4. CURLING POND
Photographs taken on the Pollok Curling Pond, probably on the occasion of the opening in 1906.
SURVEY MAP OF AREA OF THE CURLING POND AND PROPOSED CLUBHOUSE (1910)
SMITH’S POND
The Club first started on a pond situated near Smith’s Farm off Cowglen Road, which is now part of the 1st hole fairway of Cowglen Golf Club.
There they remained until:
7th October 1901: “The Pond Committee reported that the state of the Pond bank was very unsatisfactory, it being inevitable that something should be done before another winter. It was reported to the Pond Committee to see if a better site could be got.”
10th March 1902: “The Pond Committee reported that nothing had yet been done in the way of getting a new site for the Pond.”
13th Octr 1902: “The Pond Committee reported that they had looked several sites for a new pond and had approached Mr Murray, Factor, Pollok Estate, who had looked at the various places with them, and approved a site at Hippingstones. He would recommend the said site to Sir John as a suitable place for a new Pond.”
14th Sept 1903 – “The Pond Committee reported that the site selected and sanctioned by Sir John had turned out most unsuitable, due to the subsoil, therefore there was no alternative but to adhere to the old pond another season.”
POLLOK ESTATE POND
11th Octr 1905: “Mr McDougall reported that another site for a Pond had been selected by the Pond Committee & that Mr Murray would see Sir John about it, if the site was found suitable bottom.”
12th Octr 1906: “The Secretary reported that operations had been begun with the making of a new pond within Pollok Policies, in the Sheeppecks and it was hoped that it would be ready before the frost came unless it was earlier than usual.”
14th Decr 1906: “Lady Stirling Maxwell to be approached to open the Pond by throwing the first stone.” A suitable souvenir to commemorate the occasion, and a suitable piece of silverware to be purchased. Sheets with the names of members to be put in the hands of several members of Committee to solicit subscriptions.”
27th Decr 1906: “…Lady Stirling Maxwell to throw the first stone to open the new Pond. A silver ink-stand with a suitable inscription printed on the underside – leaving a blank for the date, and on the upper side they had got engraved thereon ‘Frae the Knights o’ the broom’.”
28th Decr. 1906: “The frost had reformed and Mr Murray telephoned Lady Stirling Maxwell with the invitation to throw the first stone to Sir John’s directions at 11 a.m. The group to be photographed, the work being carried out by Messrs Keppie & Co, 56 Jamaica Street, Glasgow. The event was recorded in the local press in the following words:
“NEW POND AT POLLOKSHAWS. – The new pond of the Pollok Curling Club was formally opened yesterday. It is conveniently situated within the policies of Pollok, a short distance from Pollok House. The first two stones were thrown by Lady Stirling Maxwell for whom Sir John Stirling Maxwell acted as skip. Cake and wine having been served, Provost Macdougall proposed the health of Lady Stirling Maxwell, and this was heartily pledged. Thereafter Mr J Campbell Murray, Haggs Castle, President, in the name of the Club, presented Lady Stirling Maxwell with a beautiful silver inkstand as a memento of the occasion. Play was then begun, a match taking place between sides representing Sir John and Mr Murray. Sir John won by a majority of 41 to 25.”
14th Feby 1907: “… treasurer reported that a sum of £8 1s 6d had been subscribed by the members towards the presentation to Lady Stirling Maxwell and that the total amount paid to the silversmiths for the inkstand and engraving thereon was £7 6s 6d, leaving a balance of 15/-. It was decided to get a copy of the group taken at the opening framed and presented to Lady Stirling Maxwell.”
14th Octr 1907: “… the club at present was in a more satisfactory condition than it had been for many years, owing no doubt to the new Pond where there had been a large addition to the membership. At the present time it was 54.”
16th Novr 1910: “Opening of the new Club House - …that we have the opening at the first opportunity when convenient for Sir John, Lady Maxwell and Miss Anne to be present. Miss Anne to be asked to perform the opening ceremony...resolved to present Miss Anne with a gold key as a souvenir of the occasion.”
22nd Decr 1910: “… we had ice again on 22nd and 23rd Dec when some of the members had a game, ice weak. We had ice again on 3rd Feby with a very thick fog, … two rinks played until the ice gave way…”
3rd Feb 1911: “…opening of the new Club House by Miss Anne Maxwell who was presented with a gold key and turned the lock amid applause whereupon the company entered the pavilion where light refreshments were laid out.”
9th Octr 1911: AGM: “...President also said the members would find the Club House more comfortable now it was finished.”
Extract from local newspaper – undated.
OPENING OF POLLOK CLUB HOUSE
Advantage was taken of the prevalence of frost last week to formally open the pavilion built for the use of the Pollok Curling Club at the pond within the policies by Sir John and Lady Stirling Maxwell, the patron and patroness. There was a considerable attendance of ladies and gentlemen, including Lady Stirling Maxwell who was accompanied by Miss Anne Maxwell. Provost McDougall presided, and after some general remarks on the generosity of the patron and patroness, told a delightful little story to Miss Anne Maxwell, the gist of which was that the big boys who curled on that pond had no place to keep their stones and brooms, and a kind lady and gentleman built for them a nice house in which to keep these. But when the house was finished the boys found, that a door had been placed in it, and it was locked, and they could not get in. They did not know what to do until a Fairy called Thought told them that the door could only be opened by a little girl who was born in the Northwood with a golden key given to her by a boy who was also born in the Northwood. Miss Maxwell was the little girl, and he himself was the boy. The Provost then gave to Miss Maxwell a gold key bearing the following inscription:- “Presented by the members of the Pollok Curling Club to Miss Anne Maxwell on the occasion of her opening the new club house, 3rd February, 1911.” Miss Maxwell then, amid applause, turned the lock, and the company entered the pavilion, where light refreshments were laid out. Mr J Campbell Murray, the president of the club, replied on Miss Maxwell’s behalf. Thereafter Miss Annabella Young presented to Miss Maxwell a velvet embroidered bag, the gift of ex-Bailie McGregor Adam, in which to hold the key and its case. Ex-Bailie Adam said that for the last 40 years he had been collecting the curling stones, which he facetiously called “McGregor’s Gathering” and he asked Sir John to accept the custody of these for preservation in the pavilion. Mr J Campbell Murray accepted the gift on behalf of Sir John, who, having to attend a meeting in Edinburgh, was unable to be present. It is interesting to add that one of the stones, but by no means the oldest looking, bears the date 1717.
18th April 1912: “…It was agreed to use the revenue from boxes in the Curling House to form a fund for any extra outlay.”
15th Octr 1919: “Members of Committee to meet at the Clubhouse to examine the pond with power to make arrangements to ….have the weeds cleared from the Pond, and grass on banks cut.”
10th October 1923: reported at AGM “Another season had passed with very little frost, the Pond was at no time fit for play.”
14th October 1924: reported at AGM “..Little frost and no outside ice strong enough for curling.”
AGM 14th October 1926: The Secretary reported that we had outside ice in the last week in November and the first week in December 1925. Some Members played on the Pond, but the ice was rough, and we did not get any of the Club Matches played. The Pond Committee were instructed to have the grass cut from the banks and edges of the Pond. New member: - Hugh Morris, Greenkeeper, Pollok Golf Club.
AGM 13th October 1927: We had not ice strong enough for curling last season. The banks and edges of the Pond have been cut twice this backend. The Sluice had to be drawn to allow for pulling a clump of wild iris. The sluice has now been closed and water let in, and with frost we should have good ice.
7th January 1931: “Pollok Pond – the water having left the sides of the Pond made curling conditions not just what everyone would have wished for, water coming through at many parts. In the final round, the water became pretty troublesome, but the spirits of the players kept high, and they all managed to play their way through until the alarm went.”
27th Jany 1933: “The Tankard was played at Pollok Pond at 10;45am, four rinks taking part. The Final was greatly hindered by the water coming through the ice at the crampits, and two additional rinks had to be used to enable one of the earlier games to be finished. In the Final game, which was played across the Pond, the ice was somewhat kinder to the players and held out until a decision was reached.”
27th Septr 1934: AGM – “Condition of the Pond: It was reported that the Pond was in bad condition. It was very full of weeds and had been dry but was now filling up. It was agreed that steps be taken to have the Pond cleaned and the drain put in order so that advantage may be taken of any outside ice.”
20th Decr 1935: “Pond bearing. 14 players having an enjoyable game. Next day 8 players took part but owing to freshness, the game was abandoned. On the 22nd, 10 members again took advantage of a beautiful sheet of ice to have very enjoyable two and a half hours of play”.
7th Octr 1936: AGM – “The present bad condition of the Pond at Pollok was brought forward and after a little discussion it was left to the Pond Committee to take action and to see what could be done.”
13th Octr 1937: AGM – “Attention was drawn to the bad condition of the Pond. After a short discussion the Secretary was instructed to write Col. B H Shaw Stuart (Factor) and arrange a meeting with the Pond Committee.”
10th Octr 1938: AGM – “There being the usual discussion about the condition of the Pond, a small committee was appointed to get prices, if possible, for laying part of the pond with tar-mac.”
1st Novr 1939: AGM – “Mr Chapman suggested getting in touch with a Mr Jas Dougan to arrange about destroying weeds in the Pond.”
18th Jany 1941: “The Ice at the Pond being in good condition, the Sir John Stirling Maxwell Tankard was played. Mr E Pickwell defeated Mr P McPherson 12 shots to 10. Owing to war conditions, the results were highly successful.”
19th September 1951: AGM – “A report on the Pond was submitted by C Poulter who stated that some improvement had been made and the President thanked him for his services in this respect.”
17th September 1952: AGM – “The Secretary reported that the season had been very successful and that 26 games had been played in the Ice Rink, as well as several games on the Club’s Pond.”
9th January 1957: Committee Meeting – “Account: a bill amounting to £15:13/- was produced by the President for 6 curling Crampits and 1 new timber marking trammel from Andrew Kay & Sons, Mauchline.”
17th April 1979: AGM – “It was also suggested “…that if we are eventually able to get the outdoor pond in working order, a Bonspiel could be held whenever possible, the same rinks taking part as in the Opening Bonspiel, and the Centenary Trophy going to the rink with the highest number of shots up on aggregate. Under AOCB, the President, Harry Noble, brought up the matter of restoring for play, the pond built for the Club by Sir John Stirling Maxwell in 1911, which lies between the 17th green of Pollok Golf Club and the River Cart. It was generally agreed that some effort should be made to get this done and it was left to the Committee to investigate the position with the Parks Dept and the Trustees of Pollok Estate and take what action they felt was necessary.”
The Committee undertook to review the situation at an appropriate time.”
25th April 1980: AGM – “Curling Pond:- A sufficient area had been cleared of weeds to allow one rink, and it was hoped that further clearing would be done in the autumn to bring into use another rink. The Club was now in possession of a cord for measuring and a board for marking the heads.”
24th April 1981: AGM – “… The Secretary reported that the weeds in the Pond had been cut in September, but it had not been as successful as the previous year. Two cutters had been hired at accost of £14-95 and both had broken down before the end of the day. The Pond was not draining properly, and this would have to be investigated. It was his suggestion that we should obtain a scythe for cutting the weeds. It would be cheaper and provided a team could be trained to use it without risking amputating their feet, it would prove just as successful as the mechanical cutters. David Wallace offered to present the Club with a scythe which had lain in his garage for may a year, together with a stone for sharpening, and this offer was gratefully accepted. The offer did not include a course of lessons in how to use it as he was as ignorant as the rest of us!”
16th April 1982: AGM – “The Secretary had been approached by the Secretary of the Glasgow Province with the suggestion that the Province should give assistance to the rehabilitation of the Pond. In return of course they would expect to be allowed to play on it. A Committee of no more than four persons should be formed (two of whom from Pollok) to further investigate. The proprietors, Pollok Corrour Ltd, would be consulted at every step.
22nd April 1983: AGM- “ a comprehensive report on the feasibility of the project had been prepared, including a quotation for the cost and the sources from which grants may be obtained. The original price quoted was £18,165-50, but it was indicated that all bar £2000 of this could be obtained from known grant sources. Pollok as a club, would be too small an audience to benefit, and the facilities being financed must be available to a much bigger number, and there are almost 2000 members in the Province. Pollok Corrour Ltd were willing to give a 21 year lease. A report from Climatological Services Scotland produced a mass of data that asserted that, on average, we can expect to have 62 days in the year on which we could curl, and this includes the summer…!”
“A Committee of Province and Club had no sooner been formed than the company who had quoted for the work, Environscapes Scotland Ltd, went into liquidation. Quotations are being invited from other sources.”
6th April 1984: AGM – “ Matters arising – The Secretary reported that the Pond was still under review, but as yet no company had been found who were willing to undertake the work,”
“…assured that this issue is not dead and that efforts are still being made to find a contractor willing to undertake the work, but there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm.”
This page shows the original drawing showing the positions of the Curling Pond, Clubhouse and the Estate Icehouse, which were all positioned on the north-facing side of the hill beside the 17th green of Pollok Golf Club, that being the coldest outdoor part of the estate in proximity to the House.
The Club first started on a pond situated near Smith’s Farm off Cowglen Road, which is now part of the 1st hole fairway of Cowglen Golf Club.
There they remained until:
7th October 1901: “The Pond Committee reported that the state of the Pond bank was very unsatisfactory, it being inevitable that something should be done before another winter. It was reported to the Pond Committee to see if a better site could be got.”
10th March 1902: “The Pond Committee reported that nothing had yet been done in the way of getting a new site for the Pond.”
13th Octr 1902: “The Pond Committee reported that they had looked several sites for a new pond and had approached Mr Murray, Factor, Pollok Estate, who had looked at the various places with them, and approved a site at Hippingstones. He would recommend the said site to Sir John as a suitable place for a new Pond.”
14th Sept 1903 – “The Pond Committee reported that the site selected and sanctioned by Sir John had turned out most unsuitable, due to the subsoil, therefore there was no alternative but to adhere to the old pond another season.”
POLLOK ESTATE POND
11th Octr 1905: “Mr McDougall reported that another site for a Pond had been selected by the Pond Committee & that Mr Murray would see Sir John about it, if the site was found suitable bottom.”
12th Octr 1906: “The Secretary reported that operations had been begun with the making of a new pond within Pollok Policies, in the Sheeppecks and it was hoped that it would be ready before the frost came unless it was earlier than usual.”
14th Decr 1906: “Lady Stirling Maxwell to be approached to open the Pond by throwing the first stone.” A suitable souvenir to commemorate the occasion, and a suitable piece of silverware to be purchased. Sheets with the names of members to be put in the hands of several members of Committee to solicit subscriptions.”
27th Decr 1906: “…Lady Stirling Maxwell to throw the first stone to open the new Pond. A silver ink-stand with a suitable inscription printed on the underside – leaving a blank for the date, and on the upper side they had got engraved thereon ‘Frae the Knights o’ the broom’.”
28th Decr. 1906: “The frost had reformed and Mr Murray telephoned Lady Stirling Maxwell with the invitation to throw the first stone to Sir John’s directions at 11 a.m. The group to be photographed, the work being carried out by Messrs Keppie & Co, 56 Jamaica Street, Glasgow. The event was recorded in the local press in the following words:
“NEW POND AT POLLOKSHAWS. – The new pond of the Pollok Curling Club was formally opened yesterday. It is conveniently situated within the policies of Pollok, a short distance from Pollok House. The first two stones were thrown by Lady Stirling Maxwell for whom Sir John Stirling Maxwell acted as skip. Cake and wine having been served, Provost Macdougall proposed the health of Lady Stirling Maxwell, and this was heartily pledged. Thereafter Mr J Campbell Murray, Haggs Castle, President, in the name of the Club, presented Lady Stirling Maxwell with a beautiful silver inkstand as a memento of the occasion. Play was then begun, a match taking place between sides representing Sir John and Mr Murray. Sir John won by a majority of 41 to 25.”
14th Feby 1907: “… treasurer reported that a sum of £8 1s 6d had been subscribed by the members towards the presentation to Lady Stirling Maxwell and that the total amount paid to the silversmiths for the inkstand and engraving thereon was £7 6s 6d, leaving a balance of 15/-. It was decided to get a copy of the group taken at the opening framed and presented to Lady Stirling Maxwell.”
14th Octr 1907: “… the club at present was in a more satisfactory condition than it had been for many years, owing no doubt to the new Pond where there had been a large addition to the membership. At the present time it was 54.”
16th Novr 1910: “Opening of the new Club House - …that we have the opening at the first opportunity when convenient for Sir John, Lady Maxwell and Miss Anne to be present. Miss Anne to be asked to perform the opening ceremony...resolved to present Miss Anne with a gold key as a souvenir of the occasion.”
22nd Decr 1910: “… we had ice again on 22nd and 23rd Dec when some of the members had a game, ice weak. We had ice again on 3rd Feby with a very thick fog, … two rinks played until the ice gave way…”
3rd Feb 1911: “…opening of the new Club House by Miss Anne Maxwell who was presented with a gold key and turned the lock amid applause whereupon the company entered the pavilion where light refreshments were laid out.”
9th Octr 1911: AGM: “...President also said the members would find the Club House more comfortable now it was finished.”
Extract from local newspaper – undated.
OPENING OF POLLOK CLUB HOUSE
Advantage was taken of the prevalence of frost last week to formally open the pavilion built for the use of the Pollok Curling Club at the pond within the policies by Sir John and Lady Stirling Maxwell, the patron and patroness. There was a considerable attendance of ladies and gentlemen, including Lady Stirling Maxwell who was accompanied by Miss Anne Maxwell. Provost McDougall presided, and after some general remarks on the generosity of the patron and patroness, told a delightful little story to Miss Anne Maxwell, the gist of which was that the big boys who curled on that pond had no place to keep their stones and brooms, and a kind lady and gentleman built for them a nice house in which to keep these. But when the house was finished the boys found, that a door had been placed in it, and it was locked, and they could not get in. They did not know what to do until a Fairy called Thought told them that the door could only be opened by a little girl who was born in the Northwood with a golden key given to her by a boy who was also born in the Northwood. Miss Maxwell was the little girl, and he himself was the boy. The Provost then gave to Miss Maxwell a gold key bearing the following inscription:- “Presented by the members of the Pollok Curling Club to Miss Anne Maxwell on the occasion of her opening the new club house, 3rd February, 1911.” Miss Maxwell then, amid applause, turned the lock, and the company entered the pavilion, where light refreshments were laid out. Mr J Campbell Murray, the president of the club, replied on Miss Maxwell’s behalf. Thereafter Miss Annabella Young presented to Miss Maxwell a velvet embroidered bag, the gift of ex-Bailie McGregor Adam, in which to hold the key and its case. Ex-Bailie Adam said that for the last 40 years he had been collecting the curling stones, which he facetiously called “McGregor’s Gathering” and he asked Sir John to accept the custody of these for preservation in the pavilion. Mr J Campbell Murray accepted the gift on behalf of Sir John, who, having to attend a meeting in Edinburgh, was unable to be present. It is interesting to add that one of the stones, but by no means the oldest looking, bears the date 1717.
18th April 1912: “…It was agreed to use the revenue from boxes in the Curling House to form a fund for any extra outlay.”
15th Octr 1919: “Members of Committee to meet at the Clubhouse to examine the pond with power to make arrangements to ….have the weeds cleared from the Pond, and grass on banks cut.”
10th October 1923: reported at AGM “Another season had passed with very little frost, the Pond was at no time fit for play.”
14th October 1924: reported at AGM “..Little frost and no outside ice strong enough for curling.”
AGM 14th October 1926: The Secretary reported that we had outside ice in the last week in November and the first week in December 1925. Some Members played on the Pond, but the ice was rough, and we did not get any of the Club Matches played. The Pond Committee were instructed to have the grass cut from the banks and edges of the Pond. New member: - Hugh Morris, Greenkeeper, Pollok Golf Club.
AGM 13th October 1927: We had not ice strong enough for curling last season. The banks and edges of the Pond have been cut twice this backend. The Sluice had to be drawn to allow for pulling a clump of wild iris. The sluice has now been closed and water let in, and with frost we should have good ice.
7th January 1931: “Pollok Pond – the water having left the sides of the Pond made curling conditions not just what everyone would have wished for, water coming through at many parts. In the final round, the water became pretty troublesome, but the spirits of the players kept high, and they all managed to play their way through until the alarm went.”
27th Jany 1933: “The Tankard was played at Pollok Pond at 10;45am, four rinks taking part. The Final was greatly hindered by the water coming through the ice at the crampits, and two additional rinks had to be used to enable one of the earlier games to be finished. In the Final game, which was played across the Pond, the ice was somewhat kinder to the players and held out until a decision was reached.”
27th Septr 1934: AGM – “Condition of the Pond: It was reported that the Pond was in bad condition. It was very full of weeds and had been dry but was now filling up. It was agreed that steps be taken to have the Pond cleaned and the drain put in order so that advantage may be taken of any outside ice.”
20th Decr 1935: “Pond bearing. 14 players having an enjoyable game. Next day 8 players took part but owing to freshness, the game was abandoned. On the 22nd, 10 members again took advantage of a beautiful sheet of ice to have very enjoyable two and a half hours of play”.
7th Octr 1936: AGM – “The present bad condition of the Pond at Pollok was brought forward and after a little discussion it was left to the Pond Committee to take action and to see what could be done.”
13th Octr 1937: AGM – “Attention was drawn to the bad condition of the Pond. After a short discussion the Secretary was instructed to write Col. B H Shaw Stuart (Factor) and arrange a meeting with the Pond Committee.”
10th Octr 1938: AGM – “There being the usual discussion about the condition of the Pond, a small committee was appointed to get prices, if possible, for laying part of the pond with tar-mac.”
1st Novr 1939: AGM – “Mr Chapman suggested getting in touch with a Mr Jas Dougan to arrange about destroying weeds in the Pond.”
18th Jany 1941: “The Ice at the Pond being in good condition, the Sir John Stirling Maxwell Tankard was played. Mr E Pickwell defeated Mr P McPherson 12 shots to 10. Owing to war conditions, the results were highly successful.”
19th September 1951: AGM – “A report on the Pond was submitted by C Poulter who stated that some improvement had been made and the President thanked him for his services in this respect.”
17th September 1952: AGM – “The Secretary reported that the season had been very successful and that 26 games had been played in the Ice Rink, as well as several games on the Club’s Pond.”
9th January 1957: Committee Meeting – “Account: a bill amounting to £15:13/- was produced by the President for 6 curling Crampits and 1 new timber marking trammel from Andrew Kay & Sons, Mauchline.”
17th April 1979: AGM – “It was also suggested “…that if we are eventually able to get the outdoor pond in working order, a Bonspiel could be held whenever possible, the same rinks taking part as in the Opening Bonspiel, and the Centenary Trophy going to the rink with the highest number of shots up on aggregate. Under AOCB, the President, Harry Noble, brought up the matter of restoring for play, the pond built for the Club by Sir John Stirling Maxwell in 1911, which lies between the 17th green of Pollok Golf Club and the River Cart. It was generally agreed that some effort should be made to get this done and it was left to the Committee to investigate the position with the Parks Dept and the Trustees of Pollok Estate and take what action they felt was necessary.”
The Committee undertook to review the situation at an appropriate time.”
25th April 1980: AGM – “Curling Pond:- A sufficient area had been cleared of weeds to allow one rink, and it was hoped that further clearing would be done in the autumn to bring into use another rink. The Club was now in possession of a cord for measuring and a board for marking the heads.”
24th April 1981: AGM – “… The Secretary reported that the weeds in the Pond had been cut in September, but it had not been as successful as the previous year. Two cutters had been hired at accost of £14-95 and both had broken down before the end of the day. The Pond was not draining properly, and this would have to be investigated. It was his suggestion that we should obtain a scythe for cutting the weeds. It would be cheaper and provided a team could be trained to use it without risking amputating their feet, it would prove just as successful as the mechanical cutters. David Wallace offered to present the Club with a scythe which had lain in his garage for may a year, together with a stone for sharpening, and this offer was gratefully accepted. The offer did not include a course of lessons in how to use it as he was as ignorant as the rest of us!”
16th April 1982: AGM – “The Secretary had been approached by the Secretary of the Glasgow Province with the suggestion that the Province should give assistance to the rehabilitation of the Pond. In return of course they would expect to be allowed to play on it. A Committee of no more than four persons should be formed (two of whom from Pollok) to further investigate. The proprietors, Pollok Corrour Ltd, would be consulted at every step.
22nd April 1983: AGM- “ a comprehensive report on the feasibility of the project had been prepared, including a quotation for the cost and the sources from which grants may be obtained. The original price quoted was £18,165-50, but it was indicated that all bar £2000 of this could be obtained from known grant sources. Pollok as a club, would be too small an audience to benefit, and the facilities being financed must be available to a much bigger number, and there are almost 2000 members in the Province. Pollok Corrour Ltd were willing to give a 21 year lease. A report from Climatological Services Scotland produced a mass of data that asserted that, on average, we can expect to have 62 days in the year on which we could curl, and this includes the summer…!”
“A Committee of Province and Club had no sooner been formed than the company who had quoted for the work, Environscapes Scotland Ltd, went into liquidation. Quotations are being invited from other sources.”
6th April 1984: AGM – “ Matters arising – The Secretary reported that the Pond was still under review, but as yet no company had been found who were willing to undertake the work,”
“…assured that this issue is not dead and that efforts are still being made to find a contractor willing to undertake the work, but there seems to be a lack of enthusiasm.”
This page shows the original drawing showing the positions of the Curling Pond, Clubhouse and the Estate Icehouse, which were all positioned on the north-facing side of the hill beside the 17th green of Pollok Golf Club, that being the coldest outdoor part of the estate in proximity to the House.