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Finding a Club to call home – Meet our Caerphilly Club Member Ian

Our Clubs are full of wonderful stories of how our sessions provide an opportunity to enjoy an activity away from the usual pattern of life, and for one member of our new Sporting Memories Wales Club in Caerphilly, it proved to be invaluable. 

Ian’s Sporting Memories journey

Five years ago Ian had a stroke which affected his health and as part of his rehabilitation, he was encouraged to join one of our Sporting Memories online sessions during lockdowns, as no physical Clubs were taking place at the time.

Prior to his stroke, Ian was a keen sportsman and often played football regularly in Cardiff, so with his interest in sport, Ian agreed to join the sessions. Ian really enjoyed his time with Sporting Memories during those initial online sessions, participating in the sports-focused quizzes as well as speaking with other like-minded individuals.

As the lockdowns came to an end, Ian attempted to visit in-person sessions in Cardiff and Penarth over the following years. But as Ian is not able to drive following his stroke and based in Cwmbran, it had become increasingly difficult for him to make the sessions regularly.

Launching a new Club nearby

Earlier this year, we launched a new Club in Caerphilly Rugby Club, so our Project Coordinator for Wales, Rob Baker, got back in touch with Ian to inform him about the new Club and if he would like to attend. Ian was elated and jumped at the chance of being part of a Sporting Memories Club once again, as he could attend without the issues of travelling a significant distance away.

Since the Club has launched, Ian hasn’t missed a session and has become a big contributor to the sessions providing recollections of many sporting memories, as well as getting stuck into the conversations about sport happening today.

Ian would like more people to join him!

We briefly caught up with Ian as he shared how much he is enjoying the new Club in Caerphilly and why he would encourage others from the local area to join him for the weekly sessions.

“When Rob told me about the new club in Caerphilly I was excited, I have been involved with Sporting Memories for about five years and love the sessions.

“Now I have a weekly session at my local (rugby) club it has made such a difference. I really enjoy popping along for a cup of coffee and a biscuit and listening to stories from other members and enjoy taking part in the quizzes too.

“I told my friend about it and he is now coming along too. I hope the club continues and we can increase member participation as the group is a god send”.

Our Caerphilly Club takes place every Friday at the Molex Stadium, between 11:00am to 12:30pm. To find out how you, a friend, or loved one can join the Club, contact Rob via rob.baker@sportingmemories.uk or call 07515 916 305.