VIKINGS IN THE COMMUNITY Players past and present share magical memories
PAST and present Widnes Vikings stars came together to support those who live with dementia.
February’s Chemics Cafe involved former Widnes stars, George Nicholls, Ray Dutton, Tommy Rimmer and Joe Argent who shared their memories of the game.
They were joined by current first teamer Jordan Johnston who told guests about life in the modern Super League.
To mark National Storytelling Week, February’s event focussed on guests sharing their favourite memories of the club.
To support this, a host of memorabilia, photographs and trophies from the Vikings history filled the room.
The cafe is a unique free monthly event that is delivered in partnership with the charity, Community Integrated Care.
The sessions are led by the charity’s specialist dementia team and the Vikings Sports Foundation.
The initiative aims to support those who live with dementia and their loved ones by giving them practical advice as well as opportunities to socialise, have fun and reminisce about special Vikings moments.
Vikings education partnerships manager, Dan Scott, said: “Once again, this month’s Chemics Café was a huge success.
“I would like to firstly thank George Nicholls for organising the ex-Widnes players who came along to the event.
“It always creates a real buzz when guests meet their Widnes heroes.
“I’m proud that the cafe is making a massive difference, helping people gain support and enjoy happy times.”
BBC Radio Merseyside also attended the event and broadcast it on their breakfast show.
Presenter Tony Snell said the event was ‘a great example of the work by Widnes Vikings in the community’.
First team player Jordan said: “It’s been really nice to come along and meet everyone at Chemics Café.
“To hear all the stories and understand people’s connection with Widnes Vikings was brilliant. It’s really important that programmes like this happen.”
Paula Spence is Community Integrated Care’s director of older people’s services.
She said: “It’s been brilliant working in partnership with Widnes Vikings to create the Chemics Cafe.
“Dementia affects so many of us, so it is really important that our support group is open to the whole community and not just people living in our care homes.”
“It’s fantastic to see how it always brings a smile to people’s faces. ●
“It really makes a difference to the lives of people living with dementia – and their loved ones – by coming together, having fun, receiving excellent advice and making new friends.”
The Chemics Cafe is free and open to all. Sessions take place on the first Wednesday of every month from 11am to 12.30pm.