As COVID raged on and its subsequent shutdowns continued, Milton Curling Club’s executive made the difficult but necessary decision to keep the doors closed for the 2020-21 season.
But a pause on play didn’t mean a reprieve from expenses.
And with an aging chiller in need of replacement, the club was at a financial crossroads.
Longtime members may have had cause for concern, if not for a rich history of banding together amidst adversity.
“When it was clear we wouldn’t open (because of pandemic), understanding we still had bills to pay as it’s still an operational building, we asked people would you essentially donate $150 to keep the place open,” recalled president Bill Craig, a member for the past 40 years. “A huge majority of our members did just that, so we were able to survive and weather the storm quite nicely.”
That united front, he said, is typical of the Millside Drive club that’s in the midst of 60th anniversary celebrations.
It’s actually reminiscent of how the downtown facility came to be – with 200 avid curlers kicking in $150 apiece in the late ‘50s to kick start construction funding efforts.
The club ended up costing $112,000 and opened in 1964, moving the game indoors after several decades played at the nearby Mill Pond.
Since then, membership has grown to roughly 400 spread over 17 leagues and junior and beginner programs, while a number of upgrades have been made to the facility itself.
However, the club looks largely as it did 60 years ago – with what Craig calls the “same bones and structure” – and has maintained its dependable volunteerism.
“That was the premise at the beginning, that we’re all going to do something to ensure the success of the place and to make sure it runs properly. That continues to this day,” said Craig, noting recent pre-season preparations saw 404 member duty spots filled and that extra help always seems to present itself to cover the occasional extra need for bar or kitchen help. “There isn’t one adult member of our club who hasn’t contributed in some way.”
Echoing that sentiment is vice president Michelle Somers, who’s enjoyed great response when added demand for instructors has arisen.
“If you need something here, all you have to do is ask,” she said.
Somers added that many longtime members have a deep connection to the club’s history and have carried its traditions and spirit forward.
She said, “They bring something that’s not necessarily monetary (to the table) to our light rocks and junior programs, knowing the club is going to be here after they’re gone.”
Highlighting 60th anniversary celebrations will be a drop-in gala on Saturday, Nov. 16 (2 to 6 p.m.) – which will be a casual celebration, with three charter members and many other longtime members set to attend – as well as the high-profile Milk Up Diamond Skins Bonspiel in mid-January.
Among the memories that will no doubt be relived during the club’s milestone will be the 2014 Olympic qualifying showdown between its most decorated players – Leigh Armstrong (lead with Sherry Middaugh rink) and Kirsten Wall (Harmark, alternate with eventual Sochi gold medalist Jennifer Jones).
“It was great because either way, one of them (from Milton) was going to be at the Olympics,” said Craig. “We’ve had a lot of strong players at the provincial level, but those are the two who really stand out.”
For more on the club and its programs and events, visit miltoncurlingclub.ca.