5th July 2019

Steve Burtenshaw, former Brighton & Hove Albion FC player who played 237 league  games for the club, has become a regular at a new reminiscence group for older people to share their sporting memories.

The 83-year-old who was involved in the game for over 50 years and also managed at Arsenal, Everton, Sheffield Wednesday and QPR  is currently a resident at local charity Guild Care’s Caer Gwent nursing home.

   

Every Thursday from 10am to 11.30am Steve is taken to the Sporting Memories Group at Worthing Football Club by Caer Gwent’s team leader, Sammy Paynter

The aim of the session is to engage older members of the local community in social activities through their love of sport.   During a recent visit Steve struck up a conversation with former player Vince Taylor, 92, who played war -time games for Arsenal in the 1940’s and then went on to play for Worthing Football Club.   One of the memories that Steve recalled was when he played opposite the Manchester United legend Duncan Edwards at an England School Boys training match when he was 15.  

Steve said: “I really enjoy coming to the group and talking, as it stirs up lots of good memories from the past.”

Linda Bowen, of Sussex Cricket Foundation who leads the sessions, said “Keeping active and socialising is key to good physical and mental well-being. The aim of this club is to provide a fun, sociable and friendly atmosphere where all sports fans or ex-players are able to simply talk sport!”

Sammy Paytner added: “It’s great to be able to bring Steve along to the club and talk about football which has been such a passion for him throughout his life, so we’re thankful to be able to come along each week. Everyone is so friendly and we all have a laugh together.”

Anyone who would like to attend the sessions, or who knows someone that would like to or, and would like more information please contact Linda Bowen on 07947 521836 or email [email protected]

To find out more about Guild Care call its Customer Services Team on 01903 327 327 or email [email protected].