The Elora Curling Club is celebrating its 175th anniversary year in 2014. The club was established in 1839 and has operated every year since making it one of the oldest continuously-operating curling clubs in Ontario.
The club currently has close to 250 members and has been an active community partner for many years by hosting school curling throughout Centre Wellington, and by making their facility available to community organizations for free or at minimal cost. The volunteer club provides quality, fun curling leagues affordable for all.
“Our 175th curling season begins in October and the 175th anniversary committee is very excited about the events that are planned to celebrate this remarkable milestone. Not many clubs make it this far and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate the success of the curling club in this amazing community,” says Bruce MacEachern, Chair of the 175th Anniversary Committee.
The kick off to the the 2014 season will include a notable appearance from curling celebrities. The Elora Curling Club will be hosting the Canadian and World Champion Glenn Howard curling team, joined by Canadian and World Champion Jennifer Jones. The event will be taking place at the club on Oct. 3.
The club will be represented at the Elora Santa Claus Parade this year. Additionally, the Elora Curling Club will be hosting a 175th Birthday Bash spiel and party on Feb. 22.
“This is sure to be a fun-filled event hosting retired as well as new members,” club officials state. For information on this spiel, contact MacEachern at bmaceachern2@sympatico.ca or 519-787-6650.
Also as part of the anniversary festivities, the Elora Curling Club will host the Provincial Intermediate Mens and Ladies Curling Playdowns in early March 2014. These playdowns are held in each province each year to decide which teams will represent their province or territory at the Canadian Championship events. The event in March will attract the best 16 curling teams from across the province for the intermediate provincial title. Plans are well on their way for this four-day event running from March 5 – 8.
Equipment, photos and memorabilia needed
The anniversary committee is also seeking public assistance in compiling a historical collection.
“We are looking for old photos, Newspaper articles; event outlines (anything relating to the Elora Curling Club) about past or present members or events at the club,” says MacEachern.
Anyone who has been involved, or has a family member who has been involved with the Elora Curling Club, and have photos of involvement or have general curling memorabilia that can be borrowed is asked to contact MacEarchern.. A complete historical collection is being compiled in celebration of the success as a curling club.
Sponsors such as the Elora Festival, Wellington Brewery, Rona Cashway Elora and Heritage River Retirement Residence are helping the club celebrate the anniversary year. Any business interesed in sponsoring events at the club for this exciting year is urged to contact Kirk McElwain at 519-846-1916.
More information can be found at the club’s website: www.eloracurlingclub.com.
submitted by Laura MacEachern
