​Off the Broom: Ladies annual bonspiel is a “Mexican Fiesta”

The ladies annual bonspiel was held March 7 with 14 teams participating. Some of the out-of-town teams had to battle a foggy drive to get here but all arrived safely. The theme was “Mexican Fiesta” and there were many with great costumes to keep with the theme. Of the eight teams comprising the early draw, the winners were the Kincardine team of Heather Struthers, Anne Burton, Lesley MacGregor and Shea Astles. Six teams participated in the late draw and the winners from Ripley were Cathy Alcombrack, Krista Fry, Donna McBride and Elisha Needham. Thanks again, to the local businesses that donated prizes to this event – it is so appreciated. The day was hosted by the men of our club — organizing, cooking, scorekeeping and more. We thank them for taking this on and making it such a fun day.



Winners of the early draw, are Anne Burton (left), Lesley MacGregor, Heather Struthers, and Shea Astles



Winners of the late draw, are Donna McBride (left), Elisha Needham, Krista Fry, and Cathy Alcombrack

The Framatome Grey Bruce Minor League of Curling held its year-end playoffs in Allenford, March 7. Three Kincardine junior teams took part — Teams Hunter, Court and Devine. Teams from Port Elgin ended up winners of both the A and B sides. Junior curling in Grey and Bruce counties has continued to grow over the past few years thanks to the volunteers who have taken the time to get this league up and running smoothly.

This year’s Brier, held in St John’s, had huge turn-outs for the games. About eight local curlers travelled there to enjoy the festivities that an event like this offers. At the end of the very emotional competition, due to the retirement of the well-decorated curler and Newfoundland native, Brad Gushue, a new champion was crowned. Matt Dunstone and his Manitoba team will now represent Canada at the worlds in Ogden, Utah, in a few weeks.

A little bit of curling history leading up to that — in 1959, the Ernie Richardson team of Regina won the Brier, coming through the round-robin with a 10-1 record and then proceeded to defeat Alberta in a tie-breaker to emerge as the winners. The team was then off to Scotland to compete in the inaugural Scotch Cup which, at that time, had only two competitors, Canada and Scotland. More teams were added in 1964 and subsequent years. That 1959 Scotch Cup is now considered by the World Curling Association to have been the first worlds curling championship.

Travelling even further than Newfoundland, was the Kincardine foursome of Maurice and Barb Wilson and Doug and Shelley Dechene who made their way to Inverness, Scotland. This group was taking part in an international bonspiel there which has been running for almost 60 years now. Teams from many different countries apply to go, and if chosen, are treated to a most wonderful week of curling, banquets and entertainment. Doug and Shelley are getting to be familiar faces there as this was their third time attending.

As there are only about three more weeks of curling left in our season, now is the time to enter your team in our fund-raiser golf tournament to be held Sunday, June 7, at Ainsdale Golf Course. Sign up at the club.