The Skating Rink , (Nandydroog Mine KGF)

The Skating Rink was diagonally opposite our house and next door to the Nandydroog Club. The Skating Rink was the only big Auditorium or Party Hall in KGF at the time and was the most popular venue for Wedding Receptions, Parties, Get-togethers, School Functions and Concerts, Musical recitals, Meetings, Dances etc. The Christmas Dances, May Queen Balls, Easter Ball, June Rose Balls, The Anglo-Indian Association’s Annual General Meeting and Ball, New Years Eve Ball, Independence Day Ball, The Republic Day celebrations etc, were all held at the Skating Rink. A function was held there practically every month and it was a famous landmark for all in KGF.

In the olden days this hall was used for Ice Skating and Roller Skating by the British. The floor was as smooth as silk and was an amazing dance floor. Just before a dance, chalk powder would be strewn on the floor to facilitate easy dancing movements for the dancers. Besides being used as a hall for functions and dances, the Skating Rink was also an indoor Shuttle Badminton Court. We would regularly play shuttle here during the holidays.

Sadly, the Skating Rink which stood the ravages of time for well over a hundred years is now in shambles. The inner walls are all crumbling and the false ceiling of Tatty Cane is worn out in several places. However people still continue to hold their functions in it and camouflage the interiors walls with huge coloured Cloth and decorations. It will always remain their ‘dear old Skating Rink’