ARRG is 8 years old this year. That’s a long time to be playing roller derby, and we’ve had our fair share of skaters in those years! Every member of ARRG is special and important, and when people leave to go on to other things we miss them, but what we really love is watching ARRG members leave us, and continue their derby journey elsewhere. It’s really exciting and inspiring to watch our pals grow with other teams.
We wanted to celebrate their achievements - so we have an exciting new feature - ARRGlumni!
Every so often, we will publish an interview with one of our ex skaters, or ARRGlumni as we are calling them, and get their side of the story. And, who better to kick things off than the incredibly talented Juicy Lucy, ex ARRG, ex London Roller Girls, and now with Newcastle Roller Girls! She gets around.
So, we asked her a few questions…
Hey Juicy! Congratulations on becoming our very first published ARRGlumni skaters. Let’s start with a bit of background - tell us about your time with ARRG, what teams did you skate on?
I skated with the ‘Twisted Thistles’ - as the All Stars were formally known. I also skated on ye olde intraleague team ‘Celtic Chaos’.
I now skate with Newcastle Roller Girls which is a dream come true as I am a Geordie. I also spent four years with London Roller Girls, where I got to travel all over North America which was obviously pretty good!
Well, yes. It’s not bad at all! So, what’s your favourite memory from your time with ARRG….
There are so many! When we beat Glasgow for the first time that felt really special, I can still remember feeling so elated! Also - that time Andy Clockwise drove Montreal up from London in a white van and delivered them to the Jack Kane Centre in Niddrie for a school night derby bout extravaganza.
Why does ARRG hold a special place in your heart….
I joined ARRG at the very beginning (2008) when we met in Bannermans to discuss ‘what a roller derby was’. We had our first ever practice in a church hall with no pads, but a lot of full contact! From such humble beginnings I have watched and been a part of the league grow and it is an absolute testament to the DIY, Woman lead ethos at ARRG which I absolutely ADORE.
What ARRGness did you bring to your new league when you moved away?
When I captained the Ultra Violent Femmes (LRG home team) I always ensured we had a choreographed skate out, which I feel is heavily influenced by ARRG.
Ha! We do love our skate outs! What is your proudest achievement since moving away?
Playing for England and travelling North America with London Brawling.
I feel like the Jack Kane Centre will always be my spiritual home. I love everything about it and all the staff, especially Tam!
We love Tam too! So, finally, when are you coming home to ARRG??
Whenever you invite Newcastle up to skate
Well, that is something we can definitely do…. so we have!
If you want to see Juicy Lucy take on her old ARRG teammates, then head along to Meadowbank on Saturday 12th March - not only will ARRG’s All Stars be playing Newcastle, but our All Star Reserves will also be taking on Dundee on the same day! Tickets only £5 in advance here, or £8 on the door.
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