International skater Toni Murray, centre, who judged the ice skating championships at the York Designer Outlet, with York area finalists Karen Sked, left, and Louise Irving. The competition was won by a skater from Bradford

The Press, By Kate Liptrot

YORK’s ice rink has closed after drawing about 45,000 skaters to the attraction at the Designer Outlet.

Organisers at The Ice Factor at the retail park near Naburn said good weather and visitors travelling from across Yorkshire meant it had equalled the 2009 record number of visitors when it was last based at the Eye of York in the city centre.

The ice skating rink closed last night, having been open since the last week of November.

Maria Farrugia, executive producer of The Ice Factor, said: “We think we have managed to do the same as our most successful year, which is fantastic.

“We have wanted to make it a complete day out for the family. We have been able to hold lots more people on the ice as it’s bigger than it was at the Eye of York and people skating have had more space to show off their skills.

“We have had great weather this year. Warm conditions meant we have taken longer to freeze the ice but it’s better for the customer if it’s not too cold. We have not had too much rain either – all in all, it’s been fantastic.”

She said more than 100 schools had been to skate with people travelling from as far afield as Hull, Bradford and Doncaster.

The ice rink moved to the Designer Outlet from the Eye of York in 2010.

To mark the ice skating talent of visitors over the festive season, eight ice skating finalists were invited to compete in a freestyle skate off judged by British international skater Toni Murray, who won the silver medal at the 2010 British championships.

The winner of a trip to see Swan Lake On Ice was a skater from Bradford.

Miss Murray said: “This year’s first ever ice skating championships at York Designer Outlet, has been hugely successful and I believe we have uncovered some brilliant skating talent.”

Satan, acted by Bernie Finch, takes to the ice on a break from the York Dungeon

The Press, York

Satan stunned fellow skaters when he took to the ice at York’s open air Ice Factor rink.

Usually found presiding over his frightfully festive grotto in York Dungeon, Satan relished the opportunity to cool down.

Before taking to the ice, he said: “I thoroughly enjoy wreaking havoc at the York Dungeon, but you get extremely hot in my line of work.

“I’m used to skating on thin ice, so I’m hoping my talents extend to the ice rink.”

Satan’s Grotto features seasonal scares aplenty with live actors and gruesome decorations.

Satan even offers a novel way for guests to pay off their Christmas debts, by inviting them to sell their souls.

The Grotto is open until December 26.

ORGANISERS of York’s ice rink say almost 10,000 people have visited it in its first 12 days – boosted by bumper business on the day of the public sector strikes.

Recent rain and chilly weather has not been a problem for the outdoor rink at the Designer Outlet in Fulford, compared with this time last year, when there were sub-zero temperatures and the snow lay several inches thick, says spokeswoman Maria Farrugia.

“The rain certainly does not put off the seasoned skater,” she said. “People are coming to soak up the atmosphere too, as Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is proving to be a big hit, with the grotto, fun fair and Christmas market all doing a brisk trade. We are very excited that the next few weeks look set to be busy and are really pleased with all the feedback.”

Toddlers from Tiddlywinks nursery in Osbaldwick were among those getting their skates on, proving that age is no barrier to enjoying the fun.

“The toddlers ranging from two years and ten months up to three-and-a-half years all took to the ice on their own,” said Maria.

“With skates starting from child size nine and double-bladed skates for extra stability, we also have Bobo the penguin, which is a stabiliser the child can push around on the ice, giving extra support.”

Tracey Brooks, owner of Tiddlywinks, said: “I never thought I could bring this age group down to the ice until someone explained to me what was on offer.

“Not only does the ice rink offer various ways of getting the children on the ice, but the helpful and friendly ice marshals are always on hand to offer some additional help and guidance on getting the children skating. I will definitely be bringing other groups down before it closes.”

McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet and the Ice Factor are thrilled to announce that Torvill and Dean – former Olympic and World champions and the highest scoring figure skaters of all time – will be launching Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland event at the designer outlet on November 26 2011.

At 6pm on the evening, the skating champions will be turning on the 30ft Christmas tree lights, positioned in the centre of The Ice Factor 900 sq m ice rink, as well as taking to the ice to sign autographs and pose for pictures.

The Winter Wonderland, which is open from November 26 2011 until January 8 2012, will also include traditional fair rides and 20 beautifully styled traditional log cabin stalls, offering everything from handmade gifts to festive food, all surrounding the ice rink.

As well as exclusive offers from more than 120 leading designer and high street brands, including Calvin Klein, Kurt Geiger and LK Bennett, all at up to 60 per cent less, there will be exclusive performances from local champion figure skater Toni Murray (currently ranked third in Britain’s under-19s) and the opportunity to watch Santa arriving to his grotto.

In celebration of the Winter Festival, McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet is offering two Selby Times online readers the opportunity to win £50 to spend at the centre and the chance to meet and skate on the ice with Torvill and Dean.

The outlet will be open for shoppers until 8pm on November 26 2011, and The Ice Factor will be open from November 26 2011 until January 8 2012, 9.30am to 9.15pm daily (except Christmas Day). Further details are available at www.theicefactor.co.uk or by calling 01653 619169. Log-on to www.Yorkdesigneroutlet.com or call 01904 682700 for further information about McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet.

ORGANISERS of York’s annual ice rink are pressing ahead with plans to expand it into “Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland” this Christmas.

The huge ice rink will be back at the Designer Outlet coach park at Fulford for the second year running, but this time it will be accompanied by a Christmas market, a fairground and a Santa’s grotto.

Maria Farrugia, of organisers Lunchbox Theatrical Productions, said 20 wooden cabins were being custom-built for the market, which would lead down to the rink from the outlet’s south entrance and sell local foods and a variety of goods including toys and jewellery.

“The fairground will feature a ferris wheel, a helter skelter, dodgems and game stalls, and Santa will have his own grotto, opening in December,” she said.

The wonderland will open to the public on November 26 and last until January 8, one week less than last year, after planning permission was obtained earlier this year for the next five years, despite the concerns of some local people about noise and disturbance.

The rink moved to the outlet in 2010 after having to leave its traditional home in the Eye of York because of objections from officials at the nearby York Crown Court.

About 40,000 skaters visited the attraction last year, despite the bitterly cold and snowy December.

Maria said that although it had been disappointing to have to leave the city centre, the move out to the outlet meant there was now the space to expand the attraction into something much more than an ice rink alone.

She said prices for the rink would be held at last year’s levels and the attraction would be marketed to customers from all over Yorkshire.

News of the outlet wonderland comes days after city centre bosses revealed they are planning a festive fair in Parliament Street throughout much of December, featuring 40 custom-built seasonal huts selling crafts and foods.

Dates:

Saturday Course: 3rd, 10th & 17th December 2011

Sunday Course: 4th, 11th & 18th December 2011

Times:

All classes run 08:30-9:30

Prices:

Adult: £60 for 3 lesson courses
Child: £54 for 3 lesson course (under 16)

Limited spaces…get your skates on and get booking!

Please call: 01653 619169 to book a place
Alternatively, please e-mail: admin@theicefactor.co.uk
with any queries and a contact number and we will get back to you.

Supervisor and staff 18 and over required to work in busy cafe/bar. You must have relevant experience and be prepared to work over Christmas and New Year.  Period of employment : From 23^rd November to 9th January | Full time/part time work available. Please email a covering letter and CV to Janine Tompkins. Closing date is 5^th November 2011. Interviews to be held on Sunday 12th & 19th November 2011.  Any problems please ring 01653 619650.

Ice Rink Attendant Vacancies

Assist with the operation of a fun and festive outdoor ice rink. Duties include skate marshalling, working on skate hire/return, assisting customers with the fitting of their skates, dealing with admissions in the ticket cabin, and general event duties.  We are looking for lively, bright and hard-working individuals who are focused on visitor satisfaction and who are confident in dealing with customers. You must be a team player but also able to work under your own initiative. Ability to skate a help, although there is flexibility in job roles, as well as the opportunity to learn!
Period of employment  : From 23^rd November to 9th January | Full time/part time, weekday/weekends/evening shifts available.
Please state any experience you have in working on an event and or your level of ice skating ability. Send CV’s with a covering letter by email to Rachael Abbott or to the following address: The Ice Factor, No.5 Welburn Business Park, Greets House Road, Welburn North Yorkshire, YO60 7EP |
Closing date 24^th October.