Skating at the Palace

After donning one's boots it was onto the rink and the first wobbly steps and falls. It wasn't long before one became a natural and joined the Formula One skaters who seemed to go round and round at breakneck speed. The occasional Torvill and Dean would attempt a few obscure movements only to be knocked flying by hordes of teenage maniacs. Over the far side were a number of seats where you could sit, rest and watch. Alongside was a sloping fire exit passageway leading down out to Grove street. It was always a jolly jape to surround and thrust a fellow skater down this passage and wait for the cries of pain as he hit the fire door at the bottom, totally out of control.

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