A group of pupils from Oakfield CE Primary School in Ryde has been treated to an ice skating experience at a pop-up rink in Portsmouth as a reward for their hard work.

The trip was made possible by Wightlink, which provided free ferry travel for the pupils who recently undertook practice SAT papers in preparation for the real tests in May next year.

Keen to support the local community – especially in sports and culture – Wightlink offered schools in the Ryde area free ferry travel to attend special group skating sessions being offered by Skate Portsmouth and were delighted when Oakfield Primary School took up their offer.

“The children worked really hard to prepare for their practice SAT test so when Wightlink got in touch about the skating offer we thought it would be a really fun way to reward their efforts, especially as there is no longer a rink on the Island,” says Michelle Stanford, a Year 6 teacher from Oakfield Primary School.

The festive activity was enjoyed by 32 children from Year 6, who spent an hour sliding around the pop-up ice rink in Portsmouth’s Guildhall Square.

“The children really loved the experience. As well as being terrific fun, it was a lesson in life – you might fall over once or twice when you start out, but you’ll succeed if you get up and try again. We had a great time and are very grateful to Wightlink and Skate Portsmouth for helping us to make this festive reward possible for our young people,” continues Michelle.

Dean Murphy, Wightlink’s Head of Port Operations, says: “We were thrilled that Oakfield Primary School chose to take up our travel offer and reward a group of pupils with this trip. It was a pleasure to meet the children at the rink, who all looked like they were really enjoying the experience.”

“We are delighted that Wightlink have been so fantastically generous. Children love to ice skate, especially in a group, so to help schools from the Isle of Wight come over to Portsmouth is such a kind action by Wightlink,” says Julie Rands from SKATE Portsmouth.

Ice SKATE Portsmouth is open everyday (except Christmas Day) until Sunday 6 January.

www.iceskateportsmouth.co.uk

Photo caption: L-R adults Dean Murphy (Wightlink), Michelle Stanford (Oakfield Primary), Stella Smith (Oakfield Primary), L-R children Otis Minshull, Kieran Moxey, Sara Setzu and Harvey Duke.

For more information, contact Karen Woods on 07775 694266 or karenwoods@wightlink.co.uk

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