By: Debbi Wilkes

The official village of Swansea has now been gobbled up by Toronto but when Ann Martin, now Ann Shaw, was growing up, she’d walk on her skates (no guards!) to the outdoor rink in the valley. The old pot belly stove in the change room was a welcome addition when her frozen feet needed help thawing out!

Years later during her competitive days, Ann would often go by herself to another local outdoor rink to skate in the evenings (guards on!) after the community’s daily activities were over. “The ice was all chopped up by the public by then but skating in those conditions certainly improved my endurance.”

Photo Credit: Skate Canada

As a child, Ann was given the option each year by her parents of choosing one special activity to study. When she was six, her choice was ballet but she found it too “stuffy”. The next year Ann‘s Mom discovered that a new skating club was starting up at Ravina Gardens, home to the original Silver Blades FSC, operating down in a kind of bowl where the ice surface was below street level. “It was the weirdest construction. And the smell of ammonia was overwhelming!”

Over the course of that first season Ann quickly discovered her love for skating. She would report to her Mom, “I only fell seven times today!” It was the freedom of movement that attracted her and eventually led her at age 9 to the University SC at Varsity Arena, a club which concentrated on Ice Dance. There she found her calling; Dutch Waltz, Swing Dance and all the Compulsories where she taught herself the steps by following and getting help from more senior skaters.

Ann also remembers, “A wonderful fun part of the club experience was the ‘Grand March’ every week.” Skaters would skate down the ice in single file and split off in either direction at the end joining up at the other end in pairs and then fours. “We also did ‘Rinking’ … skating all four edges to music, each for a circuit of the rink. For the difficult back inside edges, we were almost at a crawl!”

Photo Credit: Skate Canada

When the time came for Summer School, Ann skated initially in Barrie under the watchful eye of the formidable Osbourne Colson. Early morning figures were standard but one morning all the skaters arrived in their pajamas, complete with alarm clocks which rang on the dot of 7 am as everyone climbed over the boards from where they were hiding.

What she also fondly recalls is how her club experiences gradually became the focus of her life. “At the University Club, I skated twice during the week and all weekend … so in between weekend sessions, my skating pals and I would go for hours to the Royal Ontario Museum or for a hot dog and Honeydew at the local restaurant. After skating on Sundays, our parents and a large group of us would all go out for dinner.”

Photo Credit: Skate Canada

Once Ann had become a serious competitor, her move to the Granite Club opened more opportunities for progress. “Remember back then there were no Sectional competitions till the late ‘50’s so we were encouraged to compete nationally from a very early age.” Ann’s Ice Dance partnerships with Eddie Collins and subsequently with Gilles Vanesse were very successful producing 5^th and 6^th place finishes at two World Championships.

Even before her competitive years, Ann was recognizing the importance of volunteering. By 16 she was judging which added to her understanding and love of the sport, plus she liked helping. As a result, her commitment to judging became a lifelong pursuit.

Ann has officiated three times at the Olympic Games, was a Member of the ISU Dance Committee, participated on an Ad Hoc Committee in the development of the new scoring system and was awarded an ISU Honorary Membership. As a member of Skate Canada’s Hall of Fame she has been recognized for ‘dedicating her energy and effort to figure skating as a participant, official, educator and mentor’.

Photo Credit: Skate Canada

Although mostly retired these days, Ann recalls the wonderful times spent as an adult skater right back full circle at the Silver Blades club in its relocated facility. The sport is still a top priority today. By participating as a volunteer, attending events and staying connected with friends from around the world, she still shares her love of skating.

For Ann, the sport and its clubs built a beautiful picture frame around her life, however she admits the masterful artwork inside it was painted by her friendships.

“Don’t worry about being the best dressed or having a coach with you all the time. Make friends, practice hard to succeed but be sure you’re also having fun.”