Gallery: Skating enthusiasts make the most of cold snap in Outwell

THE extended cold snap has been a major disruption for many, but skating enthusiasts in Outwell made the most of it on Saturday.

Villagers cleared the snow from Well Creek and people skated on the river for what is believed to be the first time since 1996.

Philip Doubleday, 81, a British professional speed skating champion in 1982, organised the event and took to the ice himself.

Mr Doubleday grew up in Outwell and lived in the village until 12 years ago when he moved to Downham Market.

He said: "I've been skating at Well Creek at every opportunity since I was six years old.

"There's a great tradition of skating in the Fens but, because of the milder winters, we've not been able to do it here for several years and a whole generation of youngsters has been missing out.

"It was great to see them having fun on Saturday and experiencing the pleasure that fun skating can bring."

Mr Doubleday checked the conditions at Well Creek on Friday on discovering three to four inches of snow called friends to give them the go-ahead that night.

He said: "There were about 40 of us in total, skating along a 200 yard-long part of the river.

"I saw a couple of old mates I used to skate with years ago. There was a bit of banter between us and we talked about old times but there was no racing, it was just for pleasure.

"I'm hoping we can do it again some time this winter.

YOUR COMMENTS

I SEE there was skating on the river at Outwell at the weekend and don’t think that was a very good idea.

At the moment there is a lot of news about people going skating on lakes and rivers and falling in and losing their lives. So children would think it is an all right thing to do.

Someone may have tested the river but what would have happened if they had fallen in when testing it? It would have taken the fire and police to rescue them, wasting their time

KAREN MCFARLING

Whittlesey

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