Westpoint Arena — Local services in East Devon

Ice-skating at Christmas, at Westpoint, has been one of the best local events this Christmas. Today was our third visit this season and I can't rave about it enough.

The ice is real ice which is compact and well cared for between each session. The staff on the counter are efficient and the staff on the rink absolutely superb. While they're not there to teach, one gentleman who trains the ice hockey team was pivotal in our experiences.

Simple tips, such as to ensure the boot at the top is tight, this made a huge difference alone! Then helping us to find confidence from taking baby steps, clinging on to the side for dear life, to slowly learning how to glide (a little) by bending at the knee and tilting forward. Looking longingly at those who glide at speed with the ability to stop on a sixpence. I envy them!

But honestly, it's such fun. So much so I'm booking some lessons in Bristol so that next year we can hopefully glide gracefully around!

Bravo Exeter City Council for the decision to host icescape. Every year we travel to the Eden project just to fumble around for 45 minutes. With it on the doorstep, I intend to go many more times next year. Please do bring it back 🙏 And to all the team, thank you for all that you do 🫶 The only small improvement would be to have some lockers, on the third time I printed the ticket, not daring to have my phone in my pocket for fear of smashing it, which saved going back to the car once the ticket was scanned.

We are hoping to visit one last time before...

Attended Disney on Ice and found the show itself brilliant but Westpoint itself felt really disorganized and unsafe. Queuing to get into the car park took an age as stewards directed to you to an exact parking spot despite driving past several available parking spots. On leaving the venue we were not allowed to cross the door and leave via the doors about 50ft away instead we were directed to walk around the back of the seating area with hundreds of other people specifically so we walked past merchandise stalls. The doors we came through were also closed with stewards making sure no one could leave without going past the tat stores. In an area where COVID numbers are rising this is hugely unsafe and unacceptable. When it came to leaving the car park the hundreds of stewards that were so keen to make sure everyone parked in a specific spot were nowhere to be seen resulting in a free for all trying to negotiate the exit. Further down the exit there was a steward that lazily waved us into the right hand lane without asking where we were heading which was lucky as that was the lane that took us towards the M5. The left hand land only allows you to turn left towards Sidmouth. Something lots of people discovered when they saw the only sign instructed them of this fact at the very last minute.

I will never attend another event there - an...

This visit was for my first Covid-19 vaccination injection. I was most impressed with the whole process, the guides or Marshalls outside, stopping drivers asking if you had an appointment and you did need one, guiding to the car park and saying to present yourself at the entrance 15 minutes before your allotted time, hand gel outside, wait your turn to register then door opened for you, no need to touch the door. Mask wearing is essential outside the main door and the whole time inside the building. There were ribbon marked walkways and distancing stickers on the floor. Another guide to tell you which numbered row to go into. When its your turn they ask you a few questions pertinent to your own health, your name, to see your letter of appointment, you give your date of birth and number which was given to you when you first enter the building. Sit down (short sleeved shirt a good idea) The injection I can honestly say you hardly feel anything. The needle is so fine and its all over in seconds. If driving yourself they ask you to take a seat for 15 minutes, distanced from each other on chairs they position and clean after each person. You leave the building from a marked exit door. The whole experience was so easy and I also have my second date. I had...