A pair of ex-footballers watched a south coast derby at a former club in a visit co-ordinated by their dementia care home.
The trip to AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium was a wish come true for both Barrie Newman and Peter Wheat, residents at Colten Care’s Poole home The Aldbury.
And the final score brought added pleasure for the two lifelong Cherries fans: a 2-1 victory over visitors Brighton.
Staff at The Aldbury organised the experience in association with stadium officials after hearing of the pair’s desire to revisit the club.
Barrie was a professional footballer for Bournemouth in the 1950s while Peter played for its under-18s youth team.
To help prepare for the outing, Barrie and Peter welcomed club historian Neil Vacher and Accessibility & Engagement Manager John Jennings to The Aldbury five days before the match.
The visitors enjoyed a cup of tea with both men and chatted about all things AFCB.
On matchday, Barrie and Peter travelled in a minibus with Colten Care Companion Melissa Siat and Driver and First Aider Paul Hilliam.
The former players were delighted to have seats in the main stand right in front of the pitch so they could watch all the action.
Afterwards, Barrie said: “I am so happy and grateful. What a wonderful event. The stadium has changed a lot, looks a lot bigger now and the game was a lot faster.”
Peter said: “It was an eventful, clean game. All the goals were good. Thank you very much to Melissa for organising this unbelievable afternoon. I saw Bournemouth play many times when they were in Second Division. I never thought I’d ever get a chance to see them play in the Premier League. First rate. It was well organised.”
Melissa said: “It was a lovely experience to help Barrie and Peter revisit the stadium and see the Cherries play again. They were both very excited and enjoyed the whole match. Peter also appreciated his steak and ale pie during the break. A huge thank-you to everyone at AFC Bournemouth, including the helpful and attentive wellbeing staff, for enabling us to grant these two ex-players’ wishes.”
