In 1892/93 season, with the club only 5 years old, Blantyre Curling Club took part in its first ‘Grand Match’ at Carsebreck with 4 rinks and finished with a whopping 48 shots majority winning the prestigious R.C.C.C trophy at its first attempt. The other clubs were left in awe that such a new club had lifted the trophy, which was surely a reflection on the skill of the Blantyre players. The win against Armadale was the first time Armadale had been beaten in 5 years. A monumental victory for Blantyre.
The Committee of Management of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club met on Wednesday 8th February 1893 in Edinburgh for the purpose of handing over the trophy to the Blantyre (Lanarkshire) Club. In accordance with the rules, Blantyre had achieved the greatest net majority over their opponents at the grand match held at Carsebreck on 9th December 1892.
Representing the Blantyre Club were:
- Mr Craig, Bellsfield, President
- Mr Douglas, Hillside Cottage
- Mr Adam, Shott House
- Mr Brown, Secretary
- Mr Maxwell, Greengairs Cottage
The President of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, Sir James H. Gibson-Craig, Bart., presented the trophy to Mr Craig, congratulating the Blantyre Club on their achievement. He noted with pleasure that several members had only recently joined the Royal Club within the last two years.
In reply, Mr Craig expressed his gratitude and remarked that no finer curling talent could be found in the country than that displayed by the Blantyre Club. He also highlighted the success of the winning skip, Mr Hugh Gilmour, whose excellent play contributed to their golden victory.
Highest up rink was Matthew Campbell (snr), Arthur Blackley, J Brown, John Craig (skip) were presented with Gold badges . The club brought the cup back to Blantyre where it was held for a time at Bellsfield Farm, the property of the skip.
A remarkable photograph was taken that same day by early Blantyre photographer, David Ritchie as attached showing the team on 8th February 1893, photographed at former Bellsfield Farm, High Blantyre. The names of the team are all known.
Back Row, Left to right: Arthur Brown (Nurseryman), Charles Allan (Plumber), Paton Aitkenhead (Builder), John Aitkenhead (Builder), Tom McLean (Miner)
Middle Row: Left to right: Matthew Campbell Jnr (Nurseryman), Alex Aitkenhead (Builder), Thomas Scott (Farmer Back Priestfield), John Craig (President, Farmer of Bellsfield), Arthur Blackley (Spirt Salesman), David Hastie (Farmer Stonefield) and Alex McWilliam (Farmer Greenhall)
Bottom Row: Left to right: Robert Stewart (plasterer), William Adam (Sawmill owner), Matthew Campbell Snr (Nurseryman) and James Brown (Post Office master)
I have to admit, this is one of my favourite photos of Blantyre, not just because its so clear for such an old picture, but also because I’ve written so much about many of the individuals in their own right.
This article continues tomorrow….
