We relived our youths at the weekend, and for two hours were 14 again. Saturday afternoon was spent on wheels at Rollerworld in Colchester, ‘Europe’s Finest Rollerskating Rink’. A bit of a claim if I’m honest, but they would certainly have something for the ‘Most ‘80s Rollerskating Rink’ title should it be up for grabs (the staff were the most ‘80s of all, dressed in their white shirts and black trousers with red dickie-bow ties).
Arriving, the place looked very salubrious, with painted black windows, and an exterior that blended in with the bleak industrial estate around it. Raised above floor level, the rink itself was large enough to contain a Saturday afternoon’s worth of teenagers, and with murals around the walls and the smell of chips and junk food, we were transported back to 1987.
We were there to celebrate Pat’s 65th birthday. Our next-door neighbour, she was there with her family and friends, and the idea was that as the whole afternoon was a surprise, she would skate around, bumping into people from the road. As it turned out, we were the only ones who went, but along with our London friends Emilie, Luke, and Katherine, we had a very enjoyable afternoon and were soon whizzing around the rink.
Nik and I managed to stay upright (unlike the other three who had minor falls), and Katherine’s tumble apart, went home relatively pain-free. It turns out that Pat had fallen, too, chipping and cracking a bone in her right arm, resulting in a plaster cast that has to stay on for six weeks. She (and we) want to go back, though, and as there are over 21 nights and a roller disco on a Saturday evening, I think we may be back rolling on wheels again soon.
The rest of the weekend was taken up with the London Three’s visit. Arriving on Friday evening, we caught up over dinner and cards, while on Saturday we bought cheese from the market, did the skating, and then as late afternoon turned into evening, enjoyed gins and ‘80s music. Tuna Jalousie and Eve’s Pudding with pink champagne and wine followed by more cards rounded off the day.
Sunday dawned less wet and brighter than Saturday, so we used the morning for geocaching at Hylands House, before Luke had to dash off for an afternoon rendezvous in Brighton. Making the Café on the Water at Hanningfield Reservoir our last stop, we had a filling lunch before taking the girls to Billericay to catch the train back into town. They had a good time, though, and as with most London dwellers, were surprised to see the stars, amazed by the peace and quiet, and pleased to meet the chickens.
