The Rink was more than a dance hall

Published Wednesday, 19th February 2020

Memories of much-loved Hartlepool leisure venue the Queens Rink are set to be rekindled in a special talk.

Guest speaker Frances Wilson will be recalling the building’s fascinating heritage in a talk called ‘More Than A Dance Hall – The History of Queens Rink’ at Community Hub Central (Central Library) in York Road on Thursday 5 March from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Queens Rink

The Queen's Skating Rink was built in Clarence Road in 1910, at a time when roller skating was popular. It later became the Queens Rink Ballroom, affectionately known as 'The Rink.'

“The Rink was very popular and was the meeting place of many couples,” says Frances. “It originally opened as a roller skating rink but over the years it had a large number of uses which may surprise people.

“In the 50s and 60s many famous faces appeared there from Humphrey Lyttleton to the Moody Blues, Manfred Mann and other famous 1960s groups.

“The talk will trace the history of the building and how it was used right up to its closure in 1968. For many people it will be a trip down memory lane.”

The event is part of the Hub’s regular ‘CHAT Group’ – an adult social group which meets to chat about various topics.

Admission to the talk is £1 per person and places must be booked in advance by contacting Community Hub Central on 01429 272905 or emailing central.library@hartlepool.gov.uk