Barriere Curling Club members met with Bill Bennett, MLA from the East Kootenay riding and is the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Mr. Bennett was reviewing some of the projects that his Ministry had funded last year through grants. One such project was the work completed on the brine manifold in the Barriere Curling Rink. The work was successfully completed by Pearson Mechanical and some curling club members. Mr. Bennett was supportive of the improvements to the building infrastructure and the use of the structure as a multi purpose building for the community of Barriere. The grant also paid for a new heater for the lobby area which had burned out last year. Ken Beharrell fit the new heater into place.
The Curling Rink has had to delay league play until the week of October 29, as the compressor was still causing some problems with the ice making. Hegyi Refrigeration from Kamloops was called out to assist the Curling Club’s ice technicians. The compressor had a failure with a valve and the problem has now been rectified and the ice is freezing properly.
On Friday, Oct. 19, the Barriere Curling Rink hosted a Fun Night mixer and registration. The event was well attended by the regular curlers, local people that are new to curling, and several people new to Barriere. The turkey shoot game was won quite handily by Mike Keating. He came within 14 cm of the target! Other social games played, were won by Barb Smith, Louise Dunstan, Carol Wilcox and Susan Bondar.
Registration is up this year over last year. Ladies Tuesday night league still has some openings but there are six full teams registered. As well, there is room in Wednesday Seniors and Thursday Men’s leagues. The Friday mixed league has been well subscribed also but still has a few openings.
Youth Curling leagues will start the week of Nov. 19. Youth from ages seven to Grade 7 will be on Mondays and managed by Louise Dunstan. Students will arrive at the curling rink right after school and curling will end at 4:30. A snack and drink will be supplied before the youth go on the ice.
The Youth League for students from Grades 8 to 12 will be held on Wednesdays after school. This league will be managed by Darin Underhill and Steve Whitred. Watch for notices sent out at both schools for further information and registration.
The Curling Rink is hosting a Free Coaching Clinic on Nov. 3, from 1 p.m. until 4:00 pm. Part of the time will be classroom curling theory including information on equipment, game play and strategy. Then there will be a chance on the ice for skill development delivery, sweeping and the game. Pre- registration is required by phoning (250) 672-5334.
The Curling Club is also hosting a SPOOKTACULAR BINGO at the Legion Hall on Oct. 27, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Costumes are welcome. Look for additional information on posters around town and advertising in this newspaper.