The Walkerton Curling Club is holding an open house this Saturday, inviting anyone who is curious about the sport to come on out for some hands-on experience.
Club member and curling enthusiast Don Leatham said it’s a great opportunity to see “our excellent facility.”
“We think we have the best ice in the area, and it’s one of the less expensive winter sports,” he said. “We’re a friendly club, so anyone who’s thinking about it, come give it a crack!”
The club is looking to drive up membership to ensure its viability in the future.
Leatham said curling is for all ages. Even those who may have bad knees or backs can use a stick to deliver the stones, instead of crouching. The club also uses push brooms instead of corn brooms, which is easier on the shoulders.
“It’s a game you can play for your whole life,” Leatham said. “You can start when you’re eight, and play until you’re 98.”
The club provides members with all the equipment required. Players only need to bring a clean, dry pair of running shoes, gloves, and dress in layers. He also recommends wearing loose fitting clothes, that will be easy to move around in.
Membership for the entire season is $250, or $90 per schedule (now into the second schedule for the season). Members also have a stake in the club, which is volunteer run. Members give a deposit cheque at the start of the year, but if they volunteer 12 or more hours in the season, the cheque isn’t cashed. Jobs include scheduling, cleaning, ice maintenance, running the bar, etc.
The club currently has 75 members, and five leagues, plus a children’s league, which plays Sunday afternoons.
The men have the ice on Monday  nights, the Mildmay crowd on Tuesdays, Hanover and Walkerton ladies on Wednesdays, the competitive “Skip’s Choice” league on Thursdays, and mixed league on Fridays.
Teams are selected to make the competition even.
Leatham said it’s all about team spirit.
“It’s a team game, you have to work with people,”?he said.
“At the end of the game, you can buy a drink and talk it over with your team, or just cry into your beers,” Leatham joked, but added, “curling looks easy on TV, but of course, it’s a skill game. It takes balance and effort. The ice changes all the time.”
The open house starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday. There will be instruction, lunch, and a Jitney, which is a half game of curling. RSVP by calling club manager Ryan Martin 519-881-0709.