Owner of reopened curling rink vows to boost sport

The owner of a curling rink which is reopening in Kent after three years has vowed to boost the appeal of the sport locally.

Previously known as Fenton's before it closed three years ago, Tunbridge Wells Curling Rink will open its doors on Friday.

The site has undergone an extensive refurbishment, and is ready to welcome a new generation of curlers by offering free coaching sessions for the young.

New owner Andy Eaton said: "Selfishly, I want to curl again, but ultimately I want to grow the number of people who play the sport."

The site is one of only two purpose-built curling rinks in England, with the other facility being in Lancashire.

It was recently used to store second hand cars, but a new ice sheet has been laid prior to the opening, along with a refurbished cafe area and inclusive changing rooms.

The site also has facilities for disabled people, which Mr Eaton said will further increase accessibility to the rink.

Related to bowls, boules and shuffleboard, curling is a sport in which two teams of two players slide granite stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area that is segmented into four concentric circles.

Curling is particularly popular during the Winter Olympics, with the Team GB women's team winning gold and the men's team securing silver at the Beijing Games in 2022.

The new curling rink's ice technician, Joe Sugden, represented England in the European Championships, and wants to share his passion for the sport.

"It's inclusive for all, and it's super enjoyable," he said.

"I started with a school club just over 10 years ago.

"It was an absolutely brilliant experience coming along with my friends when I was young."

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