About Us

Early Years:

Aldwych Speed Club was founded as a roller speed skating club during Christmas in 1908. Its birthplace was the Aldwych Roller Skating Rink located in the Strand, London. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the oldest speed skating club in Great Britain and also the oldest short track club in Europe. Two prominent founder members were Mr. W. Soper and Mr. V.C. Thompson, with the latter serving as the first Honorary Secretary.

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Changing Locations:

In 1911, the Aldwych Rink closed, prompting the club to move to the Empress Hall in Earls Court, which was also a roller rink at the time. However, this residence was short-lived as the Empress Hall closed within a month of the club’s relocation. The club then found a home at the Holland Park Roller Rink, where it remained for 16 years until that rink closed in 1928 (with a break during the war years from 1914 to 1918).

 

Transition to Ice:

During the 1927/28 season, some Aldwych members pioneered indoor racing on ice at the Westminster Ice Rink, sparking interest in ice competitions. By the 1929/30 season, the club made its headquarters at the Golders Green Ice Rink, although it still maintained a strong roller speed section. The club’s journey continued as it transferred to The Ice-Drome in Richmond after Golders Green closed. However, this rink also closed the following season, leaving the club without a permanent home.

 

Richmond Rink Era:

The Richmond Rink (later known as the Sportsdrome) opened again in the 1934/35 season, and Aldwych once again made it their headquarters. Remarkably, the club remained at Richmond for the next 58 years until the rink closed in January 1992.
The Richmond museum even staged a special exhibition in 1992, celebrating the history of both the rink and Aldwych Speed Club.

 

Basingstoke and Guildford:
As Richmond closed, the club secured arrangements with the management of Basingstoke Ice Rink to become their new home. Eventually, with the opening of the Guildford Spectrum in 1993, Aldwych successfully negotiated training facilities there and appears to be settled for the foreseeable future.

 

Throughout its long and storied existence, Aldwych Speed Club has contributed significantly to British Championships and records, both on ice and rollers. Its enduring legacy reflects the passion and dedication of its members across generations.