On 15 April we arrived at the Europa Hotel for a delicious dinner, prior to making our way by coach to the SSE Arena, for the final farewell from Torvill & Dean.

The evening proceeded with a film of their early days, before winning their first gold medal. At the start of their career Torvill & Dean did not receive funding so they both had to work to pay for their travels, costumes, etc. Jane worked in an Insurance Company and Chris joined the police, while their families continued to support them.

During the event professional skaters kept everyone entertained with their daring lifts and jumps, interspersed by Torvill and Dean skating some of their earlier routines, including Barnham. In addition, films of current events throughout the sixties and seventies set the scene as their skating career progressed. These scenes included civil unrest and strikes, (nothing changes).

The evening culminated in the duo performing the infamous Bolero routine. Of course they received a standing ovation and the magical evening was brought to a close.

The responses from everyone were positive and once again thanks were expressed to the PST for their generosity to allow us to attend such a unique experience. It was a real privilege to view what may be Torvill & Dean’s final performance in Northern Ireland.

Thank you again from all of us, for this opportunity.

Joan McVeigh