Today, 1 October, West Ham United Foundation (WHUF) celebrates International Day for Older Persons, an event recognised around the world to commemorate the elderly’s contributions to society and highlight the struggles they face, such as loneliness and senescence.
When thinking of the Hammers and older people, a particular group of over-60s who have cemented themselves in the hearts of everyone at West Ham naturally come to mind.
Established in 2015 to help combat social isolation, the Any Old Irons programme uses a shared passion for West Ham United to bring older persons together. Through the initiative, fans living in East London and Essex benefit from a whole host of social activities aimed at improving health and wellbeing and developing a sense of community.
At Any Old Irons, members get together several times a month for group outings, sporting events, singing practice and technology workshops. During last Tuesday’s social at The Boleyn Tavern, having suffered a last-minute cancellation from a guest speaker, the Foundation organised a videocall for the event with men’s first-team squad members Ben Johnson and Flynn Downes as part of the Club’s Players’ Project.
“You can’t thank West Ham enough for what they do.” said long-time member and volunteer Steve. “We needed a last-minute guest speaker and the Foundation stepped straight in. Ben Johnson and Flynn Downes were a credit to the Club and to our supporters, they mixed with us and made us all very happy. Long may that continue!”
During the videocall, having set everyone up with a device to tune in with, the group took turns asking the duo a range of questions.
Our Any Old Irons were very interested to hear about the process of adaptation the team was undergoing with all the new summer recruits: “The lads that we’ve brought in have been fantastic.” said Johnson. “What they’ve added on the pitch is credit to the recruitment team. The changing room is moulding still, but despite the language barrier we’ve bonded really well. It’s been a difficult start, but there’s a lot of work being put in. We haven’t been giving you the results so far, but that will change, and the new players will be integral to that.”
One of those new arrivals was Downes himself, a lifelong West Ham supporter who was eager to share his passion for the Club with the Any Old Irons members.
“My family and I are massive West Ham fans – they’ve been to all the home games this season!” exclaimed Downes. “The process of settling in has been great. The lads have made it really easy for me. They’re a great bunch!”
After exploring a whole host of topics, from injury recovery to the team’s jokers, Any Old Irons member Eileen had a special message for Johnson, who had given her a call after having her purse stolen a year previously: “I just wanted to thank you for your call.” she said. “I was ranting and raving about how horrible everybody was and then I got your call and thought ‘aw, people are kind; they do care’. You really cheered me up, it was so lovely of you.”
Following a round of applause for Johnson’s kind gesture, Any Old Irons ended the call by putting their singing practice to good use, engaging in a singsong of ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’ with Johnson and Downes.
If you or anyone you know would like to join or volunteer for Any Old Irons, please contact [email protected].
