There are learn to skate classes for figure skaters at the same time, for anyone who prefers figure skating. Just duck when you see a puck flying towards you.  I’m kidding, of course.

I thought I'd mention this here. Basingstoke ice rink have a learn to play hockey course on Saturday morning, typically from 9:45 am to 10:30 am though times do vary. £60 for 6 lessons if you book before the start of the course, or £15 on the day, including free public skating, so if you block book you are paying ~£2 above the public skating fee for the hockey tuition. That's good value.

It's open to anyone, any age, even - say it quietly - figure skaters (though they will need hockey skates). There are lots of little kids, a few older ones, and quite a few middle aged people. I think they have some sticks to loan out. You will need basic skating skills and your own hockey skates.

Today was my first week doing Skate Excellence Level 5. We did backwards lemons. Backwards half lemons in a circle. Backwards scoots in a circle. Backwards half stars in a circle. Backwards tightropes in a circle. Achieved ok since we've been practicing that stuff in Level 4. Two foot changing direction. Not a hope. My legs completely refused to twist like that!  I'm hoping to have cracked level 5 by my birthday in September. (Fingers crossed hopefully)

When I went through the Learn To Skate course there were two of us with the same first name in the social circle, so nicknames were quickly established. I was 'the tall one' or 'no fear' or 'black', due to often wearing black clothing.

I got new skates about 5 weeks ago and I was told that they were pre sharpened, I skate for around an hour a week, how do I know when I need to get them sharpened and can you still skate on unsharpened/ blunt blades? Thanks.

Also were would be the best place to get them sharpened, my closest rink is Basingstoke, but the shop rarely seems to be open, my parents live near Swindon is there someplace near there I can get them done.

It's hard for a beginner to tell whether skating difficulties are due to problems with the equipment (such as dull blades) or poor technique.  If you have a friendly skate tech or coach, have her line up three blades for you with three different stages of sharpness:  (1) freshly sharpened, (2) ready for sharpening, but not overly dull, and (3) overdue for sharpening, overly dull.  Have her show you how to feel the blades carefully with your fingertips to note the differences.  You want a sharpening when they've reached stage (2); don't wait until stage (3).

Once you've mastered certain steps, you can tell when a blade needs sharpening, because you'll get blade slippage (on steps that you normally do well).  For me the most sensitive maneuver is entering a forward scratch spin.   Assuming you haven't damaged your blades (e.g., by walking on concrete), degradation is gradual.  You can continue skating, just not as well.