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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jun 30, 2009 22:52:06 GMT
Hello Everyone, Hope everyone is well The reason I am contacting all the former players and friends of Cumnock Rugby Club that I can think of is to see if I can organise a big get together for the first home league game of the season (either the 5th or 12th of September). I decided to do this after 2 events which happened over the last year. The first one was a sponsors day at the club when I was in the company of Jock Murdoch (these prawns are crunchy). There were a few old faces we hadn’t seen for a few years and we were both discussing how good it was to catch up. John suggested getting together the players from his time playing at Cumnock for a sponsored day at the club. The second event was much sadder at Nan Murray’s funeral when loads of old faces turned up in really unfortunate circumstances. I was talking to Harry Reilly (now our Youth President) who suggested that we should try and get these ex players and members together on a more regular basis to catch up with each other and also to add something to the club. It is sometimes only when you meet these old faces or look at old pictures that you remember what fantastic times we all had at CRFC over the years. The number of people that have passed through the club over the years is enormous and is always great to bump into them. I have decided see if I can pull together a big reunion of all these old faces (your own included) for the first home game of the season. The idea is that we come together on a sponsors day catch up and also see the crop of really good young boys that are moving into our senior team this year. I have spoken to Davie Murray (Ernie Bilko) about this and I am really pleased that he has agreed to be the compare for the event. I know giving Davie a microphone is a recipe for disaster but I honestly can’t think of anyone who represents the good times at Cumnock Rugby Club so well over the years. As you know Davie has played rugby at Cumnock for over 50 years starting in the late fifties. He is the self confessed best kicker the club ever had and sacrificed an international career as a cabaret star to focus on captaining the Mean Machine. In order to get as many people as possible to come along I would appreciate it if you would send this email on to any ex member or player that you know or send their details to me and I’ll contact them. Also I am looking for old pictures relating to the club. If you have any could you scan them in and send them back to me. I really hope that if I can pull this together it will be one of the best days we have ever had at the club. It will also show the new young players the number of people out there who are supporting their efforts. Hope to see you all soon, Link to blogspot:- cumnockrugby.blogspot.com/2009/06/attention-5th-september.html |
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jul 8, 2009 5:46:22 GMT
cumnockrugby.blogspot.com/2009/07/attention-5th-september-changed-to-10th.htmlHi Again Everyone, As with all things that you organise (or rather that I organise) things don’t always run smoothly. The first league game was indeed the 5th but I unfortunately a wedding has been organised at the club (how the 2 events are not compatible is beyond me…Ace can dance with chairs and wee Hughie could serenade the bride). I digress… The new and final date for the former players and friends of CRFC is Saturday the 10th of October. This is a home game against Millbrae Rugby Club (based at Ayr ). This is ideal as many ex Cumnock players and friends play for this club…Kenny Stobie, Phil Manning etc. So things are now moving ahead. Davie Murray is practicing his public speaking to compare the event and I am working on increasing my alcohol tolerance to stay the pace with Podgie. There is already a great interest in this and I want to make it an unforgettable day. If anyone can think of any ex player or member of CRFC can they please let them know about this. It is going to be a fantastic day to catch up with old friends. Where are they? Gav the Swav Bob Bryson Willie Smith Bod Alex Warnock Snebber Jakey Johnstone The Torrances The Kray twins Gordie McMillan There are loads more. Get in touch with them and let them know. If you can think of any other names put them on the chat site below. The day will involve turning up at CRFC. Having a 3 course slap up meal, a free bar for 3 hours and the pleasure of Davie Murray as a compare. In addition there will be a feast of rugby as the young skilful Cumnock team takes on the experience and might of Milbrae. Tickets are £45 each and all profits (if there are any) go to CRFC playing side. Cheers, Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jul 8, 2009 22:27:15 GMT
Suggestions by podgie:-
Yule, Alist(d?)air Greenshields, Derek Smith, Jim Archibald's brother who looks like David Bellamy (Jim plays like David Bellamy) & Sean Connery (not true but I'm starting a rumour).
Surely, Belle & Minnie??? And in with regards to the better drinkers, what will Kate & Una be doing?
Going so far:-
Toon Hall
Alan Shankland
Euan Kerr
Danny McLaren
Morton Houston
Podgie
Hugh Samson
Davie Murray
Harry Reilly
Mark Linden
Ricky Blair
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jul 17, 2009 19:10:31 GMT
Hi Everyone, Things are moving on well for the ex players/members sponsors day. Iain Johnston (young one) is coming and both he and Davie Murray are trying to identify a folk band to give some music after the game. Spoke to Jock Murdoch who is phoning round all the ex players from the Kilmarnock area to bring them along. The league fixtures have been re-arranged. Unfortunately we are now playing the Police on the 10th. Spoke to Ally Nichol last night and Millbrae were looking forward to coming. They would have been ideal. Maybe we could look to do something similar at the end of the year when we play them at home? Can you get names and contacts of those going to me as soon as possible? ardwell@zetnet.co.ukCheers, Morton cumnockrugby.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-on-10th-october.html |
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jul 24, 2009 18:40:01 GMT
Hi Everyone,
Everything is shaping up well for the former friends and players sponsor day on the 10th October. Word seems to be getting about and the numbers are growing.
The latest folk to confirm are:
Bob “Podgie” Borland
John “Cleek” Cleland
Hugh “Sparra” Laidlaw
Barclay Ross
Hugh “Pug” Graham
Una (aw naw)
What about a few more women connected to the club? I think Kim Murdoch may be there as well as possibly Kate Borland.
This is the 30th anniversary of the opening of the club house at Broomfield and I am very keen to get as many of the members along that helped to make this happen and/or who bought life memberships to help pay for it. Robin Hunter is helping me with this but if you know any of these members let them know this is going on.
Can everyone spread the word and let me know who is coming.
I have organised a good young folk band (thanks Cleek) to come along and give some music after the game so this should make it an even better atmosphere.
What about a theme for the day, any ideas? Or would it be better just club ties/club shirts etc.
I’m off to wee Hughie Samson’s wedding tomorrow. Should be a belter. Hopefully I’ll get a few more recruits there.
Cheers,
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Jul 26, 2009 20:32:10 GMT
Hello friends and former players, Just returned from wee Hughie's wedding. Can't believe how far off the pace I am compared to everyone else who was there. Still suffering after the 4 o'clock in the morning finish then the 5 hour journey back home from Chester. The latest names attending are: Hugh Samson Andy (Hugh's pal) Alistair Dornan Willie Marshall Jock Munroe Ace has now also agreed to come along and array us with some of his after diner stories now that it has been clarified that the day is not just for people who played in the first team.(This was a cruel joke Podgie). I'm looking to get the numbers up to over 50 so can you get back as soon as possible and let me know if you are coming. Remember the sponsor day deal is. A Welcome to CRFC from Alex Dunsmuir
Free bar (limited hours)
3 course meal
Seeing Cumnock's new young team play the Police
Live music in the bar
And all chaired by the greatest living Ernie Bilko look a like Davie Murray
All for £45 per head...what a bargain!
(Please note due to need to make some money on the event Alistair Dornan,Ace and Podgie will be limited to a free bar of only 15 minutes) This is going to be a fantastic day with a chance to go over all the brilliant memories built up at CRFC over the years. See you all soon. Morton cumnockrugby.blogspot.com/2009/07/update-on-10th-october_24.html |
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 1, 2009 18:44:22 GMT
Things are taking off big style for this
day now. I am getting confirmations and provisionals from all over the place.
Here is the list so far:
Bob “Podgie” Borland
Katie Borland
John “Cleek” Cleland
Hugh “Sparra” Laidlaw
Barclay Ross
Hugh “Pug” Graham
Una
Ian Johnston
Ross “Cheeseburger” Hodge
Tam Kerr
His Brother
Toon Hall
Alan Shankland
Euan Kerr
Danny McLaren
Morton Houston
Davie
Murray
Harry Reilly
Mark Linden
Blythe Mitchell
Alex Warnock
Tober
Mick Smith
Rab Donald
Dobie
Frank
Bobby Clark
Ian McGarry
Rab Cross
Ross McPheator
Jim Blackwood
In addition Ian Johnston is chasing up the
Ayr ones. Jock Murdoch is chasing up the Killie ones.
Si and Ange are looking into coming from
Australia .
This is going to be the biggest thing since……….the
last quite big thing!
Sam you gave me a list of possibles. Are you able to
contact any of these? Are you Steven and Alan (and Isobel) going?
What about Tam Mitchell and his cowboy bits?
Rodger are you coming along? We need a weegot to counter
wee Mick.
I’m off on my hols to sunny Netheybridge.
Does everyone know there is a BBQ at the club following
the Carnoustie game on the 15 th (KO 2pm). This should be a great
chance to see the new team.
Cheers,
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 1, 2009 18:58:07 GMT
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 10, 2009 21:10:18 GMT
Hi Everyone, Just back from the Spey Valley. Had a great time and now back looking to make the Former Players and Friends of CRFC sponsor day a fantastic day. My email is causing me problems so could you please send any emails to me at new email address mortonhouston@rocketmail.comand the zetnet address ardwell@zetnet.co.ukThere are a few more additions (see below) to those coming along. There are still loads more people who will come if asked. I reckon 3 out of every 4 people I ask are going and the remainder can't make that day. If every person asks one other person then we will have a sell out event. I'm looking to start taking money in for those attending. Can you please send £45 per person to me: Pay: Cumnock Rugby Club Send to: Morton Houston 103 Loudoun Street, Mauchline KA55BH If you need to speak to me my details are below and also please check out and contribute to the CRFC blog site (address below). The first team won their first friendly yesterday. They beat Strathaven 28-24. The average age of the Cumnock team was 19 and would have been 18 if Kevin Brady had dragged the average age up. Next week they play Carnoustie at home 2pm kick off. This is followed by a family BBQ so come along if you can make it and see the young boys in action. Jim Donnelly - got your email and your on the list. Looking forward to seeing you. Bob Hunter - got yours as well see you on the 10th if not before. See you all soon, Morton New additions Gordon Jenkins Carol Bob Hunter Stewart Bennett Jim Donnelly Hec John Spicer (+ 2 possibles) Robin Findlay cumnockrugby.blogspot.com/2009/08/brand-new-update-on-10th-october.html |
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 13, 2009 18:23:35 GMT
Latest additions for the sponsors day on 10th October. I have around 50 names of people who are going so far. can everyone push this as hard as they can to get the figure up to 70 or 80. there are loads of names still not on the list. if you can think of anyone please ask them.
Also I am starting to get payments in. Could everyone going please arrange for £45 to be sent or given to me. Cheques payable to Cumnock Rugby Club.
Bert Ramage
Jim Mair
Minnie
Jim Hill
Stewart Birrell
Bill McLaughlan
Alistair Howat
Joke "that fish is some swimmer" Murdoch
Still looking for the ex players from Killie and Ayr
Kenny Stobie
Phil Manning
Chris Hepburn
Bob Bryson
Ned Craswell
jimmy Carswell
Bod
Cawdy
Frankie
Murph
The Kray Twins
Who have I forgot?
The Torrance clan
Herbie
Belle
Murray Walker
Graham Reid
Andy Baird
Yule
and many more
There are a whole lot of older generation players I don't know about.
See you all soon
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 16, 2009 19:04:50 GMT
Hi Everyone,
Just watched our firsts and seconds have two great wins yesterday against Carnoustie and Renfrew. The average age of the Cumnock teams was incredibly young yet they all looked the part. Great atmosphere in the club afterwards as well which gave everyone a taste of what the sponsors day on the 10h October will be like.
One of the highlights was Rab Donald getting “thingy o’ the Day” for the seconds for getting a doin’ from a wee hooker
I have some new names to add to the list:
Yvonne Bennett
Linda McLue
Jim Archibald
Match McCrorie
Dobie
Keith Miller
Kriss McGinn
Robin Hunter
Lesley Spicer
Ned Carswell
Jimmy Carswell
Kim Murdoch
Jimmy Thomson (to be confirmed)
I'm told Snebber is coming although he hasn't been in contact. Joke is this right and are you coming as well.
Willie Archibald (tbc)
Tam Hunter (tbc)
This puts the numbers up to over 65. The limit of 80 is closing in very quickly. Add in 40 players and the club is going to be jumping.
Jock Murdoch has also agreed to be the main sponsor of the day so thanks very much for that Jock. Davie says he is glad your are coming as it gives him plenty of stories to tell.
Could everyone please forward their payments to me as soon as possible as I need to have paid up places to organise the catering.
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Aug 21, 2009 18:33:31 GMT
Hi Everyone, Lastest update for the 10th. New Names Eddie (Bits) Cameron Andy Baird Cawdy Tam Mitchell Thanks for the payments which have been sent in. Can everyone else forward theirs please. Cheques payable to Cumnock Rugby Club for £45. Please send to Morton Houston, 103 Loudoun Street, Mauchline KA5 5BH I make the numbers about 60 so far. Still pushing for more bodies to make it an unforgetable day (although the free bar may make this impossible). My email and internet are now officially a disaster site and I cannot guarantee any of these. Please copy emails to this ardwell@zetnet.co.uk address and my work one: morton.houston@south-ayrshire.gov.uk See you all there Morton Mines can be used as well and I will pass on messages to Morton. trobert_c@yahoo.co.uk |
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Sept 6, 2009 18:04:30 GMT
Hi Everyone,
Only about 5 weeks to the sponsor day. Latest numbers are around 70. Latest names:
Bell + 2 pals
Doreen Findlay
Jim and Elspeth Mair
Spoke to Soupie yesterday and he is having a think about it as well.
Ists lost 12-8 away at Oban and were unlucky not to win (agreed I was there (tommy). Last year in the same fixture they lost heavily so there is a big improvement. Next week they play Paisley and should get a win at home against them.
2nds beat the Police 45 – 5. things are looking up on the playing side.
I have 20 people paid up so far and I really need to get payments in so that I can confirm the catering. Please send payments to me below or give them to Alex Dunsmuir or Tober.
We still have a few places left please pass the word.
See you all soon,
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Sept 13, 2009 22:00:19 GMT
Hi Everyone
Only 4 weeks to go everybody. This is shaping up to be one brilliant day. First had their first league win of the season following two narrow defeats. They beat Paisley 42-0 and their average age was once again ni.ni.ni.ni.ninteeen (feels like the lead into a song). Top try scorer was Mark Bennett at 16 with 4 tries.
I need to get some money in now to underwrite the catering. I have 73 names on the list but only 20 people have paid their money. (List is on email just sent) The maximum that can go is 80 so there are still some spaces and there will be a few call offs as well. Keep spreading the word.
Cheers,
Morton
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Post by Thomas Cunningham on Oct 7, 2009 21:28:47 GMT
Cumnock 1 st XV play Strathclyde Police on
Saturday watched by those attending the Friends and Former Players Sponsors
Day. Over 70 faces from the past and present will join the usual
supporters to cheer on the young Cumnock side against Strathclyde’s
finest. Meanwhile the 2nds will play Hillhead Jordanhill also at Cumnock.
This promises to be the busiest day at the Club for many a
year and hopefully we will have a couple of wins from the 1sts and 2nds to top
it off.
Morton Houston
Cumnock RFC Mini Coordinator
01290 552987
07748827836
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