Members and volunteers at the Hibernian Historic Trust Football Memories meeting enjoyed a special treat last month.
Hibs’ Arsenal, Aston Villa and Scotland legend Alex Cropley brought the jersey he wore when Villa won the League Cup in 1977 to show to the group.
Alex, who was inducted into the Hibernian FC Hall of Fame two years ago was a member of the great ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ side of the early 1970s that won two Drybrough Cups and a League Cup, beating Jock Stein’s Celtic in each final, beat Sporting Lisbon 6-1 and Hearts 7-0 at Tynecastle.
His performances brought him to the attention of English giants Arsenal and subsequently Aston Villa where he was a hugely popular member of a highly entertaining team that won silverware, beating Everton in the final after two replays.
Due to an increase in popularity, the Trust now hold two meetings each month at Easter Road, on the first and third Monday of each month between 10.45pm and 12 noon.
The project has been running for a number of years and volunteers spend time with people living with dementia who have an interest in football. Memories of past players and matches are shared.
It is a partnership between the HHT, Alzheimer Scotland and the Scottish Football Museum.
Members enjoy regular quizzes, films, and question and answer sessions with former players. Refreshments are also provided and those attending can have a free lunch provided by homelessness charity Cyrenians.
Founder member and club historian Tom Wright is keen to point out that the meetings are not restricted to Hibs’ fans, but supporters of every team are made welcome.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
