So Gerald Spicer (Letters, January 23), you think you are the oldest speedskater in town?

I must put the record straight - you are not the oldest, by far. There is myself, aged 78, and my brother Fred (British Ice Speed Champion 1947/8/9), aged 74.

There are also Pat Scarfield and Colly Coulson. We still occasionally visit the Guildford ice rink. Why go to Basingstoke to skate? Guildford is only a 90-mile round trip.

Yes, Gerald, we all remember you as a member of the Brighton Ice Speed Racing Club. Incidentally, it was I who not only organised the supporters' club but also designed the logo for the metal lapel badges.

Like you, I started ice skating in 1937 when the ice rink opened and joined the speed club but, alas, my progress was halted when I was called to fight for my country.

I agree it was a tragedy when the council closed down our beloved SS Brighton. Good luck to Patricia Ginman of Keep Sussex Skating in their fight for another ice rink.

-Eddie Cosham, Ex-Brighton Ice Speed Racing Club