'My chance to talk about my sporting heroes'

Former sports journalist and volunteer Ed Newman has had a passion for sport for as long as he can remember and was born to host our online Sporting memories group!

During his long career, he reported on key sporting events such as the London 2012 Olympics, Euro 96, Wimbledon tennis, Rugby World Cup, Golf Open Championship, Commonwealth Games, Champions League and the Premier League.

He is an avid Tottenham Hotspur supporter, teaches PE at a Barnet Primary school and recently ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in aid of Age UK Barnet.

'My own first memories of watching sport on television come from 1968 – Red Alligator winning the Grand National, West Brom lifting the FA Cup and Manchester United the European Cup, before I became entranced by the Olympics in Mexico,' says Ed. 'I can also remember my first glimpse of colour TV being a giant green blob who turned out to be a Russian weightlifter. From that moment I was hooked and sport has played a major part in my life ever since both professionally and as a fan.'

The Sporting memories group have shared their views and experiences during the sessions. 'As luck would have it, the members have an incredible breadth of knowledge and experiences in the world of sport, attending a host of top international events and encountering many legends of sport along the way including John McEnroe, Bobby Moore and David Hemery,' says Ed.

'Each session does have a theme but our discussions have taken in a wide range of reminiscences and opinions, although we have all been very polite about any sporting preferences. Some people just follow one or two sports, others follow everything. Whatever the case, it quickly became apparent just how passionate the participants were about their sport,' says Ed.

To join our sporting memories group, just email lindsey.bennister@ageukbarnet.org.uk