Queens ladies grab medals at Bracknell Adult Open 26-27 June - 02/07/2008

Medals were up for grabs in June at the Bracknell Adult Open Championship and three Queens adult ladies took up the challenge. Katherine Nobel won a Gold in Level 8 and under Compulsory Dance, a Silver in Level 6 and under Free Dance and a Bronze in Silver Free Skating ages 18-35. Sarah Gavigan won two Silvers in Level 4 and under Compulsory Dance and Level 2 and under Free Dance and Victoria Hasler won a Bronze in Level 2 and under Compulsory Dance. Congratulations ladies from everyone at Queens. Picture l to r - Katherine Noble, Sarah Gavigan and Victoria Hasler

Katherine wins two silvers and a bronze in France 5-8 June 2008 - 16/06/2008

Katherine Noble recently travelled across the Channel to compete in the Mountain Cup in Villard de Lans, France. Celebrating its 10th anniversary year, it’s the oldest international adult skating competition and this year’s competition skaters from France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Russia, the Czech Republic and USA took part. Katherine won a silver medal in ladies silver free skating (ages 21-28), a silver medal in solo silver compulsory dance (any age) and a bronze medal in solo silver free dance (any age). The Mountain Cup also included an overall club competition and Queens as a team finished 21st out of 67, beating many teams with a greater number of competitors.

Queens skater on the podium 2 June 2008 - 05/06/2008

Well done to Queens skater Florence Clarke placed third overall in the Alexandra Palace Novice Dance Competition.

Queens skaters fundraise for quake and cyclone victims - 28/05/2008

A quartet of Queens skating mothers rolled up their sleeves and buried their arms in bowls of flour as part of a ‘bake-in cake sale’ to fundraise for the China earthquake and Burma cyclone victims. The quartet – Jo Clarke, Elza Easton, Kirsten Fear and Natasha Kinsky – badgered and cajoled Queens regulars to take part in the ‘bake-in’ only to find there was no shortage of willing volunteers. The event was a huge success with the money collected boosted by a free dance exhibition performed by Charlotte Clements and Dickie Arbiter. The quartet thank everyone – Queens skaters, parents and staff – who generously gave of their time and support to help swell the Save the Children Fund coffers by £705. Follow the link below to see Charlotte and Dickie in action... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5NAPC2qKL0

Torvill and Dean – surprise visit to Queens - 20/11/2007

Former Olympic and World Ice Dance Champions, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, dropped into Queens recently to give a few skating tips to Daily Express reporter, Helen Dowd. The drop-in was all part of the launch of T & D’s brand new DVD – Dancing on Ice, the Live Tour 2007 - featuring celebrities from series one and two. With some stars already practicing hard at Queens, ITV’s Dancing on Ice returns on 4 April 2008

Kill Bill Star Hits Queens! - 09/11/2007

Staff and skaters alike were left tongue tied last week as Hollywood legend Uma Thurman and family popped into Queens to take a turn on the ice. The famous American actress is currently in London to host a high profile charity event as part of London Fashion Week, and clearly wanted to take a little time out to have some fun with her children aged 9 and 5. “Uma and her kids seemed to be having a great time on the ice,” commented the duty manager , “they were laughing and joking and obviously enjoying spending time together. Family fun is what we’re all about here and we were delighted to be able to look after them.” Uma Thurman is not the first big name star to be spotted down here at Queens either. “We’ve had Madonna and her kids down here before and quite a few other famous celebrities. It’s a great endorsement of our facilities and customer service.”

Queens produces British Adult Champions - 18/10/2007

Congratulations to the adult skaters who competed in the recent British Adult Championships held at Lee Valley Ice Rink. They were up against stiff competition from around the country but walked away with a fistful of medals. Astushi Arauchi won the Silver in the Elementary Free Skating; Gemma Rogers won the Silver and Victoria Hasler the Bronze in the Bronze Solo Free Dance Competition; Katherine Noble won Gold and Michelle Bruchez win Bronze in the Silver Solo Compulsory Dance Competition and in the Silver Solo Free Dance Competition Katherine Noble and Michelle Bruchez won joint Gold. Pictured from left to right are:- Gemma Rogers, Katherine Noble, Michelle Bruchez & Victoria Hasler

Get Your Skates on For Christmas - 12/10/2007

With our Christmas party bookings already going through the roof despite the fact that it’s only October, we are advising customers to book early to avoid disappointment. Whether you’re planning a children’s birthday party or a festive Christmas bash for you and colleagues, we have a wealth of great cost effective party packages to help you celebrate in style. All of our offers can be tailored to include a delicious buffet of hot or cold food and a waitress service of drinks. Just ask! We also offer a range of fun competitions and trophies to give your party a competitive twist. Find out more about our corporate or group party packages and our children’s Christmas parties

Lauren gets placed in Chelmsford - 26/09/2007

Congratulation to Lauren Carbran from Queens who recently competed in the Chelmsford Open in her first ever Free competition, taking third place in the Level 2 over 12 section

NISA TESTS - 25 June 2007 - 27/06/2007

Congratulations to all those who took a NISA test on 25th June. There was a 100% pass rate achieved! LEVEL 1 FIELD MOVES: Natasha Kinsky LEVEL 2 FIELD MOVES: Christina Ciravegna Lauren Carbran LEVEL 1 ELEMENTS: Alexander Murray Gemma Lowcock Zoe Tustain Christina Ciravegna Florence Clarke Rosie Hunter Alex Kampfner LEVEL 2 ELEMENTS: Lauren Carbran LEVEL 4 ELEMENTS: Anastasia Kinsky LEVEL 1 FREE: Zoe Tustain Christina Ciravegna Florence Clarke Rosie Hunter Alex Kampfner LEVEL 4 FREE: Anastasia Kinsky

The British Junior Championships take place at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham - 25/06/2007

''The British Junior Championships take place at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on the 16th and 17th July 2007. We''re pleased to say that Queens will be well represented by Anastasia Kinsky (left) and Siobhan Nicholls (right) skating in the Primary Championships and Ella Buckingham (centre), with their coach and former British Dance Champion Charlotte Clements, and Leonard Pulsford skating in the Novice Championships. We wish them all the very best of luck, and all of us at Queens will be cheering them on''.

QUEENS HAILS INTERNATIONAL CHAMP - 12/06/2007

Regular Queens skater Katherine Noble went international recently when she competed for the Vana Tallin Trophy in Tallinn, Estonia. She won the Bronze Ladies Free Skating (ages 21-28) as well as the Pre-Silver Solo Dance, open to all ages. Katherine was up again competitors from the USA & Canada, Russia, Hungary, Germany the Czech Republic as well as from Japan & Singapore. Not content with glory in Estonia, she went on to do it all again in Villard-de-Lans, France. And again won the Bronze Ladies Free Skating (ages 21-28) and the Pre-Silver Solo Dance, open to all ages. 76 teams were represented in France with Queens finishing 17th – as there was only Katherine to represent us. Hopefully Katherine will reprise her free skating programme in the December 19 & 20 Christmas Show. Katherine is coached by Jennifer Clements for Free Skating and Charlotte Clements for Dance.

Lee Valley Winners - 31/05/2007

Well done to the three girls from Queens who did so well in the Lee Valley Open. Freya Easton (left) who came 3rd in the Beginners Girls 10 years (coach: Jennifer Clements) Florence Clarke (right) who came 3rd in the Beginners Girls 9 years (coach: Jennifer Clements) Anastasia Kinsky (centre) who came 1st in the Level 3 Girls (coach: Jennifer Clements) and 1st in the Artistic Competition (coach: Charlotte Clements)

Well Done to Our Competition Winners... - 18/05/2007

Well Done to Our Competition Winners Florence Clarke of Queens at Bracknell (23-27 April 2007) 1st in the Beginner Girls (Under 9) Coach: Jennifer Clements. Winner of the Novice Free Dance Coach: Charlotte Clements

1st on Level 2 Girls (12 and over) - 18/05/2007

Juno Stahl of Queens at Bracknell (23- 27 April 2007) 1st on Level 2 Girls (12 and over) Coach: Laura Lewis

1st Level 3 Artistic - 18/05/2007

Anastasia Kinsky of Queens at Bracknell (23-27 April 2007) 2nd of the Level 3 Girls (12 and under) Coach: Jennifer Clements 1st Level 3 Artistic Coach: Charlotte Clements

2nd in the Beginners Boys - 18/05/2007

Jahan Otto of Queens at Bracknell (23-27 April 2007) 2nd in Beginners Boys Coach: Jennifer Clements

1st in the Beginners Girls (12 and over) - 18/05/2007

Christina Ciravegna of Queens at Bracknell (23-27 April 2007) 1st in Beginners Girls (12 and over) Coach: Jennifer Clements

3rd in the Beginners Girls (12 and over) - 18/05/2007

Rosie Hunter fom Queens at Bracknell (23-27 April 2007). 3rd in the Beginners Girls (12 and over) Coach: Jennifer Clements

Welcome Back Spinner Miller! - 26/04/2007

Affectionately known to his friends as ''Spinner Miller’, George Miller is renowned for having secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records after his outstanding spinning stunt that won him his name. Having completed a record-breaking 60 rotations in just one spin, George still insists that even the judges “didn’t capture the speed” correctly, because he was turning at such an incredible pace. An inspiration to us all at Queens, ‘Spinner Miller’ has the gift of motivating and encouraging the next generation of hopefuls, as well as beginners and more mature visitors to the ice skating rink. He firmly believes that ice skating is the perfect way to exercise at any age, and provides a fun and healthy day out for all members of the family. Having been a welcome regular here at Queens for many years, ‘Spinner Miller’ has coached our most talented skaters with commitment and dedication, and seen many of them flourish into champions in their own right. Regularly appearing on television and in feature films, George is also a successful actor, whose famous skills are still sought after around the globe. However, despite his other glamorous engagements, we’re delighted to announce that George is returning to us here at Queens. We know that we act on behalf of all staff and visitors in extending him a very warm welcome!

TV Challenge - 09/03/2007

The BBC recently spent a week filming at Queens for a children''s television programme. Twelve year old Josh Haslam (right in picture), a junior ice hockey player from Caerphilly in South Wales, was set the challenge of swapping his hockey skates for figure skates and learning a free dance routine in just five days for the BBC 2 and CBBC programme ''Do Something Different''. Under the watchful eye of Queens coach David Hoare, Josh was put through his paces and after a skaky start in unfamiliar skates he progressed to a full blown exhibition routine set to the music of ''Eye of the Tiger'' from the film ''Rocky''. Midway through his training schedule Josh had a visit from Harry Mattick (left in picture), the current British junior champion, who made a special trip down to Queens from his hometown of Bradford to give Josh some tips and ecouragement. So once his TV debut is all over will Josh hang up his hockey skates and take to figure skating? ''I don''t know'', says Josh. ''I''ve been playing for the Cardiff Junior Dragons under 14 team for about seven year so they take priority''. But added, with a twinkle in his eye, ''I might just have a go at figure skating as well''.

Dancing on Ice at Queens - 23/12/2006

‘Dancing on Ice’ Returns! The hit reality TV series ‘Dancing on Ice’ is set to make a big splash when it returns to our screens on the 13th January after an absence of almost ten months. The highly successful programme, which was first broadcast in January 2006, followed the transformation of a group of celebrities from clumsy skating novices to graceful sequin-clad swans. To bring the challenge within the realms of possibility, each uncoordinated celebrity was partnered by a professional skater and given a rigorous program of training by British ice darlings Torvill and Dean. Throughout the twelve gruelling weeks of preparation and performances the celebrities were voted off one by one until only Gaynor Faye was left to be crowned as the victorious queen of the ice. The second series of ‘Dancing on Ice’ promises to be even more nail-biting than the first. Hosted by Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, the same winning formula will be employed but this time with a new cast of famous faces. Those set to be frozen into ‘Dancing on Ice’ immortality along with Bonnie Langford and David Seaman include Dr. Fox, Lisa from Steps, Radio 1’s Scott Mills and Duncan from Blue. The full list of celebrities set to feature in the second series of ‘Dancing on Ice’ is yet to be confirmed but staff and skaters here at Queens have been lucky enough to get a sneak preview of who’ll be taking part. Our world famous rink has been used over the last month or so by many of the contestants keen to find their sea legs before the start of the competition. It’s been brilliant! Among others, we’ve seen future ‘Dancing on Ice’ champions Dr. Fox and Duncan from Blue blowing on their fingers and trying to master basic turns and twizzles, and Scott Mills learning how not to fall. All the eye-candy has made it seriously hard for us to concentrate on doing our jobs! If you get yourself down to Queens over the next few weeks you too could be sharing some of the ‘Dancing on Ice’ magic. You never know who you might end up skating next to!

Get Fit with Ice-Skating - 22/12/2006

Ice-skating has enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity thanks to last year’s hit ITV show Dancing on Ice. Many ice rinks around the country have reported a flurry of interest in ice-skating lessons and a sharp increase in visitor numbers this year as a result of the program. The leisure pursuit, which was a great favourite in Victorian times, has also begun to be widely promoted in schools, youth clubs and slimming groups because of it’s great fitness benefits. In an era where scientists and doctors alike are touting the benefits of increasing our levels of physical activity to decrease the risks of getting heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, ice-skating is one of the most fun and sociable ways to stay healthy. ‘Ice-skating is a good general fitness activity’, says sport and exercise expert Dr Andrew Smith from the Carnegie Institute of Sport and Education, ‘it’s low-impact, which means that it is suitable for the vast majority of the population, and it will help those who do it regularly to lose weight. Regular exercise of this kind will raise your heart rate, increase strength and stamina, and lower blood pressure. Ice-skating can also have a positive effect on balance and co-ordination.’ Going skating is also a great move if you want to tone your legs, stomach, and bottom after all the Christmas indulgence, as it shapes and tones these core muscle groups. In terms of energy expenditure, novice skaters can expect to burn an average of 350 calories for every hour they spend on the ice, whereas more proficient skaters can expect to use a whopping 500 calories. This is roughly equivalent to the calorie content of an average pizza or ten jam doughnuts. Not bad eh? Especially when you consider how much fun you’ll have while you do it. Make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to get friends and family together, come skating. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get the hang of it and the exercise will bring real health benefits in the long term. Queens offer group or one-to-one skating lessons for both children and adults, so if you want to improve your skills and burn some extra fat, get in touch for more information on 0207 229 0172. Enjoy!

Instructor appointed Ice Rink Manager - 30/11/2006

Following a long search David Hoare, one of our professional instructors at Queens, has been appointed Ice Rink Manager. With more than 20 years skating experience David is passionate about skating and is well qualified to take on his new role firmly believing in the ‘Queens experience’ that once bitten the skater is smitten. David will continue to coach and share his knowledge and love of the sport in private lessons as well as children’s and adult classes.

Congratulations - 29/11/2006

Congratulations to the skaters from Queens who passed the following NISA tests on Monday 27 November 2006: DANCE: Level 1 Dance Moves: Jeremy Burrows Jenni Chan Sarah Gardner Christopher Hopper Ester Linke Leonard Pulsford Level 1 Compulsory Dance Bronze: Jeremy Burrows Jenni Chan Sarah Gardner Natascha Genette-Stride Ester Linke Level 1 Variation Dance Bronze: Alexa Baden-Powell Ester Linke FIGURE SKATING Novice Field Moves: Christina Ciravegna Florence Clarke Josephine Fauchier Christopher Hopper Rhiannon Hunter-Johnson Constance Kampfner Emma Lavallin Bronze Field Moves: Anastasia Kinsky

Madonna and Guy at Queens - 18/08/2006

Pop icon Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie celebrate Rocco''s 6th birthday at Queens. The mega rich couple opted for Queens Ice Rink above any other venue in London. A Sunday Mirror exlcusive on 13/8/06 features Madonna''s visit.

ITV’s “Dancing on Ice” Gaynor Faye at Queens - 10/08/2006

''Dating on Ice'' the speed dating event inspired by the hit show ‘Dancing on Ice’ was hailed a great success. The event was hosted by the winners of ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’, Gaynor Faye and partner Daniel Whiston who dazzled the crowd with their performance on the night. The event in association with the launch of new Del Monte Smoothie ice creams was held at London’s Queensway Ice Rink on Saturday 29th July.

World Cup Interviews at Queens - 24/05/2006

BBC TV film crews were at Queens Ice Rink, Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 interviewing represntatives from Croatia. Wayne Rooney and hot property Theo Walcott may be in for a tough game should they meet in the 2006 World Cup according to the Croatian representative. Queens will be showing all the matches on our big screen TV throughout the world cup in our newly refurbished bar. We serve a variety of drinks and also speciality coffee''s. You can also watch the game whilst you are bowling on our state of the art central monitors

Anastasia Kinsky Wins 1st Place for Queens - 22/05/2006

Anastasia Kinsky Wins a 1st and 2nd Place for Queens. Competing alonside Anastasia and representing Queens in competitions were Constance Kampfner, Alex Kampfner, Rosie Hunter, Zoe Tustain and Poppy Kennedy We are very proud of our skaters and their achievements in competitions and hope thay continue in their success. The Oxford Open took place on Friday 19th May. Three competitors from Queens took part. Constance Kampfner came 5th in the ‘Beginners ladies 8 and under’. Alex Kampfner came 4th in the ‘Beginners ladies 9 and over’ (for both it was their first ever competition) and Anastasia Kinsky came 1st in the Level 2 ladies. The Lee Valley Open took place Sunday 21 May. Competitors from Queen took part (4 in one class!). Constance Kampfner came 11th in the ‘Beginners 9 yrs and under’. In the ‘Beginners 10 yrs and over’ Zoe Tustain came 4th, Alex Kampfner came 5, Rosie Hunter came 10th and Poppy Kennedy came 11th (there were 23 entries). In the ‘Level 2 Ladies’ Anastasia Kinsky came 2nd.

DISCOVERY KIDS show film at Queens with Jamie Rickers - 12/05/2006

DISCOVERY KIDS - Up 4 It show presenter Jamie Rickers spent a day out at Queens Ice Rink with a lucky family. Bo Zahorski, one of our resident ice coaches, was on hand to help the crew and teach the group a few basics. The show is due to be screened in summer 2006, so keep watching.

Sony & ''Kill Bill'' stars visit Queens Ice and Bowl - 22/04/2006

Stars of ''Kill Bill'' together with some of the Sony staff choose Queens for their party venue. Ten pin bowling and the bar were the main activities. Click more... to see other reports of stars that visit Queens, Queensway, London W2

75 years in Queensway - 10/04/2006

Queens Ice Rink in Queensway, London W2, was opened in October 1930. 75 years on, we are still delivering ice to the Queensway and London residents and proud to be at the forefront of leisure in 2006. in the last two years we''ve completely refurbished centre at a cost of over £1m. Queens is now the only ice rink in Europe to include climate control and special effects lighting. When you come to Queens, you could be skating on red ice.

Fashion Police Trinny and Suzannah at Queens - 23/03/2006

According to the ''fashion police'', Queens is the most fashionable leisure destination in the UK. Would you have passed their inspection?

Cheeky - 11/03/2006

Cheeky Girls visited Queens last week for a photo shoot. I heard they wanted some free skating. Cheeky!

David Seaman chooses Queens to practice for TV show - 10/03/2006

David Skated with Zoia Birmingham, one of our professional coaches at Queens, in the first ice show, ''Strictly Ice Dancing'' on BBC 1 TV, and guess what? They won. It was a tough competition and turned out to be the springboard for the recent ITV show ''Dancing on Ice''. We had a number of the celebrities practicing at Queens including The Bill''s Stefan Booth, GMTV''s Andrea McLean and West End and Dr Who star John Barrowman. We also had a visit from controvercial judge Jason Gardiner. Look out on recent news on this site for snippits of inside information about new ice shows.

George - 10/03/2006

George Miller - known to his friends as ''Spinner Miller'' - featured in the Guinness Book of Records for the most number of rotations in one spin - 60 in all, but says George, ''they didn''t capture the speed''. He''s a regular at Queens and coaches would be stars of the future. He is also an actor and still appears in TV and feature films. George is pictured here on the left at Queens.

Skate Free with The Sun Newspaper and Queens - 10/03/2006

The Sun newspaper visited Queens for a photo shoot following a surge in more people taking to the ice in the wake of the popular ''Dancing on Ice'' on ITV. The publication was on the 7th March 2006, so if you bought the Sun you could be skating for free on your next visit to Queens.

Dickie Arbiter at Queens - 10/03/2006

Dickie - the international TV Royal commentator, seen here in the Daily Mail, skates regularly at Queens and is chairman of Queens Ice Dance Club. Dance Club is every Tuesday between 7pm and 8pm. It seems that everyone has developed dancing on ice fever since the recent ITV show. So if you''re a dancer, come along and speak to Dickie. Dance club is a great way to get to know people, keep fit and have fun.

Eastenders Star skates at Queens - 10/03/2006

Eastenders star Scarlett Johnson, who played Vicky Fowler, chose Queens to learn to skate for the hot BBC 1 TV show ''Strictly Ice Dancing''. Other celebs who skated at Queens for the show were Rowland Rivron and David Seaman.

Duchess of Devonshire and Mr (later Sir) Hardy Amies skate at Queens 21st December 1958 - 10/03/2006

High society skated at Queens during the 50s and 60s on a regular basis. Queens was the in-place to be in London. BBC television filmed at Queens for the first time in 1950. The Duchess of Devonshire is pictured here enjoying the ice at Queens.

Queens Ice Rink in 1960 - 10/03/2006

The bar was located on the second floor overlooking the rink. You can see the staircase in the photo, this is still in the same place. The next time you''re at Queens, stand on the approach to bowling Lane 7, that is where the bar used to be. London''s society used to frequent Queens in those days and unlike today you had to be somebody to be allowed in.

Hardy Amies Ice Follies in 1962 - 10/03/2006

A thousand of fashion designer Hardy Amies'' friends took to the ice at the stroke of midnight on 15 November 1962, in what was described in William Hickey''s column of the Daily Express as a ''kaleidoscope of unexpected fashion''. Pictiured is the Countess of Harewood and and her dance parner for the evening David Metcalf.

Queens Ice Rink manager during the 50s and 60s - 10/03/2006

Harry Lauder, pictured in 1962, managed Queens Ice Club as it was known then, for more than two decades Then there were no fewer than fifteen instructors working full time. Lessons were three shillings old money (60p) for10 minutes and six shillings (£1.20) for 20 minutes. Skate hire was a mere one shilling and six pence ((15p) - but then that was more than forty years ago.

Robbie Williams at Queens - 09/03/2006

Thats right, Robbie has been down a few times bowl and chill out. Stars like to visit us at Queens because we are very conscious of the need to relax and have fun.

Keep looking, some are not published yet - 09/03/2006

Stars & celebrities regularly visit Queens. Some avoid publicity but we publish what we can.

Channel 4 Film at Queens - 14/04/2005

Presenters from the show came down to Queens to bowl and filmed a special for the morning show. Keep watching to see if your in the clip

Blu in Photo shoot at Queens - 31/03/2004

Chart band Blu spent a day at Queens for a photo shoot. The pop band had a good time while they were with us and signed autographs for a few lucky customers.

Comedian Ruby Wax is bowled over at Queens - 25/03/2004

Ruby has visited Queens with her family, simply just to have fun and a day out.

Steps at Queens - 01/03/2004

Pop band steps spent the day at Queens promoting their new album. They''re a great bunch and had a lot of fun on the ice with the camera crew.

Geri Halliwell at Queens - 06/03/2003

Geri came down to Queens to promote one of her latest hits. Here''s a funny story. Geri walked into the centre for the photo shoot carrying her little dog. A staff member at the time, who shall remain nameless, stopped Geri and told her that dogs were not allowed. He simply did not recognise her and despite Geri''s insistance and increasingly agitated tone, the member of staff stood firm on policy. Luckily someone recognised her and on this occasion policy was overturned and the dog was given a bowl of water for the trauma. The member of staff''s initials are LL and no longer works for us.

Johnathan Ross at Queens - 01/03/2003

Johnathan Ross decided to have a go at skating and hired the whole rink. He came down with his lovely wife and comedian Frank Skinner and all admitted they enjoyed the experience.

Branson takes a look around - 02/03/2002

Richard Branson visited Queens with his family. Although we recognsied him most people didn''t and he was left to have a good day out. I never spoke to him during his visit, who knows if I had, it may now be the Virgin Rink.