A number of British Ice Skating Honorary Life Membership Awards are announced each year to recognise and thank individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the ice skating community in the UK.
Janet Girdwood was announced as a recipient at the 2024 BIS AGM for supporting the progression of a multitude of skaters via her many years as Test Organiser at Dumfries Ice Bowl (DIB), playing an important part in maintaining figure skating opportunities in the south of Scotland.
We caught up with her to find out a bit more about her experiences in her own words:
"My perseverance and efforts for the skaters as TO at DIB have been stimulated by support and encouragement from Chris Buchanan, Judy Clinton, Cynthia Alepin, Maggie Worsfold, Sarah Logie, Amanda Knight and, not least, Philip Carter. They have all played a part in giving me the confidence be a TO to the best of my ability. My Honorary Life Membership is due to their efforts as well as my own.
"I thank the skaters who have inspired me to be a TO. I am delighted that there is now a small and enthusiastic cohort of former Dumfries skaters who are keen to make their mark in the sport both nationally and internationally as coaches and in officiating capacities. It is important that the baton is passed smoothly to younger generations to ensure a bright future for the sport. I am humbled that I have played a minor role in ensuring that their talent have been nurtured."
.."
What is your earliest ice skating memory?
My first ice skating memory is of myself as an 18 year old student at Edinburgh University. I was part of a group of undergraduates who went to Murrayfield Ice Rink one Saturday morning. I thought that taking to the ice would be a piece of cake - I was dismayed when I could hardly stand holding on to the barrier. There appeared to be no one at the rink to offer guidance, let alone lessons! I decided that ice skating was not for me.
Fast forward about 25 years - my 6 year old daughter, Jemima, wanted to go to Pecky Penguins at Dumfries Ice Bowl (DIB) one Saturday morning. I did not want to disappoint her so we both hired skates and ventured onto the ice. It was not a success for either of us - my recollection is that there was no Skate UK Passport scheme in those days. An interest in white boots was growing for Jemima; as there was a local Figure Skating and Ice Dance Club, Jemima was signed up as a member and made progress with Figure, Ice Dance and, later, Synchronised Skating. Eventually, I had my own private lessons with coach Philip Carter. I refused to let go of his hand for the first 4 lessons. Eventually, I found my ability to go solo and continued to skate for a number of years.
How did you first get involved in volunteering with BIS?
Many hours were spent by me as a spectator in the cafe at the Ice Bowl watching Jemima progress. When the post of Test Organiser (TO) became available in about 2000, I offered my services and was TO for approximately 5 years. I was invited to return to the role in 2013 and have remained in post since then.
I have volunteered at national competitions held at DIB, including the Scottish Festival of Skating that ran for a number of years and the British Championships. I volunteered as Judges & Officials Liaison at the first Trophy d' Ecosse Synchronised Skating competition and became a member of the LOC for a number of years. Later, I served as Vice Chair and Chair of the LOC. In the past, I have volunteered at synchronised skating events at Ice Sheffield and the National Ice Centre in Nottingham. Volunteering in the sport has been great fun and given me opportunities to meet like-minded people from around the globe.
What have been some standout highlights of your involvement in ice skating?
There are many standout highlights of my involvement in ice skating. The challenges associated with being TO at a relatively remote rink have been key to my enjoyment of the role. I have worked hard to vary the judges at test sessions. Most judges have to travel significant distances to DIB. This sometime leads to logistical challenges for myself and Judges that have never been insurmountable. Occasionally, judges have agreed to deal with tests during or immediately after an event. A memorable occasion some years ago was when a number of Dumfries skaters sat their Level 10 Field Moves tests after the presentations on the last day of Trophy d' Ecosse. They were watched intently by all of Canada's NEXXICE Senior team members who were scheduled to begin a training session immediately after the tests were completed.
A key part of my activities has been to support skaters from other rinks to sit tests at DIB. This has also served to increase the viability of test sessions at DIB when there were relatively few local tests. In my earlier days as TO, skaters from Paisley Ice Rink were able to sit tests at DIB when Paisley rink was forced to close due to structural issues . During the COVID 19 era when restrictions were still in place, I prepared a risk assessment and worked with closely with DIB'S COVID 19 Officer to ensure that DIB was a safe place for skaters from other rinks to sit tests at DIB.
I was privileged to have been able to watch a Master Class given to Dumfries skaters many years ago at the Sands Centre, Carlisle by a team of Russian Ice Stars. I was fascinated by the visual imagery used by the Stars to maintain posture and position while spinning. The imagery is repeatedly echoed by my current ballet teacher.
What are your thoughts on the future of ice skating in the UK?
It makes sense for British Ice Skating to move forward with the current pilot for virtual tests while retaining the right for skaters to request that they sit tests at a conventional session. I am sure that there will be associated challenges along the road for TOs but it is a step in the right direction in the digital age when time is a valuable commodity for all concerned. Virtual tests will provide important flexibility.
Anyone who knows me well is aware that I am passionate about synchronised skating. I first watched live synchronised skating during the Scottish Festival of Skating and was captivated by the visual impact of the colour of the dresses as the skaters turned on the ice. I joke to anyone who wants to listen that I am at events just to see the skaters' competition outfits. Many years ago, I was determined to see the discipline develop at DIB. It gives me great pleasure that there are currently 3 Solway Synchronised Skating teams who have been able to enjoy success in competitions.
None of my activities as Test Organiser would have been possible without unstinting support from the management and staff at Dunfries Ice Bowl. I am truly grateful to them. DIB is a great facility and is thoroughly supportive of the skating community.
Comments