Skater of the Month - Honour ArseNic

NAME: Honour ArseNic

NUMBER: 1971

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I went along to a taster session in March 2013 that DRG put on during International Women’s Week. I’d chickened out of going the year before and nearly did again but am now so glad I didn’t. Even though I had to be helped into the hall and could hardly move on the skates I was hooked and went along to the next DRG bout. I then began Fresh Meat in June 2013. Since then derby has become a huge and really important part of my life. I love the freedom you feel on skates. I also love watching bouts and being a Non-Skating Official (NSO) at scrims.

Tell us about your derby name and number?

When I started Fresh Meat there was no rush to pick a derby name but I knew I wanted to have Nic in my name somehow. I Googled “words ending in Nic!” One that stood out straight away was “Arsenic” but I needed something to add to it. At times Fresh Meat was really hard. The minimum skills we had to pass to be scrim and then bout ready did not come easily to me. And I fell a lot! I mean I really, really fell a lot!! But I kept getting back up and trying again and again and again. This led nicely to a play on words to come up with Honour ArseNic. My derby name is about not taking myself too seriously. I’m also a Game of Thrones geek and associate honour with one of my favourite families, House Stark.

I didn’t really have a number that was significant so picked 1971 as it’s the year I was born. I’m proud to be one of the older skaters in DRG.

What is your skate gear of choice?

Riedell She Devil skates, 89a and 92a Zombie wheels, 187 knee and elbow pads, 187 wrist guards, anarchy gaskets, SFR helmet and sisu mouth guard.

Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?

The last time I’d played a team sport was hockey at school. Since then it has primarily been individual sport such as swimming, running and weight training. However, having two boys and all the other things that can get in the way of exercising regularly kind of did for a while. Derby has given me the motivation to try to get fitter and stronger again.

What is your position of choice?

Blocker, especially in an anchor position. I would love to become more agile on my skates to improve my positional blocking and to jam.

Which teams have you skated with?

I had an amazing time skating with The Press Gangsters in the DRG Home Teams season. I was so proud that the Gangsters won the final. Go Gangsters Go!

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

The night before I always check my skates, wheels and toe stops. For the home team bouts I ate porridge for breakfast and had a banana, nuts and raisins for a snack. For each I tried to be calm when putting on my kit and really listen to what my captain was saying.

Post bout, it’s a lovely hot shower and going to the after party.

How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?

I would say my playing style is a work in progress! I’m happy to say though that my previous signature move of falling on my arse is occurring a lot less these days.

What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?

I’m a part-time college lecturer teaching on the HNC Early Education and Child Care and PDA Education Support Assistance courses. I came to this via a number of years working with children, young people and adults with learning and physical disabilities and their families.

Derby has without a doubt had a positive effect on the rest of my life. As a Mum of two young boys it’s given me some “Me” time as well as created two Dundee Roller Boys! My husband and I definitely have to be a lot more organised juggling my derby time, his bowling and making sure we still have plenty of family time too.

I also have to cope with an ongoing health issue which can really impact on me physically. You’d think this wouldn’t mix too well with derby! And yes at times I’m not able to attend training because of it. But derby has actually helped me so much. I’m getting fitter and stronger. The attitude I have is also important. If I fall or get hit I get back up again. I keep going. I keep trying. This determination and positivity certainly helps when I’m maybe not having a great day health-wise. One thing I decided early on in Fresh Meat was to try not to say I can’t do something rather to always add “yet” to the end when I felt that way about a skill. The other skaters have been so supportive and encouraging. I want them all to know how much of a difference they have made in my life. I feel accepted just as I am and really appreciate this.

Favourite motivational quote?

“The one who falls and gets up is so much stronger than the one who never fell”

“You will get there when you are meant to get there and not one moment sooner… so relax, breathe and be patient” (Mandy Hale)

“The secret of learning to be ill is this: Illness doesn’t make you less of what you were. You are still you” (Tony Snow)

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

This is easy for me. I nominate Hits and Pieces (Michelle Donoghue). We met at the taster session and went through Fresh Meat together as part of Team Henry, the coolest group of skaters you could ever meet. Michelle has been so supportive of us all. She is always so positive and encouraging. She’s become a great friend to many people and gives so much to DRG. I love her to bits and pieces!!!