‘From two massive speakers in the corner, 2 Unlimited, Whitney Houston and Shaggy are belting out their latest hits.
‘Kids scream and squeal with delight as they trip, stumble and career around the floor.
SKATE: The roller disco at Barrow Park Leisure Centre in 1993
‘The noise is deafening …The kids love it.
‘This is FUN - This is ROLLER DISCO’.
So began a Mail report on activities at Barrow Park Leisure Centre in July 1993.
Malcolm Dunn from Kendal had been running his Skating for Schools business for more than 12 years.
In July 1993, he brought his travelling show to the leisure centre at Barrow.
“I bring all the gear…skates, records, disco and flashing lights. The kids bring their enthusiasm,” he said.
The Mail noted that from the smallest to the tallest, the youngest to the oldest, the novice to the most accomplished - all were having a tremendous time.
SING: From left: Matthew, five, Stuart, nine, and Matthew, nine, singing ‘Everything I Do’ at the karaoke at Barrow Park Leisure Centre in 1995
Danielle Posnett, aged three, bells chiming in her Fisher Price roller-skates, tottered purposefully and, for someone so young, remarkably assuredly, in the direction of the floor. She concentrated on staying upright, loving every minute.
It was Danielle’s second time at the roller-disco and she was there with her aunt, Andrea.
“Danielle really enjoys herself and has been looking forward to coming ever since the last time we came,” said Andrea.
Masterful skaters in their roller blades described graceful arcs on the wooden floor. Others ‘danced’ in time to the beat.
The Mail reported that in the gallery and around the edges, smiling people were caught up in the atmosphere.
There were about 100, mainly young, skaters taking part. Before the end of the first of the afternoon’s three one-hour periods, the queue of eager youngsters for the next session had already formed in the corridor outside the hall.
In 1995, The Mail was at the leisure centre as John and Jacqui Little of Sound Choice Karaoke at Barrow held karaoke sessions during the centre’s summer playscheme activities.
In autumn 1995 a half-term climbing course was held at the leisure centre.
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