Carnoustie Memories is changing the lives of local families by bringing a sense of belonging to those affected by memory loss.
Through its golf and football groups the organisation has been a growing success story from its foundation eight years’ ago.
The Angus initiative even inspired America’s first golf memories group at the globally-renowned Sawgrass home of the Players Championship in Florida.
And the project has now added its name to the Angus roll of honour as the holder of a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The accolade is the highest in the land for organisations such as Carnoustie Memories – volunteering’s equivalent of the MBE.
Emotional ceremony
The award was announced during the late Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee.
And the handover of the honour was an emotional occasion for Angus Lord Lieutenant Pat Sawers and Carnoustie Memories founder and figurehead Lorraine Young.
Mrs Sawers said: “My father suffered from vascular dementia which started our family on a journey of understanding of how memory loss in one family member actually impacts the whole family.
“Dementia is arguably the one of the greatest global healthcare challenges we have at the moment.
“Anything that can be done to provide comfort and support for people who suffer from this illness, or are affected by it, has to be welcomed.
“Carnoustie Memories was established in 2014, the main focus initially being golf.
“At that time I was chairman of Carnoustie Golf Links and was wholeheartedly behind the idea of Carnoustie Golf Memories.
“I think we saw it as another golf club for very special members.
“This quickly moved to include football memories in 2016 with sessions of both groups being open to everyone.
“As well as browsing old photographs to help stimulate memory, the groups have a strong active approach, with participants boosting their physical and mental health.
The golf group remains based at Links House beside the town’s legendary Championship course.
Pie and Bovril
Football memories sessions take place at Kinloch Care Centre where a Ewart’s pie and Bovril are served at half-time.
The Lord Lieutenant added: “Everything Carnoustie Memories does is to reconnect the members with their passion for sport either as a player or a fan.
“I have seen first-hand the benefit it can make to the people living with memory loss.
“It provides them with the platform to be part of a club again and the social interaction associated with that.
“For the carers, they see the person with memory loss being part of a group, engaging with other members, no longer being alone and isolated.”
“We are truly indebted to Lorraine Young and all the volunteers who support Carnoustie Memories.
“Their drive, enthusiasm and dedication has not only helped people suffering from dementia but also provided education to local people to understand the illness.
“I am very proud to hand over this award on behalf of her late Majesty The Queen and King Charles.”
Unsung heroes
Chairwoman Lorraine Young said: “The volunteers members and carers are the real unsung heroes of Carnoustie Memories.
“Our volunteers are the reason why our members feel welcome – they are seen and heard, valued, loved and, above all, they are supported.
“We continually strive to improve all we do.
“There is never a dull moment.
“The friendly banter, smiles and laughter that emanate from each meeting is heart-warming.
And she hailed Carnoustie Golf Links, Kinloch Care Centre, town businesses and Carnoustie caddies for their part in the success story.
International reach
In 2018, a programme filmed during the Open Championship at Carnoustie was broadcast in the US.
It captured work of Carnoustie Memories and inspired the first golf memories programme in the United States.
The Pete Dye Chapter programme began at TPC Sawgrass in January 2019.
It is named in honour of the acclaimed golf architect who is battling Alzheimer’s.
The 2018 Open also saw Major winner Adam Scott drop in on the Golf Memories group at Links House.
Lorraine said: “That truly has been one of the highlights for the group.
“It is something members still speak about.
“Adam Scott was a wonderful visitor and genuinely interested in what we are doing here in Carnoustie.”
The ‘volunteering MBE’
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
It is an honour given for life.
And Angus has a proud record of achievement.
Forfar Drugs Initiative Group was an early recipient and more than a dozen local groups have enjoyed QAVS success.
Those included the Airlie Silver Surfers computer group and Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre.
In 2017, the area secured a notable double when Kirriemuir’s DD8 Music and Forfar-based palliative care charity Lippen Care were recognised.
