When I heard the news that the Metrocentre was opening a roller skating rink, I had a few questions, including whether it would be able to attract people to a pastime that may be ultimately humiliating if it goes wrong?
But, as it's a summer of embracing being messy and embarrassing, thanks to chart-topper Charli XCX, I thought I'd give it go. What was the worst that could happen?
I made my way to the Metrocentre on Wednesday morning and fuelled by a coffee from Greggs and a hash brown from Popeyes I set off towards Exhibition Square.
Positioned outside of Primark, the site that typically stages the shopping centre's resident costumed gnomes, was the roller rink. A large square of white slabs surrounded by barriers. Adorned on those barriers were the slogan 'Let the good times roller' in inviting colours, with a glittering disco ball hovering above the square speckling the area with a glittering glow.
(Image: The Northern Echo)
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Members of the team working at the rink swirled past as I stood in awe. They made it look impossibly easy, twisting and crouching, gliding then stopping. And breath...
It was then that I spoke to Johnny Tulip, the managing director of Power Through Sport, who are running the rink until September 1. He told me that the community interest company was set up to help under-represented and underserved young people across the North East and hoped that the £2 fee would encourage more people to come and try it out.
Lacing up my skates and putting on my knee and elbow pads was easy, but getting from the seat to the rink was only possible with the guiding hand of Johnny who passed me on to my instructors as I took to the rink.
(Image: The Northern Echo)
The advice they gave me was solid - I should keep my feet like a penguin and push outwards, not forwards. It prepared me well for the first few wobbly moments.
Nothing could have prepared me for the first time I fell on my backside with the eyes of the Metrocentre seemingly all on me.
But, as with life, you get up, brush yourself down and get on with it. I was assured that with time comes confidence and I was soon able to complete a full lap of the rink without falling.
(Image: The Northern Echo)
The whole experience was thrilling.
From start to finish I was supported by the wonderful staff there who encouraged me to find my feet (skates?) and with every swipe of my feet accompanied to the soundtrack of the giant boombox on the sidelines, the smile widened on my face.
For only £2, this is such a welcome addition to the Metrocentre and, even if you fall, you will have a fantastic time.
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