As a kid, roller skating on a Friday afternoon was the highlight of my week. We would jump on the big red bus, drive to Village Skateland in North Albury (sadly now a big-box chain store) and go ballistic for two hours. There was a disco ball. There were lollies. There were injuries. There was even a bit of romance. But best of all, there was an 80-year-old grandmother perched high up in a DJ booth, spinning vinyl.
Rhythm is a Dancer, Gloria, Flashdance and Depeche Mode were peppered with Disco-era Whitney and a few slow-and-sultry numbers to aid the aformentioned romance. Disco granny knew her tunes and could mix tracks with the best of them. And although the kids all laughed at her, deep down we wished our grandparents were half as cool.
If she’s still alive, I’m sure she’s holed up in a retirement home somewhere, eating corned beef and rice pudding. But I like to imagine they let her bring out the deck every now and then, for old time’s sake.
BTW, thanks to Krisan for the awesome self-portrait.
Sure do remember, Nanna (Norma) During the speed skating she would always play Rackabilly Rebel or Footloose…….Ah the memories. Spent most of my childhood at that rink.
Norma – that’s it! I couldn’t remember her name for the life of me… tks for your comment, you’ve put that to rest now!