04/01/2026
History of The Skating Field.
In 1963 the field was purchased by 30 shareholders to enable people to use it safely to ice-skate should it freeze enough. This was also for safety reasons as people regularly skated on d***s and drains in the 1950’s and previous decades. A low bank was formed on the west, south and east sides with the north side bounded by the Cradge Bank of the River Nene, this is flooded every winter just above the level of the grass. Over the years races were held regularly for various cups and trophies including Men’s mile race for the Fred Smith Cup, the Men’s half mile for the Fisher cup, the Ladies quarter mile for the Butcher Cup and the Mixed Pairs for the Whittome along with veterans, children’s and relay races.
In recent years there have not been as many opportunities to ice-skate but it is still flooded every winter in the hope of a cold spell.
