At the start of October 1895, the Hamilton Advertiser reported that the Blantyre Curling Club held a meeting on 30th September 1895 at Mr Blackley’s new hall. This is surely a reference to the hall adjoining Blackley’s Pub in High Blantyre at the junction of Broompark Road and Main Street. Built just before this as can be seen be the carved date near the building soffit.
It’s wonderful to know that organisations and community group were using new halls in Blantyre even back then, even if Mr Blackley himself was a member of the club.
The article went on to state there was an enthusiastic, large gathering where it was agreed that some improvements should be made to the banks of the curling pond (at Greenhall) to prevent possible leakage back to the burn. An embankment is still visible to this day at the location of the former curling pond, but usually only seen in winter when growth above dies back. At the same meeting Mr Craig of Bellsfield was appointed President, Mr Adam of Shott House Vice President. The committee was Messrs Blackley, Brown (Auchinraith), Brown (Barnhill), Young, Allen, Adams and Craig. Secretary and treasurers were Maxwell and Campbell Junior.
Blantyre Curling Team are pictured in this era.
Was there a Zechariah Nimmo in the curling team ?