Cheltenham’s ice skating rink has returned for this Winter season.
After funding issues and coronavirus concerns preventing the town from having the ice spectacle last year, people are happy to see it back!
Belinda Hunt, operations manager for the Cheltenham Business Improvement District, warmly welcomed the opening of the rink.
“It’s going to really help. It’s the only covered ice rink in Gloucestershire. We’ve only had an ice rink once before, and it’s going to bring more people to the town.”
The ice rink is open 12 hours a day, from today until January 1st.
After the light switch-on in town last night, the rink held a figure skating display ahead of their grand opening. Today is the first day that the ice skating experience has been open to the public and staff were eager to help – handing out skates, advice and skating aids to children.
On the rink there is always a member of staff there for support and all workers are first aid qualified.
Krish, 28, is one of the ice rink staff members this year and he said that he was excited for the season ahead.
Krish began skating at just 10 years old, after going to an ice skating birthday party and feeling hopelessly unskilled, he made a vow to himself to improve. So, in order to master his skating, he kept returning to the rink – never taking any lessons – but instead observing others and teaching himself.
“I kept watching other people and thinking, ‘how are they doing that?’”
Soon he got better and better, at the age of 24 he made the decision to coach ice hockey, “I decided I couldn’t play hockey as I’m just not built for it, but I thought I can coach it!”
Now, Krish is one of the many valued members of staff at the ice rink and he helps to make people feel more comfortable and confident on the rink. Teaching tricks and giving tips, he says that he loves helping grow other people’s confidence.
Click here to see a beginners guide to skating at the rink.
