Ayr and Pool 4 March

Alan, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

We met at Rex’s house on a bright, coldish morning, and for the first time in a while there was no prospect of wind or rain. As we assembled, Rex had put on a slideshow of the early years of the Ooters and this brought back happy memories to those who had been involved and a lot of interest from those who were seeing these images for the first time. How young the Ooters looked in the mid-noughties!

We congratulated Iain on the birth of his granddaughter, Isla, and he was happy to report that all was well.

It must have been about quarter past ten when we set off, making our way to Burns Cottage and noting the renovations taking place. From there we walked halfway down Greenfield Avenue before taking a left up a track which eventually took us down to a path beside the Doon. Following this path, we came up on to Shanter Way and then back on to the Alloway Road. We had almost done a complete circle. Crossing the road, we then headed for the Burns Museum and Café where coffee and scones/rolls/doughnuts were taken. Very civilised!

Half an hour later and we were on our way again down to the cycle track which we followed out to Dunure Road. By this time jackets etc were being discarded and it was almost shirt sleeve weather meaning that there was a desire to extend the walk down to Greenan. However, our route was blocked by workmen, and anyway we had a pool competition to get through, so we walked on the pavement beside the main road up to the Honda garage. From there, we crossed over and joined Greenfield Avenue again in order to retrace our steps back to Rex’s.

We had covered five miles and were back at ten to one. 

The pool competition ran smoothly and, for the first time that anyone can remember, nobody hit a shot on to the floor. Maybe that was down to who wasn’t there today! As usual, there were lots of choice and humorous comments, adding to the general joviality. There was some fine play during the competition at the end of which Ian and Robert contested an evenly fought final, with Ian winning out in the end. Well done to him, and indeed to all participants! This is the second time running that Ian has won so there are thoughts that we wait until he is on one of his many holidays before holding the next competition, or failing that, handicapping him.

Many thanks to Rex for hosting us and procuring the pies, ice lollies and coffees, and for being head cook and bottle-washer. It was much appreciated.

We were on our way home just after half-past three having enjoyed a great social event.