The Invermere Curling Centre was “iced out” on March 25, signalling the end of the curling season for 2010-2011. A day before the ice was cleared from the rink, though, avid curlers got their last taste for the game on March 24 when a special Seniors Bocche Curling event was held, topped off with a roast beef dinner to see the season out with style.
“We want people to know, though, that while curling is closed for the season, the rink and upstairs is still open for business meetings, birthdays, weddings and all that,” said Jim Jenkinson, first year ice technician manager for the ending curling season.
The clubhouse lounge has been re-furbrished, and parties have already begun booking the rink for events.
David Thompson Secondary School’s graduation class, for example, will be holding their ceremony in the rink on June 25.
The annual car rally dance will be taking place at the rink as well in September.
As for the 2011-2012 season, information on the leagues will be available in September as well.
“We have room in all the leagues,” said Jenkinson of next year’s sign-up lists.
Of the 2010-2011 season, Jenkinson said they were “particularly pleased about the junior program”.
The program, which saw children ages eight and up visit the rink on Wednesdays, provided equipment, ice time and experienced instructors to teach participants about curling.
“The junior program was the best attended it’s ever been,” said Jenkinson.
This curling season also saw full attendance in its leagues, with several visitors outside the Valley dropping by for curling events.
“We also had a record number of people renting the arena,” said Jenkinson. “Lots of volunteers hours went into every event this season, and they’ve all been very well-attended.”
This will be Jenkinson’s first and last year as ice technician manager at the Invermere Curling Club, however, as he hopes to return to retirement and spend time with his family.
“It’s been fabulous…I really enjoyed learning about ice-making,” said Jenkinson.
“We’ve received lots of compliments about the quality of the ice.”
The Invermere Curling Centre recently loaned curling rocks to the Village of Radium Hot Springs and Edgewater’s curling functions.
“We’re a healthy club with lots of members, and we try to promote curling to other clubs,” said Jenkinson.
The first curling event of the 2011-2012 season will be the “Link to Rink” event in October.
To book the rink for a party or function, call 250-342-3315 or email invermerecurling@shaw.ca.
You can also book to have an event at the centre with Jenkinson. If you cannot reach him through the club contact number and email at 250-342-0753.