Black Kettle played as Club League The first curling took place on ground made available by Mr. David Black of Tillywhally at the bottom of The Downies in Milnathort, immediately adjacent to the Lesser Glebe & the water supply came from the back burn.

It consisted of three rinks & was known as The Connity Pond with the site practically behind the vets on Stirling Road.

By 1847 this site proved inadequate & Mr. John Black of Tillywhally (eldest son of David Black) offered a site rent free immediately below the Orwell Manse garden & this was ultimately developed into the Curling Pond. Most of us now know this site as Curlers Crescent.

Expenses for constructing the pond: Andrew Gardiner, a labourer, was commissioned to measure out the pond, dig it to the required depth & completely puddle it with clay. The cost was £2:4/- with another 5/- if required. Ten pairs of stones were obtained at 9/6d a pair – total £4:15/- So that makes a Total Cost of about £7 for the whole transaction & the original members were assessed at 8/- each.

Inscription reads: Presented to John Black Esq Of Tillywhally by the Orwell Curling Club In testimony of their Gratitude to him for the Handsome manner In which he allows them the Use of a curling pond On his property January 27th 1847

John Black was the eldest son of David Black of Tillywhally who was elected an Honorary Life Member in 1829 References in the old minute books, that this may have been referred to as ‘The Orwell Kettle’ or ‘The Tillywhally Kettle’ In 1964 the Kettle was then presented back to Orwell by Bill Black (President in 1947) for reasons unknown.

Inscription reads: Presented to Orwell Curling Club By W.B. Black Esq 11th November 1964

First winners: • Still researching records

In 2000 a Millennium Plate was bought to be used alongside the Kettle First winners: • Season 2000-01 C. Forshaw J. Nelson A. Dearing R. Duguid

Information obtained from old minute books, records & the trophy by Robin Kay, April 2023