Mr Dicks with AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe
The match on 28 October between AFC Bournemouth and West Bromwich Albion was an extra special treat for a resident at a Bournemouth care home, as he celebrated his 90th birthday.
A lifelong supporter of the Cherries, Vivian Dicks celebrated his very special birthday, alongside thousands of fans as they gathered to watch the match on 28 October. Having attended AFC Bournemouth matches for over 80 years, Mr Dicks decided that he would like to celebrate his 90th birthday doing what he enjoys best, watching his beloved Cherrie play at Goldsands Stadium.
Accompanied by Deanna Barnes, home manager at Care South’s Templeman House, Mr Dicks was welcomed to the Goldsands ahead of the game. He enjoyed a drink in the lounge, before being given a tour of the stadium and walking out through the tunnel to meet Cherries manager Eddie Howe and a handful of the first-team players, just before kick-off.
Although Mr Dicks has clocked up watching hundreds of games in his lifetime, this was the first time that he had met the manager and been pitch-side ahead of a game. It was also the first time in recent years that he’d been to an evening match – he usually prefers to attend Saturday fixtures instead.
Deanna Barnes said: “Vivian had the most amazing time at the game, he thoroughly enjoyed every minute and was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to meet the manager and players pitch-side ahead of the match. I’d like to thank everyone at AFC Bournemouth who made his day so special – it was a real birthday treat!”
Rob Mitchell, commercial director at AFC Bournemouth, added: “It was a real privilege to meet Mr Dicks at the football, which was ideally timed with the club breaking a second record in the space of a week.
“We’re pleased that Mr Dicks got to celebrate his 90th birthday and watch AFC Bournemouth reach the Quarter Finals of the Capital One Cup for the first time in the club’s history. The club is hugely proud of working with Care South and we’re thoroughly enjoying delivering activities in the homes and meeting the residents.”
Earlier this year, Care South announced an exciting partnership with the AFC Bournemouth Community Sports Trust. As part of the deal, care home residents, home care service users and staff take part in a variety of weekly activities including meeting players, coffee mornings, visits to the Goldsands Stadium, match day hospitality, walking football and the Extra Time scheme.
