Memory Boxes

This was Kenny’s second talk to the club. His subject was the Memory Box project started while a trustee of Dunfermline Athletic Heritage Trust.

Kenny retired after 20 years with Co-op Funeralcare, formerly he was hotel manager. Now enjoys working part time in Canmore Lodge care home.

He drew comparisons with perceptions of a museum. Memory boxes bring the items to the recipient. Visits to care homes with football memorabilia but extended to satisfy a female audience. Reaction was tremendous with items opening memories. 

Co-op Funeralcare liked the idea and Kenny was involved training 154 of his colleagues to develop these sessions throughout Scotland. Severely curtailed during the first few years of the covid pandemic. 

Kenny produced Granny’s handbag and asked members to guess the contents. These turned out to be a Rainmate, Kirby grips, Head scarf, Safety pins, Co-op milk tokens (red and yellow), cigarette case, lighter, tin of pastels, crayons, Elastoplast, lipstick, compact, sewing kit, purse. 

Other subjects covered included pre decimalisation coinage. We discovered the source of ‘going on a bender’ and the discussions inspired reminiscences. 

Kenny recommended that everyone should have a memory box. It could be passed on when people die. 

The vote of thanks was given by Grace Strachan.