Unfortunately, Alan Walker, one of our long-serving members (circa 40 years service) has intimated that he has been diagnosed as having Mild Alzheimer’s Disease / Dementia.

There is positive news that his consultant has prescribed medication which seems to be having an effect, to the extent that Alan is keen to continue his work with the Minor Grades Advisory Panel – whenever Grassroots football gets the go-ahead to restart!

The reference to The London Marathon is because Alan’s son, Steve, has secured a place in the London Marathon (October 2021) and will be running to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research.

Steve has setup a just giving page
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/steve-walker39
and his contact details are
stevewalker774@gmail.com for any further details.

Hopefully, our members will be able to support Steve in this very worthwhile cause.

One of the Associations members, Ali Russell, has been nominated to be one of the 2012 Olympic Games torchbearers when the torch makes its way through Aberdeen on Tuesday 12 June. 

Ali’s nomination story, as it appears on the 2012 Olympic Torchbearers Website, is posted below:

“Despite having been born with poor General Motor Skills and a lack of co-ordination, Ali started to play keyboard and achieved his teaching diploma at age 17. Whilst unable to play football very well, he wanted to be involved in the game and qualified as a SFA Referee also aged 17 and is currently a category 6 referee. He also gained his Queen’s Badge in the Boys’ Brigade and Gold Duke of Edinburgh award through perseverance and determination; he volunteers as a BB Officer, sits on the committee and helps out with the younger people at the croquet club, is involved in the local Amateur Dramatic Society and their Pantomime and helps out with our local folk club.  He is now setting up his own mobile caravan servicing business working evenings and weekends whilst holding down a full-time job.  He still has to work hard at overcoming his co-ordination problem and where most folk would be able to do something second or third go, Ali takes 6 or 7 attempts to get it right. I know he would be extremely proud to be part of the 2012 Olympics and I believe he would inspire others to persevere until they achieve whatever they want and be all they can be. Participation in this torch journey would also indicate that his hard work has been recognised and his own self esteem hightened thus providing impetus for him to carry on.”

A well contested and evenly fought first half saw the Referees take the lead in 16 minutes after a poor kick out by over 35s keeper fell to the feet of Wayne Cusitor who fired in a shot from 35 yards, which went straight into the top corner of the net. Both teams came close during the remainder of the half, but the Referees held on to their 1-0 lead going into the half-time break.

The second half kicked off with the over 35s in attack but the refs were well marshalled by Gary Duncan, who were holding the opposition at bay.  After a good bit of pressure, the over 35s finally drew level with less than 15 minutes to go – a cross from the left found Noble unmarked at the back post to head the ball home.  The pressure continued to mount on the Referees, but a breakaway by Bruce Davidson saw his shot beat the keeper, but narrowly passed the post. 

The game was finally decided in the closing minutes when a cross from the left found Mutch on his own in the Referees’ box and he calmly headed into the corner of the net to seal the game for the over 35s.

Overall, a very sporting close game, played in good spirit throughout.  Scott McKenzie of the Referees was the only player cautioned in the game after a rash challenge on the edge of the box!!  The first half was evenly contested, but the over 35’s had the better of the play in the second half sealing a victory in the dying minutes. Man of the match for the refs was Wayne Custer and for the over 35s was Invercairn manager Gilbert Patterson.

Both teams would like to thank Buchanhaven Hearts Junior Football Club for the use of their facilities.  A total of £400 was raised for the Maternity Ward at Peterhead Hospital.