The people of Bo’ness will be able to take a trip down memory lane following the launch of a major new project at Newtown Park.

The Newtown Park Association has  unveiled ambitious plans to develop a reminiscence centre based at the ground. 

The aim of the initiative is to collect, digitise, share and develop the history of sport locally as well as the heritage of Bo’ness and surrounding area. 

The centre will provide a meeting place for older people who are lonely, isolated or who may be suffering from dementia or other long-term health issues.

The project is a collaboration between the Newtown Park Association (NPA), Alzheimer Scotland and Memories Scotland and could well provide a model for other sports club to follow. 

Indeed a similar development is to take place in Grangemouth through the town’s rugby club.

The proposal to set up a reminiscence centre at Newtown Park was put forward by NPA trustee Anne Laing.

“I was delighted to get unanimous support from the other trustees, and I am equally delighted we can start drop-in meetings soon,” she said. 

“The formula for these sessions is well established and has proved to be very successful for attendees; it’s just great that NPA can help out.”

September 30 was chosen for the launch of the project to coincide with National Sporting Heritage Day,  an annual event to celebrate and promote the UK’s rich sporting heritage.

It is hoped that senior pupils from Bo’ness Academy will be involved to assist with the monthly sessions. The school has experience of highlighting the benefits of reminiscence activities through its previous involvement in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative.

The proposed development of the Newtown Park Hub could provide an ideal location for the reminiscence centre, but arrangements are being made to hold sessions in another part of the ground as a temporary measure.

No date for the first drop-in meeting has been set yet, but for further information about the reminiscence centre contact info@newtown-park.org