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Highwood Curling Club -
High River, AB
Curling has been popular in High River since the
Curling Society was formed in 1906 with a lofty
annual fee of $10. The first draws were held in
the “Big Skating Rink”, but within a few years
the club built its own facility on Centre Street
and the sport flourished. In 1916 Bert Poile of
High River was elected president of the Alberta
Branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. As
well, several early High River curling
enthusiasts have been Honoured Life Members of
the Alberta Curling Federation. Following World
War II, a new 4-sheet, cement-block curling
rink, complete with lunch counter and viewing
lounge, was constructed on the same street. In
1953 an artificial ice plant was installed and
local curling no longer depended for its ice on
the whims of Alberta winters and their Chinook
heat waves. No longer was it necessary to slide,
deliver and sweep rocks in several inches of
water or slush. Fifty rinks were entered in the
1955 Green ‘Spiel, and an equally popular event
was the Foothills bonspiel which was hosted each
year by a rotation of six curling clubs in
surrounding foothills towns. The present curling
club was established in 1981 with the completion
of the “Recplex” and it was around this time
that the name was changed to Highwood Curling
Club. Over the years the club has sent many
rinks to provincial and national playdowns.
Competitive men’s, ladies’, high school, Legion,
and farmers’ rinks have all been a credit to the
Highwood Club. Today, the Highwood Club has
strong programs in all age categories for both
men and ladies -- juniors, mixed and seniors.
Our oldest member is Orin Lyman who, in January
celebrated his 97th birthday, and who
is still very active in seniors’ mixed curling.
The club has seen a number of district playdowns
held on its ice, and has proudly played host to
many Alberta championships: Senior Men’s in
1981, Mixed in 1987 and 2008, Tournament of
Hearts Ladies’ in 1989, Senior Ladies’ also in
1989, Masters Men’s and Ladies’ in 1995, 2009
and 2010. The club is looking forward to
February 2011 when the Alberta Boston Pizza Cup
will be staged on arena ice at High River. This
may feature teams “Kevin Martin” “Randy Ferby”
and “Kevin Koe” It will be, without a doubt, the
most prestigious curling event ever held here.
It should be a real crowd pleaser. Our club
will ‘Rock For STARS’ February 2011.
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