From Norway to Vacaville by way of Romania

Let's explore the world today, and where better to start than the website of the World Curling Federation. You can download President Kate Caithness's August 2011 Newsletter here.

There's lots of interesting content therein. For example, did you know that four new dedicated curling rinks are about to open their doors in Norway over the next few months – in Kristiansand, four sheets (September); Hamar, two sheets (October); Stavanger, four sheets (November); and Jar, four sheets on the outskirts of Oslo (December)?

The newsletter reveals that an appointment has been made for the WCF's assistant communications officer position which was advertised earlier in the summer. Daniel Parker will take up his post later this month with responsibilities to 'spread the word about our sport across all media and communications platforms'. Daniel is in his late 20s, from Edinburgh. I like the sound of this guy. His profile is here, and this post also gives a link to his CV. He's not obviously a curler, but that's maybe no bad thing as he will undoubtedly bring new eyes and a fresh approach to the sport. Best wishes to him.

I note too that the official launch of curling in Romania is set for next weekend, see here. Back in June a come and try session was held in Bucharest.

And had you heard about jukskei? I hadn't come across this before, so headed for the resources of the Internet to find more about this sport, with four players aside, see here. Kate, your President's Newsletter is both interesting and educational!

And so to Vacaville, California, where the Royal Club's WCF representative Edith Loudon was in the winning team of the Wine Country Curling Club's 'The Crush' bonspiel. US Olympian Debbie McCormick was skip of the team. Debbie, Edith, Peter McCormick and Eric Hazard won the main Cabernet Sauvignon event to become the The Crush 2011 Champions. The winner's photo is below. That's some trophy! And a 'well done' to Edith and her teammates. By all accounts this is a fun event to compete in.

Photo is courtesy of Debbie McCormick.