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Sporting Memories sparks bright in Flint thanks to Reg and co.

Earlier this month we celebrated our first Sporting Memories Day and as part of the celebrations, we were contacted by our Club held at Flint Library to share the brilliant story of the volunteers and staff that have made the sessions a success!

The Club started life as an online gathering during the Covid period but has since gone on to host weekly sessions at the Library over the past few years that have seen members of the local community gather for a morning of enjoyable conversations and so much more.

Meet Reg

One of the stalwarts of the Flint Club has been Reginald M Collins, known to colleagues and local residents as Reg, For around six years, Reg has volunteered his own time to help run the weekly Sporting Memories group at Flint Library.

Reg is well known in the local community having supported Gwella, the operators of the library, having spent the past 11 years delivering books to housebound residents in the local area so they can continue to enjoy reading.

A passionate Wrexham AFC supporter and season-ticket holder, Reg brings plenty of enthusiasm to the sessions, although he is quick to recognise that the group’s success comes from the people who attend.

Reg said: “It’s everyone who comes to the group that makes it so enjoyable, and everyone brings something to the group. Over the years, the group has created countless opportunities for members to reminisce, share experiences and enjoy each other’s company.”

With help from the local community

Among Reg’s favourite memories is a quiz put together by group member George, based on sporting events he had personally attended. He also credits Judith, who was a Library Assistant at Flint Library and helped establish the group, and Mark, who continues to support its activities.

Charlotte Lewis, Marketing Manager at Gwella, was keen to highlight how Sporting Memories has naturally fitted into the community offering at the library during Sporting Memories’ 15th anniversary celebrations.

“The Sporting Memories session always gets a good number of people along each week and that success reflects the wider importance of libraries as welcoming community spaces, providing opportunities for social interaction, shared interests and improved wellbeing.

“As Sporting Memories celebrates 15 years of bringing people together through sport, the Flint Club is a reminder that sometimes the simplest activities, from sharing a sporting memory to enjoying a conversation over a cup of tea, can make a meaningful difference.

The Sporting Memories group meets every Wednesday at Flint Library, from 10.30am to 12pm. New members are welcome to come along, share their memories and enjoy good company. To find out more about joining the sessions, contact Flint.Library@gwella.wales