The curling rink from Olivet Baptist Church was the winner of this year’s Dennis Smith Memorial Service Club Bonspiel, held all day Saturday at the Meaford Curling Club.
Olivet’s rink (team) was one of 12 taking part in this year’s bonspiel. Other rinks taking part included one each from Meaford Rotary Club, St. Vincent Agricultural Society, Apple Harvest, Beaver Valley Seniors, Pythagoras 137 Masonic lodge, Meaford Fire Department and Grace United Church from Thornbury.
The Municipality of Meaford entered two rinks comprised of town staff and council members including Mayor Barb Clumpus. Two ‘heats’ were held in the morning, the first beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the second, at 11:00 a.m. Six rinks competed on three sheets during each heat.
Following each heat, points earned by each rink were added and the three winners were declared.
In the afternoon, the three winning rinks from the first heat played against the winners of the second. Next, the losing teams from the first heat played against their opposite numbers from the second heat.
David Blackburn from the Olivet Baptist Church rink said this schedule allowed every rink to play two games during the bonspiel.
Following the last game, Meaford Curling Club manager Ted Ormsby announced the winners. He then presented the Dennis Smith Memorial Bonspiel trophy to the highest scoring rink – the team of four from Olivet Baptist Church.
Blackburn said that while only one rink received a trophy, all 12 received prizes. “Each rink received a cut of meat such as roast, pork chops, spareribs or other cut.
Awarding a cut of meat, Ormsby said, is the custom in most bonspiels.” All rinks enjoyed a lunch prepared and served by the women members of Meaford Curling Club.
