There’s a lot of flicking going on indoors at the Fairmont Lawn Bowling Club (1414 Dundas St. at Hale), and it’s all in the name of the London Crokinole Club, which meets the second Thursday each month from September to May.
It’s only fitting for London to have a crokinole club, as the game dates back to the late 19th century in Southwestern Ontario (specifically, Tavistock is the birthplace of Eckhardt Wettlaufer, who made the earliest known crokinole board around 1870 – according to worldcrokinole.com).
Last summer, in fact, members of the London Crokinole Club were in Tavistock competing at the 18th annual World Crokinole Championships in June. London member Ray Beierling has won the event in the past. He placed well again in the most recent World Championship, as did Gus and Mary Hohman and Dwayne and Christina Campbell. Meanwhile, at the Turtle Island Tournament in Lewiston, NY, also last summer, Beierling won the 20s title, while Dwayne Campbell finished fourth overall and Christine claimed a perfect round.
New members are always welcome at the London Crokinole Club, and everyone’s initial night is free. After that it’s just $5 per night. Action starts at 7pm, and the first date for 2017 is Thursday, Jan. 12.
The club also hosts its own tournament each spring. Like regular club play, both recreational and competitive players are welcome, and there are divisions and prizes for all skill levels. Interested in playing the game? Check out the London Crokinole Club!
Story by London SportsXpress, photo courtesy of Ron Reesor
