The "Rolarena"

[drapesy]

I've been meaning to get a pic of the old Rolarena for ages - and here it is at last.

[stevief]

drapesy wrote: I've been meaning to get a pic of the old Rolarena for ages - and here it is at last. To anyone who's never been to the Rolarena.The yellow canopy had steps going up to it on either side and the entrance doors were above the canopy.I've no idea what was on the ground floor.

[AusthorpeWhite]

Yeah, I remember itWhenever I mention it people think I'm mad, most have never heard of it or aren't old enoughGlad I'm not going madDidn't they used to have a break from general skating half way through for a football (might have been hockey) match on skates?

[Jimbo5553]

geoffb wrote: Wasn't there a bowling alley underneath the Rolarena, seem to remember going in there in the 60s the bowling alley became Carolines Discoand the building is now studio four of YTVjimbo

[farbank]

The original roller skating venue will have been The Rollerdrome.(That is, until someone comes up with another, older indoor venue).It's only likely that wrinklies like myself and 'arry 'awk, would recall its pleasures. But it was situated on Roseville Road.

[PJ]

Caroline's disco was on the second floor above the rollerena.

[simonm]

My grandparents took me once when I was very small. I remember the slopes of the chairs etc. From memory, It appeared very much liek a Roman amphitheatre (sp). I just remember a red hue ot everything!!

[Chrism]

drapesy wrote: I've been meaning to get a pic of the old Rolarena for ages - and here it is at last. I almost lived in there for about 4 years, I also went to The Bowie gig there. It was my first 'big' concert.

[Chrism]

AusthorpeWhite wrote: Yeah, I remember itWhenever I mention it people think I'm mad, most have never heard of it or aren't old enoughGlad I'm not going madDidn't they used to have a break from general skating half way through for a football (might have been hockey) match on skates? I can't remember any hockey of football but they did have breaks for speed skating and and back skaters. They also had breaks for couples if I remember rightly. I wonder if I can still skate like I did then. he he he

[Yorkshireranger]

Coincidence, nearly started a similar thread yesterday, lived in that building for years, up the flight of steps pay your entrance money in and inside to the skate room which was situated on the right beyond the first set of inner doors, shuffle along in stockinged feet, to the tables and chairs, only to find the skates they had given you were th wrong size, back to the que to get the correct size. Roller skates on, head to the openings on the wall, and get onto the maple floor, regular intervals for forward and backward speed skating, were called, to allow the more proficient skaters the room to aply their skills, music booming out over the loudspeakers, one that sticks out like a sore thumb was "Lonley Boy" by Paul Anka, released in the early 60's bit still playing in the seventies.Remember a young girl/woman, think her name was Linda, small and possibly with a limp to one leg, great skater!!!Upstairs there was a small balcony where you could watch the skaters (or birds) depending on your preference.Best part of the days excursion was getting off the bus by the Yorkshire Post building and walking down Kirkstall Road, straight into the "Tommato Dip" for the bacon butty and a coke.As for the photo above, I would call that misleading, the original entrance was diectly in the middle of the building and not to one side as shown, closer inspection will show the original outline of the doors were placed central