Ice skating rink set to open in heart of the Fens this winter

Families will soon be lacing up their skating boots and taking to the ‘ice’ on the area’s first privately owned rink.

Max Boon Webster and her family are set to open a synthetic rink on the grounds of their farmhouse home at Three Holes – and it will be open for all to enjoy.

Max, her husband Ian, and their two children Harry and Lottie moved to Lots Bridge Farmhouse from Bushey near Watford seven years ago.

The move followed both children attaining full sports scholarships to attend Kings School in Ely.

Since then Max has set about turning the home into a haven and has been running it as a successful Airbnb and for the last two summers has also been renting out the heated outdoor pool and tennis courts that grace the stunning grounds.

Max explained: “I soon realised after we moved here that there was a lack of facilities for people and I thought it would be nice to offer the use of our pool and tennis courts to people to hire.

“It has proved hugely popular and the pure joy of hearing children having fun, parents relaxing and teaching their children how to swim in our pool was priceless.”

However, Max realised there was not a lot of use for an outdoor pool or tennis court during the winter months and looked at what she could provide instead and came up with the idea of a skating rink.

“There are no ice skating rinks locally except in the cities which is not always easy for people to get to, especially with the rising cost of petrol, so I thought I would have a look and see if I could do something about that,” said Max.

A bit of research led her to a British company that specialises in synthetic rinks, which Max said are very authentic, and she is now preparing to turn the tennis court into a winter facility for families to enjoy.

She said: “I felt ice skating was really appropriate, especially given the Fens' history of skating.”

The rink will be 18 metres by 10 metres and will be able to accommodate between 30 and 50 skaters, there will also be six penguin supports for younger children to use on the ice and the rink will also be wheelchair accessible.

For those not wanting to try skating there will be a marquee for spectators and there will also be refreshments available.

Skating will be £40 for up to five people, and Max said: “I have tried to keep the cost as reasonable as possible so people can afford to come and enjoy a go. Our basic mantra is all about offering an experience that local people can enjoy at a reasonable price.

“No child in the local villages will be excluded due to financial restrictions on their family. I hope to bring the communities together with young and old being able to either join in or watch from the sides.

“I intend for anyone local that is on their own to be able to come along and if not skate, enjoy a hot drink from the marquee and enjoy the guests skating.

“There is no reason why everyone who wants a go can’t have one, the only thing stopping them might be people being too proud to ask for help, but I promise there will be no judgment.”

Likewise, because Ian is a London Black Cab driver Max said they are able to offer transport to those families who can’t get to the farmhouse, again people need to simply ask.

Max also plans to organise sessions for children with special educational needs.

Bookings can be made via the Lots Bridge Farmhouse Facebook page and the rink will open to the public on Saturday November 18.