The Hairmyres Medal
As you can see from the above photograph this medal is a very well
executed example of the silversmith's art and a treasured part
of our club's history. It was presented to the Haremyres club in 1876
by James Strang president of the club at that time. The face of the medal is engraved with the legend,
Presented
by
James Strang President
to
The Hairmyres Curling Club
for
Annual Rink Competition
Jan 1876.
Surrounding this inscription is a garland of finely chased thistles.
The obverse has a similar garland of thistles
and is inscribed with the names of the winning rinks.
Surmounting the medal are two crossed brooms
from which is suspended an agate curling stone.
A silver ring is attached to the top of the brooms
for suspension on a chain.
From reading over the club minutes it would appear
that the medal had been known as the Consolation Medal
and played for as the runner up prize in the Punch Bowl competition
up untill 1919 although no further names
could be engraved on it after season 1911/12.
At the AGM of 1920 it was agreed that as the Consolation medal
was now completely filled with names
it should be returned to Mr Wm Strang president
who's father, "late president of the club", had donated it.
Mr Strang thanked the club and indicated
that he would donate another of the same which he did for season 1921.
At season 1950/51 dinner and prize giving the Haremyres Medal
was awarded to the rink skipped by A. Gilmour
runner up in the Punch Bowl.
In season 1951/52 due to Crossmyloof Ice Rink being unable to
provide sufficient ice allocation for all the club competitions
it was proposed that the Dunn Medal be given
as runner up prize in the Punch Bowl in lieu of the Hairmyres Medal.
The intention being then to award the Hairmyres Medal
for play in a points competition.
This arrangement lasted for two seasons then reverted
to the Dunn Medal being played separately as before
and the Hairmyres Medal going to the runner up in the Punch Bowl. The last Punch Bowl runner up rink to receive
the 1921 Haremyres Medal
was in 1958 after which there is no mention of it.
Where is it now?
Return home
of
"The 1876 Hairmyres Medal"
The "1876" Hairmyres Medal having been out of possession
of the club
since 1920 was returned to the club
in 1981.
At the AGM of 27th April 1982 secretary Bob Hinshalwood
reported that Bruce Gibb secretary of the Newport and Tay Curling Club
had been in touch with him on behalf of
Mrs Melvill of Balmacool, Strowan, Creiff
regarding a silver Hairmyres medal
which she had come upon
in the estate of her late uncle Alastair Hogarth.
Having very generously deemed it proper to return it to us
through the good offices of the Newport and Tay club,
it was now in our hands.
When it was proposed that the club might wish to
hold an annual "Singles" curling competition
it was agreed that this competition would be
a fitting home for the "Hairmyres Medal".
The beautiful wood and crystal plinth which the Medal sits on
was commissioned by secretary George Strang
a fitting resting place for a fine trophy.
At the 23rd April 1984 A.G.M. "it was brought to the
meetings notice about the New Singles Competition in May".
It is not clear if it took place at all that year 1984
as there is no mention of a winner at the following A.G.M. 1985
At the committee meeting
held at Park Farm on 22nd August 1985.
"Haremyres Medal:- the committee discussed holding a
"Singles" competition next May 1986
on L.I.R. cheap ice with this medal as the "Prize"."
At the committee meeting held in L.I.R.18th March 1986
the secretary reported that he had booked ice at L.I.R.
on 28th and 29th April for the proposed "Singles" competition.
At A.G.M. 21st April 1986 no mention
Committee meeting 27th May 86, Singles competition:-
"Good report with some thought to be put into next year."
At A.G.M. 27th April 1987.
Singles winner G. Wiseman
this was for the competition played on 28th and 29th April 1986
making Gavin the season 1986/87 winner.
Or should that be season 1985/86?
for whilst this game was played after the A.G.M. of season 85/86
it surely falls into season 1985/86 as curling continued
into the month of May
and the new season 1986/87 started in September 86.
At the committee meeting of 18th May 1987 it was noted
Singles competition
"The winner this year was Sheena Drummie with Doris Strang second.
The competition was very well supported on a lovely evening.
There was a deficit of £24 and the secretary reported
that the Icerink had charged for the supper.
The committee agreed to officially complain by letter about
the tasteless macaroni which was not up to the standard
of The Lanarkshire Ice Rink Singles supper.
Now that suggests to me that Sheena Drummie would then be
the Singles winner for season 86/87
Ice was booked to hold the Singles competition on
29th April 1988 but with the Ice Rink being unwilling
to charge the same as last year, the President and Secretary
had cancelled the booking due to the high cost of the ice.
That would then mean that the Singles were not held
in season 87/88.
Negotiations between the secretary and the Ice Rink had been ongoing
but finally we had to accept that we were not going to
be able to play the Singles on discounted ice.
After much discussion it was decided to have the competition in May,
at a cost of £4 per entry with the club subsidising.
Committee meeting 16th March 1989.
Singles competition, this proved a most successful competition
organised at short notice and costing £100 for ice and sandwiches.
The treasurer reported a loss of £1 ..David Raeburn was the winner.
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