MEMORIES of gliding gracefully across the ice as youngsters are soon wiped out as we stood wobbling on the ice expecting to fall down at any moment.

In contrast, the children soon got the hang of travelling around Wales National Ice Rink on just a thin blade.

Needless to say, they quickly got over their few, minor, tumbles while we adults suffered slightly more - mainly to our pride.

Since that first visit, however, ice-skating has become a family favourite when deciding what to do during school holidays.

Wales National Ice Rink, in Cardiff, is the nearest ice-skating facility to Newport. It's home to the famous Cardiff Devils, and you don't have to be as fast as a hockey player or as graceful as a figure skater to enjoy a session at the rink.

If you don't possess your own pair of skates, you can hire them at the rink for a charge on top of the entrance fee (see panel below). A family ticket includes hire of the skates. After queuing to exchange your shoes for skates, you have to make your way up the stairs to the ice.

Beginners tend to cling to the side, close to the barrier, but as you gain in skill and confidence, you can move further out to less crowded parts.

Stewards on the ice are quickly at the side of anyone who falls over, to help them back to their feet.

There are plenty of seats for spectators, and for taking a rest in between turns on the ice, and there is a cafe selling drinks and snacks.

Wales National Ice Rink is situated in Hayes Bridge Road, close to Toys 'R' Us in the centre of the city, and is near a multi-storey car park. It is a short walk away from Cardiff train and bus stations. Jane Helmich