Sporting Legends Café Kicks Off to a Brilliant Start
The first Sporting Legends Café at Keymer Hall Care Home was a resounding success, with almost 20 people turning out for the launch session on Wednesday 17th June, a morning that brought together residents, families, and members of the local community over shared sporting memories and great conversation.
The event, held in partnership with Burgess Hill Town FC, saw guests swapping stories of favourite matches, legendary players, and unforgettable sporting moments that have shaped their lives. A memorabilia table laid on by BHTFC drew particular attention, with guests poring over old photographs, cuttings, and programmes, including a copy of the Argus reporting Burgess Hill Town’s record 12-0 victory. Conversations ranged from the terraces of Leylands Park to Wembley Stadium in the summer of 1966.
Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall, said the atmosphere in the room said everything. “What happened on Wednesday was exactly what we hoped for, and more. You had people who’d never met before laughing together within minutes, all because of a shared memory. That connection is what the Sporting Legends Café is all about. For some of our residents living with dementia, seeing that recognition light up their faces is genuinely moving. We’re so proud of how it went, and we can’t wait to do it again.”
Among those attending was John Buck, a long-standing figure at Burgess Hill Town FC, who has been connected to the club as a player and volunteer for 75 years.
“It was a brilliant morning and such a lovely way to bring people together,” he said. “Spending time with everyone from Keymer Hall created such a warm atmosphere and it was fantastic to see the community and Keymer Hall connecting in such a meaningful way. I loved being a part of it and chatting about my sporting memories and talking about the football club.”
Dave Bradbury of Burgess Hill Town FC added, “Community events like this show what local football is all about. It was great to spend time with everyone at Keymer Hall, share stories and smiles, and create memories together. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”
The Sporting Legends Café takes place on the third Wednesday of every month at Keymer Hall, from 10:00am to 12 noon. The next session is on Wednesday 15th July. The group is open to all and the wider community are warmly welcome. No booking is required.
The café forms part of Keymer Hall’s Life Enrichment Programme, a wellbeing framework built around six principles: Connect, Grow, Reflect, Feel, Move, and Contribute. It also reflects the home’s Nostalgia Care approach, which uses memory, music, and meaningful activity to support people living with dementia.
