Ayr Ice Rink; possible closure

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https://www.ayrcurlingclub.co.uk/news/season-2023-24/ayr-ice-rink-closure/

https://www.ayradvertiser.com/news/23616077.ayr-ice-rink-close-amid-rising-costs-due-energy-crisis/

https://www.change.org/p/save-ayr-ice-rink

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How on earth is it possible that we have an "energy crisis"?  Madness.

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~25 miles up the road from the Ayr ice rink is a nuclear power station that was recently (last year) switched off.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunterston_B_nuclear_power_station

There are numerous wind farms in Ayrshire, but I'd question whether their combined output is comparable (GWh, + consumer cost) to that of Hunterston; it would be interesting to see some numbers.

Considering that these reactors were commissioned/started up back in the 1970s, it suggests a lack of long-term strategic planning.

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Indeed


What happens when the wind doesn’t blow? We buy electricity from the French- quite a lot actually - mainly generated with nuclear power.

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Also reported on the BBC; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-66036357 (29th June 2023)

Odd that they (BBC) didn't delve into the reasons behind the energy price increase; for a country (Scotland) that has plenty of wind & hydro power, they should be 'sitting pretty'.

The Scottish Ice Rinks Association has mentioned that they're trying to help, not just Ayr, but all Scottish rinks that face this issue; https://www.facebook.com/www.sira.scot/

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I'm surprised more rinks have not closed.  Numbers seem down to me since covid though I tend to avoid rinks at peak times so perhaps my perspective is skewed.  I am very concerned about energy security in the UK and rich world generally, and not at all optimistic for the future.  I think we're on the wrong path and have been for a while.

[WednesdayMarch]

I'm surprised more rinks have not closed.  Numbers seem down to me since covid though I tend to avoid rinks at peak times so perhaps my perspective is skewed.  I am very concerned about energy security in the UK and rich world generally, and not at all optimistic for the future.  I think we're on the wrong path and have been for a while.

Yep. Rinks since Covid seem to be doing little to actively encourage the general public to just go and skate. I honestly don't understand why Planet Ice seem to just close when it costs so much just to keep the ice pad frozen.

I like the fact that Swindon has closed to install more efficient equipment. Personally, I think that all new buildings should be designed and built with as many energy generating options as possible, ie solar, wind, air/ground source...

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Nottingham is also hardly open despite having two pads.  Chelmsford are exemplary - loads of ice time and low prices.  New Lee Valley is £10 an hour peak and off peak - not exactly encouraging use.

[WednesdayMarch]

Nottingham is also hardly open despite having two pads.  Chelmsford are exemplary - loads of ice time and low prices.  New Lee Valley is £10 an hour peak and off peak - not exactly encouraging use.

Planet Ice now charges £10 an hour for patch. It's also £10 for half an hour if you book the last 30 minute session. Had a bit of a disagreement with Bristol's GM about it last week.    Their booking system is appalling.

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£10 an hour for patch is a bit excessive - I know numbers are lower in patch but their public sessions are quite long so if you like to skate for a while they work out quite cheap.

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Save Ayr Ice Rink - https://www.facebook.com/groups/597389332512340

It appears to be a bit more complicated..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/597389332512340/permalink/598052209112719