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ENGLISH CURLING ASSOCIATIONFebruary 2009 - Issue 28

NEWSLETTERWell the season is coming to an end but the number of games seems to continuously increase. With the new leagues starting at Fenton’s after the Christmas break, t h e E C A C h a m p i o n s h i p s completing in Greenacres and an increasing number of teams playing in foreign bonspiels, this season is memorable.

In this edition we have the results of the English Championships and a l o o k f o r w a r d t o t h e M i x e d championships and some new pages on training for beginners,

intermediates and experts alike. We have guidance on your first pair or shoes, reports on competitions and as always the fun page.

Here is a request for all our readers no matter where they are in the world. We are seeking reports, ideas, informations. Please feel free to write on any subject that includes curling. and a link to English Curling, Please support your newsletter.

The Editor

£1(or subscription to ECA)

IN THIS EDITION

4 Nations News Basics for Beginners ECA Championships

European

Santa Bonspiel

New Offers for members

FUN

Hot News

The New English Champions - See inside

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Hot News

Remember!! The English Curling Forum is now .net, yes, DOT NET. Don’t be forgetting now.

NEW ECA Website

Have you visited the ECA website lately? If not, why not air your thoughts in this magazine and the ECA will listen. We have recently started an update to the website and it will begin by putting you up to da te w i th the la tes t events, competi t ions, r e s u l t s a n d n e w s . Additionally it will keep you up to date on major world events in the curling world. So if you have not visited please pop along and look out for the updated site in March.

2nd Santa Bonspiel

Fenton’s once again run a successful Santa Bonspiel and have k ind ly donated the proceeds to the English Juniors and Men’s teams for 2010. Wel l done everyone who attended - full report on page 8

New ECA Partnerwww.curlingsupplies.com

The English Curling Association are pleased to announce a new ECA partner in CurlingSupplies.com. Scotland's Curling Supply Centre supplies a complete range of curling Shoes, Brushes, Gloves, Slacks and Accessories for all curlers no matter what standard.

CurlingSupplies.com supply ice rinks and sports shops throughout Scotland and have distribution in several European countries. They have kindly made a donation to the ECA funds and are offering a 5% discount to all ECA members when buying anything from the excellent range at the online store at curlingsupplies.com or in store at the shop.

To obtain the 5% please contact the ECA Secretary, club Treasurer or the Editor of this newsletter on how to obtain it.

Why not start by looking at their website now at www.curlingsupplies.com and see what items are there now.

Duncan Stewart - R.I.P.

This cake was auctioned for charity in memory of Duncan Stewart who was a well known player and enthusiast of the game. Read John Browns memories in this edition.

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It was just a small paragraph in the Scottish Curler magazine in April 1982 – “The Province of London is pleased to report that it has received an offer of ice at Streatham Ice Rink at 9.00pm on Sunday evening starting on 30th May for at least 6 weeks as a trial period.”

The article had been submitted by Duncan Stewart, who was described as a keen London curler – I think that was very much an under statement as those who knew of Duncan’s love of the sport will testify.

And so it was that I first met Duncan – on walking into Streatham Ice Rink that sunny Sunday in May 1982 he was sitting there at his table greeting all arrivals – and it is perhaps symbolic that he should have been the first contact I had with English curling as he has been an ever present influence on the sport in England in all the time I have been involved.

Even when he retired to Scotland he kept on a role in looking after the monthly lottery for the ECA – our 100 Club, which he ran from its inception in 1993 and which, thanks to h is d i l igent housekeeping, made over £20,000 for the Association. The plant tabs which he used as tickets remain in use today.

He also served as our President from 1992 – 1995 stepping early into the breach when the previous incumbent had to stand down, and he ran the English Championships as competitions convenor for many years.

For the Province of London he was secretary for a long time and he and Mary hosted many a committee meeting in their house in Wendell Road – a treasure chest of curling memorabilia and artefacts.And it was not just off the ice but also on the ice that he served his adopted country. In 1982 he played in the English Championships and overcame the embarrassment of playing with two former pupils of that other Edinburgh school, George Heriots, and even worse a former Glasgow schoolboy, to win the title and represent England in the European Championships. And to cap it all those Championships were played that year in his

home town of Kirkcaldy. And he was in the winning team again in 1983.

And I will always owe Duncan a debt for stepping in as a substitute for me in 1984, when I had hurt my back, and helping my team win a further Championships. But an even bigger debt is owed as he then stood down to allow me to play in the European Championships when I had fully recovered.

So he won a few trophies in his time did Duncan – the Province of London’s Fleming Trophy three times and also the Ann Beeley Trophy and, on one memorable occasion in Chelmsford, the BMW Regional Qualifier when I think he was most disappointed to find out that the car on display on the ice was not the first prize after all.

The one thing you knew when you played with Duncan was that he would give his all in every game he played – and hopefully he will find a few friends up there to play a few ends with – I hear that St Peter is a dab hand with a broom. You can also be sure that he will be the first to help out when the ice needs to be scored and the games need to be organised – and if they beat him he will be the first to say well done – now lets enjoy ourselves.

Duncan Stewart - R.I.PArticle by John Brown

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EJCC PRAHA 2010England LadiesAnna Fowler (Skip)

The five amigos landed in Praha International Airport on the evening of Saturday 2nd January in high hopes for the week ahead. Unfortunately, disappointment abruptly scarred our arrival when we realised we’d be sharing our private taxi to the hotel, WITH THE GERMANS!! Grudges aside... we were definitely the better looking team.

Sunday 3rd January The games began with a face-off versus the F inn ish . However, frustration ensued as a flurry of messy ones and twos against us kept us from really challenging to win the game. Frustration and lost chances became a common theme as we failed to suppress the Slovaks the following morning at the beginning of a long and painful day. After a quick nap and a plate of meat (apparently a Czech speciality) we walked into the game with the favourites – the Danish. I honestly think this game is best not mentioned as I’m still wondering how we didn’t even manage to take an end off them! Again a quick nap and some meat and Jaffa Cakes to keep us going, we had a 9pm start against Italy. A chaotic game followed with both sides close to losing fives and sixes b u t s o m e h o w s t a y i n g e v e n throughout. Finally, the game came down to the last stone of the eighth end and I had to draw to the four foot to take the win. I MISSED BY TWO I N C H E S ! D i s a p p o i n t e d w a s understatement. We had a quick stint on the massage chairs to relieve our aching muscles before fa l l ing deservedly to sleep.

Monday 4th JanuaryTired and sore, a 6am start and more sausages were just what we needed. We began our game against an average Spain side confidently, building up to take a four in the fifth end. Naivety and haphazardness saw the game slip away leaving it at 7-7 in the eighth end to force an extra end. With a combination of the Spanish

girls maintaining the hammer and a poorly constructed end by us, we found ourselves, once again, on the wrong side of a close game. Feeling dejected and suitably sorry for ourselves we never really turned up to our final game of the day against Norway and yet another loss was added to our European record.

Tuesday 5th JanuaryOn the Tuesday morning, after a much appreciated l ie- in, we marched to breakfast ever thankful at the sight of non-stale bread and jam – although still disgruntled about the absence of a toaster. Although we had a tough game against the Germans to play, our cultured expectat ion of loss allowed us to enter the rink with little to lose. The game was really clean and tight – an unusual tactic for us – but we found that this meant we were able to keep up with the Germans. An over-swept defensive shot in the 7th end allowed the Germans to take a one leaving us needing a two in the final end to win. Another close end and yet another slightly misplaced final shot meant we came away with a loss in yet another painstakingly close game. Later we learnt that the German skip, who we were on the cusp of beating, has been selected as the German’s alternate for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The German girls then went on to win the competition, making the game slightly easier to get over!

Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th JanuaryThe Wednesday and Thursday brought yet more frustration against below par Estonian and Polish teams who we frankly should have beaten. So we planned to take a s n o w y t r i p i n t o P r a g u e disappointed that we couldn’t even drown our sorrows on 40p/pint beer thanks to a recent alcohol ban at all junior competitions. The German girls beat the Danish in a close final and the French boys were beaten by the Finnish to take their places in the Wor ld Jun ior Cur l ing

Championships in Flims, March 2010. Looking back at the competition, what we gained from the whole experience was phenomenal in t e r m s o f t a c t i c s , p e r s o n a l toughness and the amount that we grew as a team. Although it’s frustrating that this is yet another competition filed under the title of experience, our leaps in ability and our in-depth knowledge of the game can now be applied to the future of English curling. We became known as the bounce-back team who came out fighting for every match despite our consistent lack of success and this is one of the main things we look to take forward. By no means have we become disheartened by our performance, just thirsty for success and the winning sensation we so deserved. There was so much effort put in by the girls, our coach Ian Baxter, Ernest Fenton and everyone else who supported u s i n t h e b u i l d u p t o t h e competition. Equally, we would not have been able to even consider the prospect of entering the c o m p e t i t i o n w i t h o u t t h e considerable sponsorship we received from Mitie. So a huge thanks to everyone who has s u p p o r t e d a n d fi n a n c e d u s throughout the competition and who continue to provide willing opposition. England has definitely begun to raise a generation of curlers, watch out Scotland!!

Team Photo: (L-R) Madeleine Tuz (Alternate), Anna Fowler (Skip), Lauren Pearce (Lead), Hetty Garnier (Third) and Naomi Robinson (Second)

Training 1 - The Delivery - Ian Baxter

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Introduction

The game of curling is notorious for dividing opinion amongst past and present players and so when I was asked to write this article I couldn’t help feeling this was potentially a bit of a poison chalice. We all know of the infamous ‘masters behind the glass’ so I have decided to write this article on the basis of observations, and thoughts rather than absolutes which will hopefully allow those who read this to draw from it what they will.

The Delivery

There is certainly a text book delivery which is the basis for the vast majority of curlers starting the game who are blessed with supple joints, but it is important that this article is applicable to all. I have therefore broken it down into the fundamentals that need to be achieved:

Position in the hack

When placing your foot in the hack keep your foot high in the hack with the toe just touching the base plate and the ball of your foot firmly placed on the diagonal push plate.

As you are positioning your foot in the hack, ensure that your foot is pointing in the direction of the broom so that when you descend into the hack you are aligned to the target. (Hint – if you are in the hack before the skip has put the broom down, chances are you might be a bit off the skip’s broom when you slide out)

Sliding Out

Balance and control is everything!A slow smooth descent to the ice as you slide off from the hack will give you more control. You will know if you are coming down too quickly by the fact that you wobble; or your dragging leg ‘’fishtails’’.Leaning on the stone or the brush means you aren’t in control. Relax and find your natural balance. Remember when you slide out you should be concentrating on the shot and not survival!

The Release

Assuming you have lined up properly, are therefore sliding in the right direction, and have perfect balance, logically speaking all you need to do is keep your arm straight and release the stone cleanly.

Bent armed deliveries should be reserved for expert practit ioners or those in trouble desperately seeking a little extra power as they realise they are in trouble – (Observation – how does a split time work if your team are delivering with a bent arm and pushed delivery).

Out-turn handle – start the handle at 7 ‘o’clock and crisply turn to 6 ‘o’clock and release.

In-turn handle – start the handle at 5 ‘o’clock and crisply turn to 6 ‘o’clock and release.

We are pleased to say that Ian Baxter, the coach to the English Junior teams has agreed to write some short articles outlining basic training and techniques for the Newsletter. Over the next few editions we will print Ian’s papers and hope that each of you learn from these to improve your game over the coming season.

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English Curling Association Championship results (plus)

WP Tulloch - Haggis Competition

Do you recognise this band of mischievous vagabonds? Well as a warm-up to the English Championships they attended the excellent Haggis championships in Greenacres and won. Well done boys.

ECA Women’s Championships

Read Elsewhere in the edition the Chief Umpire’s thoughts on these games but here is a picture of the winners;

Winners; Suzi Law, Suzie Law, Nicola Woodward, Lorna Rettig and Kirsty Balfour.

ECA Men’s Champions

Hugely exciting competition between strong teams and Andrew Reed, Alan MacDougall, Andy Woolston and Tom Jaeggi are now the English Champions for 2010/11

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“Home” victories in the ECA Championships

The ECA Championships were played at Greenacres in Scotland in early February with 4 men’s teams and 3 women’s teams participating. There was a new team challenging in the men, skipped by Alan MacDougall with Andrew Reed at third, Andy Woolston at second and Tom Jaeggi at lead, and they were the favourites in many eyes.

Returning from last year were the current champions skipped by Jamie Malton, with Michael Opel, Henry Carter and Keith Wilson; a slightly revised line up for Bruce Bowyer with James Dixon at third (instead of Stephen Hinds), Richard Hills and Mark Wilkinson, and John Brown with the same team as last year in John Sharp, Alastair Fyfe and Steve Amann.

A double round robin of ten end games was the format and straightaway the first session produced two excellent games which both went the distance. J a m i e M a l t o n e v e n t u a l l y overcame John Brown 6-5 while B r u c e B o w y e r t o o k A l a n MacDougall to an extra end before losing to 6-7. There was further disappointment in the second session for Bruce when he once again lost 6-7, this time to Jamie Malton while Alan MacDougall beat John Brown 9-3.

So the favourites and the holders met in session 3 and it was the latter who prevailed 9-6 in a game affected by a number of pick-ups, while Bruce Bowyer was on the right end of a 7-6 scoreline this time, beating John Brown with the last stone.

So with Jamie Malton undefeated it would require 2 victories for Alan Macdougall over him if he was to take the title, unless something untoward happened to Jamie in the next two sessions. Session 4 went with form with wins for MacDougall over Bowyer by 7-3 and Malton over Brown by 7-2. An early finish for the MacDougall – Brown game in the next session (12-3 for Alan) meant that all eyes were on the holders having a struggle against Bruce Bowyer.

This game went to the bitter end before Bruce racked up his second victory of the competition and Jamie his first loss - and guess what – the score was 7-6!!

This all meant that the last round robin game between MacDougall and Malton became a winner takes all. Bowyer and Brown e l e c t e d n o t t o p l a y t h e i r meaningless game and left the stage to the main contenders.

Unfortunately for the Malton team it was not to be and some early errors gave MacDougall a handy lead at the half way mark. Although Malton fought back with a couple of singles, further mistakes at the 8th left Alan MacDougall with a draw for 5 and the title of English Champion.

There were three women’s teams again and in a further game of merry –go-round, Lorna Rettig moved from playing with Fiona Hawker to skipping the reigning champion team of Kirsty Balfour, Nicola Woodward and Suzie Law, f o l l ow ing Ca ro l i ne Reed ’s decision to step down from the team after the Europeans.

Fiona Hawker meanwhile had recruited two of the England junior team who had played in the European Junior Challenge with the skip Anna Fowler at third and Madeleine Tuz at lead. Mixed Doubles champion, Jane Clark continued at second.

T h e t h i r d t e a m , w h o c a l l themse lves the Raspber ry Ripplers, consisted of Alison Hemmings, Susan Young, Sandra Moorcroft and Debbie Hutcheon and throughout the competition they varied their formation, affected by an injury to Sandra wh ich p reven ted her f rom sweeping and a family illness which kept Susan away from the competition for one game.

A triple round – robin was the call for this Championship and the first game between Lorna Rettig and Fiona Hawker was very tight for 6 ends, with the score tied, before Lorna gradually eased away to win 7-4. Into game 2 and Lorna now beat Alison by 9-4 before Fiona beat Alison by 12-4. The order of games in each round robin changes and so it was Fiona against Alison again with the former winning 12-9 before Lorna beat Fiona 10-6 and then beat Alison 10-4.

So after two round robins the situation was Lorna 4 wins, Fiona 2 wins and Alison 0 and it just needed one more win for Lorna to take the title – which she got over Alison by 9-3, meaning that the last two games were not played.

Continued on next Page...

ECA CHAMPIONSHIP’S

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Continued from above.....

For a lot of English players a trip to Greenacres is a regular occurrence and this season I had p layed there in the Welsh B o n s p i e l , t h e G o r m a c International, the 4 Nations and the Haggis before playing in the Championships. Others have also played there on a number of occasions this year. In fact at the previous weekend’s Haggis competition, 5 of the 6 teams in

t h e 3 f i n a l s h a d E n g l i s h participation and it was won by A l a n M a c D o u g a l l a n d h i s Championship winning team. John Sharp was a late substitute in the team which won the B Final beating John Brown in a team skipped by Adrian Meikle of Wales, while Phil Barton won the C Final by defeating Bruce B o w y e r ’ s C h a m p i o n s h i p contending team.

Article by John Brown

So for many English curlers Greenacres is a spiritual second home, but of course for many it is also where they first learnt to play curling and this was in fact the case for both the Championship winning skips this year – Alan MacDougall and Lorna Rettig are both products of the Greenacres junior development squads of the 1980s and Alan of course won the World Junior Championships for Scotland in 1991.

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Advertising space available from 1/4 to a full page, your design and colours, multiple editions available at very very competitive prices.

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What if my Stone.....?

There seem to be rules for everything these days but did you know that there are rules about what happens to your stone after you have delivered it and something goes wrong?

What if it breaks?

Well rule (2) covers this situation;

“If a stone is broken in play, a replacement stone shall be placed where the largest fragment comes to rest. The inside edge of the replacement stone shall be placed in the same position as the inside edge of the largest fragment with the assistance of a measuring stick”

But what if the stone does not break but simply rolls over or onto its edge? Well this is covered too. Rule 4 (6) states;

“A stone that rolls over in its course or comes to a rest on its side or top shall be removed immediately from play”

So it seems it is better to have your stone break apart than to roll over?

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Saturday 12th December 2009 dawned bright and clear with the faint whiff of festive gluhwein and mince pies in the air. Flashes of red and white could be seen entering Fenton’s Rink from about 9am and children were curiously peeking out of the windows to see the mysterious sight, not quite believing their eyes. By 10am the climax of anticipation had been reached and a group of jolly Saint Nicks (and one cheeky Elf) were launched on to the ice to begin the Second Annual World Santa Bonspiel.

The Bonspiel took the form of a curlaround – with every player having a go at playing Lead, Second, Third and Skip and never with the same team – great fun and experience! The results were close and the top three players – Ben Fowler, Gordon Craig and Elizabeth Atkinson completed a draw-shot challenge to find the champion and as we would expect – Lady Santas are best! Well Done Elizabeth. Interviews and footage of this event was shown on TransWorld Sport and Meridian News.

Whilst the curling was taking place there was also much merriment and spending of cash happening in the club room. Free glasses of mulled wine and mince pies were being consumed as people browsed through the wares of the Jewellery, Floristry, Gifts, Cakes and Game stalls. The Children were having fun drawing, sticking and playing Lucky Dip.

The ice fees for the Bonspiel were donations from the players and were put towards the Junior Girl’s and Men’s Curling Teams. This fund was added to by a very successful Raffle and Tombola, Entrance fees, Food & Drink purchased and the Christmas Fayre stalls. The total raised was £667 -which was a very pleasing amount. Thank you all for your participation and humour.

2nd Annual World Santa Bonspiel & Christmas Fayre

Club?Are you a member of a curling club? Do you belong to a local, national, international curling club? Well if you don’t why not think of joining one. There are curling clubs all over the country but why not join one that matches your mood? There are clubs like the London Curling club that tend to play in many more bonspiels and travel more than other clubs. There is the Ice Melters who are friendly, fun and run meeting and club events outside of season, a very nice group of people. Fenton’s Rink run their own club which tends to concentrate on local players but is a fun group who really enjoy the ice. If you are up North there are two clubs worth looking at; Preston club which covers the West coast and Glendale Curling Club covering the East. Both these clubs have a great membership and are always looking for new members. They play in Scotland on a regular basis and have provided extremely strong players for the past few years.

If you are looking for a club then contact one of the above, details are on the last page of this newsletter. They all offer you a competitive game, a sense of fun and the opportunity to meet new and interesting people. Whichever club you choose be sure to ask if they are members of the ECA and that your subscription supports us, if they don’t then find a club that does. We are your governing body and here to support and help your game so support us please.

The gorgeous Women of Cur l ing have returned, pictures by photographer/curler Ana Arce of Spain and

produced by The Curling News.

This 2008-09 16-month bonanza is more of a traditional calendar, in both size and design. Each month also offers event listings of major curling tournaments around the world – even for the summer months.

P r o c e e d s g o t o w a r d s womens curling so a great calendar and a worthy cause supported.

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FUN

Hammer or not?

It is said that having the hammer is a serious advantage in a game. However in 1986 Ed Lukowich, Alberta, won 11-0 winning every end and with every end against the hammer. Now that is some win and demonstrates that although the Hammer is an advantage don’t give up if you have not got it.

What’s in a Hog Line?

Do you ever wonder where the words ‘Hog Line’ come from? Well apparently it comes from Scotland where a hog was a weak member of a litter or the runt of the litter. It was expected that the Hog would die before the end of the winter so was essentially discarded. Well a hogged stone is similar, it is not worth trying to rescue and is discarded.

Why does a stone Curl?

Great question and in 1980 Dr. Mark Shegelski tr ied to answer the question with this quote;

“When a rock is turning as it travels down the ice, one side is turning toward the direction the rock is traveling and the other away from it.

The speed of the two edges relative to the ice is different due to friction. When a rock is first thrown, the amount of friction is about the same. But as the rock slows, the edge that is turning back to the curler ( the right side of an in-turn) is turning more slowly because it is turning in the opposite direction to which the rock is traveling.

Because this side is turning slower, friction has a greater effect upon it. that causes the stone to deflect to one side (in the case of the in-turn, to the right).

The sharpest move a rock makes is often right at the end as it stops, because one side is often right while the other side continues to rotate.”

And now you know.

Curling Terminator?

There is a game similar to curling played in Austria called Eisschiessen. It is similar to curling but instead of stones uses “eisstocks” which look like bowling pins stuck on a frisbee and is played on curling rinks.

While you don’t need muscles to play it is a fact that Arnold Schwzenegger’s father is a former national champion.

Curling Joke

A manager phones the home of an employee and gets one of the children on the phone. "Could I speak to your dad, please" he asks.

Child says "My mom and dad are away at a curling bonspiel"

Manager says “Well when your dad gets home ask him to phone his boss at work, I need to know how long he'll be away with his broken leg"

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4 NATIONS WEEKEND, Greenacres

Many thanks to all of the ECA members who travelled to Greenacres (some for the first time) to participate in the 4 Nations weekend. It was a very successful event for us with 3 of the 4 available trophies being won. Special thanks to those who played extra games when late withdrawals had Phil Barton tearing his hair out. Also many thanks to Alison for selling the tickets, and to all who bought them, for the raffling of the cake from Duncan Stewart’s funeral which raised a staggering £261 – I believe that the person who won it was going to raffle it again. All proceeds went to Marie Curie Cancer Care and Mary Stewart was thrilled when she heard how much had been collected. So thanks again.I have my own personal highlights from the weekend – scoring a 7 against Matt Murdoch being one – but how was it for the rest of you – we in the ECA get involved in these events to give our members opportunities to play in varied competitions and we would like to hear what you think of it all – are we doing it right? Is there a better way of doing it? I am sure the editor would be happy to have some feedback to print so that we can improve what we do for you. Below I have reproduced my report from the Scottish Curler on the event – the crucial point for us comes in the last paragraph. We are hoping to stage the event in Kent next season – once we have a date there will be lots of work to be done. We will need to source accommodation with a function suite for the Saturday evening event, we will need to think about hiring transport to collect the visiting teams from airports, we will need to think about how we are going to entertain everybody on the Saturday evening, we will need to think about how we are going to welcome the visitors to the rink and how we will record and distribute the scores.All of these in themselves are simple tasks, but taken together they become more complex and so once we get agreement that we are definitely going to Kent with the 4 Nations we will need volunteers to lead on these different aspects – this is our chance to stage a first class event that everybody will go home from with happy memories. So if you think you want to help in any way don’t sit back and wait to be asked, please come forward and please come forward as soon as possible – it may be a year away nearly but it is amazing how quickly those months will pass.

REPORT ON THE 2010 4 Nations Weekend

The 4 Nations returned to Greenacres Curling Club in January. Organised by the RCCC this year it comprised the usual mix of games with 7 trophies waiting to be won.

England retained the Tom Ballantyne Trophy by defeating the men of Scotland by 7 shots. This was the first time for 20 years that England had won 2 in a row. All the games were very close with two of them peeled, though there were some high individual end scores about. Matt Murdoch won his 4th gold medal for the Scots in recording their only win, a feat matched by Michael Sutherland for England, but also bettered by Ian Curle who won his 5th gold medal – the first having been back in 1977. The Scottish women regained the Connie Miller Trophy with a dominant 18-6 scoreline.England also defeated the other two nations – Ireland by 37-27 and Wales by 34-25, in the latter case thus regaining the Kay Trophy which they last held in 2007. In achieving these two victories they thus matched their feat of last year of winning three of the four trophies available to them.The Scots won a second trophy when they defeated the Welsh to win Big Bertha, the Welsh Curling Stone Trophy by 32 – 25 but they received a trouncing from the Irish in going down by 15-40. That was the only trophy won by Ireland as they were defeated by Wales by 26-24.So all 4 nations went home with at least one trophy for the second year running. Over the years I have kept a detailed archive of the 4 Nations results and they can be found on the RCCC website. In addition I have donned my anorak and done additional work to see just who has been the most successful nation overall.The 4 Nations in its current format has been going for 11 years now which means that there have been 77 trophies available to be won. Of that total Scotland have won 30, England 22, Ireland 17 and Wales 8. It has to be remembered of course that Scotland and England play for 4 trophies rather than 3 but if we combine the scores for the men and women then the numbers become Scotland 22, England 19.Overall Scotland are 213 shots up, Ireland are 59 up, England 56 up and Wales down by 328. One change this year, as a result of their large victory margin, is that the Irish are now overall 16 shots up on Scotland and have won the Marshall Millennium Trophy for 5 consecutive years, the longest current winning run.For all of those 11 years, apart from the very first one which was held in Deesside, Wales, the 4 Nations weekend has been held in Scotland – at Perth, Lockerbie, Hamilton and Greenacres, but with the English Curling Association in charge for 2011, moves are afoot to take it to Fenton’s Rink in Kent for the first time, joining those other English venues of the historic past when only England and Scotland were part icipants– Manchester, Richmond, Streatham, Peterborough and Alexandra Palace (Wales included). Watch this space for more news on this exciting development.

Article by John Brown

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Curling Beginner?Although you will know most of these items below there is no reason why they should not be part of your mantra every time you enter the rink. Over the coming issues we will be publishing a beginner’s page each edition to lead you through the difficult task of learning the game. Let’s start with Safety and Clothing. You will have been taught this on your first visit to the rink but lets reiterate it;

Safety:Remember to be very careful when you walk on the ice. It is likely to be very slippery until you get used to it. Even experienced curlers can take the odd tumble. In the unlikely event you do fall the secret is to relax and avoid hitting the ice with your head!

NEVER carry or lift a curling stone, although a stone may be raised while delivering it as some experienced player do. Try to move the stone with the broom and only turn the stone on edge for a wipe clean with the hand prior to delivery.

PLEASE make sure your shoes are clean, as little particles of dirt can make the ice surface dangerous. Never wear street shoes on the ice. The running of curling stones is affected by dirt and "picks" can result, where the stone turns abruptly from the intended target and quickly stops if it picks up dirt in its travel.

When you are pushing the stones to the parking area after an end has been completed, please make sure that no-one is in the way. To move a stone preferably use a brush to propel the stone properly to the required place.

Clothing: Ice rinks are always cold, it’s what keeps the ice there. Make sure you have enough warm clothes, especially when learning, although vigorous sweeping can soon warm up a curler, and it is not unusual to find some in short sleeves! Wear wicking clothes and joggers to start with.

It is very important to have well fitting, comfortable and warm curling shoes, although beginners can hire them at the rink, or use clean trainers with a detachable slider (also obtainable at the rink). If you suffer from cold feet, wear an extra pair of socks or even long johns!

Curling trousers should be of a stretch material or be loose enough to cause no restriction in the delivery slide. Do not use jeans, these are very uncomfortable and very difficult to play in. Joggers are good and cheap from retail outlets.

Always make sure your footwear is absolutely clean before stepping on the ice - NEVER go on the ice with outdoor shoes on.

NEXT MONTH:

Next month we look at why the stone curls as it travels and how to make it curl the way we want it too?

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Curling Intermediate?So, you have made it to intermediate, you have been playing for a couple of seasons, your stones end up where or near where your skip asks for and you can comfortably slide though a little wobbly maybe? Well, if you fit in this camp why not look at what you wear on your feet now? If you hire from the rink or you use a slider then think about whether this continues to be the option for you. The rink shoes are excellent and sliders are sometimes used by the very best players but read our suggested guidance below for ideas;

1. If you believe you need or want to own your own shoes then firstly determine if you need to buy a complete curling shoe or if you just need a slider to put on clean shoes that you already own. The built-in slider of a curling shoe will be better than one that you can place on a clean street shoe.

2. If you decide to buy shoes then it is important that you try on a variety of curling shoes. They feel very different to a regular street or running shoe. The goal of the curling shoe is to be comfortable, provide support and give a sliding surface that aligns with the player's skill level. The shoes will also provide the trailing foot with a gripping surface.

3. Decide what material you would like the shoes to be made of. Curling shoes come in vinyl, leather or a combination. Buy a leather curling shoe if you are an avid curler because leather provides the best performance.

4. Look for shoes that give you the thickness of the sole that you feel comfortable with and will give you the right amount of insulation.

5. Be aware of the thickness of the slider on the curling shoe. A thicker slider will go faster, but will be less flexible. Be sure to buy the slider that matches your skill level and sliding speed.

6. Buy a slip-on slider to go over your regular shoes if you are just starting out and don't know if the sport of curling is for you. A slider can be used until your skill level improves.

How important is sweeping?

You know how to curl a stone? You can get the stone to within a respectable distance of where the skip wants it and you can sweep a stone? But can you? Do you know how to sweep? Do you know how to sweep a stone to the best of your ability? It is not a simple matter of moving the brush in front of the stone, it is an art, it is an important aspect of the game and the best sweepers can win or lose a game at all levels. So what is good sweeping?

A front end player (number 1 or 2) will cover up to 2km in a single game, most of it bent double sweeping and often running. If you are not making the best of your action you are wasting a great deal of energy (up to 600 kal per game).

To sweep to best effect it is important to understand how to maximise the effort you put in.

Wikipedia states:

Speed and pressure are vital to sweeping. In gripping the broom, one hand should be one third of the way from the top (non-brush end) of the handle while the other hand should be one third of the way from the head of the broom. The angle of the broom to the ice should be so that the most force possible can be exerted on the ice. The precise amount of pressure may vary from relatively light brushing "just cleaning" (to ensure debris is not in the way) to maximum-pressure scrubbing.

Add to this the rule change last year that enables you to now sweep without sweeping across the whole face of the stone, in doing this you can substantially influence the line of the stone, learn how to do this and you can increase your support of the skips calls. Sweeping tuition and training may sound pointless and not necessary but I would advise you to watch a game between a good pair of sweepers and an average pair of sweepers and watch how far a good pair of sweepers can carry a game.

Want to buy a Pair of Curling shoes?

Then why not shop at the ECA’s partners at;www.curlingSupplies.com. Contact us at the ECA first if you are a member and enjoy 5% discount on your purchase.

Do you need shoes?

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Upcoming CompetitionsStart Time: Friday, 16 April 2010 at 08:00End Time: Sunday, 18 April 2010 at

19:00Location: Elgin, Scotland

2010 Moray International Bonsiel

The 2010 Moray International Bonspiel date has been set for Friday 16th to the 18th of April 2010. We are going for 30 teams this year. Deposit will be £100 per team.

Teams will be guaranteed 5 games.

The social side of the weekend will start with a get together at the hotel for the teams then on to a local pub to meet up with everyone else who can’t make it to the hotel followed by night club for the party people of the group.

On Saturday night there will be a dinner at the hotel (included).

The Crerar Eight Acres Hotel will be the main hotel again this year. It has a swimming pool, sauna and gym for your use when you are staying there.

Start Time: Friday, 14 May 2010 at 08:00

End Time: Sunday, 16 May 2010 at 16:00

Location: Strasbourg21st International bonspiel

Strasbourg, France. From 14th to 16th May 2010. For more information, have a look on www.ccsk.fr

CORTINA

This highly popular Curling competition is open to all levels of player. Apply now to ensure your place;

Event: 45th Cortina International Summer BonspielWhat: TournamentStart Time: 24 June at 03:15End Time: 27 June at 06:15Where: Cortina d'Ampezzo

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=285577013858&ref=mf

A long List of Competitions!!

July 23-25, 2010, Ondulat Cup, Jelgava Krabjanka Ice Rink, Latvia, www.ondulatcup.tv

May 14-16, 2010 - 21st International Strasbourg, France http://www.ccsk.fr/init/ac

April 29-May 1, 2010 - Ice Cup, Akureyri, Icelandhttp://www.curling.is/

April 30-May 2, 2010 - VII Vitoria-Gasteiz International Curling Tournament "San Prudencio", Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spainhttp://iparpolocurling.com/sitio_iparpolo/webs/torneo_san_prudencio.html

April 16-18, 2010 - Moray International Bonspiel, Elgin, Scotlandhttp://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=179371139165

April 16-18, 2010 - Finnish Bonspiel Hyvinkää, Hyvinkää, Finlandhvnk.curling@netti.fi

April 9-11, 2010 - Silesian Grand Prix of Curling, Cieszyn, Poland http://www.wix.com/kierzko

April 9-11, 2010 - Death by Chocolate, Rochester, NY, USA http://rochestercurling.org/Bonspiels/dbc2010.htm

March 20-21 - Trofeo Città di Sesto - 3a edizionewww.jasscc.it

March 19-21 - Herb-Lackhoff Trophy, Curling Club Mannheim, Germanyhttp://www.curling-club-mannheim.de/

March 5-7 - Hammerheads Trohpy 2010, Silverdome Ice Stadium, Zoetermeer, Netherlandswww.hammerheads.nl

[15]

100 Club

The English Curling Association runs a ‘100 Club’ to raise funds for the Association. Shares in the club are open to any ECA member and cost £1 per month. An individual can hold up to 15 shares at any one time. Payment is by Standing Order and you can get details from the secretary via the Contact page on the ECA website.

Each month there are three prizes - for £40, £30 and £20. In December the prize money is doubled and in the month of the AGM it is quadrupled. So there is a total of £1440 of prize money each year.

If you want more information then visit the ECA website or Susan Young (0208 540 4161)

Where To Curl

London & The South

The only dedicated curling rink in England can be found near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Further details can be found on the the curling rink website, Fenton’s Rink.

North-East England

Curling in this area is played at the Kelso Ice Rink, just over the Scottish border. The main English based club in the area is the Glendale club. For further details please email James Dixon at James.Dixon8@btopenworld.com

North-West England & Wales

The main English club in this area is the Preston club who play up in Scotland at the Lockerbie Ice Rink on alternate Thursdays. Please contact the club secretary, Phil Barton on pb@starleyhall.co.uk .

Curling can also be played in Wales on Mondays between 1 pm and 9:30 pm at the Deeside Leisure Centre, Queensferry, just over the Welsh border to the west of Chester - check out the website of the Welsh Curling Association.

ECA MUSINGS

English Curling

President: Stephen Hinds

President elect:

Competitions Convener: Philip Barton

Secretary: John Brown

Treasurer: Sandra Moorcroft

Useful Links• www.englishcurling.org.uk

English Curling Association website

• www.englishcurlingforum.net

English Curling Forum for beginners and experts alike

• www.worldcurling.org

ECA NEWSLETTERContact:Steven Scanlan -

sscanlan@kyzyl.co.uk

The ECA is YOUR

Association