Douglas Curling Club was inaugurated on 25th January 1792 in the village of Douglas, Lanarkshire, Scotland, although curling had certainly been played on a regular basis for a considerable time before that date. Douglas CC is not the oldest curling club in the world, however it is unique in having a complete set of recorded minutes from constitution to the present day. Curlers from all walks of life were attracted to the ‘roaring game’ as the following Burns’ parody extols.

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‘Ours is a game for Duke or Lord
Lairds, tenants, kinds and a’ that
Oor Pastors too, wha’ preach the word
Whiles ply the broom for a’ that

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Robert McMorran - Manufacturer
Thomas Hamilton - Wright
Hugh Gall - Mason
John Telfer - Mason
James Hamilton - Writer
Thomas Haddow - Shoemaker
Thomas Brown - Merchant
Thom. Laidley - Chappel
James Gillespie -
John Laidley - Weaver
William Howieson - Writer
John Gall - Innkeeper
William McCubbin - Minister
James Broadfoot - Merchant
John Greenshields - Wright
John Inglis - Holm
Alexander Lindsay - Shoemaker
James Whiteford - Schoolmaster
James Greenshields - Smith
Robert Scott - Residenter

 

Douglas Curling Club was initially known as Douglas St Brides Curling Club, however following the formation of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club in 1843, St Brides amalgamated with the neighbouring Douglas Water Club and joined the RCCC as Douglas Curling Club under the patronage of the Earl of Home, on 26th March 1858.

The club consisted of 67 regular curlers and 12 occasional curlers

In these early years curling was of course played outdoors at various locations to suit ice conditions and/or opponents locality. The playing surfaces were naturally formed; it was not until the early 20th century that artificial rinks were created using a clay bed filled with water and allowed to freeze. In subsequent years clay gave way to tarmac and both eventually gave way to the indoor game in modern ice rinks.

 

An annual feature of the club is the Curling Club Supper at which members and friends come together in an evening of songs and stories, after having dined on the traditional fare of 'beef and greens'. For over a century the evening has begun with the sining of the 'Curlers Song' followed by toasts and speeches, aided by a few libations.

Another popular event is the ‘Curlers Court’, at which, new applicants are initiated into the curling brotherhood by being ‘made’ in the presence of a court of members headed by My Lord, My Lords Officer, and his assistants. The courts are held as required, the latest event being conducted in 1997 when 12 curlers were ‘made’ and duly received into the club.

Over the years a number of Douglas Curling Club Rinks have ventured abroad to play in various tournaments in Switzerland and in Holland. Indeed, a rink comprising Robert Grieve - Skip, James Clarkson, Charlie Coubrough, and William Hamilton, won the Bernese Oberland Cup in Switzerland in 1912; a considerable feat in those days. Other Douglas Curling Club members have represented their country in competitions in Europe and N. America.

 

The premier DCC trophy played for on an annual basis is the much coveted ‘Jinglin Geordie’, or to give it its correct name, The Earl Of Home Cup, donated to the club by the 11th Earl of Home. This handsome tulip shaped, double handed, silver cup, was given its nickname after all the engraving space on the cup was used up, and the winners names on engraved medals, were suspended from the handles. Now heavily bemedalled, it jingles melodiously when passed from hand to hand.

 

When the opportunity arises outdoor curling takes place on Douglas Loch, when rinks of curlers compete for the Carmacoup Quaich, donated by the late Jimmy Lindsay.

Page Last Updated - 30/01/2008