In celebration of the Drayton and District Figure Skating Club’s 40th Anniversary, the organization invited past and present skaters, executive members and coaches, along with family and friends, to take a walk down memory lane.
During the club’s annual general meeting and awards presentation on April 8, the first president of the club, Ab Hesselink shared memories of the organization from the first public meeting to four decades later.
At the age of 14, Hesselink received his first pair of ice skates. Unsure about what to do with skates that had picks on them, he approached Dan Carey of Listowel and convinced him to come to Drayton to teach figure skating.
The only knowledge the Drayton group of skaters had about figure skating was from watching the Ice Capades and any figure skating events that were on television.
“I was ribbed badly for being a male figure skater and having picks on my skates,” Hesselink said. “Shoot the duck was one of the first things we learned to do. As I was the only guy in the small group, I did all the lifts.”
Fast forward a few years, Hesselink, the local grocer, needed something for his newborn daughter to do in the future. As one of the founding members of the Drayton and District Figure Skating Club, he was elected to the position of president in the club’s inaugural year.
“Back then holding a position on the executive was a prestigious position in larger centres. In Drayton everyone helped each other out,” Hesselink said. “Our first carnival was called ‘Drayton on Ice’ and 130 children registered that year.
The following year the arena was condemned. Hesselink, a township councillor at that time, felt the area was fortunate when a new arena was later built.
The master of ceremonies position at the club’s annual carnival was a role that Hesselink held for 19 years.
“Carnivals are the highlight of the year. A lot of volunteer hours go into the planning, costumes, lighting and numerous other jobs,” Hesselink said. “As president for the first five formative years of the Drayton club, it was really the executive that did all the work.”
Hesselink recalled the many Santa Claus parades the organization participated in. One fond memory was that of a ten to 12-foot high skater mascot that was featured in many parades.
In his closing remarks, Hesselink encouraged the club by saying, “Continue on doing the great work that you have started. I wish you much success in the future.”
Next week: History of the Drayton and District Skating Club.
