VIC Curling Association

16/02/2010

Melbourne Has New Rocks – thanks to ING!

I received the following email from Steve Hewitt at the Victorian Curling Association. This is related to the rocks that were stolen last year from the Docklands in Melbourne.

In short –> GOOD ON YA ING!

With the opening of the new Icehouse at Docklands in Melbourne very close I am pleased to announce that ING Real Estate have purchased 96 reconditioned curling rocks from Canadian Stone Company. These rocks will have “blue hone” inserts.
Together with brooms from “8 ender”, grippers from “Balance Plus” and delivery balancing crutches from “Stabilizer Canada” we are being well and truly supported through the Victorian Government, ING and the Icehouse.

We are developing a fantastic relationship with the Icehouse team and I look forward to showing you around the facility and getting you curling on a regular basis.
On the topic of introducing, the government will open the venue on Friday 12^thFebruary. The Icehouse would like to have 8 curlers, two teams, deliver some rocks as part of a ceremony to show the sports that will participate at the Icehouse. I need you to let me know by Wednesday that you would be available from 9-00am* for a rehearsal and the real thing at 11-00am*. Morning Tea will be supplied by the Icehouse Team. *times to be confirmed.

For those who want to be in the crowd be at the Icehouse at 11-30am and you can Skate after the Premier does his opening. The Icehouse skating will be at no cost.
It is fantastic news for curling. We will be Curling on Monday nights and also looking to host our usual weekend bonspiels.
So what Curling needs now, are people to help run its activities here in Melbourne. I would love to hear from you about volunteering your time to the sport of Curling.
Olympic Curling will be played on Fox Sports or via the internet on TSN Canada, via Video on demand and hopefully our own Channel 9. Curling is being highlighted on Fox so if you have it watch it and email them and tell them how good it is.
The team to watch out for on the Men’s side is of course Team Canada – Kevin Martin, and on the Women’s draw Team China – Wang. ( She does yell rather loud so have the remote next to you as you will need to reduce the volume!! They are a great curling team and are wonderful people.)
Team Canada has John Morris, check him out. He is arguably the best curler in the world. He throws 3^rd rocks.
Well that’s all from the Victorian Curling Association. Get involved and help make this sport grow.

Please email either the Victorian Curling Assocaition, or myself directly at nsw@curling.org.au or ipalangio@hotmail.com if you are interested in...

· Demonstrating curling this Friday 12^th February at the Icehouse at Docklands and/or

· Volunteering your time to help run curling activities.

Cheers
<Ian Palangio>

Posted at 8:23 AM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

7/10/2009

Free Curling Instructor Training in Melbourne

Curling is inviting you to be part of Ice Sports Victoria's Instructor Program for the new Ice Rink (ICEHOUSE) at Docklands.

We are one of four sports which needs Australian accredited instructors to teach individuals/groups about each of the sports.

As such we have invited yourself and ask that you make yourself available for this wonderful initiative.

Venue: Oakleigh Ice Rink and

La Cassatta Restaurant Centre Rd Oakleigh (2 doors up from the ice rink)

Date: Sunday, October 11th

Time: 9:30 am for a 9:45 am start at La Cassatta

7:00 pm finish

Cost: the only cost to you will be your time

Whilst this is a big day this course will allow you to gain a Level 0 Accreditation and give you credits towards the new Level 1 curling.

We encourage you to commit to the day and help identify new ice sports talent.

This instructors course will also allow you to be employed at the new ICEHOUSE when they have come and try days, after school and holiday programs, as well as dedicated curling sessions.

Steve and Lynn can provide you a draft of the program for the day along with an application form which needs to be returned if you are interested:

Contact Steve and Lynn at pinegums@optusnet.com.au

We are delighted to be able to give you this opportunity.

Steve and Lynn Hewitt

Posted at 9:31 AM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

8/08/2009

Curling Featuring on Coxy’s Big Break TV Show

Coxy's Big Break

Dear Curlers....

Just a reminder that a curling segment from Docklands (filmed before the rocks were stolen) will feature on

Coxy's Big Break - http://www.wtfn.com.au/productions/cbb_consumer_info.html

this Saturday, August 8th at 5:30 pm (Channel 7 for those in Melbourne)

Prime TV across Victoria and Seven's HD nationally

(Check your local guide as some areas may show it on Sunday)

Still no news on the missing rocks and trailer but curling is continuing in Bendigo August 9th, 16th and 23rd on Sundays from 11:30 am to 2 pm @ $15 per person

Cheers

Posted at 7:52 AM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

Rocks Stolen in Melbourne!

The Victorian Curling Association has had their rocks stolen and have received the following ransom note (click on it for full size)……

Curling in Australia has suffered a major blow. In July a freezer-trailer in Melbourne was stolen from the Melbourne Docklands area. The trailer was filled with the 48 rocks that are used for curling in Melbourne. This has killed the sport in the city, and leaves Bendigo, Victoria the only facility in Victoria left to participate.

Adding to the blow is that Steve and Lynn Hewitt had worked tirelessly to start curling in Melbourne and were only 1 month into running their program. You can read more about the story that the media has picked up in the links at the bottom of this entry.

So if anybody has some rocks that they would like to donate – please get in touch with me! ipalangio@hotmail.com

Maybe if there is a big response we can get curling going in Sydney too because the only we are missing is rocks here too!

http://www.tsn.ca/curling/story/?id=285404

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2009-07-22-curling-rock-theft_N.htm

http://livenews.com.au/news/police-to-leave-no-stone-unturned-for-stolen-curling-rocks/2009/7/22/213697

Thanks for all your notes and letters I’ve received from around the world - including a bloke in West Africa who says his country has lots of rock and he can send some sample for our investigation to see if they are suitable :)

Cheers
<Ian Palangio>

Posted at 7:43 AM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (3)

18/05/2009

Curling Starting in Melbourne

It's our 25th Anniversary and we're back curling in Melbourne!

That's right....now we have two venues in Victoria, Bendigo and under the Southern Star Observation Wheel in Melbourne’s Docklands.

As we wait for the new Olympic sized ice rinks to open in November we're using the Winter Wonderland rink next door to prepare for the big event.

Starting Tuesday June 2nd @ 6:30pm and every Tuesday after

Cost $10/person to curl only

(or)

$25/person to curl and have a parma and pot or wine after the game at the Harbour Town Hotel next door

Plenty of parking @ $5 flat rate (See map below: Enter via orange arrow on west side of wheel)

Please note we are currently looking for curlers who would like to help us out with instructing new members to curl.

No experience needed as we will be holding an Instructors Course at Winter Wonderland the previous Tuesday May 26th @ 6:30pm

We are looking forward to catching up with old and new friends.

Everyone is welcome.

Please RSVP if you are interested in attending or have any questions to

pinegums@optusnet.com.au or
Steve and Lynn Hewitt on (03) 9802 2005

Posted at 3:16 PM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

16/07/2008

Victorian Bonspiel - 10th August, 2008

I received the following email from the VCA about their intention to host a bonspiel on the 10th of August in Bendigo, Victoria.

Further to our email of 30th June 2008, the VCA Committee is sending out advance notification of our intention to run a Curling Bonspiel on Sunday 10th August at the Bendigo Ice Rink. Likely start time will be 10.00am (to be confirmed).
More details, including an application form, will be sent out soon. However, you can enter as individuals and we will place people in teams, or you can enter a team of four.
CATERING: Depending on numbers the VCA will provide supper at the rink to keep you going.
EQUIPMENT: Ice, brooms, sliders and grippers are provided. You need to arrive in warm, loose clothing with curling shoes or runners.
NOVICES ARE WELCOME and basic coaching can be provided.
We look forward to holding an enjoyable event.
VCA Committee

Stay tuned for more info from the VCA coming soon to confirm the event.

Cheers

Posted at 10:36 AM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

30/06/2008

Victoria Curling Association Membership Drive

I received an email from John Pollock at the Victoria Curling Association - included below. I don't see the details on their website for this information so I thought I'd share it through the blog as well.

The Bendigo, Victoria rink has apparently re-opened and they are ready for hockey, skating and curling

again. If I get some details on what curling is coming up in Bendigo - I'll post it here.

There is a recruitment drive to keep the VCA membership up to date and cover some of the costs of the association.

As you would be aware, the Bendigo ice rink has only recently re-opened after an extended period of refurbishment.
This has obviously significantly affected our ability to play the game this season.
However, there are still fixed costs that we need to cover, including insurance and membership of the Australian Curling Federation, which requires us to keep the same level of fees as was set last year despite the truncated season.
In terms of formal events we hope to run a Bonspiel in late July/early August at the Bendigo rink, but we have to stress that this is subject to getting a reasonable standard of ice in place to ensure that we can offer an enjoyable event for our members.
However, we hope that you will continue to support the VCA at this difficult time by taking out a membership as we strive to provide the best possible outcomes for our members and the sport in Victoria and Australia.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to visit our Website at www.curlingvictoria.org.au and send us an email at http://www.curlingvictoria.org.au/contact_us

Fill out a copy of the 2008 Victoria Curling Association Membership Application Form and submit it in if you want to keep you membership up to date, or sign up as a new curler in Victoria!

Cheers

Posted at 9:58 PM by Ian Palangio | Category: VIC Curling Association | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)