Rugby Memories Group

[josie andrews]

Wigan Warriors Community Foundation and Fur Clemt launch Rugby Memories Group

John Bateman attends to speak with members

Group meets fortnightly at Fer Clemt, Central Park with all welcome
Wigan Warriors Community Foundation and Fur Clemt, the pay as you feel Café at Central Park, have launched a new initiative to help combat loneliness and isolation by way of a dementia friendly Rugby Memories Group.

The Rugby Memories Group is an informal space for local people to meet up and chat about all things Rugby. The group reminisce looking at old photos and programmes whilst watching a game together.

The sessions are held fortnightly on a Tuesday afternoon 2-4pm at Fur Clemt at Central Park on Montrose Avenue, Wigan.

Special guests are invited to the sessions to speak with members with Wigan player John Bateman and Warriors Welfare Manager Steve McCormack attending this week.

Warriors Community Health and Wellbeing Manager, Claire Taylor, said: “Fans of Rugby socialise through sport so this group has been formed to bring people from the community together and encourage social interaction to help combat isolation and loneliness.

“It’s great to see people come to life when they talk about their memories of their time supporting Wigan, going to the big games, going on the journey to Wembley and enjoying the whole day. There are so many great memories around supporting the team and by reminiscing on those that can really help people who are maybe feeling a bit lonely and people who are living with dementia.”

Wigan Warriors and England player, John Bateman, called in to surprise Lily and Mary, two members of the group who live with dementia. The pair are John’s biggest fans and were given a gift of hospitality places at the Club’s upcoming game against Wakefield.

John was full of praise for the group, he said: “The Rugby Memories Group is a really great idea and something that is only going to grow and grow. There’s nothing better than chatting about the rugby with your mates, this group is what that’s all about and I really enjoyed chatting with everyone down there. If that can help stop people feeling lonely and isolated and also help those living with dementia then that’s great.”

Alongside the Rugby Memories Group, staff at the Club are to have dementia awareness training and the Club will look at how to make the Wigan Warriors matchday experience more friendly for those with dementia.

Claire Taylor, added: “We want the Club to be dementia friendly and to make sure that anyone with dementia feels welcome at Wigan. With the help of Wigan Council our aim is to become the first dementia friendly club in Rugby League.”

The Rugby Memories Group meet fortnightly on a Tuesday afternoon 2-4pm at Fur Clemt at Central Park on Montrose Avenue, Wigan. For more information please contact Claire Taylor: c.taylor@wiganwarriors.com

http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news/2018- ... YwbsjJu.99

[w.thomas]

I like a good heart warming story like this! We as a club should do a lot more of it. Warms the cockles it does. Well done to all involved

[josie andrews]

http://www.itv.com/news/granada/update/ ... -dementia/