COVER STORY

Picture this: you wrangle the kids, hop in the ole pick-up and head on over down the road to the Club to meet up with your friends and their kids to enjoy a few ends of the fastest growing game in Grey County - CURLING!

Like bacon and maple syrup, Curling is not just a Canadian tradition, it’s a winter rite of passage. It’s a pastime that attracts folks and families alike, who want to socialize and compete amongst one another while coming together as a community - something we haven’t been able to do for so long. One could argue that Curling is Community.

What better opportunity is there to partake in a family-friendly activity during the harsh winter months within the warm and comfy confines of a local indoor rink?

I caught up with Heather Miner from the Markdale Golf & Curling Club to get a better sense as to how the Club is engaging with new Curlers and how they can join. “New curlers are always welcome!” Miner exclaims. “We offer special, deeply discounted rates for new members for their first year membership. We also run New Curler instructional clinics at the beginning of the season,” she continues. “We even offer a Pay-As-You-Play option for Snowbirds and those just looking to try Curling out.”

There you have it. Easy to join. Easy to learn. Easy to start playing.

Fun Fact: Yours truly, Papa Country, was a member of his high school Curling team in Grade 10. Let’s just say I wasn’t the best on the team, but I sure did have fun. My memories of Curling are all positive and it’s a sport I’d like to get back into, especially now that I have a family.

Ever since I met Jeff Wilkinson from the Markdale Golf & Curling Club, I’ve been so impressed by how inclusive and inviting the Club is. There’s no pretension or snobbery. Just nice people having fun. I suppose you could say that the Curling Club has a real

THE MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB

85 Edith Avenue, Markdale www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca

chill vibe, but that would be a horrible pun.

Stay tuned for the Club’s registration night on October 7th at 7:00pm. Regular Curling will commence on November 1st and continue until the end of March.

There are many leagues to pick and choose from – ladies, mens, mixed, doubles, recreational, competitive, youth and “Little Rocks”. Safe Curling rules will be in effect – modified rules and special social distancing on the ice based on guidance from Curl Ontario.

In the spirit of Curling’s Scottish origins, I’ve written a poem inspired by Robbie Burns for your reading pleasure.

Ye who hath never curled, Hath not experienced the world, As is should be, and as it were, To fight against the winter burr. And if ye shall now begin, To slide a stone with a grin, Upon the ice of Grey County, Ye shall surely reap its bounty. Hath ye never curled? And what’s a Curling poem without a few moderately amusing Curling jokes:

How does the Curler deal with his personal issues? He sweeps them under the rug.

Who is every Curler’s favourite Hollywood actor? Rock Hudson

How do Curler’s like their eggs? Hurry Hard Boiled

What’s not a joke is that Curling spots are limited and soon will be filled. Will you be one of the lucky ones to start Curling this year at the Markdale Golf & Curling Club?

MARKDALE GOLF & CURLING CLUB 85 Edith Avenue, Markdale www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca markdalegccinfo@gmail.com (519) 986-2890