Football memories helping dementia

“It was a real shock to the system for both of us because he’s so fit and healthy,” Agnes admitted.

Former policeman Alex, 72, said: “We’ve been encouraged to go out and join in with groups like this.

“I’m really enjoying it and there’s great banter.

“I’ve been coming to Hearts games since I was four and I’m still a season ticket holder, I never miss a game and my grandson comes with me now.

“When I was a police officer and I knew I had a shift on a Saturday, I would try to make sure I was posted

Agnes and Alex Turner (above) and others at Tynecastle. to Tynecastle – I’d watch the pitch more than I’d watch the stands!”

The football memories sessions at Tynecastle last for 90 minutes and pies and tea are served halfway through.

“I’ll go anywhere for a pie and a cup of tea,” Alex Alexander laughed.

The 88-year-old has been attending the project with his son, Ally, for several months and the former Tynecastle postman agrees that it’s good for him and brings a lot of memories flooding back.

Michael White is behind the Football Reminiscence Project and manages it from Hampden Park. He’s also the historian for Falkirk FC.

“It came about by chance,” he explained.

“Men are notoriously hard to engage in care homes, so I was asked to visit a day centre with football memorabilia and I was amazed at how clear the men’s recollections were about games from decades ago when they struggled with day-to-day memories.

“They could remember what the weather was like at a game, how they travelled there, where they went for a pint and who scored the goals.

“This was in 2004. I then trialled it at Hibs and Aberdeen and in 2011 it became an initiative between the national stadium and Alzheimer Scotland.

“There are also groups for other sports like rugby, shinty and cricket, as well as movie memories.”

Former Scotland boss Craig Brown is a big supporter of the project.

“I went along to groups in Ayr and Kilmarnock with former Rangers player Johnny Hubbard and they were great experiences,” he said.

“It shows you the power football.”

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