Last updated 19:48, Thursday, 07 August 2008

ROLLER skating was all the rage before the Great War.

Workington folk could go along to The Lyceum Skating Rink in the Public Hall. Local papers carried adverts for a Grand Fancy Dress Carnival to be held there on Monday, June 7, 1909.

The management were obviously keen to keep out undesirables as they stated that skaters would be “admitted only in evening or fancy dress”. It was worth making an effort as prizes were to be awarded for attire.

Ladies – for the best fancy dress, and gents – for the “most original costume”.

There were other prizes.

Best lady skater; most graceful couple; gents only musical chairs competition and ladies only egg and spoon race. On roller skates?

Bright music was promised and skaters were advised to get their tickets early, as “only a limited number were to be issued”.

But don’t events organisers always say that?

Dressing rooms were provided for “patrons residing at a distance”. Presumably your refined Edwardian gentleman and his partner would not have cared to travel on the train from Cockermouth dressed up as Count Dracula and Little Bo Peep – or whatever.

Refreshments were laid on, which was what you would expect for a ticket price of 1s 6d – for skaters. Spectators could get in for 6d – but if they wanted a seat it would have cost them a shilling.

About 60 variously attired skaters took to the floor that night “to the strains of a capital band”.

The proceedings were directed by the rink’s manager, H Hartley, who also doubled up as an instructor. The less adventurous turned up to watch.

Dr Isaac Fletcher had been recruited to judge the various competitions.

Among the winners were Miss Crabtree - best fancy dress; Belle Walker – lady’s neatest costume; May Huggins – best lady skater and Edith Walker skated away with the prize for the egg and spoon race for ladies.

The Lyceum, then owned by Barrow-in-Furness Amusement Company, was obviously pushing the boat out, but then they were due to get some competition – in the form of “the biggest and best rink in the county”.

That’s how the promoters of the Derwent Roller Skating Rink, due to be opened at the foot of Hall Brow – in the building occupied by Messrs Wilson and Holmes, plugged their new venture. It had a rink of 800 sq yds and lessons were available from “expert tutors.”

It was officially opened on June 10 at 3pm. The work of creating the rink was done in double quick time. The floor, 800 sq yds of maple wood, was laid by J Douglas.

G Davies did the painting and decorating and the masonry work was done by Messrs Wilkinson and Miller. Judging by the public’s comments, they did a good job.

The new owners stressed that they had acquired state-of-the-art skates and had retained the services of J Parkinson, from Barrow, to act as tutor.

Music was provided by J Williamson’s Orchestra, an outfit I’ve not come across before.

At the opening, Workington’s mayor Alderman Harding gave a short speech, before handing over to Councillor Mason, who officially declared the rink open. J Parkinson then gave a demonstration of advanced skating. He was later joined on the floor by a small party of skaters. Some of the names are familiar – Miss Crabtree, Belle Walker, R. Nicholson and May Huggins.

May Huggins came from Whitehaven. She would probably have learnt her skating at the Lyceum Roller Skating Academy, based in the Old Pottery, Coach Road, Whitehaven. It also boasted a high-class orchestra and laid claim to being one of the “prettiest and coolest rinks in the country”.

Perhaps she found time to go to the “First Masked and Costume Carnival” which was held at the Marathon Skating Rink, at St James Hall, Whitehaven, on June 11. What a lot of skating activity packed into a few weeks.

For how long did Workington manage to keep its roller skating rinks in business? All crazes inevitably come to an end. But when?

Finally, I’ve not seen any photographs of local roller skaters from before the Great War. They must exist – somewhere. Any ideas?