I was influenced by the film Whip It and one of DRG's skaters at the time (Redrum Racer) spent months convincing me to give roller derby a try, so I joined DRG's NSI intake in 2014. I used to enjoy skating when I was younger and stupidly assumed that starting skating again in my 40s would be a doddle (it wasn't!). I can honestly say that roller derby changed my life for the better. It gave me the confidence to try things outside of roller derby that I wouldn't usually try and I became part of a very unique and empowering community.

I started skating at the ripe old age of 39 after relocating to Dorset and discovering I lived round the corner from a roller disco. After a year of disco I heard about DRG and decided to give derby a go. I’ve never been great at team sports - I have 2 left feet and am not the most nimble of people - but as soon as I met the team, I knew I had found my tribe. No matter how rubbish my week has been, when I rock up at training it all melts away and I leave with a grin on my face.

SKATER OF THE MONTH - NOV 25!

I joined DRG September 2024, with no previous skating experience. I’ve been told slippery,nippy and chaotic! My proudest moment is having been lead jammer and scoring some points in my first ever game in Ireland.

I joined DRG’s NSI in 2015 after deciding it was time to dust off my skates for the first time since I was younger. It was definitely harder than I remembered, but sticking with it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The last decade has been the best of my life, filled with incredible experiences and memories I never expected to make. As a blocker, I love the teamwork and strategy of roller derby, working together to support my teammates and celebrate our successes. Derby has given me lifelong friendships, a fantastic community and an amazing team I’m proud to be part of.

I joined DRG in September 2024, having secretly dreamed of learning to rollerskate since I was younger, inspired by Olivia Newton-John in the ‘80s film Xanadu. After emergency stoma surgery in November 2023 left me in hospital for six weeks, I promised myself that if I made it out, I’d learn to skate! When I finally saw DRG’s intake advertised, I was nervous and couldn’t imagine skating like the team, especially with a stoma — but with a hernia belt and guard, it’s all good. I’ve even helped inspire a former DRG skater to return after her own stoma surgery, which makes me so happy. Two years on, I’m loving it and so grateful to have found such a supportive, encouraging team that I’m proud to be part of!

I loved skating as a child and teen, and discovered DRG about ten years ago after watching Whip It, but family commitments meant I couldn’t join at the time. After an exceptionally difficult few years, the stars finally aligned and I signed up for NSI in September 2025, aged 49, with the motto “You only live once!” I knew nobody, but everyone was so friendly, and I’ve found a really safe, inclusive space where I feel part of the team. My skating has improved so much, I’ve achieved my dream of skating backwards, and I’ve even taken part in my first scrim! My Derby number honours my late husband Nick, who will forever be 43, and I’m looking forward to what comes next — Go DRG!

I joined DRG during NSI in 2025, having never worn a pair of skates in my life! I came wanting to learn a skill I’d admired for years, but ended up falling in love with both the hobby and the sport, and the tenacity of every skater. The community makes you want to support each other, work harder and get the most out of yourself — a true found family. Learning and doing NSO roles at games has also been a hidden gem, and I’d highly recommend it, as you can be part of Derby without putting skates on. Outside Derby, I’m an illustrator, study at uni part-time (which Derby is very flexi on 😉), and enjoy the most sedentary hobbies imaginable, so Derby gets me moving too!

I joined DRG in September 2025 as a gift to myself, looking for a Queer LGBTQIA+ safe space to improve my skating, socialise and try Derby. I found something really special: an incredibly beautiful, inclusive community and friendships that mean so much to me. Training has helped me grow both my skating and personal skills, becoming stronger and more confident in pushing myself to learn and do more in life and on eight wheels. Including my Princess tippy toe stop runs!

I always loved rollerskating on the mean streets of Parkstone as a kid, but it took me 39 years to put it to any use! I’ve been doing Derby on and off for nearly 7 years, starting with Brighton Rockers C-Siders before moving to DRG in 2026 and going straight into the 5 Nations tournament. Coming from chronic illness and a complete lack of sportiness, it might take this old codger a bit longer to learn the moves, but I’ve really surprised myself with what I can do! The big, big thing, though, is the people: kooky, compassionate, determined and joyous. Derby teammates are the best.