Monday August 24th 2026
Sporting Memories Selkirk RFC
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A shared love of sport has seen a group gathering in Selkirk go from strength to strength.
Sporting Memories now meets fortnightly at Selkirk Rugby Club, giving people the opportunity to reminisce, share stories and memorabilia, test their knowledge with sporting quizzes and, most importantly, enjoy some good company.
From just a handful of members the group now boasts more than 20 regular attendees.
Selkirkshire councillor Leagh Douglas recently popped along to a session with her father and said the warmth, laughter and camaraderie in the room were striking.
She said: “We had the most fantastic morning. Sport clearly brings everyone together, but it is the stories, laughter and friendships that make it so special.
“I would encourage anyone with an interest in sport to give it a try. You really do feel as though you have walked into a room full of friends you just maybe haven’t met yet.”
There was no shortage of stories during the morning.
One former Selkirk FC player recalled noticing a teammate looking particularly distressed midway through the first half of a match.
When asked what was wrong, he replied: “I’ve just remembered the wife told me to turn the oven off – we’re roasting a chicken and I’ve forgotten!”
Another participant recalled the memorable occasion when the annual Dunbar v Skerries rugby fixture, featuring the famous Calder brothers.
He advised this annual fixture began in 1952 and is believed to be the longest running fixture between two nations other than the full internationals.
The stories and reminiscing were interspersed with sporting quizzes, memorabilia and a game of boccia.
Among the regulars is former Selkirk FC player Jackson Cockburn, a member of the celebrated 1975 side which completed an extraordinary Grand Slam by winning the East of Scotland League, Scottish Qualifying Cup, East of Scotland Qualifying Cup and King Cup.
Jackson said: “I love reminiscing with people I played with and against, and hearing stories about other sports is fascinating too.
“There is great camaraderie and it is also a great reason to get out of the house.”
The group is now hoping its success will encourage more people to come along – and is also looking for one or two additional volunteers.
Volunteer Graham Easton, who helps run the sessions, said: “When I heard about Sporting Memories I felt compelled to get involved.
“Becoming a volunteer only requires a short online training course, which takes around one to two hours, and a PVG application.
“We would really like another one or two volunteers so that we can rotate hosting the sessions.”
Sporting Memories is free to attend and meets fortnightly at Selkirk Rugby Club, on the first and third Tuesday of every month from 10:30am to noon.
People do not need to have played sport themselves – former players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and anyone who simply enjoys sport, stories and good company are all welcome.
Organisers hope even more local people will now come along, pull up a chair and share in the memories.
Tweet Share on Facebook
