Telford Tigers break the ice for rink's opening
More than 100 skaters took to the ice today as Telford's rink reopened to the public following a £4 million renovation and extension.
The rink was used for the first time yesterday by the Telford Tigers ice hockey team when they played their first home game of the season. And the ice reopened for public skating at 10.30am today with queues forming before the doors opened to make the most of a free session.
About 100 people took part in the first public session, which was free for people who had attended the Tigers' match.
Adrian Parker, from St Georges, Telford, visited with his wife Gemma and their two daughters, Ellena, four, and Rose, 18 months.
He said: "It was really good, we're big fans of the Tigers and the atmosphere last night was fantastic. Ellena has been waiting for six months to get on the ice, and it was Rose's first time.
"You have to appreciate the hard work that has gone in to get it open for half-term. It was a really good idea to have the free skate this morning."
Louise Lewis, whose son is in the Tigers' junior team, said the youngsters were looking forward to starting their training sessions on the ice again.
"It's good to have a rink back after six months. We've had to do a lot of off-rink work or go to other rinks so its good this has opened again."
Paul Archer, from Oreton, came for a day out to celebrate his daughter's birthday.
He said: "It's a bit cold but I think its a really good idea to open it for half-term, so we're taking advantage of that. Its a bit of a drive for us but there's plenty to do in Telford when you get here."
The ice rink was closed in May to enable work to be carried out to bring in a soft play area and a restaurant area. But officials have said the building work is not finished and have added further sections will be opened at a later date.
