WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) — The Cobden Curling Club is gearing up for another season and it started with a social time to celebrate paying off the $60,000 loan for a new ice plant within a year’s time.
The social time was Thursday evening, Oct. 25 at the Champlain Curling Rink.
“This is a great day for the Cobden Curling Club,” said Ken Francis, president of the organization. “We paid off our loan in a year and we thought it would take six to seven years.”
He said the generous support of the members and others who donated money, equipment and labour helped to keep expenses down, which meant more money towards the loan.
“Do you know how expensive equipment rental is,” he questioned.
“Thank you.”
Afterwards, he said while $80,000 was raised, there was also $20,000 in volunteer labour and equipment. Not only were the donations from club members, but from people who just wanted to help, including the township. They donated a backhoe and truck, as long as Perry Yach operated the equipment (he is a township employee).
Mr. Francis noted the ice plant had to be replaced as well as the fluid which runs through the lines.
“We haven’t changed that in 20 years,” he said, however, with a new plant going in, they thought it would be wise to change the glycol (fluid) in case the fluids were different between the plants.
In order to change the ice plant, Mr. Francis noted the ground where it is located inside the building had to be dug up, the wall taken out, the plant put in and then the wall and ground replaced.
“Tonight (Thursday) everybody came together to celebrate,” he said. “It was a great opportunity for me to say thank you.”
He figured about 100 people came and participated in the social, as they could come and go as needed.
Registration for Little Rocks, children aged 7 to 11, is tonight (Thursday, Nov. 1), at the club starting at 7 p.m. The cost is $40 and the program runs each Tuesday and Thursday. Play begins Nov. 13/15.
Helen Francis and Miranda Mulligan are hosting an adult Learn to Curl event at the curling club each Tuesday for five weeks starting Nov. 13. The cost is $50, and if you decide to purchase a membership after learning to curl, it will be taken off your first year’s membership, Ms. Francis said. To participate, a pair of funning shoes with clean soles is needed, she said. To register, call her at 613-646-2354.
This is the second year for the adult program, with 13 people participating and five joining the club.
“Miranda and I took training in Ottawa for this,” she said.
Ms. Francis noted, “Anyone can curl. If you can’t get down on a knee, you can use a stick, similar to shuffleboard.”
The club is hosting a raffle draw of $400 and $200. The tickets are $2 or three for $5. The draw will be held at season’s end, which is in early April.
There is always curling at the rink Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7 to 11 p.m. Ms. Francis noted anyone can come and watch through the windows from the heated club room.
