Vancouver celebrates 100 years of curling

A gala dinner, a “mix ‘n’ match” funspiel and the re-creation of a 1940s photograph are all on the menu when Vancouver Curling Club celebrates its centenary.

The club has issued an invitation to the wider community to help them celebrate 100 years of existence.

A series of fun events on October 12 and 13 will mark the special occasion.

The club has its roots in Vancouver’s West End, where, in 1912, a five-rink facility – the Denman Arena – was built.

Then, between 1931 and 1949 the club operated out of The Forum, a building near the PNE grounds.

Following the end of World War II, plans for a new building were created. In October 1949, the club moved into their facility on Dinmont Avenue.

Vancouver’s successful bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics meant a new era for the club.

In August 2011, the club moved to the Hillcrest Centre at 4575 Clancy Loranger Way, an eight-rink facility that was built for the Games.

Brad Blackwell, the club’s manager of membership services, said the club had really grown since they went from being a five-sheet facility to an eight-sheet facility.

It means everyone at the club is in the mood to celebrate.

He added: “It’s shaping up to be a really good weekend that we have planned. Hopefully we can drum up lots more interest in the club.”

The celebrations will consist of four main events.

• Gala Banquet: Taking place on Friday, October 12, there will be dinner, wine, appetizers, entertainment, and more throughout the evening. Click here to learn more and find out how to get your tickets.
• Celebrate the Decades Funspiel: Taking place on Saturday, October 13, this one-day funspiel will follow a “mix-n-match” format whereby each curler signs up to play a position for the day (and then plays with different teammates each game). Click here to learn more and to register.
• Commemorative Photo: Past and current members are invited to the VCC a commemorative photo at 1pm on Saturday, October 13.
• Off-ice Open House: Throughout the day on Saturday, October 13, there will be historical displays set-up throughout the Club to celebrate the VCC’s rich history with curling and with the City of Vancouver.

Tickets for the gala dinner and funspiel must be purchased in advance and participants will save money if they book for both.

Brad said organizers were hoping that people will go to the Celebrate the Decades Funspiel in their vintage gear. Anything from the old-style knitted sweaters to the neon brooms from the 1980s will add to the atmosphere.

The club is also basking in the glow of significant media attention.

A video of CBC TV’s broadcast from the club on September 16 is available below. Fairchild TV also aired a piece on the club on September 14. Club members Keith Switzer and Katherine Louman-Gardiner were also interviewed by CBC Radio One and that clip is also available below.

CBC TV

Fairchild TV

CBC Radio One