"We" cannot make this happen, it has to come from within the organisation of the RCCC itself.

As most of us know, from personal experience of sitting at a desk, change is rarely welcome. It is all too easy to just do what is necessary and hope that it all hangs together. After all, if it was good enough for the Rootes Group, it must be good enough for the RCCC.

Enough sarcasm. Most of the time the RCCC do a splendid job organising routine things. Sadly, of late, things seem to fall apart when it steps outside that routine.

I would like to see the RCCC here, arguing it's corner. Telling us what is happening, about this and that, and generally communicating with it's membership on something more than its present bi-annual basis. But I'm afraid that they are no more likely to post here than they are to Twitter.

My heart bleeds. Are you speaking for yourself here? Wreckingball, saviour of all. Go for it, mate, I'm not impressed. And my name is up front.

Well said, Sandy. For everyone, allow me to clarify this point. As moderators we have to learn to be impartial and to work within the limits we ourselves decide, because we have no guidelines. We simple do the best we can. But what we look at is not who posted a contribution, but the contents of that contribution. Speak sense, and we all listen. Speak nonsense, and we as moderators have to decide whether it is within the allowable or not. I believe it is a credit to this forum (and our not doing much) that everyone gets a say and very, very little has been removed.

So, if anyone wants to accuse anyone else of being anonymous, while they themselves remain anonymous, we have a judgement decision to make. Please don't force us to make it.

Speaking recently to some of the RCCC hierarchy it appears that they cannot cope with anonymity.

The RCCC also have to grow up a bit here. Without anonymity these members would say nothing. It is entirely in parallel with the RCCC minutes/notes saying diddly squat. As I said, to the RCCC as well, my name is up front. Prove me wrong, or put up with it, because I still believe the truth is worth fighting for. I also believe the good of curling is worth fighting for, and I see far too many anonymous members trying to pick a fight for the sake of it.

Off to bed, back tomorrow. Have fun.

Nice constructive contribution there John. What does it mean?

oh dear the trolls are loose again. 

This is a most curious insight into what other people read into others posts.

Now where's the ignore thread button?

This thread appears to have been knocked slightly off course. It was never meant to be about anonymity. I just thought that with the RCCC elections coming up, it was perhaps strange that those with strong feelings towards the RCCC do not appear in the least interested in them. It is a little incongruous. If the RCCC were to be disbanded, it would probably have to be reformed in a hurry to give malcontents something to moan about.

Ur faidhle/Your ref:          
Ar faidhle/Our ref:   2010/0001833OR
2 February 2010


Dear Mr Cummings

Thank you for e-mail dated 10 January addressed to Alex Salmond, First Minister for Scotland, regarding your disappointment over the cancellation of the Bonspiel Curling Grand Match. 

As you may be aware the Grand Matches are arranged by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.  As the event organiser, it is for the Club to make decisions about holding the event following discussion with the relevant Police and emergency services. 

Following discussions between the Club and Central Scotland Police, the Royal Caledonian Curling Club took the decision to cancel the planned event at the Lake of Menteith.  This decision was reached because there was not time to prepare suitable safety, traffic and contingency plans; all of which are necessary to obtain suitable third party liability insurance.  As the event organisers, it is imperative that they ensure the safety of participants and spectators that are encouraged to attend such events. 

As such, decisions about future Bonspiels will be taken by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, following the process outlined above.  However, the Scottish Government has been informed that the Club is now updating its contingency plans for Piper Dam, Loch Leven and Lake of Menteith, with a view to them being ready in case suitable weather conditions return. 

I hope this response answers your concerns.

Yours sincerely




Joanne Howie