Photos of Largs Thistle’s dramatic Scottish Cup win in 1994 stirred memories for people living with dementia at a new group operating in the town.

The first “Largs Lads and Sporting Memories Group” met up at Masonic Hall recently.

The group has been set up by the Dementia Support Service of North Ayrshire Council as a way of encouraging men with dementia to be able to enjoy and relive moments of sporting history.

Co-ordinator Lawrence Lindsay explained: “Sport and music reminiscing is a great way for persons with dementia to enjoy attending groups. The use of gentle quizzes based around the use of images act as a prompt to stimulate recollections. The feel good factor of attending a group can sometimes stay with the person for the rest of the day. They might not remember the conversations but they will know something good has happened.

The Masonic Social Club was selected as a venue because of the informal setting of a pub atmosphere where men can relax and enjoy some conversation. There is the added benefit of availability of darts, pool and carpet bowls. The masons currently raise funds for the Iris Murdoch Building of The University of Stirling where research is made into bringing about lasting and meaningful improvements to the lives of people with dementia and their carers. The lodge also raises funds for other charities.

The first group event went well with attendees enjoying the available activities. There was musical interludes, one with images of Ayrshire’s great sporting stars and teams.

An image based quiz about “Scotlands Great Sporting Stars” was answered well. There was also a fun quiz about “Famous Film and TV Props” which included musical as well as visual prompts.

The hope is that this group will grow in numbers and be expanded to other areas of North Ayrshire.

The next group will be held at Masonic Social Club on Thursday 26 March (the last Thursday of each month) at a slightly earlier time of 3pm to 5pm. There are car parking facilities to the rear of the building by New Street. Anyone wanting to attend can arrive on the day, or if you need more information please contact The Dementia Support Service on 01294 602720.