Last Wednesday, three teams of senior men were in Prescott for a friendly bonspiel. The Prescott curlers were decidedly unfriendly on the ice, defeating each of our teams, though the games were close. Off the ice, it was better, with free beverages in happy hour, and a tasty lunch. Our squads were Raymond Benoit, Dave Salmon, Kent Dawley and Hans Verbruggen, Mahlon Locke, Andy Patenaude, Fred “Boomer” Langlotz and Jamie Gilboard, as well as Don O’Brien, Jacques Marquis, Bud Perry and Lynn Loucks.

On Friday, Greta McGann, Kathy Norg, Joan McKinnon and Kathy Killick were in Ottawa for the Crystal Heart Bonspiel. Their first match was on Friday night at the Navy club against McCourt from Rideau. They dropped that game to McCourt and played Bock from Granite at the R.A. Centre. They lost and were paired next with Davies from Ardsley, near New York City. Greta’s team won and went next against Bouvier from Richmond. They won there and played Frigault from Navy at the Granite Club at 1:00 on Saturday. Greta lost and was eliminated from further play. Well done anyway, ladies.

By the way our team really enjoyed their match with the Davies foursome. They were the only American foursome in the competition, and they played well. After the game the ladies had a good visit, and our new friends revealed that their club was a three-sheeter, with 200 curlers. Sound familiar? Our team got club pins from the American ladies and will treasure them, and the memories they’ll have of this meeting. Great story!

Last week we received our first set of new rocks and our ice technician had them placed on sheet C. The rocks are faster and curl much better than the old ones. The second set of rocks is due soon, and who knows -we may even have the 3^rd set before the season ends this spring. Exciting days!

Don’t forget to sign up on the blackboard for the Seaway High School’s bonspiel this Saturday. At time of writing there were still a few openings.

Our Juniors are having their bonspiel here at the club tomorrow, and Susan McIntosh is having another two-person bonspiel on Sunday. It’s becoming a busy place!

Finally, President Mahlon is looking for curlers for the Merkley, our two-team four-club competition against Russell, Metcalfe and Winchester, which will be held in Winchester on February 18^th.