GR8 SK8
Photographs show GR8 SK8 staff members, Carrie Weston, Dale Weston, Katie Hirst and Charlotte Hirst and some of the skaters in action on one of the Saturday morning sessions.
skate, allowing them the opportunity to sit back and enjoy a coffee, go for a swim or a session at the gym if they prefer. In-line skates are available to hire, or people are more than welcome to use their own if they have them. Mark added: “We have all sizes of inline skates to accommodate any age and shoe size. People are of course welcome to use their own skates whether in-lines or quads. There are two sessions which anyone is welcome to attend. In general the first session is perhaps better for beginners and families and the second session is aimed more towards teenagers and more experienced skaters, but so far both sessions have been fairly mixed. It is great fun for any age and ability of skater, we have really seen an improvement in the technique of our regulars, who have developed their stopping, turning and weaving skills.” The latest chart music is played during the sessions, accompanied by disco lights. In addition there are organised games, specifically designed by Clare in order to help skaters improve certain skills and provide an interesting interlude.
Mark explained that parents are welcome to join in or they can just leave their children to enjoy the skating with their friends if they wish, as an attendance register is taken, including contact details. Clare, Mark and the group of young volunteer helpers (Carrie and Dale Weston, Charlotte and Katie Hirst) are hoping the club will really start to take off especially during the autumn and winter months, when the weather begins to deteriorate, as the club can comfortably accommodate up to 80 skaters in any one session. The skating club offers two sessions every Saturday morning at Brough Park; Session 1 runs from 10 to 11am and Session 2 from 11.15am to 12.15pm. Skate hire is available for those who don’t have their own skates with sessions costing £4 each and £1 for skate hire. Mark added: “No more excuses to stay in bed! Turn the television off and get across to Brough Park Leisure Centre in Leek for a fun start to your weekend…. Great fun is waiting; let’s get skating!”
Leek Life September/October 2013 41