Ice Staff Appointed

Ice Staff Appointments
 

Dear Curlers

We emailed you on 3rd June to advise you of the changes to the ice staff. Since then we have been working to find suitable people to take over the important roles of managing the business and preparing and maintaining good quality ice. I am very pleased to advise that we have appointed Ross McCleary to the role of Rink Manager and Ice Technician starting on 1st August, and Duncan Menzies to the role of Ice Technician starting on 1st September.

Ross will be known to a lot of you as he has curled at Kinross for many years. He is very enthusiastic about taking on this role, whilst recognising that he has much to learn.  To address this, we have been working with very experienced and respected figures to put in place a plan for installing the ice at the start of September and providing on-ice training for Ross and Duncan before we open on the 10th September, as well as ongoing consultancy support.

Included below is a note from Ross introducing himself. It is clear that Ross will bring a great deal of enthusiasm, and vibrancy to the role. You will see from his note that his approach will be open, welcoming, and engaging.

Please direct any questions to me in the first instance.

Bob Tait
Chairman

Message from Ross McCleary
 

Dear members and fellow curlers,

After over 30 years of Steven's loyal and dedicated work, and the many years’ service of not only himself, but also Craig and Donald, I am sure I am not alone in a certain sadness that they have decided that now was the right time for them to move on, and I am sure we all wish them good fortunes and happiness for their future.

I feel honoured and privileged to be introducing myself as the new Rink Manager for the forthcoming season and hopefully many seasons to come. Some of you may know me from the many years I have curled at Kinross, while some may not. To those that do not already know me, I am very much looking forward to meeting you. I will be doing my best to introduce myself to you all as the season goes on and I would welcome and encourage all to please introduce yourself to the new ice crew in the coming months.

I have many years experience of playing our sport at all levels and at ice rinks across the country, and feel blessed to be given this opportunity to work in a sport I love. I will strive and dedicate myself to repay the faith shown in me by the board to provide a welcoming and friendly environment for us all, and strongly believe that good and constructive communication between myself, the ice rink staff, and you the curlers, is beneficial to us all. I feel it is right to say that there may be some teething problems early in the coming season, and we are under no illusions of the challenges the new season will bring. We will be learning and gaining valuable experience every day, and with your support, encouragement and a little patience and understanding, we can continue to provide a quality of ice and facility that we are all accustomed to. I believe over time I can bring some new and fresh ideas for the future of the ice rink, and strongly welcome any ideas, suggestions and feedback from the membership and curlers. Ultimately I feel that we all want a sustainable and welcoming ice rink for many future generations and with dedication and hard work the future can be very bright.

I would also like to introduce and welcome Duncan Menzies to you all as another full time member of the ice crew. Duncan is a very accomplished curler and is a current Scottish Men’s Curling Champion who went on to represent Scotland at this year’s World Championships. Both myself and Duncan have a great passion for the sport and what we lack in experience we more than make up for in enthusiasm and dedication to provide the best ice playing conditions we possibly can.

I am sure that you will all welcome us in the new season and give us your encouragement. Hopefully with our hard work and your support this new season and many seasons after will be a great success.

Many thanks and see you on the ice.

Ross McCleary

Rink Manager