FOR someone who is nicknamed ‘Crash’ for being so clumsy the thought of ice skating is quite terrifying.

As much as I would like to glide around the ice like Jayne Torvill or Christopher Dean, gracefully leaping into the air or pulling off a pirouette, the reality is a much colder, painful one.

The last time I went ice skating with a group of friends, resulted in me clinging to the edge of the barrier for 45 minutes as tiny tots effortlessly whizzed past me.

When I finally got the nerve to let go, I flailed about for a few minutes before my legs went from underneath me and I landed with a splat on the ice.

I did eventually manage to do a few circuits before giving up but the fact I haven’t returned for a good eight years suggests I did not fall in love with the sport.

So when I was offered the chance to have a proper lesson at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre in Chelmsford, I thought I would give it a go in the hope of looking a bit more professional and a little less like Bambi on ice.

Although my previous ice skating had ended in a bruised bum I was still surprised by how nervous I was and how tricky I found it walking in my skates from the locker area to the rink – not being able to stand up on solid ground without wobbling over did not bode well for what would happen on the ice.

Patrick Matten, head coach at the ice rink, was the brave man who volunteered to take me out on the ice and very kindly promised not to let go of my hands until I was feeling more confident – although he probably would have found it quite tricky to shake me off if he had tried as I was clinging on like a limpet.

Once on the ice, Patrick and the lovely coach Jenny Brook, demonstrated the best way to move around the ice before taking me on a few circuits.

Surprisingly, despite my nerves and shaky legs I was soon travelling quite quickly, although every wobble left me giggling and shrieking slightly hysterically.

But my resolve to do some laps by myself was strengthened by the appearance of the weekly coffee morning club, who enjoy a lesson before socialising over a hot drink each Wednesday.

Among them was the lovely Nigel Austin who, at 84, is one of the oldest members, proving that the sport is for all ages.

He said: “If you are capable of doing it you should give it a go.

“I really enjoy it, it keeps you fit.”

Gill Todd, 55, travels from her home in Woodbridge every week to skate. She said: “I just love it, it’s good for fitness, is very enjoyable and we can all have a chat afterwards.”

Jane Jones, 37, of Brentwood, organises the coffee morning sessions and is secretary of the rink’s dance club. She said: “This is something all ages can do, everyone here is lovely and will help you out and it’s good fun as well.”

After an hour on the ice, I finally managed to let go of poor Patrick and Jenny, learnt to turn by myself and even achieved what I thought was impossible... going backwards!

Most surprising of all, despite a few very wobbly moments, I had stayed upright and on my feet, which I was delighted with.

I may not be entering the next Olympics with my own rendition of the Bolero but I’m thrilled not to have lived up to my nickname and hope to return for another spin very soon.

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