#CurlingDayinCanada
To celebrate the present and look forward to the future … we must understand our past.
Forty years ago a group of dedicated and compassionate community members, along with some community partners, worked together and contributed their own money, to break ground to create what is now our home.
“Many were involved of course , too many to mention, however some important pioneers …
“The charter Board of Directors consisted of President Bob Burns, along with Gordie Hermann, Roy Coffin, Wylie Barrett, David Burt, Robert Perrin, Bill MacLaren, Rupert Sweetapple, Alan McCormac, Don Gorveatt, Gary Cameron, Ernie Stavert, and Rodney Walsh. Each Board Member made a personal guarantee of $1000.00 to back the startup loan. Initial membership dues were set at $190.00 per Couple or $50.00 Single.”
We carry such a sense of gratitude to all of course …as without their work, we would not enjoy the club as we do today!
We curl in a rink that was created by the work of others, and we throw rocks, use ice making equipment, sit on chairs , and so much more…. by the passion and work of others.
Twenty years after our opening , in 2002, dedicated Club Member and pioneer Shirley Lank shared some thoughts … and these reflections stand today.
“20th Anniversary
Cornwall Curling Club
By Shirley Lank
As anniversaries come and go,
and with them come the thought
of all the happy memories
that the passing years have brought.
And looking back through the years
it’s a joy to reminisce
For memory opens wide the door
On a happy day like this.
And with sweet nostalgia
We longingly recall
The happy times of long ago
Which seems the best of all.
Twenty years ago!
It seems a long long time
Gordie Hermann, Roy Coffin, Ernie Stavert
Are three names that come to mind
There was Al MacCormac, David Birt, Gary Cameron & Robert Perrin
As well as Wylie Barret, Rupert Sweetapple, Don Gorveatt and Billy MacLaren
Those were the folks who served as directors of that first board
Who can believe its been 20 years. Oh lord!
The ladies also formed an organization
To help buy items and raise funds was their aim.
As well as plan and organize
For teams to play the game.
Rocks were purchased from Ontario
New handles for these were to come later
As well as glasses, dishwasher, hot pots
And then an ice scraper.
We’ve raised funds for little rocks
Furniture, dishes and paderno pots
We’ve sold cook-books, tickets and had draws
We had parties, Many, some with Santa Claus
We’ve had wakes
Baked cakes
Even curled
For heaven sakes!
Over the years we’ve seen some people come and go
We’ve had good ice and some just so-so
We’ve had lots of fun
Some winning teams
We wouldn’t be here
If it weren’t for Gordie’s dream
Roasts were held
One, two, three
Gordie Hermann, Gordie Lank & Miriam MacLean
Were the three Roastees!
The future who knows
What it will hold
But we know in 10 years
More stories will be told
So as we gather for this occasion
May we look forward to many more great times
More fun, more food, more good games,
Until we meet in ten years for another celebration!
Good night! God Bless!”
So as we celebrate “Curling Day in Canada” we celebrate those who have put their heart and soul into the club we call home!
We also welcome you, as we celebrate our 40Th Year Anniversary this year, to reach out to Club Vice-President and join Debbie on a committee to plan out 40Th Year Celebrations!! We need a Chair to lead the way!
Email us at cornwallcurling@eastlink.ca for Debbie’s contact information.
To find out more about our club history you can visit here:
https://cornwallcurling.com/about/history/
