Simcoe Curling Club decides to wait until next season

By Darryl G. Smart

It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but Craig Thompson, and the rest of the Simcoe Curling Club are doing what is in the best interest of its members.

Last week the local curling club announced that it will remain closed for the 2020-21 season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I want to personally thank the members of the board for all their efforts and hard work put into the attempted start up,” Thompson, the club’s president said in a release. “I also want to thank the membership for all the feedback, questions and concerns that have been provided to the board over the last few months.”

During the board meeting, the club did discuss holding off on its decision with a later start. Unfortunately a half season wouldn’t have been a viable option.

When it came time to decide whether to curl this season or not, the club distributed a questionnaire to members, asking for their feedback on its return to play with the new COVID-19 procedures in place.

Thompson said over the next few days and weeks, the club will reach out to those members who paid for their membership already, as well as those that have contributed to the club.

“While this is a setback, the club will return,” Thompson said. “We will see everyone on the ice again.”

It’s a decision that its members are more than alright with.

“Personally, I said I would curl and I ended up signing up but very seriously considered changing my mind based on information that had not been available earlier (changing numbers of cases in other areas of Ontario for example),” Sarah Nichol said in the club’s Facebook thread. “I completely understand why some people would choose not to join this year. It is very unfortunate and I will definitely miss it, but in the long scheme of things, it’s only one season.”