GOUROCK Ladies Curling club celebrated a golden moment as the club turned 50.

To mark the momentous occasion, a gala dinner was held at the Royal Gourock Yacht Club.

Committee member Dorothy Stewart said it was a memorable night to mark a significant milestone.

Dorothy said: "After being welcomed with a glass of fizz, members and invited guests watched Gourock Ladies Curling Club The Movie before being piped in by member Margaret MacDougall.

"Val Marshall, the president, then introduced the guest speaker Jane Brown.

"Alison Clark, the daughter of one of the original founding members, Moira McCrone, gave an entertaining 'potted history' of the past 50 years.

"The evening was rounded off with a brilliant performance by Gourock's very own 'Secret Singers'."

Members also presented past president and longest serving club member Madalene Mathur with an honorary membership.

The club was formed in 1969 after an administration error saw too few curlers attend a curling weekend at Aviemore and the wives who attended were asked to make up the numbers.

They decided they liked it and took to the rinks at Crossmyloof and Greenacres until the Waterfront Leisure Centre opened in 1997.

The original members were Moira McCrone, Mhairi Mowat, Grace Sinclair, Frances MacDonald, Katie Smith and Betty Clark.

Willma Gavin and Joyce McNeil are seen in the original photo with Madalene Mathur and they still make a huge contribution to the club.

Today, the club is keen to attract new members to free sessions at the Waterfront.

Dorothy added: "Curling is really a sociable game.

"At our dinner there were so many photos displayed of girls having fun on and off the ice over the years.

"Age, whether teenage, youthful or mature is no barrier.

"The club has a weekend away every year in January - next year we're going to Stirling where we'll play on the national team's ice and generally have a good time together.

"We are delighted to welcome new members anytime and you don't need to have any knowledge or skill."

Over the curling year, which starts in late September and finishes in March, members can choose to play at least once a week either during the day or in the evening in leagues or in other competitions such as the Golden Broom against Gourock men or in friendlies with other local clubs as well as Province competitions at other rinks.

They offer 'come and try' sessions at the Waterfront which are free and arranged by the centre's curling assistant David Horne.

For more information phone Dorothy on 07876770638 or Karen on 07506519566.