THE TOURISTS – Do The Trossachs – The 2007 American Tour Team

A WEEKEND IN THE TROSSACHS – A Partners Perspective – By Anne Hood 

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Since Jack departed on the RCCC tour in 2007 to America it has always been nice to hear not only about what the tour entailed but to share in the team’s joy of bringing home the Herres Maxwell trophy after a 30 year absence.

From a partner’s point of view what has been nice is when the reunion has encompassed the wives and partners of the 2007 team and it was such a case quite recently when in December 2014 a reunion was held at Tigh Mor (big house).

Bryce & Linda Smith had organised a fabulous venue – accommodation was first class: setting was in the beautiful countryside of the Trossachs and everything was on hand ie indoor games area: swimming pool: restaurant: gym etc. Whatever the weather threw at us there was always something to do.

Jack and I shared a ‘flat’ with Alan and Alison Sloan. This was the first time that ‘couples’ had shared accommodation but it worked out very well and we all had a good time. We came armed with alcohol and necessary ‘nibbles’ and it was great to meet up with everybody again – from my point of view I felt that I got to know the other wives and partners much better.

Jack, Alan, Alison and I went for a ‘wee walk’ on Saturday and despite the weather we enjoyed the fresh air; the scenery and managed to end up back at a nearby cafe (The Brig O’ Turk Tea Room).

‘Drookit’ is the word to describe us but home-made soup and bread soon warmed us up. As we were in the cafe who should walk in but Hugh and Gillian so we all had a good ‘pow wow’.

This summed up the weekend – we all met up as a large group in Bryce and Linda’s flat as well as the restaurant and amiable companionship was instantly engaged. Bryce then organised an indoor bowling tournament which meant that if you were not playing then you were spectating (ie drinking and chatting to the other spectators) but we duly spectated the Final and all had a good time.

The Judge was in good form and it is always hilarious to hear why members of the team are being fined.

So, on behalf of the wives and partners, thank you for inviting us. We know that the team worked exceptionally well together when on tour but it is great to see that the wives and partners get on equally well in such social situations so we all look forward to the next invitation.

A BIG THANK-YOU to Bryce and Linda for organising the weekend. In one word – superb!

Best wishes for 2015 and until we are together again.

Anne 😆

STIRLING

And before the Main Body of the Tourists headed for the Tigh Mor, they had their traditional get-together match. This year it was held at the Pyramid Centre – Stirling where the ‘lads’ persuaded Eve Muirhead to join them in a ‘pose’ – chance’y!

And for more pictures visit Bryce’s Picture Gallery HERE