strong core of members who are all very proud of their long heritage.
“To have remained active for over 275 years is a big achievement. The club is confident that they will rise to the challenges of the future and will still be playing the ‘roaring game’ in 2044 when they reach their 300-year milestone.”
• Picture credit: Ron Stephen