An Auckland sports club plans to reunite people passionate about gliding about on wheels, reports Hayley Hannan.
Hundreds of faces beam from wooden frames, generations of skaters in their red, white and blue leotards - a timber wall displaying Mt Wellington Roller Sports Club's history.
Skateland rink is home to artistic
skaters, roller and in-line hockey players, speed skaters and general roller enthusiasts, and is a testament to members' passion.
Auckland City Council laid a slab of concrete in 1969 and installed white side rails. Bill Over was one of four members who personally secured a loan to pay for a roof over the rink, built in 1970.
He points to a black-and-white photo of three men atop a wooden roof. Club members built the roof themselves, without hard hats or safety gear. "You wouldn't get away with that today," Bill laughs.
Now all of the management committee and trustee board are volunteers.
"We've had a close involvement with the community over the years because the people run the rink really," Bill explains. The 69-year-old, who's skated for more than 50 years, has seen the sport develop.
"Skating is unusual in that you can have individual and family sides involved.
"You have guys playing hockey in their 60s. It's a really great family sport. You train and then you go to a public session and so you have the social side as well."
The club is holding a reunion in February to bring together some of the thousands of people who have contributed to its 50-year history. Bill hopes anyone involved with the club at any stage will come along.
"It's an opportunity for people to see the rink as it's been developed and to see skating today as it has changed."
The reunion begins at noon on Saturday, February 12 next year and will continue until 9pm. Plans for the day include a display of historical photos and information, sports exhibitions and demonstrations, skating opportunities, lunch and dinner.
As he laces up his roller skates, Bill grins and explains they are "relatively new. They're about 15 years old."
Get your skates on
What: Mt Wellington Roller Sports Club 50-year reunion
When: noon-9pm, Saturday, February 12, 2011
Where: Skateland Roller Skating Rink, 66 Mountain Rd, Panmure.
Who: reunion@mtwellington rollersports.co.nz or 579 9233.
Ph: Mervin McNab, 576 6778, home, Wednesday afternoon.
