Forres Victoria Indoor Bowling Club’s open pairs competition was held in aid of the Quarriers charity

A competition held in memory of a local teenager who passed away three years ago raised £1000 for charity.

Forres Victoria Indoor Bowling Club held its annual Caitlin Dustan open pairs competition in aid of the Quarriers charity - a cheque presentation that followed was made to Norma Crawford of Epilepsy Community Outreach and Sandi Downing of Moray Carers by club president Charlie Watt.

Club spokesman Derek Crosby confirmed Caitlin was well liked by her fellow members and was a promising bowler.

He said: “She crammed a lot of charity work into her short life and was never shy to volunteer her services and ideas to help others, especially children.

“It was her ambition to work with children, an ambition sadly unfulfilled due to her untimely death at the age of 15.”

Caitlin was known to Quarriers Carer Support Service as one of a small group from Forres Academy who created a video on their experience of life as a young carer requiring additional support because of a health condition.

A Quarriers spokeswoman said: “Caitlin’s experiences fed directly into the increased understanding of the others in that group, which ultimately saw the carers service selected as the charity of choice for Youth and Philanthropy Initiative that year. She was a bright, articulate young woman.”

She added: “The service’s delight at benefitting from these funds is tinged with the knowledge of why the fundraising has taken place, meaning the generous donation is all the more appreciated.

“We look forward to working with our colleagues in Epilepsy Community Outreach to develop and deliver family support activities in Forres and beyond that will benefit people with epilepsy and their carers.”

The bowls competition was supported by 32 pairs from clubs from Aviemore to Keith, due to its popularity, the charity it supports and in memory of the late Forres Academy pupil.

Over 100 prizes were donated for a fundraising raffle.

Alistair said: “The competition got tougher as it went along with some superb bowling. A tense and closely fought final was won by Karen Dalgardo and Davie Bell of Drumuir. Runners-up were Colin and Graeme Taylor from Alves.”

He added: “The contest was so good that it would have justified the TV licence fee had it been televised!”

Founded 50 years ago, Forres Victoria Indoor Bowling Club meets at Forres Academy and Edinkillie Community Hall. Hat Night sessions are held on Monday and Thursday evenings at the school plus a regular session at Edinkillie on Wednesday afternoons.

The club also plays in Moray Indoor Bowling Association competitions and there are several internal club competitions throughout the season from September to April.

“Additional games are to be had by entering other club’s competitions, particularly at weekends,” finished Derek. “It is quite possible for members to bowl every day of the week if they wish!”

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/forresindoorbowlsclub and https://carers.quarriers.org.uk/services/moray/