An application for a grant has been lodged to help promote dementia-friendly ideas in Tranent, including redeveloping the stand at the town’s football ground to make it more suitable for those affected by the condition.

Maureen Allan, who is behind the idea to make Tranent dementia-friendly, submitted the grant to Dementia Friendly Communities’ Life Changes Trust last month, with the support of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC).

The idea of demetia-friendly towns, piloted by Sue Northrop in North Berwick earlier this year, has spread to a number of communities throughout the county, and Maureen is hoping to secure the funding to progress the plans.

The grant would be used to redevelop the existing stand at Foresters Park, to make the facilities suitable for dementia sufferers, and to encourage them to visit the ground and watch their local teams.

Maureen also hopes to set up a ‘walk down memory lane’, with photographs and memorabilia from throughout the history of Foresters Park.

She said: “Older men are the most vulnerable and we need to get them out, and this is one way we can do that.” And the plans were supported by TECC chairman Colin Martin, who said: “I think dementia has affected [via family and friends] almost everyone in this room so it’s great to see what Maureen and Sue are doing.” Local businesses and community groups, such as The Fraser Centre and Ross High Rugby Club are on board with the scheme, with former Ross High RFC president Scott Glynn running the Sporting Memories network in the town.

There are plans in the pipeline for Joyce Thomson, organiser of a long-standing charity walk in the county, to donate the proceeds from next year’s event towards the scheme.

Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact Maureen on 01875 616666, or email maureen.allan@allan-ross.co.uk