2003 - the DHO

Sorry to say that quite a number of those who did not manage
out to Wengcn this year have yet to pay their subscriptions. I
would be pleased to receive these before the financial year ends
in April.
Still playing outside, fourteen teams took part in the new Falken
Cup. This two-day competition was played in the same format
as the old Victoria Lauberhorn Cup where couples can choose
to play in the same team. The competition was very kindly
sponsored by Sina Cova who presented unusual engraved
pewter curling stones to the winning rink of Eric Hinds, Susan
Hinds, Biddy Stevenson and John Stevenson at a very lively
reception in the Falken Hotel.
Sixty-four members took to the ice the following day to
compete for the President's Prizes, played mostly indoors
because of low cloud with the occasional snowflake fluttering
down. Keenly contested games saw the rink of Andy Morrison,
Francis AdcCrossin, Anne Davidson and Isabcll MacArthur
emerge victorious.
The prizes of beautiful engraved schnapps cups with bases
depicting the head of an animal, were presented by President
Diane at the Dinner Dance. This most enjoyable evening was
held at the Eigcr Hotel and was preceded by 'apero' offered by
Wengen Tourism in recognition of our contribution to the
refurbishment of the ice-rink.
The weather was poor when the ladies, fighting fit after the
dance, took to the ice to compete for the Margaret Walker
Quaich. This year the format was slightly less onerous with a
maximum of fifteen ends being played. The event was
organised as always by Donald White. First prizes of lovely
silver broom brooches were donated and presented by Biddy
Stevenson, to the winning rink which comprised Marion Lang,
Barbara Ritchie, Margaret Joerg and Barbara Scholten, with the
runners up receiving prints of a curling scene on Kilconquhar
Loch. Robin and Diane's stunning new apartment was the
setting for a wonderful lunch, which they generously hosted and
all the ladies greatly enjoyed.
The gentlemen also had an enjoyable lunch, although they
missed the spectacular scenery of Murren as, with the inclement
weather preventing any chance of curling on the outdoor ice
there, they ventured round to Grindelwald to enjoy a friendly
game in the marvellous indoor curling hall.
Partly due to the donations of our members, refurbishment of
the ice making facilities in Wengen is now complete but of
course there was not much to be seen. When we were curling
outside it was so cold that refrigeration was not required! The
control equipment is most impressive with a computer
constantly monitoring ice and air temperatures, weather
forecasts, etc - it will certainly take away much of the
guess-work and should ensure that 'perfect' ice is always
available in more testing conditions. Plans are currently being
considered to improve the appearance and facilities in the
'cowshed'.