“Oakley ice-skating: your opportunity to establish your place for 2012” is how the event was publicised. A keen 28 responded, but then rumours were spread that Ric Heathcote planned to bring a professional coach all the way from China, and suddenly people fell ill, planned ski holidays, broke their wrist, and even contracted appendicitis…. (In fact, the “coach” turned out to be Ric’s lovely girlfriend, Anna).

Anyway, on a balmy (with an “l” not an “r”, or perhaps not) Saturday afternoon before Christmas, over 20 Oakley-ites braved the ice at Somerset House, keen to show off their skills. Ellie Summers had simply had to visit the Abercrombie & Fitch store first, and for some reason arrived with a huge smile on her face (as did her mum!!). Meanwhile, Ali Rowley donned her sheepskin coat and wide-boy smile, and managed to get rid of the spare tickets, perfect lawfully of course…

Spies from team GB noted expert performances from Alison Flower, Hattie Wallace, Alasdair McNab, Emily Summers, Nicole Zoylinos, Mike Jones and Josh Rowley. Vying for places in the veterans’ team were Ric Flower, Jenny Thorne, Alan Whitmore, Nina Walker and Chris Roberts. Mark Rowley decided he should be the professional photographer, rather than skate – surely some excuse?

Highlights included stunning falls from JV, Rach Hunter, Sam Rowley and Holly Welham.

Well deserved pizzas were duly eaten, and the afternoon was further enhanced by Ric Heathcote’s intellectual discussion with the waiter about diet coke. Further details on request.

A good time was had by all. Hurrah.