Ex-Glos stars share memories at event to combat isolation among elderly
25 November 2015
Former Gloucestershire stars Mark Alleyne and David “Syd” Lawrence returned to the Bristol County Ground to share memories of their playing careers at a special event to combat isolation among the elderly.
The ex-England pair joined team mates Andy Stovold, Paul Romaines, Dean Hodgson, Andy Brassington and more than 50 older people from across the city to reminisce, socialise and take part in physical activity.
Run by the Sporting Memories Network (SMN) in partnership with Gloucestershire Cricket and two local schools, the 'Chat, Play, Unite' event was the first of its type in the UK.
The charity - who have held regular reminiscing sessions at the Bristol County Ground for the last two years – aim to bring older people together by sharing their memories of watching or playing sport.
Chris Wilkins, co-founder and director of SMN said: “It was the first time we have done something like this and we weren’t sure what to expect.
“But it all gelled beautifully, old and young, people from different communities, coming together with cricket being the hook.
“It was a wonderful day with lots of energy and lots of smiling faces – it was wonderful to see.”
To listen to the full interview with Chris, Mark Alleyne and Syd Lawrence click below:
During the afternoon participants were given the opportunity to listen to players’ recollections of their own careers and key moments in the club’s history including the 1977 Benson and Hedges Cup win.
They also took part in cricket games and practices with pupils from City Academy in Easton and played board games with students from Bedminster Down Secondary School.
One participant, Dorry – an avid football, cricket and wrestling fan said: “It has been a wonderful experience and I hope to have the chance to come again.
“I particularly enjoyed the batting – I hit the ball 38 times and the young people couldn’t get the bat off me!”
“It was great to meet people – young and old and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”
In addition to the activities “Memory Makers” from Bedminster Down spoke to participants and recorded their memories of being a Gloucestershire Cricket fan to use at similar events in the future.
Former Gloucestershire and England fast bowler David Lawrence said: “It’s been great, meeting up with my old pals and sharing some memories. In sport those are the things that you hold on to.
“I know from personal experience with my father that trying to get him out to do things in the community is really important – especially at this time of year.”
Mark Alleyne, who captained Gloucestershire through the most successful period in their history added: “Cricket lends itself to a real community feel. When we played, the crowd and the supporters were always involved. I hope arrangements like this can become more regular at the County Ground.”
There are already plans in place for similar events in January and March.
And Gloucestershire Cricket’s Head of Community Engagement, Roz Hutchings said the scheme was a great example of how the club could help make a real difference to people in the local community.
She said: “We are very proud of our partnership with SMN and days like this just show the power of sport to bring people together – particularly those who might be alone at this time of year.”
“It was clear that the participants enjoyed having the chance to interact with the secondary school pupils and got a real buzz out of coming to the Bristol County Ground and meeting some of the players they have enjoyed watching over the years.”
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