THERE is a certain charm to the Winter Olympics that draws me in.
I turn on the TV, maybe just to have something on in the background while I am busy learning the latest way to organise my cupboard from TikTok. A couple of hours pass, and my phone is forgotten somewhere between the seats of my sofa. No mindless scrolling. No reels. Instead, my eyes are glued to the graceful figure skaters gliding from one end of my TV screen to the other:
What starts as casual glances quickly turns into full-on binge-watching, and I am unexpectedly filled with nos-talgia. I am reminded of the first time I went to Slough Ice Arena, more than a decade ago.
Walking through the double doors with my friends, feeling the refreshing cold air and the anticipation of getting on the ice. There’s something about getting on the ice for the first time.
I wouldn’t call The Ice Arena one of Slough’s hidden’ gems, not when it’s been around since 1986, but it is overlooked. We residents all know it’s there, with the iconic mound next to it and eye-catching architecture, but we often drive past it without a second glance.
Now, as I watch the games, I can’t help but remember the countless times I’ve taken my little sister to the arena only for us to sit in awe and watch local talent practice on the ice. Whether it was figure skaters landing elegant jumps or watching hockey players zooming around with the speed and intensity that no one could hope to match. It’s a unique atmosphere that offers its own slice of Olympic magic. Right here, on our doorstep.
Even more so when you realise some of the British skaters who went on to compete at the highest levels were first introduced to the ice in Slough. Hilary Green, a British ice dancer who competed at the Winter Olympics, finished in the top ten and helped put UK skating on the world map. Penny Coomes, another interNationally recognised skater, was also introduced to skating at Slough Ice Arena before flying the Union flag on the world stage.
More Than Just Ice
Home to the Slough Jets, the Slough Ice Arena is a community hub like no other. Hosting public skating sessions, lessons for beginners and experienced skaters alike, and activities for fami-lies, friends, and individuals. It is the only full-time indoor ice arena within roughly a 20-mile radius of Slough.
So Don’t Miss Out
Like the Winter Olympics, Slough Ice arena does not shout for attention.
But once you give it a chance, it pulls you in, and you wonder why you waited so long.
The next time the Winter Olympics quietly hijack your attention, remember this: you don’t have to sit on the sofa to feel that rush. The same ice, the same energy, the same pathways, they are right here in Slough. And yes, it’s far more fun than scrolling through reels.
Tanushree Bose is a young person working as a Communication Officer at Viva Slough, tasked with writing.
