Special memories

A football-based initiative that uses sport to stimulate memories in older people is paying dividends for ladies and gentlemen living at Brockington – and it also brought back particularly special memories for a former Hereford Town footballer!

As part of the Talk Football project, Herefordshire FA Development Manager Scott Russell regularly visits Brockington to help residents reminisce.

And the residents recently made an ‘away’ trip to have a look round Herefordshire FA’s County Ground headquarters.

The visitors included Brockington House resident and former Hereford player Bob Dixon in their number. He played for the club in the 1960s.

“We really enjoyed having them and they all seemed to enjoy the trip,” said Scott.

“Many of them had never seen a 3G pitch before so that was an eye opener compared to the muddy pitches of old they would have played on or watched.”

There was also plenty to celebrate about the past as well. The residents had a chance to lift Herefordshire FA’s most prized possession which dates back to its formation – the 130-year-old senior county cup.

Talk Football aims to stimulate memory, combat isolation, and get people talking. Whilst football is the initial kick-off of conversation, it doesn’t end there. For example, a photograph of the 1966 World Cup winning team can spark conversation about what residents were doing when England won the trophy, whilst an image of Wembley hosting Live Aid opens the door for music memories.

“It’s amazing how the memories and chat starts flowing and there’s usually some tea and cake not far away which always helps things,” said Scott.

Brockington House Activity Lead Tara Chatterley-Russell said: “It’s so important to keep active both mentally and physically and the regular visits from Hereford FA help our ladies and gentlemen do that.

“They are extremely popular so it was nice to be able to take some of our residents out on a trip to Herefordshire FA to help relive more memories.”