Happy New Year from MRD!

I can't believe it's 2012 already and MRD is into its third calendar year. We've been pretty busy since our last post with another two bouts under our belts for the Check'er Broads (away against Severn Roller Torrent and home against Croydon Roller Derby). Our men's team, New Wheeled Order, played their first full home bout against Tyne and Fear at Mistletoe and Grime and showed just how far they've come. We now have a second women's team, the Phoenix Furies, who will be debuting soon - watch this space! If this wasn't exciting enough, 2012 is shaping up to be a busy year with the Check'er Broads' first bout of the year less than a month away.

2011 has been such an exciting year for us at MRD. Personally I realised my dream of playing roller derby in Manchester in front of friends and family and have enjoyed every second on the track with with my team mates immensely. I'm seeing plenty of updates on Facebook, Twitter and the like from newer members of MRD who have been well and truly bitten by the derby bug and who have brought new and exciting ideas to the table as well as seeing just how much this league means to those who've worked tirelessly since its inception in 2010 to make it into the wonderful creature it now is.

We've got plans for our new intakes as well as we find ourselves in high demand and it's lovely to see so many teams blossoming all over the world as derby takes hold. There was a sterling representation from MRD on the online chat whilst the first Roller Derby World Cup was being streamed and the enthusiasm our members have never ceases to amaze me.

Now we're in the very futuristic-sounding 2012 (where's my hoverboard?) with new skaters, much bouting fun and a new website ahead, we're all making plans to improve ourselves and strengthen our teams so watch out world!

I will leave you with one of my favourite photos of the year, taken by our wonderful photographer, Shirlaine Forrest.

Copyright Shirlaine Forrest 2011

Wishing you all a very happy, bashy 2012!

- Nyte Owl