Open to all, the new Sporting Memories groups – which will take place weekly at six libaries across the county – will also welcome people living with dementia, depression and loneliness by bringing people together to talk about their memories of sport.
The scheme was launched at Ipswich County Library by Roger Osborne and George Burley from the 1978 FA Cup winning Ipswich Town team, sharing their recollections of the day, along with former Olympic discus thrower Professor Bill Tancred MBE, from Felixstowe.
Sporting Memories groups are aimed at anyone over the age of 50, providing people with a chance to revisit memories and share stories prompted by superb sporting images and memorabilia from local and national collections.
As well as being a chance to enjoy looking back and make new friends, the sessions include games, quizzes and a fun game or activity.
Councillor Tony Goldson. Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for health, said: “I am delighted to see Sporting Memories groups spreading across the library network in the county.
“Being at the heart of local communities they provide an ideal location for health and wellbeing activity of this nature and, I am sure, will not only be a great success but also make a meaningful contribution to Suffolk’s long-term ambition of becoming the most active county in England.”
Alison Wheeler, chief executive of Suffolk Libraries, said: “I’m delighted that some of our libraries will be hosting these sessions which are another example of the really valuable community offer Suffolk Libraries continues to develop. It also thrills me because I am a seriously enthusiastic Blues fan.”
However, the project is not just about football and whether its speedway, local club cricket, or visits to the Olympics or Paralympics everyone is encouraged to share their sporting memory whether it’s taking part in sport when they were younger or witnessing an exciting sporting event.
Anyone interesting in helping to facilitate or support the new groups can find out more by contacting Richard Hunt, Suffolk Project Coordinator for the Sporting Memories Network on 07704 977322 or email richard.hunt@sportingmemoriesnetwork.com
There is more information about the new groups on the Suffolk Library website and more information can be found at the national Sporting Memories project.
Sporting Memories Groups will run weekly at the following libraries:
?Ipswich Central Library – every Tuesday from 6 February (2pm to 3.45pm)
? Stowmarket Library – every Wednesday from 7 February (10.30am to 12.15pm)
? Hadleigh Library every Friday from 9 February (2pm to 3.45pm)
? Newmarket Library - every Friday from 9 February (10.30am to 12.15pm)
? Sudbury Library – every Tuesday from 13 February (10.30am to 12.15pm)
? Lowestoft Library – every Thursday from 1 March (10.30am to 12.15pm).
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