Fifty years since it first opened, the Qualicum and District Curling Club is still going strong, celebrating its anniversary earlier this month.
October 4 marked the day that saw the club ring in the celebration, with close to 100 people gathering to take part in the inaugural “Battle of the Sexes.” The event, which was sponsored by the Town of Qualicum Beach, showed the club unity and showcased, among other things, the sportsmanship, cooperation and participation of all those involved, which have contributed to the club’s longevity through the years.
In the end, the men took home the trophy by a close score of 104 to 90.
The doors to the club opened in December 1964, with 194 signed on as the original members. Since then, the club has enjoyed men’s leagues, women’s leagues, mixed leagues, stick leagues, novice leagues and junior leagues.
The club has held bonspiels, competitions and provincial championships, as well as the Pacific Rim Championship. The club has even honoured a few provincial championship winners. But it’s the spirit of the people that come through the doors that keeps bringing curlers back year after year.
A ceremony was held to honour the 25 charter members in attendance. The club’s first president, Orlan Rye, delivered remarks on behalf of the charter members and a special charter member team of Louise Carto, Gerald Sharman, Sandy Horsland, and Eunie Anderson delivered the ceremonial stone.
Pat Chern, anniversary committee chair, was presented with flowers for all her hard work and dedication to the 50th anniversary celebrations.