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August 12, 2013
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Today I’d like to introduce you to Gem Warfare.

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I have mentioned it on Facebook and Twitter, and definitely on Instagram, but if you don’t follow me in any of those places (and why not? Anyone would think you didn’t want me pestering you?) then  you might not be aware of my new Roller Derby alter ego.

Back in May, on my birthday, I went along to a Roller Derby bout for our local team the Norfolk Brawds. I’d met the Brawds out at various events, but never seen a Roller Derby bout before, and I loved it! Roller Derby is an all female, full contact sport, where 2 teams of 5 are on the track. One member of each team, the “jammer” has to skate around the track and scores points for each member of the opposing team she passes. The opposing team, naturally, don’t want that to happen, so their job is to block them from getting past. It originally dates back to around the 1930s, but was shut down in the 70s, before being revived in the early 00’s in Texas.

vintagederby

roller derby norfolk brawds

After the bout a friend persuaded a few of us to go along to “Fresh Meat night” on a Monday to learn how to skate. Having not been on a set of wheels since I was about 8 years old I was very nervous, plus, what the hell do you wear to Roller Derby practice? I spent hours trying to find something comfortable I could move in, that looked a bit cool, but not too try hard.

Turns out I don’t have anything like that, so I wore Nike running capris and a striped t shirt. After 10 minutes on a pair of heavy hire skates I found I could actually stay upright, and by the time I had to shoot off at 9pm I was filled with excited confidence.

The friend that persuaded me to go along is the wonderful Cupcakes by Jess, also known as Wild Honey, she had far less experience and confidence than any of us and she’s been a proper inspiration to me. Every time I want to just give up because I’m rubbish at T Stops and I’ll never get it I marvel at how far she’s come through sheer perseverance since our first week when she couldn’t let go of the barrier. Unbeknownst to me she’s been writing a blog about her journey through the Fresh Meat minimum skills. It’s called the Diary of a Roller Derby Rookie, so if you’re curious about Derby, but concerned about having no skills you should give it a read!

Anyway, this weekend was the Norfolk Brawds second public bout of the year, and for the first time I was involved as part of the team. Printed team t shirts had arrived, and Jess had arranged name necklaces from Sugar & Vice.

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Rayner Terror, Chip Vicious, Wild Honey and Gem Warfare

As Fresh Meat we were kept safely away from skates, but we sold raffle tickets, worked the door, set up the after party, laid the track and generally helped out. It was a long, tiring day, but we all said we finally felt like we were part of the team.

I was also tweeting as the official tournament organisers Heartlands, so I felt the pressure a little trying to follow such a fast paced bout!

The Norfolk Brawds were playing Rebellion Roller Derby from Bedfordshire, and after a nail biting first half that finished with the Brawds losing 44-87, they raced ahead in the second half to win 166-122. Watching the A Team in action, after trying some of those skills myself, was both awesome and terrifying. When your skates sometimes seem to have a mind of their own and scoot off in random directions you realise how much skill it takes to jump, spin and twist like that at high speed.

Brawds

We all really finished the day on a high, and it felt amazing to feel part of such an inspiring and motivating group of women.

The After Party was at local pub The Murderers, where much Bonnys Gold, the Norfolk Brawds official ale (I really picked the right team), was consumed.

Of course, much outfit effort was expended, and in the end I decided on nautical Heyday trousers to fit the Brawds sailor theme, with a red, white and blue headscarf and slightly messy nautical nails. You know me, I never turn down the chance to theme an outfit! My pin curls also turned out a bit of a frizz ball, sadly, so forgive the weird fluff!

outfit

❤ T Shirt – Norfolk Brawds ❤ Necklace – Sugar & Vice ❤ Trousers – Heyday! VS ❤
❤ Wedges – New Look ❤ Headscarf – Vintage ❤

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So, 3 months since I first saw a Roller Derby bout and I am now the proud owner of a skate name, an amazing group of supportive friends, and an empty bank account due to spending a stupid amount of money on kit, including an pair of skates that my Dad bought me the BEST pair of toe snouts to protect. I have matching shorts too, I must try and get photo at practice tonight. (keep an eye on my instagram!)

skates

Have you ever seen Roller Derby before? Have you ever played? I’ve been surprised at the number of people who have said they have since I’ve taken it up.

Some handy links for more information!

❤ The Norfolk Brawds official site ❤ The Norfolk Brawds on Facebook ❤ The Diary of a Roller Derby Rookie ❤

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35 Comments

  1. frankiestyling says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    @Retrochick_uk That’s so awesome, Gem! I saw the film ‘Whip It’ & loved it, but I’m definitely not tough enough to try it. Big respect!

  2. Frankie Murray says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Frankie Murray liked this on Facebook.

  3. Karen James-welton says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Karen James-welton liked this on Facebook.

  4. Fiona Phillips says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    Fiona Phillips liked this on Facebook.

  5. perdita says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    I would love to try but can barely stay upright on feet, let alone skates!

    • Gemma says:
      August 12, 2013 at 2:46 pm

      Me either! I was SO impressed I didn’t immediately kill everyone!

  6. Perditaspursuit says:
    August 12, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    RT @Retrochick_uk: Meet Gem Warfare. It’s finally time to talk about how I started #rollerderby //t.co/PY3hnNIYt2

  7. MsNotWeirdAtAll says:
    August 12, 2013 at 3:26 pm

    It looks like you live a true retro life. Looking through your blog is like watching a good old movie 😉

    //msnotweirdatall.blogspot.com/

  8. Caroline Seager says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Caroline Seager liked this on Facebook.

  9. Raymond Seager says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Raymond Seager liked this on Facebook.

  10. Sesame Clyde says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Sesame Clyde liked this on Facebook.

  11. Lorraine Kinsella says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Lorraine Kinsella liked this on Facebook.

  12. Excella Simmons says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Excella Simmons liked this on Facebook.

  13. Tracey Robbins says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Tracey Robbins liked this on Facebook.

  14. Janice Jones says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Janice Jones liked this on Facebook.

  15. Abi Gray says:
    August 12, 2013 at 4:55 pm

    Abi Gray liked this on Facebook.

  16. Annie Tigwell says:
    August 12, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    Wow, you are so fierce! Also, the fluffy hair looks awesome.

    • Retro Chick says:
      August 12, 2013 at 5:24 pm

      Ha ha! Not really, I’m just trying to stand up right now 😀 Thanks for the hair love though!

    • Missy Firestone says:
      August 12, 2013 at 7:34 pm

      Awesome! I do makeup for the LA Derby Dolls – Women’s Banked Track Roller Derby

  17. Helen Mae says:
    August 12, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    I love all your skate names, so awesome! I was considering joining my local roller derby team but I wussed out in the end. I hope you continue to enjoy it 🙂

    • Gemma says:
      August 12, 2013 at 6:13 pm

      You should do it! You can always just try it to see if you enjoy it!

  18. Betsy_Hatter says:
    August 12, 2013 at 6:14 pm

    RT @Retrochick_uk: Adventures in Roller Derby, and this weekends @norfolkbrawds bout //t.co/7pxeQbSfFD

  19. Danielle Vedmore says:
    August 12, 2013 at 9:42 pm

    Them boots are epic! I would love to do it but can barely stay on two feet as it is! You go girl! xoxo

  20. Missy Firestone says:
    August 13, 2013 at 12:07 am

    Missy Firestone liked this on Facebook.

  21. Annie Tigwell says:
    August 13, 2013 at 12:07 am

    Annie Tigwell liked this on Facebook.

  22. Marija says:
    August 13, 2013 at 7:35 am

    Derby – one thing I’d love to try.
    Yes, I fear all my bones might get broken, but those ladies look like they are having so much fun, I’d just love to give it a try.

    Marija
    (from //ruzicastapinkidusica.blogspot.com/)

  23. mireia says:
    August 13, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    Love your blog!!! Is so cute! =)
    -Mireia
    thelittlesecretsblog.blogspot.com

  24. Sally Sutton says:
    August 13, 2013 at 2:53 pm

    Sally Sutton liked this on Facebook.

  25. Sara says:
    August 13, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    I’ve always wanted to go to a roller derby match, we have a pretty good team up in the North East:) Looks like fun.

  26. NorfolkBrawds says:
    August 13, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Blog post by our very own Brawds Gem Warfare about her experience of joining roller derby and helping out at her… //t.co/QIBWAv56YZ

  27. shaun_wilkinson says:
    August 13, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    RT @NorfolkBrawds: Blog post by our very own Brawds Gem Warfare about her experience of joining roller derby and helping out at her… http…

  28. annika - all the live long day says:
    August 15, 2013 at 1:17 pm

    Wow, respect! I just tried rollerskating for the first time in ages last week, and I don’t know how you roller-girls do it so fast and look so cool and compete at the same time!

    • Gemma says:
      August 16, 2013 at 8:19 am

      Just to be clear, I don’t yet! I’ve only been going since June! I fall over and look nervous :o)

  29. jodie says:
    September 20, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    I really want to try this! It looks so much fun although I’m so scared that I’ll completely embarrass myself!

  30. elkee says:
    October 16, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    That looks like an awesome pastime. And you do it in style! Just followed you on Facebook 🙂 I already follow on Instagram.

About Me

Gemma
Incurable cancer, cocktails & fitness. Size Inclusive Personal Trainer, red lipstick wearer, cocktail drinker. Multiple Myeloma June 2021. Norwich, UK
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