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.

What’s better than a live game of roller derby? TWO LIVE GAMES of roller derby for the price of one!!

Yes, that’s right - Auld Reekie Roller Girls are bringing you a DOUBLE HEADER with 2 back to back games of Roller Derby. You’ll see ARRG’s All Star Reserves taking on Dundee Roller Derby and our All Stars taking on Newcastle Roller Girls’ Canny Belters and Not only that but we have some great entertainment planned as well.

We’re bringing 4 great teams, speedy skating, big hits and fun times to the track and an atmosphere in the crowd that will leave you smiling and wanting more. We’ve got great announcing, signs, music, chanting, singing and cheering plus tasty baking, merch, stalls from crafty peeps and more - it’s fun day out for all the family!!

Never seen roller derby before or not been to a live game? Not to worry, there are people on hand to help you with the rules and an announcer who will keep you right. It won’t be long till you are cheering along for your favourite team and shouting POWER JAM with the best of them. There’s always a mexican wave or two thrown in for good measure to get you on your feet!

Been to loads of derby games? Well, get your hands ready to clap, your voice ready to chant and your signs ready to wave! You know what to do. :0)

Come along to Meadowbank on Saturday 12th March to see the sport everyone’s been talking about! The doors open at 12pm!

Tickets £5 (+ booking fee) online in advance until midnight on 11th March, and are free for under 14s. Click here for tickets!

There’s always tickets ON THE DOOR too for £8

Got questions? email [email protected]
Are you a community group who fancies coming along? Email us and we can see about a ticket deal.

We’re finishing off 2015′s featured ARRG members with a special entry - the amazing brand new baby referee, Owen! Affectionately known as Beardylocks on account of his wonderfully hirsute look, he’s now a fully fledged member of our officials team, both on and off skates.

So, even if skating doesn’t look appealing to you, but you love roller derby, there’s something for everyone! If you do think skating sounds like your cup of tea, why not try out our taster day? You don’t need your own kit or anything! The next event is on January 17th, and is only £5. Email [email protected] to book your slot, and you might even meet the famous Beardylocks!

Let’s hear a bit more about his story:

Joined ARRG in: March 2015

Role in ARRG: Baby Zebra

Favourite position to officiate: Penalty Tracker/Jam Ref

Your Derby story - why are you here?:In a land before time (Inverness) I worked with a very good friend of mine who ended up as a referee through in Aberdeen, he decided to make it his life work to get me into a pair of skates. Rewinding slightly before that, I’d been involved in Roller Derby on and off since I’d lived New Zealand and got a chance to see the positive impact it can have on peoples lives and as such I wanted to become more involved and try to give back to the sport. While it took a few years from Wookies initial badgering to actually start trying to skate ( and about another 3-4 years on top of that of starting fresh meat then moving cities, lets just say I wasn’t a natural ) it’s been a great journey, with lots of opportunities to NSO and make a fool of myself in new and unexpected ways.

Best official-related advice: Try every role. Every time I’ve tried a new role it’s given me something I can take back to my preferred positions and given me a better insight of how the crew fits together and the different pressures at play.

What you do for the league aside from officiating: Sadly not much! At the time of writing I’ve just made it through Fresh Meat and am beginning to look at what I can do to help.

Any funny/embarrassing officiating stories: Nope. None. I definitely did not wipe out on the Jack Kane dead body multiple times during home team scrims

Derby Hero: I’m going to cop out of this and say I can’t name just one. Outside of just the simple fact that anyone who gives up their time to take part be it as skaters/officials or volunteers is awesome; I’ve also had so many great personal experiences. The number of skaters who have supported me in learning the basic skills ( in particular plough stops ), officials who have helped me when ever I’ve tried a new position ( a special mention to Jane Eerie for putting up with me decapitating her cup cake ) and just generally great people who’ve frantically directed me towards the nearest vending machine for my twice hourly caffeine fix is huge. I do have to mention Mags though, for helping me find my ref voice ( to everyone else’s misfortune).

What do you do outside of derby: I work as a Systems Engineer so when I’m not at derby I tend to either be commuting and staring at a laptop or sitting at a desk and staring at a laptop. I also occasionally do long distance runs barefoot for charity.

Fun fact about you: I own a worrying array of stuffed and inflatable dinosaurs

Last night saw the whole league embark upon 28 York Place for our second Annual Awards Ball.

Everyone arrived to a welcome glass of Prosecco, and made their way downstairs for some food before things got underway. The ever-excellent Stephen Tawking was our compere for the evening, and he did not disappoint. The awards got under way, with a whole load of skating awards to start the night off. We took a wee break to draw the golden ticket winner - Congratulations Rich on winning that box of tape (and thank you for distributing it out to us all!) and then we drew some incredible raffle prizes, including a hoodie from Interplanetary Print Syndicate, dinner for two at Pinto, tickets for Camera Obscura, a Wikko skates voucher, a set of amazing books, a Surf Lesson, a go at Alien Rock, A Walkers Shortbread hamper and tickets to Edinburghs Hogmanay!

After some more awards were announced, we had a wee fun game, where the winners won passes for Westwoods Health Club, then we commenced the auction - some of the prizes included hand made cushion from End of Terrace Trading, Zorbing with Rolling Haggis, a pair of Wikko Skates, a Tattoo voucher from Red Hot and Blue, hair styling voucher from Miss Dixiebelle, ticket for the Silver Tour at The Scotch Whisky Experience, , a shot at Go Ape… it was incredible! So many amazing things, and we definitely want to extend a massive thank you to all the companies who donated prizes.

Then, it was time for the dancing. With a cracking DJ set from the amazing Harlot Bronte, everyone was on the floor all night until closing - and

Dita Von Cheese #000

This month, we are super excited to feature a skater who we have all admired for years, who amazingly transferred to us last summer. We were all delighted when we got the email from DVC asking to join ARRG! She’s come along and fitted in perfectly with ARRG - mainly because she’s absolutely lovely, but also her incredible skating ability has helped! Her dedication and super hard work ethic quickly earned her a spot on the Skatefast Club, as well as both our All Star and All Star Reserves rosters. We loved having her in Home Season, and can’t wait to play with her on our travel teams!

Joined ARRG in: August 2015 as a Transfer Skater

Role in ARRG: Travel team skater

Favourite position to play: I love playing every position! I love a good wee jam here and there, but there is nothing more satisfying that hitting your pals in the ribs when they aren’t paying attention

Your Derby story - why are you here? I started roller blading when I was younger and then stopped because I discovered boys and drinking beside the ‘Green Shed’ in my home town. I went to uni, got some jobs, became a postlady, worked in an office and was so incredibly bored. I joined a judo class and a girl there mentioned roller derby and I was immediately interested. I joined FVRG in 2011 and skated on their travel team for the last 3 years. A lot of things changed in this last year: I got an amazing new job after spending a year looking, I became single and renting my own flat, and I decided that I wanted a new challenge. I found my self thinking about ARRG and all of the times I had watched them and admired them from afar. I decided that my 5 year goal was to get on Team Scotland and to do that I needed to ramp up my skills. So I transferred to ARRG in August and although I still think about my 5 year plan, I’ve been taken aback by how lovely and welcoming everyone has been and actually I don’t care if I don’t get to reach my goal, I’m enjoying the journey with all these lovely folk

Best derby-related advice: Work hard, sweat lots and be nice.

What you do for the league aside from skating: I am a Fresh Meat Coach and Visiting Skater Liaison and provider of food

Any funny/embarrassing derby stories: I have many, but generally they all involve me getting hit really hard and thinking I’ve wet myself…

Derby Hero: My derby Hero is my old pal Fun Ghoul from FVRG. I have always looked up to her in the way that she skates and constantly thinks about derby. She has helped shape my whole attitude towards derby. Cheers chum!

What do you do outside of derby: I work as an administrator for Triathlon Scotland, so lots of juggling of everything and anything. I get lots of enquiries about doing triathlons so Ive decided to train to do one as this will be first hand experience. Yikes. I like making stuff and fixing things. I absolutely love weeding, my dad lived out in the sticks and I would help him weed and build dry stone walls during the summer. I also like climbing trees, its been a while but I find myself driving on the motor way and noticing a nice wee tree that I like the look of. Then I remember I need to stop staring at trees and watch the road. I’ve been hitting the skate park ( and face planting the floor) on a pair of blades I’ve borrowed, its great fun and good for your balance!

Fun fact about you: Ive played the cello for over 20 years and was heckled at a gig in Strathaven

This month, we are showcasing the fabulous Faerie Nuff! Faerie has been with ARRG for a long time, 5 and a half years, and recently reached her 100th game as a referee! Faerie is a cool, relaxed referee, with incredible knowledge and manages to exude professionalism whilst maintaining a sense of fun - get her at an afterparty and you’ll know what we mean!

Joined ARRG in: April 2010

Role in ARRG: Referee

Favourite position to officiate: Inside Pack Referee (IPR)

Your Derby story - why are you here?: I was introduced to derby in February 2010 by Blackjack Belle (who was with ARRG but is now in Newcastle and skates with NRG). About 10 minutes in to the first game I realised I wanted to be involved and signed up for fresh meat starting in April. I trained as a skater for a while but damaged my knee about 4 months after starting so was off skates and on crutches for months. During this time I NSOd pretty much every game and scrimmage going and loved it. It was then I decided when I got back on skates I was going to be a referee and I’ve been doing that ever since. I’ve now passed the 100 game mark for refereeing and have done around 150 games in total as an official, counting NSOing.

Best official-related advice: Erm, read the rules? Often.

What you do for the league aside from officiating: I am involved with the training and development of our skating officials. I often head referee games.

Any funny/embarrassing officiating stories: One time when I was travelling to Norway to referee, I left my luggage (and the majority of my kit) at home. I realised when I arrived at the airport (3 hours away from home) that the only things I had with me were my skates, stripes and passport. As the flight was 1 hour later, there wasn’t time to go home, so I had to borrow kit from some lovely Norwegian skaters.

Derby Hero: There are so many awesome people out there, I couldn’t single one out.

What do you do outside of derby: I am a qualified accountant and work in business analysis. In my non - derby free time I volunteer on a widening access Schools for Higher Education Programme. More recently have been spending time sorting and packing humanitarian aid destined for refugees displaced by war.

Fun fact about you: I’m super sensitive to sugar and tend to get a bit hyperactive. Those in the know have prohibited anyone giving me anything sugary on game day…at least until in the changing room after, or at the after party! Thereafter, everyone encourages me to have the sugar!

COPENHAGEN 2015

Our incredible All Star Reserves are about to embark on their third European away trip, as they head off to Copenhagen tomorrow to enter a tournament!

On Saturday, they will first face Copenhagen Roller Derby, before quickly getting back on track and battling it out with Malmo B. Then, they’ll get to sit back, relax, and enjoy those two take each other on track to decide the ultimate tournament winner!

Just a few weeks ago, this dedicated and tight knit team took a trip down to Manchester to play Rainy City B. Rainy were strong, hard and fierce, and though the game was hard fought, Rainy took the gold. But, they learned a lot, and have put this to use. They have trained hard and are ready to give it everything they have in Denmark.

Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes on the Facebook page for scores and updates! We are holding out for two wins, but whatever happens, we know they will fight hard, play strong, and show Copenhagen how we Party ARRG after the games!

GOOD LUCK ALL STAR RESERVES!

Follow the event here on Facebook.

This month, we are super proud to feature the wonderful LuPaul. Lu has been with ARRG for a few years now, and has recently joined the All Stars Roster, as a crossover. That means she still skates with the All Star Reserves, and will be joining them in Copenhagen at the end of the month when they travel over to play in a one day tournament. Good luck All Star Reserves!

Joined ARRG in: Started fresh meat in January 2011

Role in ARRG: All Star Reserve (and Leithal Weapons) skater…and fairly recently added to the All Stars roster, yay. Oh and currently Co-chair too!

Favourite position to play: Mainly blocker, but anywhere really! I usually block/pivot in games…but I am partial to a bit of Jamming at training, starting to enjoy it quite a lot these days!

Your Derby story - why are you here?: I was introduced to roller derby by a pal of mine who is currently a ref up in Aberdeen (Hi Tessington!), who kept saying “ooh, you’ll love this, do it, go watch an ARRG game”. So I did. ARRG vs. Berlin back in 2010, loved it, and immediately signed up for the Fresh Meat programme. I got my skates in the post (due to a postal error) three days before I went to my first session. So aye, bambi.

Best derby-related advice: I have two pieces of advice. Firstly, I know a lot of folk say this, but…don’t compare yourself to others! I started with practically no skate experience, and found myself getting annoyed I couldn’t get my laps or t-stops when others did, and had to go through fresh meat twice. But people progress at different paces. Focus on your progression, not how it compares to others. Secondly, if you want to improve and progress, do other fitness things outside derby! Weights, plyos, whatever. Get strong, quick, build up your endurance.

What you do for the league aside from skating: I am currently Co-Chair of the ARRG Board, and I also do some things like Facebook and sending press releases for our communications committee, so a busy wee ARRG bee

Any funny/embarrassing derby stories: Well, there was that one time I cracked my rib, with my own skate.

Derby Hero: A little cliché, but pretty much anyone who has given time and supported ARRG and roller derby in general over the years, it has grown so much. There is obviously a few top skaters in top leagues I aspire to, but our skaters who push themselves and work hard to get to where they are, and help out with all the DIY aspects too. Love y’all.

Although, I do want to give a wee shout out to my close pal Rosie, who has recently transferred to ARRG. We started derby at the same time, and even though in different places, her progression and commitment inspires me a bunch.

What do you do outside of derby: I work for a charity (as an exciting finance guy), I am currently studying for a degree through Open Uni, and I do pole fitness/dancing. I like to go upside down on a pole and try and do fancy things, it’s my favourite (other than derby of course!). And my pole pals are awesome. So yeah, pretty busy! I also often hang out with a man people may know as Stephen Tawking, ARRG announcer. We are married. He is good. We pun a lot.

Fun fact about you: I once went on live TV in my youth, and told people how to throw a javelin. Screamed for authenticity. Should’ve carried on with that as a sport too, eh.

Fancy trying roller derby, and being just like LuPaul? Well, we have just the thing. We are holding another taster day - a day to come along and give it a go, without having to buy all your own kit. Our next one is extra special - as we are holding it on the day of our home season final, and the cost includes entry to BOTH games after the taster! You can sit with your new found friends and watch the coaches as they play in the final. Details of how to sign up here.

Our amazing Katy Gordon has recently co-hosted a podcast for Talk Derby To Me!

She’s chatted about everything roller derby, including our new skaters, some of our new transfers, and even managed to get her cats in.

Have a wee listen to her talk about ARRG, our home season, MRDA, British Champs, Chicks in Bowls, and Scottish Roller Derby in general.

Listen here!