OUR EARLY SKATING EXPERIENCES
Until the summer of 1997 we had only admired inline skating from afar – the one experience we had of ‘balancing and edging’ was on a school ski trip many decades ago, and the skills since forgotten. The long school summer holidays loomed and we wondered how to keep our two sons of 12 and 14 occupied, creatively. Our local supermarket provided the answer when we spotted skates in a bargain basket for £5 a pair! (please, see the warning about buying cheap skates on the ‘Buying Skates’ page!)
For most of that summer, we watched our sons become proficient in their new sport. Soon they were begging us to get them better skates. We had spent weeks following them around, walking, jogging, cycling behind them and quietly envying them because it looked such fun! A birthday, paper-round money and their small savings solved the problem of their needing better quality skates. It then provided us with an opportunity to have a go on their cast-offs (the plastic wheels were, by this time, almost halved in size where they were so worn down, and it was impossible to change the wheels as all the bolts had seized up and rusted over!)
We were completely uneducated about skates and safety equipment so we just put them on and set off along the Preston Beach Sea Wall Promenade. Dave shot off like a rocket and made it look easy. I, more cautiously, went at my own pace – slow, rigid with fear and holding onto the wall! However, I was determined to conquer my fears (mainly of falling – and I did a bit of that – hence a quick trip to the local skate shop for the protection set!), so throughout that winter and following year we skated continuously and eventually bought ourselves some new skates. We had caught the skating bug and we were doing something even our teenagers didn’t mind being seen with us doing! We persevered and very slowly, gradually improved, doing everything by instinct or guesswork, or asking someone else who skated better than us.
SKATE BAN - FREEWHEEL RALLY – BYE LAW
Suddenly, 18 months later, in February 1999 our freedom to skate on the seafront was threatened by a newspaper report that our local Council were planning to ban cycling, skateboarding and skating on the seafront. No consultations had taken place, no accidents or incidents had occurred, so I felt upset that I could be stopped from pursuing an innocent, healthy, sporting activity. As no-one came forward to speak up against the ban I decided I would have to do something; particularly on behalf of the population who could not speak up – the young children who were also enjoying these activities whilst we skated. A survey and petition was carried out and presented to the Council, the media took an interest – and on 2 April 1999 The Freewheel Rally took place. This was organised to show exactly how many other people felt so strongly, and would be affected by this ban. I held my breath and waited as I had no idea how many people would respond to the appeal to turn up and show their support. We were not disappointed – we were amazed – over 1,000 supporters (including our local MP, Ian Bruce) ‘wheeled’ their way along the 4.5 mile route. The final outcome was that, after discussions and public debate, a compromise was agreed – skating is just banned on the Preston Beach Sea Wall between the hours of 10.00 am and 18.30 pm during the peak season months of July and August. A Bye Law is now in place.
WEYMOUTH SKATEPARK CAMPAIGN
The ‘ban’ experience showed us how little understanding other people actually had about skating. We were constantly being confused as ‘skateboarders’! It was apparent there was a need for a skatepark in the town. There were no designated areas and the young enthusiasts were constantly being moved on. The Weymouth Skatepark Campaign was born and the next 18 months were spent vigorously sourcing facts, figures, information, securing a 5000+ signature petition, meeting the public and Council officials, gaining support for a park. The Council then offered a prime seafront location that the Committee took forward to develop. ‘The Front’ outdoor skatepark opened on 14 July 2001.
QUALIFYING AS INLINE SKATE INSTRUCTORS - ‘Great-2-Skate’
In the meantime we realised we needed an ‘ambassador’ in the town to promote inline skating in a positive light. Dave’s skating skills were such that he was able to attend an Instructor’s Course and he qualified as an International Inline Skate Instructor in May 1999. With his excellent tuition skills and guidance, I was able to follow suit in September of that year. We could see the interest in the sport growing locally, and throughout the UK, and wanted to be part of it and help in its promotion as we enjoy skating so much.
OUR ACTIVITIES - WORKSHOPS and WHEELS IN MOTION 2000 (the event)
Since that time we have conducted public ‘Gear Up and Skate Safe’ workshops on Weymouth Seafront, at Yeovil (which was attended by Paddy Ashdown MP) and organised ‘Wheels in Motion 2000’ which took place on 11 June 2000 along Weymouth Seafront. This all-day skating event showcased all seven skating disciplines – speed, roller hockey, artistic, freestyle, extreme, recreational and dance and raised over £8,000 for local and national charities. (see ‘Events’ – past). We have visited schools (including special needs) and given taster sessions to the children, who have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
FUNDING AND SPONSORSHIP for Wheels in Motion Skate School
With two, major, local companies sponsoring some of the Wheels in Motion event we were able to apply for Sportsmatch funding. We now run a non-profit mobile skate school (WHEELS IN MOTION) which we are able to take to public areas, schools, clubs, sports halls and events – all over the South of England – to offer FREE taster sessions to any age group, with good quality equipment and qualified instructors on hand to advise and assist. We work with special needs and have a small amount of equipment for ‘street’ and wheelchair hockey.
SUNSPORT AND OUR LOCAL SPORTS CENTRE
We are now delighted to have inline skating included in the popular ‘Sunsport’ Schools Summer Holiday 2001 Programme. We have recently received an award from Sport England to purchase 32 pairs of expanding children’s skates and some small sizes in safety equipment. We will be able to cater for up to 32 children with the same size feet! (fortunately, the skates expand up to four sizes). At the same time, we have been offered a permanent base in Weymouth Sports Centre, Dorchester Road, Redlands, Weymouth and Thompson’s Training Skills Centre have built a strong, secure cage to store the equipment in.
“THANK YOU!”
NEW LOOK
All our local sponsors
‘SPORTSMATCH’
and
Weymouth Sports Centre (non-profit, run by a member’s Committee) have supported us from ‘day one’, helpfully giving the public information about our skate lessons, accommodating us, or finding space for us, and now offering a permanent base for the equipment and the Wheels in Motion Skate School.
Their excellent facilities make them the perfect venue for skate lessons – a large, airy hall with a very smooth floor, excellent changing rooms facilities and a licensed bar area to relax in with your family after the gentle exertions of a skate lesson! (with comfy seating, satellite TV and pool table!)
LOCAL AWARD TO SKATE ORGANISER February 2002
Local skating organiser, Kris Hallett has been awarded a 'Good Citizens Award' by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council in recognition of her services to skating. Kris has organised several skating events both indoors and out in the town and has brought skating to the forefront in the last few years. The award recognises her achievements to all in the community, Weymouth Mayor, Joyce Stanley, made special reference to Kris's ability to encourage both young and old to the sport in a special ceremony held at the Council Offices.
Kit Johnson, the driving force behind 'The Front', Weymouth's own skate park was also recognised at the official ceremony. Kit and her team have steered the project from it's conception through to completion. More about the skatepark here.
Getting In Touch
You can E-Mail us if you wish at the following address: dk@great-to-skate.co.uk
