DRD Spotlight - Shuggs Bunny

SKATE NAME: Shuggs Bunny | SKATING SINCE: January 2012

How did you hear about Roller Derby and the DRD?

My wife had gone along to a taster session in the November, we both went to watch the next game at DISC and I went and bought skates straight after it. We both started at the next intake in January 2012.

What position do ref in?

I will ref in any position that I am needed in but my favourite is probably OPR because I get to skate fast and a lot

What's your favourite derby memory?

Refereeing the first European MRDA playoffs in Toulouse. I was originally selected as an alt but had to step up to jam ref when someone else was unavailable and I think I proved to the people that believed in me and gave me opportunities that I could ref at that level. It was also a challenge because it was the hottest temperatures I’ve ever officiated in, but I had a fantastic weekend.

Post-pandemic, what are you most looking forward to with getting back to training?

Taking it a bit easier and not being as full on. I’ve enjoyed having more time to myself as being an official takes a lot of work and commitment. It’s been nice having weekends off.

Who is your derby hero?

Candy from Glasgow and Ska from Manchester. They have both been really supportive and given me lots of opportunities outwith the league. Plus there is the added challenge of getting to the venue before Candy does as we both have relaxed attitudes to timekeeping.

Do you play any other sports?

Goalkeeper in field hockey for 30 years, have got right back into it during lockdown as I have been able to play outdoors. I also coach and really enjoy learning new skills and teaching them to others.

Favourite after party memory?

Tampere, I had gone out to ref Granite City Brawlers in 2019 and we were out in the pub when Finland won the Ice Hockey World Championships and it was amazing to be there amongst all the celebrating Finns.

Favourite dessert?

Hard to narrow it down to just one, probably trifle with rhubarb and apple crumble with custard coming a very close second and third.

What’s your favourite animal?

Rabbits and Polar bears, but maybe not together...

Any other hobbies outwith roller derby?

Love going to the gym and running, playing the drums and music in general

Motivational quote?

'Go when you can, not when you need.' Becoming more relevant the older that I get!

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Dundee, love going to visit other places but love coming back to Dundee. Like everywhere else it has good and bad points but the good outweighs the bad and I’m proud of my city.

Who do you choose for next month's DRD spotlight and why?

I nominate G-Wrecks, because she has come so far since she started skating and does so much for the league plus, she tries to remind me when I need to be doing things that I always forget about.