Hundreds get skates on for winter fun

Hundreds of adults and children donned their skates and glided, or wobbled, their way round a 40ft square synthetic rink erected at Aldingbourne Community Sports Centre.

Bruised knees and elbows mixed with laughter as villagers got to grips with the first ice rink in their area. Disabled skaters were able to have a great time in a skating chair.

The rink proved to be the star attraction at a winter weekend staged by the centre's trustees.

A spokesman for the trustees said the weekend had achieved its objectives of being memorable and enjoyable and building on the community spirit in the village.

"In spite of the weather, the event was a huge success. The fact that so many people braved the elements to support the event gave us great heart and we are already thinking about next year. We would like to say a huge thank-you to the community for turning out in such large numbers," he stated.

Some 1,500 people went along to the first day last Saturday to get the event off to a packed start.

Sunday saw the number dip to between 300-400 as the atrocious weather took its toll.

Those who attended still enjoyed themselves, however, in spite of the constant downpour. As well as the rink, the funfair and its dodgems proved popular with all.

Santa's Grotto, sponsored by the Hopscotch Pre-School, was a big favourite with children.

Entertainment was provided by the O'Mainnin Dance School in a display of Irish dancing led by Sarah and Teresa Manning.

The choir of Aldingbourne Primary School, led by headteacher Liz Webster, touched the hearts of listeners by singing Christmas carols under an enormous Christmas tree. A range of craft stalls was popular with displays from Amberley Museum and the Neighbourhood Watch search team.

Bognor Regis Model Railway Club put on an exhibition and Aldingbourne and District Target Shooting Club gave young and old the chance to try the hobby.