GRAY HISTORY
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Gray Figure Skating Club

Our local club followed the National Skating Test (NST) Manual and badge program that was introduced in the 1960’s. Children advanced through each stage and received a badge that could be sewn on their skating jacket. Beginner was simply ‘skating across the rink without falling’ along with a few other basic skills. Skaters earned additional badges as their skating level improved and more intricate moves were mastered.  The initial NST program (1960 through the 1970’s) featured 12 badges; Beginner, Stroking, Elementary, Basic, Speed, Novice I, Jump, Novice II, Dance I, Dance II, Figures, Free Style . The NST program  also offered an Amateur Coach designation that covered all aspects of skating from the principles of teaching and leadership to skating equipment.
In later years (1980’s and 1990’s) the badge designations were expanded to a multi-level approach. Free Skate I to VI, Stroking I to III, ​Figures I-IV and Dance I to VI. Precision Team skating was also added to the repertoire, offering Precision I and II. Acronyms used: R (right), L (left), F (forward), B (backward), I (inside edge), O (outside edge).

Teachers
- Patricia (Rogers) Moon (then her sisters Janet and Sharon) - 1970's. Also, Lee Lindstrom and Kim Kelly in later years - 1980's. Please help complete this list.

Figure Skating and Carnivals

Costumes
 - The sewing of costumes - and not just one – there was an outfit for the performance AND one for the costume contest. And think of those families with several children participating – that’s a lot of sewing. Usually applique and extra design elements too!
Scenery
- often included backdrops at one end of the ice - setting the stage and defining the theme.
- definitely lots of color and paper and streamers and install.
- Anita Ford and Nelda McDonald were two of the main artists that helped create the atmosphere.
Action
- first of all the lessons – once a week.
- these then became 'routine' practice sessions – official practice every Friday with lots of skating time any night of the week.
- everything choreographed to music – the sound system piped inside and out.
Event day
- lots of action. Too many kids in too few dressing areas.
- usually unseasonably warm – so ice surface shiny with moisture.
- performances followed by the Grand Finale (everyone’s favourite), then costume contests, races.
- concessions available through it all (burgers, fries, of course Vico …and cupcakes).
- Ken Bechard (radio personality that he was) served as the annual commentator. 
- caretakers and volunteers over the years put in so much time (Con Bechard being one). One year Terry Lubkiwski 'tuxxed' it up to drive the zamboni!
Themes
- for many years the instructor choose theme/music/costumes.
- those submitted so far


​1976? - Movies
1977 - Toyland
​1981- Disneyland
1982- Holidays on Ice
1983- A Trip around the World
1984- ?
1985- ?
1986- Color my World
1987- Happiness is...
1988- Disneyland on Ice
1989- Elvis
1990- Movie Magic
1991- Back to the Future
Hamlet of Gray has present day info.
  • Home
    • People >
      • ties that bind 1984
      • ties that bind 2005
      • ties that bind 2005 DVD
      • Articles and Stories
    • Places >
      • Buck Lake Church
      • Grain Elevators
      • Gray Businesses
      • Gray Cemetery
      • Gray Memorial Hall
      • Gray Museum/#306 SHoF >
        • 306 Sports Hall of Fame >
          • Rose Baker
          • Garth Boesch
          • Myrna Bonsor
          • Jesse Bratt
          • Ernie Dunning
          • Walter Dunning
          • Estlin 306's
          • Anita Ford
          • Atina Ford
          • Cindy Ford
          • Gary Ford
          • Ford Curling Team
          • Frei Curling Team
          • Crystal Frisk
          • Bill Gillis
          • KC Gillis
          • Morley Gooding
          • Dale Henry
          • Link Johnston
          • Kawuza brothers
          • Clarence 'Shoop' Lafoy
          • Wylie LaFoy
          • Don Lewis
          • Kristy Lewis
          • Lisa Lewis Kuski
          • Peter Noll
          • Gerald O'Brien
          • Mac Paton
          • George Spry
          • Fred Van de Kamp
          • Harold Webster
          • Induction Ceremonies
        • Grid Map Ceiling
        • Three town diorama
      • Gray Rink
      • Gray School
      • Gray Shortline Railroad
      • Gray United Church
      • Pioneer Windmill
      • Rural Municipality
      • Town Lots and Residents
      • Town images - aerial and other
    • Sports and Clubs >
      • Baseball
      • Children's Groups
      • Curling and Bonspiels
      • Figure Skating
      • Hockey
      • Ice Making
      • Ladies Groups
      • Masonic Lodge
      • Softball/Fastball
    • Timeline/Events >
      • 1984 Homecoming
      • 1987 Aquifer
      • Lagoon
      • 2005 Stanley Cup
      • 2005 Sask Centennial
      • 2011 Centennial
  • Contact Us