NORFOLK, Conn. — Curlers at the Norfolk Curling Club have an added incentive to celebrate in 2024, it’s been almost exactly a decade since their new and improved club was dedicated.
The original club, built in 1956, was burned to the ground by arsonists in 2011 and rebuilt over two years after that. This year members of the club are especially thankful for their new curling facility.
“It’s a phoenix rising from the ashes. The fact that the entire club was gone and we had very little funds to rebuild -- the community and curler support to get to where we are today is just fantastic," said Chief Ice Technician Jon Barbagallo after throwing a few stones at “The house” (the target in Curling).
Star Childs, a 70-year-old curler who lives in Norfolk and whose parents helped to found the original club in 1956 said, “It’s from tragedy to triumph; the community pulled together and the wider community of curlers were very generous. Stones were donated, all sorts of funds flowed in to help us because it was quite a big expense to rebuild.”
With a full slate of events planned for the winter season ahead at the Norfolk Curling Club, Barbagallo added that the sport is all about inclusion.
“We have kids that are playing it from the age of 8,9,10 right through to 80 to 85 years old who play on a weekly basis. Come out and try it for two hours and you will love it," said Barbagallo.
The Norfolk Curling Club offers tournament play and invites the public to come for a Curling clinic to learn the game. To find out more click here.
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