Vancouver Curling Club 100 Years
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The Vancouver Curling Club is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year with a special event on Saturday, October 13, 2012. This quintessentially Canadian sport is enjoyed by all ages and has a continuing legacy in Vancouver.
What Celebrate the Decades Funspiel
Where Hillcrest Centre (4575 Clancy Loranger Way)
When Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Curlers of all levels and ages are welcome to register to participate tomorrow and some club members will be wearing curling costumes from the last 100 years. Registration is $30 per curler (lunch is included) and can be done online in advance.
Currently based out of Hillcrest Centre in the facility that hosted the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games curling competitions, the curling club has roots all over the city.
The VCC dates back to 1912 where curling took place on Denman Ave in a facility referred to as the “Pile”. Curling ceased with the start of WW I and was suspended until 1931 where it restarted at the Forum in Hastings Park. With the popularity of curling growing, 1938 saw the start of fundraising to build a facility dedicated to curling. However, these efforts were stalled by the start of WW II. The VCC continued to have quality curlers, sending a rink to the newly restarted Brier in Saskatoon in 1946.
1937 or 1938 – Mayor George C. and Mrs. Miller at a bonspiel. Archives item# Port P796.
In 1948, fundraising resumed for a curling facility not just for VCC members – but as many curlers as the facility would fit. A site on Dinmont Ave was selected with Vancouver City Hall and the Vancouver Park Board. The five-sheet Dinmont facility was in operation from 1949 to 2011. [Source: Vancouver Curling Club]
If you’ve been curling for the better part of the last century, have found an interest since the 2010 games, or are curious about taking up the sport, follow the Vancouver Curling Club on Facebook and Twitter to learn more.
