At our first meeting of the new year, business covered options for another coastal path walk, 2025’s RYLA (Rotary Young Leadership Award) and plans for the Primary School Quiz. Our meeting of the 3rd February will also be our opportunity to invite the friends who helped with the ‘Christmas postal delivery service’ - ‘The Posties’.

Following business, speaker was  club member John O’Neill, an enthusiastic curler, who took curling stones as his topic.

We heard that, as of 2004, 60 to 70% of all curling stones in use  were made from granite from the island of Arran, off the Ayrshire coast. It is one of only two sources for all stones in the sport, the other being the Trefor Granite Quarry in Wales. Ailsa Craig produced two types of granite for curling, Blue Hone and Ailsa Craig Common Green. It was interesting to learn that the finer ‘Blue Hone’ stone is used for the underside which is in contact with the ice. The remainder is also made from Arran granite - but of  the less expensive ‘common green’ type. Production in Scotland is in Mauchline and by a small family business.

There was history too from the use of very rough rock used in the 1500’s to the gradual development of shaped stones through the 1600’s.

As well as the technology of the stones, John spoke of the history and joy of curling - from the days of the ‘Bon Spiel’ to places like Largs’ Marine and Curlinghall Hotel, where outdoor ice was provided in the winter months. 

A very interesting talk and following questions a warm vote of thanks was proposed by Colin Campbell.