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Medway Roller Dance Club wins big at GB Artistic Roller Dance Championships

16:36, 23 November 2021

updated: 16:36, 23 November 2021

A skating club has scooped several national titles in a sporting competition.

Medway Roller Dance Club saw eight skaters compete in the GB Artistic Roller Dance championships across various categories.

The club at the GB Artistic Roller Dance championships. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
The club at the GB Artistic Roller Dance championships. Picture: Medway Roller Dance

Coach Lisa Howard said: "We are all extremely proud of our skaters and our club. All finished their events with amazing free dances. They are all still on a bit of a high."

Their youngest skater, Leo Whiten who is 13, gained a silver medal in the Espoir Men’s solo dance and was joined by Joshua Clarke, 14, who gained silver in the Cadet Men’s solo dance.

Paul Cuthbert and Joanne Malyon finished 6th and 8th in the Masters championship for over 40s but went on to win first place in the classic couples event.

Cameron Arnold, 16, was awarded the title of Youth Ladies' solo dance champion and a trophy for exceptional performance in roller dance.

This is the first time such a trophy has been awarded and other member Joshua was runner up.

From left: Coach Lisa Howard, coach Vic Pratt, Cameron Arnold, coach Victoria Jefferson and head coach Jennifer Barker. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
From left: Coach Lisa Howard, coach Vic Pratt, Cameron Arnold, coach Victoria Jefferson and head coach Jennifer Barker. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Paul Cuthbert and Joanne Malyon (middle) were awarded first in the Classic Couples event. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Paul Cuthbert and Joanne Malyon (middle) were awarded first in the Classic Couples event. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Leo Whiten (left) placed 2nd in the Espoir men's solo dance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Leo Whiten (left) placed 2nd in the Espoir men's solo dance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance

It was not just the skaters who won but the club's chairman and coach Vic Pratt as also awarded a roll of honour award for his 40+ years of dedication to the sport.

Other competitors were 14-year-olds Charlotte Cuthbert and Elizabeth Busby, who came 9th and 10th in the Cadet Ladies solo dance and Ruby Robb, 18, who came 12th in the Junior Ladies' solo dance for her classic medley style and free dance.

The club will now be training for next year's championships to be held in May after this year's was delayed.

The competition took place over three days between October 29 and October 31 at the Brentwood Centre in Essex and sees the competitors perform two set pattern dances and one free dance.

Cameron Arnold (right) was awarded the Ron Gibbs memorial for exceptional performance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Cameron Arnold (right) was awarded the Ron Gibbs memorial for exceptional performance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Joshua Clarke (left) placed 2nd in the Cadet men's solo dance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Joshua Clarke (left) placed 2nd in the Cadet men's solo dance. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Club coaches pictured with skaters. Picture: Medway Roller Dance
Club coaches pictured with skaters. Picture: Medway Roller Dance

The club offers drop-in sessions every Saturday at Woodlands Community Sports Centre in Woodlands Road, Gillingham, from 3.30 to 5pm.

You can contact the club through its website.

It has been taking members since 1949 and now offers roller skating, dance and free skating sessions.

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