CARLYLE - The Carlyle Curling Club has been buzzing with preparations for the upcoming season.
Dedicated board members and volunteers have worked hard to ensure everything is ready for another year on the ice. Thanks to Pure Chem, which provided the use of their truck wash, the club’s hacks are now washed and ready.
A highlight this season is the arrival of the club’s new rings. This project has come together with the support of both new and long-standing sponsors, whose logos are displayed on the ice. Special thanks goes to Robin Brown, Dave East, Lane Newell, Devin Brown and Gerald Clark for putting in long hours to install the rings and logos. With the final touches on the ice nearly complete, the curling season is set to begin the week of Nov. 12, and curlers are excited to return.
In addition to these updates, the Carlyle Curling Club is also focusing on a vital long-term goal: raising funds for a new ice plant. Due to upcoming changes in regulations, the refrigerant used in the current system will soon be unavailable, making a replacement essential. The estimated cost for this upgrade is approximately $500,000.
While board members are actively applying for grants to help offset the cost, they’re also planning additional fundraising initiatives – such as logo sales, bonspiels and other events – to support this effort. They hope to keep the current ice plant running for another two years, providing time to secure the needed funds and ensuring the future of curling in Carlyle.
The first bonspiel of the year, the ladies' bonspiel, will happen Nov. 22-23, marking the start of a series of events where the community can come together and help support this goal.
In addition to regular curling events, the Carlyle Curling Club offers rental space. As the Christmas season approaches, community members can consider the venue for Christmas parties, meetings, birthday celebrations, baby showers, bridal showers and more. The rental rate for the upstairs area is $135, and there is also a fully-licensed bar available, with board members on hand to provide service if desired. Those interested can book by contacting Justine Kyle at 306-861-2382.
The Carlyle Curling Club is also going to host Learn to Curl days, where newcomers and seasoned players alike can enjoy some time on the ice. Board members will be present to guide beginners through the basics, and equipment such as brooms and sliders is provided for all ages. There will also be a floor curling setup for younger kids to experience the sport.
Participants need only bring themselves and a pair of clean shoes. For those looking to relax, the club bar will be open on these days, making it a great outing for friends and family alike.
Thanks to the Southern Plains Co-op’s Fuel Good Day in September, $2,544.43 was raised to benefit the club's youth curling program. These funds will be used to support student curlers from Grade 4 through high school, ensuring access to equipment and keeping fees affordable for families.
The club’s goal is to expand programming to reach younger children, providing specialized equipment and additional opportunities for youth, such as family nights and youth bonspiels.
With club members coming from across the region, including Carlyle, Redvers, Wawota, Kenosee Lake, Arcola, Manor, White Bear, Oxbow and Lampman, the Carlyle Curling Club fosters a vibrant curling community.
In addition to regular programming, the club will host several events this season, including youth bonspiels in January, and oilmen’s and farmers’ bonspiels in February.
To stay updated on open ice times, events, and more details, follow the Carlyle Curling Club’s Facebook page. Donations are always appreciated, as they help support the club’s plant and ongoing programs.
