Page 18 - link magazine

peraturein the pool and so additional
5 million visitors later equipment had to be installed. The
1~v Fisher looks back over the 5 years since the centre opened cept after a power failure when it
use of computers to control all the
1 lkwellold, In the second part of his review, Link Centre Co-Ordinator John plant equipment is a big bonus - ex-
causes chaos. (Wet ice, freezing pool
So after all the years of planning, that later) and the difficulty most design work was finished, thus sav- etc).
weeks of preparation and days of people had finding the way in did not ing more time and money. It's a bit Another area of concern is the wear
panic Link Centre was finally open or help matters. Bearing in mind that like a circus top completely supported and tear on the fixtures and fittings
at least the Ice Rink was. During the only the ice rink was open the only from the outside to give the biggest after 5 years and in excess of 5 million
first few weeks every night was party public entrance was on the ice rink possible usable space inside. customers. We are currently embark-
night with 800-1,000 skaters on the ice side but most people only managed Like or loathe it, it is a successful ing on a re-decoration and upgrading
for every session. to find the swimmingpoolrampentry design and we are still able to modify programme throughout the building,
The remainder of the building was or the library entrance first! certain areas like the Community but it's a bit like painting the Forth
not scheduled to open until July and We just got everybody trained Suite and rink entrance without run- Bridge. The carpet in particular has
so we at last had a little time to take when we opened the rest of the build- ning into massive structural prob- suffered from the amount of mud
stock and make a few more perma- ing and confusion reigned again. lems. In hindsight I think the air con- carried in from the unfinished areas
nent plans for the future. Even now, 5 years on, it is still a prob- ditioning equipment on the roof could around the campus but the comple-omple
It was fascinating to watch people's lem but recently we have abandoned have been better camouflaged and tion
tion of the Health Centre Site and the
reactions to the centre when they first using the old peak time entry to the protected from the elements but at tarmacing of the North Car Park will
came in. Many were apprehensive rink and now only the pool and li- least it is easy to describe it to strang- help. The No Smoking Policy was
and slightly intimidated by the sheer brary entrances are in use. ers over the telephone. I heard one of controversial at the time but at least
size and look of the place (more of As I mentioned earlier the design our staff describing it as a 'Part filled the carpet isn't pock marked with
of the building was perhaps the most Gasometer'. burns. It is curious how in just five
contentious issue. It was described as It should also be remembered that years people's attitude to smoking
a 'Piece of Discarded Chewing Gum' 5 years ago Link Centre was, and for has changed so dramatically with
and as 'Finished Apart from the Scaf- that matter still is, one of the most most customers now expecting it to
folding' and others too rude to men- complex and sophisticated Leisure be a no smoking building in line with
tion here. The reality is that the archi- Centres ever built. The high levels of our Lifestyle campaigns.
tects had to achieve two things, firstly new technology and advanced mate- The pattern of use and the demand
BY DESIGN LTD
a massive space not cluttered by col- rials have made life at the same time for new and different activities has
umns or supporting walls (try skat- both easier and more difficult. For also changed considerably through-
ing around steel girders), and sec- example, the heat generated by the out our short history but more of that
Exercise to Music ondly a fast building programme to compressors that help make the ice, in the final part next month.
Classes get maximum benefit from a fixed (try feeling the back of your fridge Finally, hands up all of you who
project price and raging inflation. The carefully!), is used to pre-heat the five years ago said "1 really must have
with Lee Hogan, M.P.E.A., R.S.A. concept was to construct a 'factory' in water in the swimming pool with an a go at skating" - BUT still have not
Greendown School, Grange Park which the centre could be built in all estimated annual fuel saving of been! Shame on you - its never too
Tuesdays & Sundays 7.30pm-8.30pm weathers and with the greatest pos- £60,000. On the other hand it was late so make a special point of visiting
£2.50 per session sible flexibility. In fact the shell was difficult under some weather condi- the rink during the next five years!
Fun, Friendly & Safe completed before some of the detailed tions to maintain a comfortable tern- Look out for part 3 next month.
Suitable for Beginners
& Regular Exercisers Alike
Hot times ahead with Mr Ice

The Link Centre ice rink
programme was relaunched on
Good Friday with new lighting,
LINK smoke machine and a booming new
" CENTRE sound system.
Responsible for getting things
organised for the new look
attractions is 'Mr Ice' or Howard
Taylor, the Entertainment Manager
and resident rink DJ (right). He's
been brought in to breath new life
presents into the ice skating scene.
Howard joined the Link Centre
in January with a varied
"RHAPSODY on ICE" background. For straight jobs, he
was once a policeman and also a
telephone engineer. However it
Sunday 6th May was his other credentials which
qualified him to be a Borough ice skating sessions and using his
Council officer at the Centre. radio skills to prepare music for
A spectacular and breath-taking display of the new Olympic sport
Most recently he returned from specific sessions - disco for
Precision Skating performed by a Canadian troupe of 18 skaters.
touring Europe with the cult youngsters in the evening, easy
musical 'The Rocky Horror Show' listening during the day. He's also
Rhapsody on Ice will include various show
where he was company manager been devising attractions to give
numbers which have been performed and an understudy. He has been each session its own identity (attend
throughout their worldwide tour. with the show on and off for the last a skate session and find out!).
Special Performances by Link Centre's top skaters. seven years and in the meantime Howard says he's pleased to be
Performance starts 6.00p.m. he has worked as a DJ for radio based at a centre like the Link.
(Doors open 530p.m.) stations and in nightclubs in the Having moved around different
USA and this country. jobs, he's now able to put down
For three years he taught at a roots and see his workdevelop from
Ticket Prices: Adults £1.50; Conc. £1.00
Circus School in florida teaching earlyideas through to reality. Once
For Details Tel: (0793) 871212
youngsters trick rollerskating, the new ice rink sessions have
juggling, the flying trapeze, high become established, he will be
wire balancing and clowning. looking to other parts of the Centre
At the Link Centre Howard has to see if his background could be
been responsible for revamping the put to good use.