SPORTING conquests always conjure up enduring memories – a glory goal, a wonder try, a derby grand slam against all the odds.

For the clash between Glasgow’s Irn Bruisers and Brighton Rockers it arrived with a crashing thump midway through the first half.

One of the visiting players – Mistress Von Uber Vixen - found herself airborne after a perfectly-timed take-out by Chemikill Hazard – returning to earth, helmet first, in a dazed heap off the track.

If it had been a ‘Tom & Jerry’ cartoon you would have seen bluebirds circling the Rockers’ head.

Glasgow’s Science Centre at the Pacific Quay is currently home to the Body Works exhibition which opened on 28 March and showcases 115 different interactive displays which explore the science of health and wellbeing in the 21^st Century.

The exhibit was constructed through the expertise of academia and industry professionals who provided guidance and advice for the displays that focuses on the human body and discovers the latest in cutting edge innovation through research within the health and well-being sectors

Saturday, 6 April saw the ARRG Hometeam Finals taking place as a double header in their bout home of Meadowbank Stadium.

It was a fantastic day which saw the 3 hometeams; the Leithal Weapons, the Cherry Bombers and The Skatefast Club battle it out on track in order to secure the coveted Hometeam winner title.......

STORMTROOPERS, dinosaurs, skaters from hell and shiny gold shorts – the opening GRD Home Teams event was a wonderful, awe-inspiring mash-up of sport, high-octane action and fabulous fun.

To misquote a line from 300 – “This is blasphemy, this is madness … this is DERBY!”

Glasgow Roller Derby are proud to have Glasgow Women’s Aid as our 2012 nominated charity of the year. Thanks to the players and fans who raised money by selling raffle tickets at various bouts throughout the year, a cheque for £534 was handed over to the cause which goes toward helping women, children and youngsters escape domestic abuse by offering support, information and refuge for those most in need.

The charity has been in operation for over 35 years and relies heavily on the support from the general public. If you can help in anyway please go to their website and donate!

Friday, 22 March marked the launch of GRD’s official photographer Dave McAleavy’s inaugural photography exhibition at Cafe Phoenix in Glasgow’s West End. Dave has been shooting the team at both home and away bouts since November 2010, including a whirlwind trip to Toronto for the Derby World Cup.

Following on from our recent political praise, one Member of the Scottish Parliament has gone so far as to have a motion raised in the Scottish Parliament backing the Bruisers quest to America.

SCOTLAND'S Deputy First Minister has hailed Glasgow Roller Derby as "incredibly inspiring" and backed their mission to take the States by storm.

Fellow MSPs, MPs, councillors and MEPs have also backed the fundraising campaign kicked off by the GRD to help the Irn Bruisers compete in the annual East Coast Derby Extravaganza in Pennsylvania.

It's one of the biggest and best derby events in the world and Ms Sturgeon has backed the GRD to fly the flag.