Rotarian Leonard Underwood welcomed curlers, spectators, and cheerleaders to the Annual Clifford Rotary Bonspiel held Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Clifford Arena.
Clifford does not have a curling rink, but the hacks are set in place on the hockey arena, the ice surface is pebbled, and the sound of the rocks on the ice makes it undeniably curling ice. The 12 teams who took to the ice agreed it was just fine for curling.
The 8:30am draw included four teams: Matt Lubbers, Clifford Rotary, Gerald Koeslag, and Lorne Underwood with Lubber’s team earning the most points, 3.75.
The 10:30am draw was full with eight teams: Brett’s Team, Old Timers Hockey, Phoenix Wireless, Brian Molto, Mike Landry, Josh Underwood, Bill Raynard, and Leonard Underwood. Brett’s Team won with 33.75 points.
This bonspiel was open to any one, any age, and any skill level. One teenager had never curled in a tournament before, but filled a spot and enjoyed the chance to play. Some younger children came along to cheer on their fathers and friends.
The players were fed and well rewarded with gifts donated by local sponsors: RBC Royal Bank, Wightman Telecom, W.C. Smith Wholesale, Phoenix Broadcast and Wireless, Caesar’s Appraisals, Redwood Restaurant, Leonard’s General Store, Larry Grummett Insurance, Clifford Village Variety, Greenley’s Restaurant, Demerling’s Garage, Weber’s Contracting, Home Hardware, Bambina’s Restaurant, Advanced Electric, and North Wellington Co-op.
Town of Minto staff looked after the refreshment stand and Rotary members looked after the food booth.
Rotarian Leonard Underwood said he was thankful that so many people bought tickets on the quilt that was won by Jackie Dally.
The next curling bonspiel to be held at the arena is the Clifford Foodgrains Bank bonspiel on March 2nd. Contact Lorne Underwood at 519-327-8573 for more information on how to get involved.
