Bracknell Ice Skating Club Newsletter - March 2006
Meeting the Coaches
In the second of our series on the rink's coaches, we highlight
one of the longest serving and one of the newest
BERNARD EDDY
"I first set foot on the ice at Bournemouth Ice Rink in 1958 when I
was 10. In 1960 I started skating seriously at Queens Ice Rink in
London where I passed my first tests. In 1962 I moved to Streatham
where I appeared in a royal gala and between 1962 and 1969 passed
the silver tests (roughly equivalent to NISA Level 9) in figures,
free, pairs and dance. I was twice Southern Regional Champion and
runner-up in the junior section, and fourth in the junior pairs
championship. I also skated in ice shows and galas.
"I turned professional in 1970 and came fifth came in the World
Professional Championship. Between 1970 and 1987 I coached at
Southampton where I had skaters ranging from beginners to gold test
standard, including primary and junior championship competitors. I
was also fortunate to coach the twice British Pairs Champions and
the third and fourth placed competitors in the British individual
figure championships. I also produced, directed and choreographed
many Christmas ice shows and in 1984 I was honoured by Southampton
Ice Rink with its Coach of the Year Award.
In 1987 I joined the coaches at the Bracknell rink were we formed
the Bracknell Academy of Ice Skating and taught skaters of all
standards. We also produced many shows, some of which toured other
rinks in Britain and one event went to the Channel Islands.
In 1990 I was awarded the British Ice Teachers Association's Master
Coach Certificate.
From 1995-1997 I coached at Guildford, once again teaching skaters
of all standards. While there I was asked to produce an ice show at
the Broadgate Centre in London which was very successful.
I returned to Bracknell in 1997 and am continuing to teach skaters
of all standards."
STACEY BULLOCK
I"Watching Torvill and Dean on TV when I was about five, I put my
roller skates on and tried to copy every move. My parents were not
impressed when they saw what I was doing to the carpet, but at least
I enjoyed myself!
I eventually went to the Bracknell rink with my school for Learn to
Skate lessons when I was about nine and when I was invited by one of
the coaches, Jan Prasniewski, to have lessons with him, I jumped at
the chance. When Jan returned to the US, he left me in the good
hands of Phyllida Beck for a couple of months before I moved into
the capable hands of Chris Howarth (a former British Champion who
now runs a rink in the US and commentates on ice skating for British
Eurosport). With Chris's guidance, patience and enthusiasm for 13
years, I won many competitions around the UK and skated in
Luxembourg which was a fantastic experience. I also took part in an
intense skate camp with Alex McGowan, an American coach who trained
British Men's Champion Steven Cousins, and I was lucky to have a
programme choreographed by Joanne Conway who was British Ladies
Champion.
At 14 I became the first home grown Bracknell skater to pass the
inter-gold figure and free tests (roughly NISA Level 10) and first
home grown skater to represent Bracknell in the British Junior
Championships.
Throughout my competitive skating career I always wanted to coach. I
miss competing immensely but I'm not sure why as I was always very
nervous before my name was called. I have been teaching at Bracknell
for three years and thoroughly enjoy the people and skaters I come
across. I have also appeared in every pantomime since the rink
opened!"
Page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - Click the number to go to the page