Edinburgh Leisure celebrates National Sporting Heritage Day (30 September) by spotlighting the Sporting Memories Club at Meadowbank Sports Centre – a lasting legacy of the Edinburgh 900 exhibitions.
As National Sporting Heritage Day (#NSHD2025) shines a light on ‘Collections at Risk’, Edinburgh Leisure is proud to showcase the Sporting Memories Club – a weekly gathering for older adults, including those living with dementia and their carers to share stories and relive sporting moments.
Launched in April 2025, the club was inspired by a one-off Sporting Memories event held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool last year, which coincided with the launch of Edinburgh Leisure’s Edinburgh 900 exhibitions. The success of that event led to the creation of a regular Wednesday session at Meadowbank Sports Centre.
“The club is more than just a chat over tea – it’s a celebration of shared history, community spirit, and the joy of sport,” said Donna Mackey, Partnership Manager at the Sporting Memories Foundation.
“Thanks to lead volunteer Bob Irvine, sessions are engaging and inclusive. No booking required – just turn up!”
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a lifelong sports fan or simply enjoy a good story, the Sporting Memories Club welcomes you.
- What: Sporting Memories Club
- Where: Meadowbank Sports Centre, London Road, EH7 6AE
- When: Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 pm – Free to attend
- Who: Open to all, including people living with dementia and their carers
- Further info: samscott@edinburghleisure.co.uk
Celebrating Heritage Through Exhibitions
The Sporting Memories Club is one of several legacies from Edinburgh Leisure’s contribution to Edinburgh 900, a City of Edinburgh Council initiative marking 900 years of the city’s history. Over the past year, Edinburgh Leisure delivered three pop-up exhibitions:
- 25 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Edinburgh Leisure
- Great Lengths – Celebrating Edinburgh’s Victorian pools and the Royal Commonwealth Pool
- Teeing Off Through Time – Edinburgh’s golf journey
Hosted across venues including the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Glenogle Swim Centre, Meadowbank, and Ocean Terminal, the exhibitions attracted over 12,000 visitors.
“These exhibitions have strengthened community connections and laid the groundwork for future collaborations,” said Kerry Teakle, PR Officer and Edinburgh 900 lead.”
Supporting Heritage Through Community Grants
To mark last year’s National Sporting Heritage Day, Edinburgh Leisure received a £500 micro-grant from the Sporting Heritage Community Grants Programme, funded by National Lottery players and the Heritage Fund.
This supported a small permanent golf heritage exhibition at Silverknowes Golf Course, complementing Teeing Off Through Time and uncovering untold community stories.
The success of this project led to an invitation to present at the Sporting Heritage Study Day at the Heart of Midlothian Museum on 26 September.
Collections at Risk – Can You Help?
This year’s theme highlights the vulnerability of sporting collections. If you have memorabilia related to Edinburgh Leisure venues – such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool, the ‘old’ Meadowbank Stadium or any of the golf clubs that use Edinburgh Leisure courses – please contact Kerry Teakle, PR Officer at kerryteakle@edinburghleisure.co.uk.
Share your stories: #NSHD2025
Partnerships That Keep the Memories Alive
A collaboration with the Living Memory Association (LMA) has extended the reach of the exhibitions.
Currently, Great Lengths and 25 Things are on display at LMA’s Ocean Terminal space until 28 October, opposite the Wee Museum of Memories.
LMA also runs social history projects, free play areas, and reminiscence groups, and is working with Edinburgh Leisure on a podcast capturing personal stories from Glenogle Swim Centre, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary.
Learn more: www.livingmemory.org.uk/activities.php
