OLDER people looking to spend some quality time with like-minded residents are welcome to join a new social club aimed at reminiscing about great sporting achievements.

The Sporting Memories group has begun at the Alderney Community Centre and meets once a fortnight bringing people together to play activities and engage in an hour's talk.

From 10am-12pm on alternate Saturdays, group members can enjoy refreshments while talking about their sporting heroes from their childhood and the best goals they'd seen scored.

It forms part of the national initiative run by the Sporting Memories Network, aimed at people in isolation and those suffering from the early stages of dementia or memory loss.

Judith Bacon, of the Poole Wellbeing Collaborative voluntary organisation, said: "We're working with Prama [home care services] to get this initiative off the ground.

"The Sporting Memories Network is a national initiative using sport to help people reminisce, either by remembering something they took part in or remember watching."

Valerie Willis, who started the group, said: "We have the sport because it helps to jog people's memories, particularly those of men.

"Women have lots of different groups but we're targeting men who are often lonely and just want to come and socialise."

Ms Bacon added: "The next session is car rallying and we have cards that have been produced which help to stimulate."

The theme of Saturday's session (OCT 22) was 1966 which saw a fair few accounts of England's legendary 4-2 triumph over West Germany in the World Cup.

Mrs Willis added: "All would be welcome. It's a lovely venue - which we've been given to use for free. We are very lucky."

Transport is available to those who are unable to reach the centre themselves.

Judith added: "We hope to grow into the borough. We're very keen to welcome new members and it's free."

For more information call Ms Bacon on 01202 977073 or email judith.bacon@pwbcollaborative.org.uk.

The next session takes place on November 5.