On Saturday we welcomed some very special guests back to Gayfield.
Alzheimer Scotland’s Football Memory Club attended the Arbroath vs Dumbarton game.
It is perhaps best if we let Christine Beaton of Alzheimer Scotland share her thoughts on their day at Gayfield.
“What a thrill it was for Alzheimer Scotland’s Football Memory Club to attend the game today.
Not one person complained about the gale. In fact each time I drew my eyes off the game the whole party seemed to be smiling.
Their smiles got broader as they entered the 36-0 lounge at half-time and spied the hot drinks and pies laid on for them by Kerry.
They tucked in hungrily and seemed to agree that they were the finest pies they’d tasted. In fact although they’d all had lunch pre-match some of them managed to eat TWO pies!!! Brian Cargill and Louise Walker have ensured that we were treated like Royalty.
Meeting us at the Players and Official’s gate we were shown to our seats, then provided with warm cosy Arbroath FC blankets, a lovely considerate touch.
We at Alzheimer Scotland have been extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to facilitate our Football Memory Group at Gayfield.
Arbroath FC have been very kind to us. We are also exceedingly pleased to have been provided with the Memory Box which has been sponsored by Francis Davidson of Avenue Care Services. The Memory Box is in memory John Ritchie who was a pivotal part of Arbroath FC and he always had a football story to tell so it is appropriate that the Memory Box is in Johns name.
It was a very special day, a wonderful opportunity for our people, some of whom had not managed to a game for a good few years. I think the icing on the cake for me has to be noticing that the men who generally find it a bit difficult to rise from their seat rose as one and as one voice as the ball hit the back of the net, not once, not twice but THREE times! C’mon the Lichties!!
A spectacularly great day, with many complimentary comments made by our group as they left”
The Football Memories Project is a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum.
The project was originated and launched six years ago and trains volunteers to spend time with people with dementia who have an interest in football, talking about teams and matches from the past and working with images and tangible memorabilia to stimulate memories.
As well as thanking Christine Beaton, Francis Davidson of Avenue Care and Alzheimer Scotland we would like to thank our volunteers. Maureen Fulton and George Mcainsh who have been involved since the inception of the Memory box here in Arbroath.
Arbroath Hall of Fame’s John Fletcher has also been a regular visitor since the group moved to Gayfield and has brought in many of his own artefacts from his playing days which the group has loved.
Former Arbroath players Tom Cargill and Ian Fleming have also visited the group on occasion to help.
John’s Grandson, Max who is 7 years old attended his first ever Arbroath game and was presented with a signed programme and finally the Alzheimer Scotland’s Football Memory Club Group were presented with the Arbroath FC Football Memories box.
Photographed is Christine Beaton with Arbroath FC Director Brian Cargill and then Christine is holding the Football Memory Box with Vice Chairman Ewen West.
Our box has kindly been sponsored by Francis Davidson of Avenue Care Services and is in Memory of the late John Ritchie.
We hope everyone enjoyed their day and look forward to their return to Gayfield.
If you would like more information about the Arbroath Alzheimer Scotland’s Football Memory Club please email [email protected] or call 01241-872157
This club is not solely for those with dementia or any sort of memory loss. It is open to anyone who wishes to reminisce from time to time.
