Flurries of fun at Forest Ice

Forest Ice at Sandy Balls Holiday Centre has kicked-off its seasonal run in style with more than 500 people taking to the rink in the first two days. Sandy Balls near Fordingbridge introduced the covered synthetic rink for the first time this year.

The arrival of Forest Ice is another milestone in an eventful year which has included the completion of its multi-million-pound investment project and the creation of a pedestrianised piazza at the heart of the centre.

Forest Ice is set to be open to members of the public and guests alike until 3 February 2008, offering lots of opportunity for everyone to enjoy the winter wonderland and natural backdrop of the centre.

Sandy Balls managing director Tim Howell was on hand with a bottle of bubbly to welcome the first skaters to the ice and try the special skaters’ menus on offer at the centre’s new restaurant - The Bistro.

He said: “It’s been great to see so many new faces onsite enjoying the rink. The team has worked very hard over the past two months to take this from being a great idea to a stunning reality. Such has been the success of Forest Ice that we’ve already booked a rink for next year.

“Forest Ice has added another dimension to the seasonal activity on offer at Sandy Balls – whether you are a guest or a New Forest resident.

“Our food and beverage team has also pulled out all the stops, visitors can enjoy a great range of local produce with a Mediterranean twist at The Bistro as well as tasty offerings from the stalls around the rink.”

Forest Ice is open daily from 10am – 7pm Sunday – Thursday and 10am – 9pm every Friday and Saturday until 3 February 2008 (except Christmas Day). The rink is also still taking reservations for Christmas parties and private bookings.