The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Royal award for voluntary group’ s work
Carnoustie Memories is changing the lives of local families by bringing a sense of belonging to those affected by memory loss.
Through its golf and football groups the organisation has been a success story from its foundation eight years ago.
The Angus initiative even inspired America’s first golf memories group at the globally renowned Sawgrass home of the Players Championship in Florida.
And the project has now added its name to the Angus roll of honour as the holder of a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The accolade is the highest in the land for groups such as Carnoustie Memories – volunteering’s equivalent of the MBE.
The awarding of the honour at the Rookery at Carnoustie Golf Links was an emotional occasion for Angus Lord Lieutenant Pat Sawers and Carnoustie Memories founder and figurehead Lorraine Young.
Mrs Sawers said: “My father suffered from vascular dementia which started our family on a journey of understanding of how memory loss in one family member actually impacts the whole family.
“Dementia is arguably one of the greatest global healthcare challenges we have at the moment. Anything that can be done to provide comfort and support for people who suffer from this illness, or are affected by it, has to be welcomed.
“Carnoustie Memories was established in 2014, the main focus initially being golf.
“At that time I was chairman of Carnoustie Golf Links and was wholeheartedly behind the idea of Carnoustie Golf Memories.
“I think we saw it as another golf club for very special members. This quickly moved to include football memories in 2016 with sessions of both groups being open to everyone.
“As well as browsing old photographs to help stimulate memory, the groups have a strong active approach, with participants boosting their physical and mental health.”
The golf group remains based at Links House beside the town’s Championship course.
Football memories sessions take place at Kinloch Care Centre where a Ewart’s pie and Bovril are served at half-time.
The lord lieutenant added: “Everything Carnoustie Memories does is to reconnect the members with their passion for sport either as a player or a fan.
“It provides them with the platform to be part of a club again and the social interaction associated with that.”
She added: “We are truly indebted to Lorraine Young and all the volunteers who support Carnoustie Memories.”
After receiving her award, Ms Young said: “The volunteers, members and carers are the real unsung heroes of Carnoustie Memories.”