The only roller skating venue left this side of the river since the historic Red Hill Skate Arena burnt down in 2003, the Stafford skate centre is itself a blast from the past, with its well worn wooden floor, industrial steel girders and absence of video screens and special effects.

And this is part of its charm – throngs of adults and children that swarm in on Friday nights and for the Saturday and Sunday sessions enjoy themselves the old-fashioned way - with games and blaring pop music. Many a successful birthday party has been held here in this airy light-filled space and there’s plenty of free parking outside.

Prices range from $9.50 to $10.50 per session, with roller skate and roller blade hire extra.