GR8SK8
GR8SK8 Club proves it’s ‘in-line
O
ne year on and ‘GR8SK8,’ Leek's very own
Skating Club looks to be ‘in-line’ for the
future with the popularity of the club
continuing to grow from strength to
strength.
Obviously skating in the right direction the
club has proved to be just what Leek was missing
continuing to grow in popularity on a weekly
basis as a family friendly activity for the residents
of the town and the surrounding areas since
starting up this time last year.
It was however back in October 2012 that
local school girl Charlotte Hirst first came up with
the idea of creating a Skating Club in Leek and
after several months of planning and preparation
by Charlotte and her parents, Clare and Mark,
‘GR8SK8’ Leek Skating Club opened for business
in June 2013 at Brough Park Leisure Centre.
The Club offers two skating sessions every
Saturday morning at Brough Park's indoor sports
hall and can accommodate all ages and abilities of
skaters and those wishing to have a go for the first
time are also more than welcome. The
experienced skaters who help run the club are
headed up by local resident Dale Weston
who is the head coach and on
hand to offer help and
tips on how to improve
skaters abilities and
techniques.
In October 2013
30 Leek Life May/June 2014
Charlotte was awarded Young Entrepreneur
(Under 18's) in the Signal 1 Pride in the
Community Awards held at Crewe Hall and since
this time both Charlotte and her sister Katie have
been awarded with Special Edition Blue Peter
Sports Badges for inspiring others to take up a
new sport.
A 1980s roller disco fundraising event was
also held for the Brain Tumour Charity on behalf
of local resident Jo Higgins-McKee, who wanted
to raise awareness and support the worthwhile
organisation before her own tumour was
removed. The GR8SK8 Children in Need Pyjama
Party also proved to be a very successful event
and great fun, raising an impressive £108 for the
charity via sponsorship and donations.
The club is now attracting a regular
attendance of skat \