Due to this amazing cold weather (for some), The Royal Caledonian Curling Club may have the rare and great opportunity to hold the  Bonspiel or Grand Match of Curling on the Lake of Menteith. It is set to be the venue and the Curling Club meet next week to make a decision on the event.

This Lake is ideal for this event as it is fairly shallow and needs approximately  over 7" to be safe.

Looking at the weather [...]]]>

Due to this amazing cold weather (for some), The Royal Caledonian Curling Club may have the rare and great opportunity to hold the  Bonspiel or Grand Match of Curling on the Lake of Menteith. It is set to be the venue and the Curling Club meet next week to make a decision on the event.

This Lake is ideal for this event as it is fairly shallow and needs approximately  over 7" to be safe.

Looking at the weather forecast the cold spell is set in for the near future.

We would love to have a local perspective on this event and the history behind it, its just a shame we can not make it up there if it goes ahead.

Please send in any photos you have of this Lake.

Good luck  with the weather!, however it may be on our side this year.

Please check for updates and future events at The Royal Caledonian Curling Club website

Now the Winter Olympics is over and with all the positive media coverage Curling has had again, it may boast the sports popularity in area's where fresh blood is needed. It was sad to find out when I was stopping in Pitlochery this Winter that their rink had to close a couple of years ago, partly due to lack of income.

Hopefully things will pick up once again.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

18th Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

30th Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

JOHN RUSKIN THE STONES OF VENICE edited and introduced by JAN MORRIS FOLIO 2002    £18.00

21st Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

60th Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

Happy Engagement Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weight Decoration Kit    £10.95

40th Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

50th Birthday Party Black Silver Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

GROOVES Magazine 1979 KISS TOUR Gene SIMMONS COVER 15 1979 Sept BLACK SABBATH    £17.72

Sophisticated BSK Demi Parure Brooch Clip Earrings All Signed    £6.32

18th Birthday Party Pink Fuchsia Helium Balloons Ribbon Weights Decoration Kit    £10.95

Armani Bois Dencens    £159.99

Hutchinson Pocket Dictionary of 1960s Hutchinson poc    £2.99

Sticks and Stones for 10 14 Year Olds Can Do By Shar    £2.99

9780434007912Almost Grown The Rise of Rock and Roll B    £2.99

Rutlands Curse By Roger Carpenter    £3.61

One Step Beyond Teens By Pete Johnson    £2.99

The Essential Book of Crystals Moonstone By Pandora    £.99

9781899248070No More Bullying Talking It Through By    £2.46

The Steerswoman By Rosemary Kirstein    £.99

Incoming search terms:

• can you ice skate on the lakes in scotland
• natural ice skating in scotland
• natural ice skating scotland

This Winter Fen Skating makes a great return to the wetlands of Cambridgeshire

Talking to some of the locals, this is the earliest they can recall Ice Skating on the  Fens in December.  With temperatures as low as -12 the ice has been in great condition this last week for a glide about in the open air.

Ice-Skating on Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire Early Winter on [...]]]>

FEN-TASTIC ICE SKATING ON CAMBRIDGESHIRE'S FENLANDS

December 2010

Welney Wash - Cambridgeshire

This Winter Fen Skating makes a great return to the wetlands of Cambridgeshire

Talking to some of the locals, this is the earliest they can recall Ice Skating on the  Fens in December.  With temperatures as low as -12 the ice has been in great condition this last week for a glide about in the open air.

Ice-Skating on Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire Early Winter on 8th December 2010

It was amazing to see all ages participating in this past time and it was plain to see it has been a part of their lives for many years, for the locals.

The Ice had been used all week, so an ice track had been scratched in by Wednesday.

Ice Speed Skating on Welney Wash in Cambridgeshire on 8th December 2010

The ice at Welney Wash on 8th December was hard and only slightly bobbly and great for having a blast in the fresh air.  We even had loads of space to practice our Ice Hockey skills down the other end of the ice without disturbing the Speed Skaters.

Ice Hockey Training on Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire on 8th December 2010

You can check on the upto date ice conditions at various skating locations on Gileslandscape Website.  It has great information and prints on the History of Fenland Ice Skating.

Whittlesey Wash - Cambridgeshire

We then headed up to Whittlesey to see what the conditions were like there, we were amazed by the size of the natural ice rink.  I wonder if anyone has ever player Bandy Hockey on there as it must be big enough to have at least two pitches on it.

Whittlesey Wash, Cambridgeshire - Super Sized Natural Ice Rink

Parking was directly opposite the ice, which was very handy.  We could not believe the size of this area and all skateable.  The ice conditions here were not as good as Welney on this particular day as the snow had frozen on to the ice and made it uneven in some places along with the wind.  It was that big an area, there was one lad Ice Sailboarding.   

The local  Ice hockey players had scraped a smooth playing surface for their Rec. Ice Hockey Matches and brought some goals down too.  You would of thought you were in Canada and not just on the outskirts of Peterborough, the Lads and Girls seemed to have just finished work and had come straight down here for a game of Ice Hockey in the open air.

Ice Hockey Rink at Whittlesey Wash, Cambridgeshire on 8th December 2010

There was Parents with their Ice Skates on pulling their young children along on sledges, children who had just finished School and College and come straight down for a free Ice Skating Session, it was all great to see.  Just hope it comes back soon.   

Ice Sailboarding in to the Winter Sunset at Whittlesey Wash

Lincolnshire Fens

Does anyone know the last time people skated the Fens of South Lincolnshire, I have heard they use to skate Baston Fen.  Is it still skated on or has the flood waters changed over the years.

Future Ice Skating Locations

I cannot see why this does happen more across the country, as all you need is a cold spell for about approximatelty one week and a flooded field or grassland of swallow water for safe Ice Skating.  Howvever the fun is taken away when our society moves towards the Claim Culture, so not many land owners are willing to take the risk of liability claims which could occur.  Which is understandable, however there must be ways around this because so many people are missing out on all this Winter Fun.

Be on the look out for swallow flood plains which could be suitable for Ice Skating in the extra cold winter. 

WARNING

A very important detail, is that these area's are flooded fields or grassland where the water depth is generally around one foot deep and the ice is nearly as thick at present.  However be very aware of perimeter drainage ditches and streams that can increase the depth of the water below.  Please study the fields before they are flooded where possible to have an understanding of the possible danger area's once they are flooded and skateable.  The darker the colour below, the deeper the water is and if you hit the ice with a stick hard it will make a pinging sound if it is thin.

Never Skate Alone.

Never Ice Skate on Deep Water's including River's, Canals or Dykes.

Keep Safe and Enjoy the safe ice whilst you can !

If you have any tips on testing the ice, please post them below.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

CCM Vector V100 Ice Hockey Skates    £39.99

LADIES GIRLS WHITE LEATHER JACKSON ICE SKATES UK SIZE 3 3 1 2    £15.00

P Lowentraut Ice Skates Vintage size 10 Antique Rare 35    £62.60

NEW I ice cream ivy Mini Alphabet Pillow 225x225    £3.17

Antique Wooden Wood Ice Skates with Leather Straps 16½ Long    £6.32

Sports ICE SKATES LOLLY Sports Chocolate Candy Mold 3 x 3    £1.39

2 BOOKLETS FROM FANTASY ON ICE BERKS PA 1964 65    £9.18

SKATEMATE ICE SKATE SHARPENER SKATE MATE XL SET SHARPEN SKATES YOURSELF NEW    £19.99

CCM 152 Tacks Ice Hockey Skates Youth 7 D    £22.15

Women sz 5W Riedell Ice Skates w 9 1 2 Wilson Blades Made in Sheffield England    £47.48

Victorian Paper Scrap Frame 4 Women Ice Skate Muff Ball Gowns Dancing    £5.38

Ice Hockey skates CCM 92 CLASSIC size 65 UK EU 40    £55.00

CCM Champion 90 Ice Hockey Skates Youth Junior 2    £15.82

PRO STOR HOME STORAGE PRODUCTS SKATE STORAGE RACK NEW    £10.76

Magic Puppy Sparkling Skates Sue Bentley    £7.26

White Skate Wishes Chapman Linda    £5.75

Blue Skate Dreams Skating School Linda Chapman    £6.76

Risport Skate Bag Turquoise    £13.95

Kids Childrens Youth Boys 35 Girls 5 Bauer Charger Hockey Black Ice Skates    £5.69

VINTAGE ANTIQUE 16 STERLING SILVER CHARMS ON STERLING BRACELET OLD    £56.97

View Page:   1  2  3  4  5

Incoming search terms:

• baston fen ice skating
• whittlesey wash

With all these cold temperatures for a prolonged period, which is unusal for these days, I was wondering if we had anything in this country that could compare to the frozen Lakes of Central Europe in Winter where you can skate and have fun on a SAFE surface.

Whilst 'skating' the World Wide Web I stumbled across the Fenland Skating Championship which for many years ago was held on the Fenlands on a more regular basis.

This may have been [...]]]>

With all these cold temperatures for a prolonged period, which is unusal for these days, I was wondering if we had anything in this country that could compare to the frozen Lakes of Central Europe in Winter where you can skate and have fun on a SAFE surface.

Whilst 'skating' the World Wide Web I stumbled across the Fenland Skating Championship which for many years ago was held on the Fenlands on a more regular basis.

This may have been one of the places where British Speed Skating and forms of  Bandy Hockey gained popularity and developed.

Its lovely to see the local communities are keeping these fun pastimes alive and well in our changing environment.

Please check out this website Fenland Skating for locations and conditions.

If you have any photos or stories to share please feel free to add it to this site, as we would love to hear from you.

Keep the passion alive !

Get yourself geared up ready for next year.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

SKATEMATE ICE SKATE SHARPENER SKATE MATE XL SET SHARPEN SKATES YOURSELF NEW    £19.99

Magic Puppy Sparkling Skates Sue Bentley    £7.26

White Skate Wishes Chapman Linda    £5.75

Blue Skate Dreams Skating School Linda Chapman    £6.76

NHL 10 2010 COMPLETE Microsoft XBOX 360 Game    £7.57

MADELINE Ice Skating Skater 13 Plush Cloth Rag Doll o4    £12.66

NHL 2006 COMPLETE Microsoft XBOX Game    £1.26

NHL 10 E10]    £6.30

Speed Skater Ice Skates Photo Pin Brooch 24 kt Gold Plt    £10.13

The Figure Skating Book A Young Persons Guide to Figu    £9.82

STERLING SILVER CHARM MINNEAPOLIS DULUTH MN ICE SKATING    £44.06

NHL 06 XBOX COMPLETE POLISHED TESTED GOOD    £1.86

Pro Stock Bauer Vapor X60 ice hockey skates Totalone    £299.99

BROOKLYN ICE SKATING CARNIVAL CLOWNS COSTUMES SKATES    £28.49

Backyard Hockey Kids Sports Sim New PC XP    £3.16

BONT VAYPOR LONG TRACK SPEEDSKATES ICE 445 105165mm spacing ice skating    £201.96

THE FIGURE SKATING BOOK DEBBI WILKES PAPERBACK NEW    £7.67

NHL 06 Xbox 2005    £4.12

NHL 2006 Xbox Complete X box    £2.74

2011 Canada HOLIDAY LITTLE SKATERS 9999 Silver Proof Coloured $10 Coin NO TAX    £50.20

Incoming search terms:

• fenlands
• fenland ice skating

Thanks to the passion and dedication of Roger Giles, the family had a great afternoon out on the ice at Welney Wash on Monday 20th December.  All it took was a phone call saying the conditions were good at Welney and we were off in search of fresh ice to skate.

Ice Skating on the Fens at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire [...]]]>

Another Amazing Day Ice Skating on the Fens at Welney Wash

20th December, 2010

Thanks to the passion and dedication of Roger Giles, the family had a great afternoon out on the ice at Welney Wash on Monday 20th December.  All it took was a phone call saying the conditions were good at Welney and we were off in search of fresh ice to skate.

Ice Skating on the Fens at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire on 20th December 2010

The air temperature on Monday was around -6 all day and very foggy as we drove down to Cambridgeshire.  Hoping the fog was going to clear by the time we got our Ice Skates on. 

Learning to Ice Skate on the Fens at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire.

As we ice skated further away from the road in search of smooth ice, the fog seemed to be clearing for us.  Luck was on our side !

Fields of smooth glass like ice at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire.

As you can see from the picture above the ice was really smooth in this section and you can just pick out the grass below the ice.

Ice Hockey Practice on the Welney Wash in Cambridgeshire on December 20th, 2010

The ice was ideal for practices your Ice Hockey Skills on the vast open space. 

Fen Skating - Ice Hockey Puck Skills at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire.

Figure Skating under the moonlight on the Fens at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire

 Trying out Figure Skating moves under the moonlit skies.

Moonlit Ice Skating on the Fens at Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire

 With the reflection of the Moon on the Ice, you could of Skated well into the night.

Ice Skating back towards Welney under the moonlight after a amazing time on the Ice.

 Heading home after an amzing afternoon on the Ice, not before having a Hot Chocolate infront of the open fire at the Lamb and Flag Pub in Welney.

Fields of Dreams - Skatable Ice a Welney Wash, Cambridgeshire.

Fen Ice Skating Locations from the past to the present

Welney Wash

Bury Fen

Littleport - Moors Skating Ground

Whittlesey Wash

Baston Fen

Sutton Gault

I wonder what happen to the Littleport Challenge Cup and the Littleport Moors Skating Ground.   Are the embankments that created the area still in place or has it be built on or farmed. 

I just hope 2011 brings a frosty January and February to match December 2010 !

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Indian Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Polish Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions UK Auctions

Best Match Time: ending soonest Time: newly listed Price: lowest first Price: highest first Price + Shipping: lowest first Price + Shipping: highest first

CCM Vector V100 Ice Hockey Skates    £39.99

LADIES GIRLS WHITE LEATHER JACKSON ICE SKATES UK SIZE 3 3 1 2    £15.00

P Lowentraut Ice Skates Vintage size 10 Antique Rare 35    £62.60

NEW I ice cream ivy Mini Alphabet Pillow 225x225    £3.17

Antique Wooden Wood Ice Skates with Leather Straps 16½ Long    £6.32

Sports ICE SKATES LOLLY Sports Chocolate Candy Mold 3 x 3    £1.39

2 BOOKLETS FROM FANTASY ON ICE BERKS PA 1964 65    £9.18

SKATEMATE ICE SKATE SHARPENER SKATE MATE XL SET SHARPEN SKATES YOURSELF NEW    £19.99

CCM 152 Tacks Ice Hockey Skates Youth 7 D    £22.15

Women sz 5W Riedell Ice Skates w 9 1 2 Wilson Blades Made in Sheffield England    £47.48

Victorian Paper Scrap Frame 4 Women Ice Skate Muff Ball Gowns Dancing    £5.38

Ice Hockey skates CCM 92 CLASSIC size 65 UK EU 40    £55.00

CCM Champion 90 Ice Hockey Skates Youth Junior 2    £15.82

PRO STOR HOME STORAGE PRODUCTS SKATE STORAGE RACK NEW    £10.76

Magic Puppy Sparkling Skates Sue Bentley    £7.26

White Skate Wishes Chapman Linda    £5.75

Blue Skate Dreams Skating School Linda Chapman    £6.76

Risport Skate Bag Turquoise    £13.95

Kids Childrens Youth Boys 35 Girls 5 Bauer Charger Hockey Black Ice Skates    £5.69

VINTAGE ANTIQUE 16 STERLING SILVER CHARMS ON STERLING BRACELET OLD    £56.97

View Page:   1  2  3  4  5

Incoming search terms:

• the fens
• fens
• ice skating
• ice skating on the fens
• practice ice hockey
• ice Skate
• sutton gault fen skating conditions