Often hobbies we have as children and young adults have a way of disappearing from our lives the busier we become. But with the installation of the Momentum Energy River Rink at Federation Square, Leslie Currey is determined to bring back his favourite past time.

Leslie hasn’t stepped onto an ice skating rink in years, until now. The 85 year old Melbourne interior designer is putting his skates back on this Friday at the launch of Momentum Energy River Rink to relive his childhood memories.

After only two days of training at Docklands Medibank Ice House, Leslie is determined to get back into ice skating after having bought new ice skates last year. It wasn’t until he heard about Momentum Energy River Rink at Fed Square that he decided he would like to skate again.

Ice skating has always been a part of Leslie’s life. Growing up in the North of England before migrating to Australia, Leslie recalls skating over iced ponds from the age of 8. From skating as a child, Leslie continued his love of ice skating throughout his career.

Working in the business of design, Leslies travelled across the world. Travelling mostly in the winter months, Leslie sought every opportunity he could to skate.

“I always took my ice skates with me when I travelled in winter. I never wanted to leave business trips,” he said.

Despite some of his favorite ice skating memories being in England and Paris, Leslie says the ice skating rinks in Melbourne are just as enjoyable and authentic as the iced river ponds in England.

Using the Momentum Energy River Rink at Fed Square as an excuse to get back into skating, Leslie says he intends on skating once to twice a week and encourages all ages to join him.

The rink opens daily from the 27 June until the 19 July 2015. Tickets are available via fedsquare.com/riverrink or at the ticket booth on River Terrace.