Q&A: Getting to know the charity making Sporting Memories in South Yorkshire

Last month we teamed up with The Sporting Memories Foundation to highlight their #TalkAboutSport campaign.
John Longstaff, third from the left, with members of Sheffield’s Sporting Memories branch.John Longstaff, third from the left, with members of Sheffield’s Sporting Memories branch.
John Longstaff, third from the left, with members of Sheffield’s Sporting Memories branch.

Sporting Memories was founded in Yorkshire in 2011 and aims to tackle dementia, depression and loneliness by using the power of sport – providing a valuable service that has become even more relevant during the pandemic.

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Their South Yorkshire branch in Sheffield recently celebrated their fifth anniversary – so we caught up with John Longstaff, lead volunteer facilitator at Crystal Peaks and Manor Libraries in Sheffield.

Why did you start volunteering with Sporting Memories and what does your role entail?

I started volunteering when my daughter, Rachel, referred me to an article in the The Star about setting up a new group in Sheffield libraries specifically for men aged over 50 who had early stage Dementia/Alzheimers or were lonely or isolated, often following a bereavement.

Research had shown that men in these circumstances found it harder to cope and adjust and found it difficult to communicate. It was suggested that sport could be used as a trigger to get them to start chatting as most men like sport.

I was recovering from a serious illness, I had recently retired after 45 years as a civil servant and I have always loved, played and watched a wide variety of sports.

Sporting MemoriesSporting Memories
Sporting Memories
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I turned up for the first meeting at Crystal Peaks library in October 2015 and was immediately hooked.

Initially, along with Richard Harvey, I supported the library staff, Tricia and Sally, by organising quizzes, leading discussions and making the ‘lads’ feel at home.

From the start it has been a team effort. All of the other library staff have selflessly supported the initiative, strongly encouraged by the library manager, Sandra.

For four and a half years we would have about 20 attendees every Tuesday, until Covid-19 intervened.

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After 18 months, under the guidance of Claire and Chris at Manor Libraries, we started a group there and we hosted about 15 members every Wednesday.

My role has developed to include arranging guest speakers, outings to places such as the Town Hall to see the Lord Mayor, Hillsborough and the English Institute of Sport. I also represent Sporting Memories at regional and national levels and on the Sheffield Home of Football Committee.

What has given you the most satisfaction since taking up the role?

I have gained a tremendous amount of satisfaction from becoming friends with blokes like Cyril, a former bricklayer, footballer and terrific artist now in his late 80s.

He has seriously deteriorating memory issues but is lovingly supported by his wife, Anita. He gives and receives enormous pleasure from sharing his art with us and recounting tales of meeting the likes of Stanley Matthews and Wilf Mannion.

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Several of the lads have suffered bereavement, diminishing memory and physical illness.

When they arrive they usually have little to say and are often hesitant and lacking in confidence. It is rewarding to see them benefit from the support and friendship of the other lads in the group to the extent that, several weeks later, they are playing a full part in the banter and discussions.

Some of them have eventually produced quizzes or told us stories of their sporting prowess in yesteryear.

I must mention Paul ‘The Biscuit’ Wileman who, in his mid-60s and following a double hip replacement, is still running marathons and triathlons. He is an inspiration to us all!

How popular is Sporting Memories in Sheffield and what do you currently offer?

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Sporting Memories has become increasingly popular in Sheffield.

Apart from the well-attended weekly sessions at Crystal Peaks and Manor Libraries, there have been groups at Woodhouse, Woodseats, Ecclesall, Totley, Parson Cross, Hillsborough, Firth Park and the Central Library.

Some of these have struggled to maintain support and a couple may have gone under. Covid-19 has played its part.

Although the groups are primarily for men who apparently find it harder to communicate than women do in similar circumstances, there have been female attendees at several of the venues.

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Not only have they been welcomed but their sporting knowledge is often superior. We offer tea, coffee, biscuits, cake, friendship, humour, banter, heated but friendly debate and support.

How has Covid-19 changed the way you operate in Sheffield?

Covid-19 has had a major impact on our activities. Regular weekly meetings have proved difficult to arrange.

However, when regulations have permitted and after liaising with the Community Police and Clive Betts MP, we have held several meetings in Sainsburys café at Crystal Peaks.

Andy, the manager, Helen and Debs at Sainsburys have been particularly supportive.

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We are always socially distanced and use all prescribed forms of protection.

We have other venues lined up for when meetings do become possible but we are longing to get back to the libraries.

For more than five months, led by Keith Firminger, we have held weekly Zoom meetings on Tuesday mornings, with an average of 15 attendees, including half a dozen new members.

Guests such as Tony Currie and Chris Turner have chatted with us about their careers.

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I personally keep in touch with around 25 members each week by Whatsapp, text and email to share news and to see how they are.

Mick Broomhead has produced two sports or pop music/film quizzes every week for over five months.

Can you provide any examples of how Sporting Memories has specifically helped members, either before or during the pandemic?

Sporting Memories in the South East of Sheffield, where I’m involved, has brought together people from Mosborough, Manor, Woodhouse, Arbourthorne, Dronfield, Intake, Halfway.

People who had never met before are now firm friends who care about each other.

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We have had men referred directly to us by doctors and social workers who appreciate the benefits to mental health that attendance at our meetings can give.

It has been a joy to see at least some of their anxiety reduce.

Regularly keeping in touch during the pandemic has been particularly welcomed by members.

What sporting topics have proven to be most popular among your members - and how do the Blades and Owls get on with each other?

Football is by far the most popular topic.

In the early days Wednesdayites were more numerous and happier.

Today it’s the Blades fans who have the smiles and numbers.

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However, we do have a very vocal Liverpool fan and former RAF Officer.

Until recently we had a West Ham fan who I still keep in touch with. Carlos Tevez was a regular topic.

In the main the Owls and Blades fans show considerable respect for each other, although United’s 4-2 derby win plus promotion to the Premier League stretched relationships at times.

We do discuss all sports, however. We have several rugby union afficionados, some cricket fanatics and most of us have played many sports, including horse riding.

For more information about Sporting Memories visit www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com.