Many of us can not even imagine reaching the age of 96, let alone thinking what we would like to do then – but one Cleethorpes woman has had a dream turned into reality as she returned to the ice rink more last time. Reporter KATIE BLACKBURN went to meet Joyce Smith.
STILL retaining her wit, this 96-year-old told me she would prefer to get back on the ice in her short tutu.
In her younger days, Joyce Smith loved nothing more than figure skating – nothing competitive – and would catch the eyes of everyone as she lifted her leg high in the air on the rink.
But as the years past and her mobility deteriorated, she was convinced that reliving the past would only happen through her treasured photos.
Twice a week, Joyce attends day care at Cranwell Court care home, in Cambridge Road, Grimsby, where staff provide various activities for her and others to enjoy.
When not there, she lives independently at her home in Cleethorpes.
The care home was where I first met the cheerful former ice skate,r who announced that back in the day various kinds of sports took her fancy.
From horse riding and ballroom dancing to acrobatics, she was keen on them all.
And they all linked in well with her ice skating.
She said: "Acrobatics taught me a lot about balance, which is exactly what you need when on the ice skates.
"I could do a lot of moves such as twirls, spinning low down but my favourite was lifting my leg high in the air as I skated round.
"I used to make my own tutus and outfits to skate in, but I gave them all away."
Joyce is a mother-of-two grown up children who both live in America.
She tried to pass on her passion for ice skating to them, but says her son only did it now and then and her daughter was more interested in ballroom dancing.
Staff at the care home knew about Joyce's previous hobby as it is written in her care plan.
But after speaking to her, they realised something special could be created.
Jacky Aisthorpe, activity facilitator at Cranwell Court care home, said: "Joyce told me she would love to get back on the ice one last time and I knew we could make this happen.
"We got in touch with Grimsby Leisure Centre, which has the ice rink, and it was more than happy to let us on it for free.
"When we told Joyce she became very apprehensive, I think she had it in her mind that we wanted her to be like she was in the past."
Wrapped up in her fleece, gloves and a fancy lightweight shawl, the moment had arrived for Joyce to be reunited with the ice.
Overwhelmed on the day, her humour soon shone and standing up on the ice skates, she told everyone: "These boots are rubbish – mine were a lot better."
Despite this she was coaxed onto the ice rink with carers around her and a metal frame was also provided to hold onto for stability.
To her own amazement, Joyce was moving on the ice once again at the age of 96!
Unfortunately age defeated her, and after a few minutes she could not stand on the skates any longer.
However, staff were not giving in and instead brought out a sledge for Joyce to relax in.
Jacky said: "The staff at the leisure centre were amazing, they really went all out to give her the best experience.
"We want to say a huge thank you.
"Joyce is an inspiration to us all I don't know any other 96-year-old like her."
For Joyce, who believed this day would never come, she said: "I am grateful for what everyone has done.
"This is far from what I ever expected, it is just disappointing I cannot whizz around like I use to."
During our chat, I explained to Joyce about plans to close Scartho Baths and replace the current Grimsby Leisure Centre with a new state-of-the-art leisure facility, which does not include an ice rink.
She said: "Those proposing this will not be making progress, it will be a step back.
"It needs to be retained for the young people in Grimsby to gain an interest in.
"I feel it would be a tragedy to lose something as good as this."
ON THE WEB: To see video footage of Joyce on the ice rink, visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
