Oxford Ice Rink marks 40th birthday
The ice rink is celebrating four decades of skating in the city with a 80s gala.
Oxfords Ice rink is celebrating 40 years in the city and we've been speaking to one woman who has worked there almost the whole time it's been open.
This October sees Oxford’s Ice Rink hit the big 4-0, as it celebrates four decades of skating fun by hosting a Back to the 80s Gala today, Saturday 5th October.
Jane De Lange is Skate School Co-ordinator at Oxford Ice Rink. She has worked there for over 36 years. She tells us how that's been for her:
"I've been so blessed really to have it as a job and spend so much of my life here. It's a great fun activity to do"
Jane tells us the Ice Rink has been a big part of the Oxford community for so many people:
"We've got people who have been come since the day we opened. One of the people hadn't skated until we opened, but now he's been skating for 40 years. He's now in his 90s and still getting on the ice."
Jane added it's a vital place for younger people in the community.
"I think it's a massive part of the community, it's one of the few places in Oxford for children and young people to come and be safe, and with a lack of facilities for young people it's been a really big part of Oxford."
She says the birthday is a major milestone. In August, they completed an extensive renovation, including a brand-new ice pad with updated logos and hockey lines, and a roof replacement.
Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford, Oxford City Council said:
“For 40 years, Oxford Ice Rink has been at the heart of our community, offering fun, fitness, and a space where people of all ages can come together. With its recent upgrades, the rink is now better than ever, ensuring it continues to provide a fantastic experience for everyone from first-time skaters to seasoned pros. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Back to the 80s Gala and the Big Open Weekend to celebrate this exciting milestone.”
What's Happening?
Ice skating fans will get two chances to enjoy a retro fun-fest, with shows at 2.30pm and 6pm, featuring the city’s skating talent from the Oxford School of Skating and Oxford Ice Academy.
The Back to the 80s Gala will see skaters dressed in retro fashions, dancing to songs that were big hits in the year the rink opened, 1984. People attending the show are guaranteed to feel like they’ve stepped back into the 80s!
The gala coincides with a Big Open Weekend at the ice rink, with free public skating sessions and taster lessons on Saturday and Sunday, and even a Saturday night disco. The rink say that will show off recent upgrades, including a new low emissivity ceiling, new flooring and a brand new ice pad.
In partnership with Serco Leisure, More Community Leisure Trust manage five Oxford facilities, including the ice rink, Ferry Leisure Centre and Hinksey Outdoor Pool on behalf of Oxford City Council.