SACKVILLE, N.B. — It’s “full steam ahead” as the Sackville Curling Club heads into the second half of the 2019-20 season with a full agenda and already making preparations for its 125th anniversary in 2021.
Using a somewhat different schedule than previous years, there will be games played seven days a week– and evenings, too – over the next few weeks.
And much of the club leadership is being provided by the ladies, headed by university student and Sackville resident Julia Hunter as president. Hunter is already a national level curler and looks to bring more recognition to this community with her skills in the ring.
In announcing the list of activities, treasurer Anna Acton pointed out there are games scheduled for the little rocks, juniors, junior students, men’s recreation, ladies’ morning programs, evening ladies’ games, mixed matches, men’s evening games and the annual Border League competition – a series of matches between the Sackville and Amherst clubs.
This means the three lanes of ice will be kept warm seven days a week with curlers ranging from five to 85, enjoying what traditionally was known as the “roaring game.”
And to enhance the enjoyment of the game, a total of 48 brand new rocks have been acquired to replace the aging and worn existing ones. Individuals had the privilege of purchasing one and having it identified in the manner they wished.
A highlight offered this year was a learn-to-curl program that allows those interested in the sport to discover the fun and joy that the game offers while learning such basic aspects as delivery, sweeping and ethics.
A group of local members have already attended the Centre of Excellence in Moncton and has national curler Rick Peron joining them in instructing newcomers.
Acton says membership fees have seen a slight increase although numbers remain in the 170 to 180 range with a good many people participating at the various levels.
While the Sackville Curling Club has a reputation of being recreational as opposed to competitive, Acton notes several local athletes have done well nationally. The Smith sisters – Krista and Heather Smith – went on to win the Canadian juniors and represented Canada well in the world’s championships. Another prominent name is that of Bill Tracy, who represented Quebec in several national championships before retiring back to his hometown. He is also credited with being the founder of the slider after having experimented with some sheets of Teflon.
Serving on the board of directors along with president Hunter are: vice-president Kathy Best, who doubles as chair of both maintenance and membership committees; secretary Lydia Williams; games chair Sarah Doak; Cathy Johnson, who is chair of player development and publicity; registrar Lloyd Varner; rentals chair Ian Fisher; and youth program director Tamara Carter. Myles Trenholm returns as one of the top ice makers in the region while Joe Tower is bar manager.
Acton points out the club is a busy place in many ways – it holds an annual craft show, stages the Grand Draw and Pub Night and rents out the building for banquets as well the ice for use by groups.
A feature of the second half of the season will see the provincial mixed bonspiel here in March, while there will be events like Curl for Cancer before closing time comes at the end of March.
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