3 replies to this topic

[Vanda]

GET your skates on, a new ice rink is on its way to Gloucester.
From April 28, the synthetic rink will be in place in the ball hall at GL1 leisure centre.
Steve Elway, Chief Executive of the Aspire Cultural Trust, which runs the centre, said an increase in the popularity of the sport had influenced the idea.
He said: "Ice skating has grown in popularity over the past few years thanks to television shows like Dancing on Ice.
"At Aspire we are always looking at interesting ways to get people more active and a synthetic ice rink offers a great fun way to do this.
"We hope the trial run is successful and that people will take advantage of this great facility.
"Over the jubilee bank holiday we will be offering all Gloucester citizens discounted access to the rink alongside many of our other facilities to get as many people active this summer as possible."
And the news that the ice rink – which will be in place until September 7 – has been widely welcomed in Gloucester.
Gloucester City Council leader Paul James (Con, Longlevens) said: "I think it's very exciting news, because a lot of people want to see an ice rink return to Gloucester.
"It will be a good thing for GL1 and a good thing for Gloucester."
He said he would have to wait and see whether the set-up could be an annual fixture.
Permanently
He said: "We've got to see how it goes, there things aren't easy to run commercially, so the message to people in Gloucester is if they want to see it permanently, they have to use it.
"I think it will create a different atmosphere to the one in King's Square.
"Obviously it's a synthetic rink, and in a more private location, so maybe it will attract people who were more nervous about using the other one."
The rink is due to be delivered on April 21 and will be up and running by April 28.
http://www.thisisglo...tail/story.html

[Dennisthemenace]

40 years ago i would not have cared less if Glos. had an ice surface. But after emmigrating to Canada, learned to skate and played hockey regularly, up until 5 years ago. I think that everybody should get out and give it a try. We have many indoor ice rinks (natural ice) that are used for hockey (both males and females play). we have three outdoor rinks that you can skate on free of charge from December to early February. Canada's National Sport is Lacrosse but most people believe it should be hockey. Canadians have also done well in the figure skating world having many athletes attaining World Champion status. Next year (2013) we will be hosting the Figure Skating World Championships in our City.
Skating is an awesome way to stay healthy and fun to. All the best with the Rink Gloucester.....
Dennis the Menace

[Vanda]

I tried Ice Skating many years ago when I was in my early teens. I couldn't stand up on the skates on dry land let alone Ice

[Barry Kirby]

I think a proper ice rink would be great, and should be instead of the Cinema in Kings Quarter. The heat generated would be used by the new businesses and therefore make it more sustainable. Being such a central locaition would make it a popular evening activity too :-)