The club’s first awards evening was held on Friday 7 May at Newport Football Club. Held to celebrate the achievements of our skaters over the past year, the event was extremely well attended and a huge success!

The evening began with a welcome by Helen Wilks (chairman) followed by an invitation to enjoy dinner at the tantalising, beautifully presented buffet entirely prepared by our very own Kim Probert and her mother Mary. Mouth watering lasagna and pasta were on offer along with bread donated by Tesco and fresh crisp salad, the ingredients of which were all kindly donated by Wight Salads.

We had a sales table with laminated photos from the previous week’s competition, a traditional raffle and Christine O’Brien was there with Grand Auction tickets and information. We also had our recently developed promotions board on display.

The formal part of the evening was presented by Becky Daley. The awards table overflowed with many beautiful trophies and medals ready for the winners.  Our three coaches, Terri Smith, Matt Russell and Tom Eklund had previously decided on the majority of the winners and were then sworn to secrecy.  (I don’t think Terri listened!)

The first presentation of medals was made by Keith Prateley of Ventnor Rotary to the Wight Jewels in recognition of their skating in Switzerland earlier this year. The medals were donated by Sarah Danzig and Sharon Buckman. Next Val Hadlow came forward to present the gold medals she and her husband generously donated to the Wight Crystals for their first place finish in their category at the same competition. The Wight Gems received certificates acknowledging their achievement of 2nd place at their first British Synchronized Skating Championships. More awards followed:

Most Improved Overall Skater – Charlotte Chapman – donated and presented by Richard Bicknell of Impact Sports.
Best Performer – Jemma Southwell & Leah Hancott – donated by Christine O’Brien, presented by Becky Daley
Best Newcomer – Ellie Symmans & Miles Grist – donated and presented by Margaret Mumford
Most Positive Attitude – Gemma Marsh – donated and presented by Karen Baldwin of Island Printers
Most Improved Jumper – Maggie Read – donated by Planet Ice, presented by David Ball, president of Ventnor Rotary
Most Improved Spinner – Mariesa Ford – donated by Wightlink, presented by Kate Jackson and Mel Archer of IOW Bestival
Most Improved Confidence – Lotte Cordon – donated and presented by Richard Bicknell of Impact Sports
Great Attitude – Isabella Parkes – donated and presented by Phil Robinson & his wife from Seaview Services
Best Fall – Charlotte Mennie – donated by the club, presented by Josh Whidborne
Most Improved Synchro Skater – Nicola Baxter – donated by Melissa Galvin, presented by Janet Marsh
Best Smile – Tia Daley – donated by the club, presented by British junior ice dance champions Charlotte Aiken and Josh Whidborne
Best Injury of the Season – Keelin Scholes – donated by the club, presented by Rob Heathfield
Coach’s Skater of the Year (Tom) – Arron Grist – donated and presented by Tom Eklund
Coach’s Skater of the Year (Matt) – Beckie Vokins – donated and presented by Matt Russell
Coach’s’ Skater of the Year (Terri) – Carol & Steve Taverner – donated and presented by Terri Smith
Most Hardworker on Patch Ice – Alicia MacIntyre & Robin Johnson – donated by the club, presented by Matt Kershaw
Most Improved Adult Skater – Steve Wood  & Karen Baldwin – donated by The Heatherleigh, presented by Henry Aiken
Most Competitive Skater – Archie Bicknell – donated by the club, presented by Helen Wilks
Outstanding Performer in 2009 Christmas Show – Nikita Heathfield – donated by the club, presented by Viv Daniels
Lifetime Service to the Club – Viv Daniels – donated by the Blue Door café, presented by Becky Daley

The Skaters Choice Skater of the Year Award was voted on by all skaters present on the evening.  It was donated by the club and won by Maggie Read.