For the first time in several years Planet Ice Ryde now has three resident skating coaches: head coach Terri Smith (nee Fleming), Matt Russell and now Tom Eklund, who qualified as a NISA level two coach in November. This is a remarkable change in circumstances given that at the beginning of 2007, Terri was our one and only coach.

Newcomers to the rink won’t know that Matt and Tom were the club’s strong competitive skaters only a few years back, although Matt put on a stunning impromptu performance on the last day of this year’s Christmas Ice Gala to music performed by Opera Anywhere, giving some idea of his skating talents.

With a new season of Dancing on Ice scheduled to hit the TV screens next year, tuition is bound to become more popular, and the rink now appears to have the coaching capacity to handle demand for group and private lessons.

The coaching team is best contacted through the reception desk at Planet Ice Ryde on 01983 615155.