by Mel Blackwood Roller Girl Gang's vision is to empower people to roller skate into their most joyful life. Stories are powerful and even more so when they are told by individuals. This project has been very humbling. The very personal things that folks have chosen to share are gifts. You'll see! Episode 2: Eleanor Everyone has a story to tell. We want to learn more about why roller skates are so special to so many people – no matter your age, gender, race, culture or ability. We hope this series inspires you to try roller skating, because roller skating brings us so much joy! Eleanor (she/he ..read more

by Mel Blackwood I'm delighted to present an inspirational collection of stories that will be sure to make you proud, laugh and maybe cry (I love a good cry!) as well as reflect on your own journey. Our vision is to empower people to roller skate into their most joyful life. Stories are powerful and even more so when they are told by individuals. This project has been very humbling. The very personal things that folks have chosen to share are gifts. You'll see! Episode 1: Leah Everyone has a story to tell. We want to learn more about why roller skates are so special to so many people – no matt ..read more

by Mel Blackwood I'm delighted to present an inspirational collection of stories that will be sure to make you proud, laugh and maybe cry (I love a good cry!) as well as reflect on your own journey. Our vision is to empower people to roller skate into their most joyful life. Stories are powerful and even more so when they are told by individuals. This project has been very humbling. The very personal things that folks have chosen to share are gifts. You'll see! Episode 1: Leah Everyone has a story to tell. We want to learn more about why roller skates are so special to so many people – no matt ..read more

by Mel Blackwood @troubleon8wheels Last weekend, the latest Dove campaign caught my eye. #TurnYourBack . It was a bittersweet moment. I feel saddened that so many people feel they are somehow not enough and use filters to enhance or change their image. At the same time, it's great that some companies are recognising the long term potentially harmful effects of social media use on mental health. It is scary that young children are using beauty enhancing filters! In our shop, we have discussions about social media (and lots of other things). We regularly hear "It's a necessary evil", "I don't r ..read more

by Mel Blackwood @troubleon8wheels At the dawn of the New Year, I decided that 2023 would be the year I go to the skate park more than once. In 2022, I managed a skate park meet up just once! In the Summer, I injured my right knee quite badly and although I have full range of movement, my left leg has become the more dominant one for now. We solve problems based on pain points and currently I am mostly fine - I manage the situation without painkillers. There is just the odd movement that causes a twinge. I know I know, I need to get it seen to. So, January came and went - I still didn't manag ..read more

By Mel Blackwood @troubleon8wheels Last weekend I recorded my raw thoughts about winning an industry award. I planned to record my thoughts and publish straight away, but just found I didn't quite have the courage to do that. Somehow a blog post just feels slightly more formal than a live video, and I wanted to get it right rather than get it out in a hurry Note: I do quite a bit of driving and I find listening to podcasts and learning or just getting the thoughts out, by recording my thoughts on voice notes is helpful. I can make some sense of the world when my mind has to hold one less piece ..read more

It's fair to say that skaters value play in their lives. But how about the times you are not able to skate? Maybe you're recovering from injury, or there are times when getting our there on your wheels is simply not an option. (Like childcare falling through). There are still opportunities to connect! Have a go at a Game of Sk4t3 (skate) (happy to rename if you would like to make suggestions in the comments!) Don't have a dice? Just search online for 'dice roller' and you'll find plenty. Let us know if you play and send a photo of the funky skates you draw! The roller skates in the illustrati ..read more

by Mel Blackwood @troubleon8wheels My son turns 18 tomorrow. It's a day not about me, yet I know I need to allow myself time and space to close the door on his childhood and learn how to transition our relationship into adulthood. In truth, he hasn't needed me in the way a child needs me, for a long time. He is fiercely independent (I wonder where he gets that from), loving, loyal to his friends, funny and creative. I'm very proud of the human he has grown into. What now then? I suppose in the immediate future, nothing will really change. He will complete college and then make a plan for what ..read more

We'd love to learn more about your roller skate motivation, particularly if you are a minority gender, queer person, person of colour, over 40, or any other marginalised group. However, if you do not fit these criteria, please do still get in touch! You can be at ANY skill level. You need to be willing to be recorded online, over Zoom, in a 10 minute interview with Mel, and to have this video shared. You'll receive the questions in advance to prepare. Drop an email to skate@rollergirlgang.co.uk if you're interested, and we will get back to you. Why are we doing this? Stories are powerful. The ..read more

by Mel Blackwood @troubleon8wheels I've seen one too many adverts for 'getting myself into shape' this year, and we are only 2 weeks into 2023. It seems like any time I think about buying 'athletic' wear, my phone assumes I now want to 'get fit' and shows me a load of other adverts related to being athletic. In the broadest sense of the term, I do. I'm actually just buying athletic wear because it is stretchy and comfortable. It also makes a great second layer under my joggers at this time of year. What I am less interested in, is weight loss, and that is because any time I have been a small d ..read more