Sale resident stars in special radio show

A Sale care home resident and Altrincham FC superfan was walking on air after the surprise of a lifetime. 

Bob Allan, 94, from Care UK’s Oakfield Croft, on Oakfield, made a special appearance on Radio Alty – the club’s dedicated station. 

Bob, who was born in Sale, began supporting Altrincham FC when he was 29. He inherited his passion for the team from his Uncle Ralph, who’d lift him over the turnstiles when he was just 9 years old so he could watch the game from the stands with him. A lifelong season ticket holder, Bob last went to watch a game at J Davidson Stadium last year with a bit of help from the care home team – but never stopped supporting the team from further afield. 

The team at Oakfield Croft got to work, partnering with Altrincham FC to organise a special surprise, inviting Radio Alty to broadcast from the home to give Bob an opportunity to appear on the show. On the day, superfan Bob chatted through match days from the past, key players over the decades and the history of the club, sharing his memories of taking his wife and daughter to the games. After the show, he was presented with hospitality tickets. 

Bob said: “Football is a joyous way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I was amazed when we did that show that so many people sent in messages from all around the world. It’s amazing how your memory is restored when you talk about something; being on the show has brought back some lovely memories.  I’m really looking forward to going to the game again and hope it’s one of many.”

Dan Cole, Home Manager at Oakfield Croft, said: “We never would have thought our home would ever be turned into a recording studio – and Bob never imagined he’d be a radio star either!

“We believe in creating thoughtful activities and events that are meaningful to residents’ lives at Oakfield Croft; and there’s little more precious to Bob than his lifelong love of Altrincham FC. We’re incredibly grateful for the team’s support in enabling us to organise an afternoon to remember and for their generosity. Bob had an amazing time reminiscing, and it was fascinating to hear all the amazing stories of the team he’s collected over the years. 

“We loved celebrating Bob’s memories and experiencing the behind-the-scenes of a radio show – we’re looking forward to the segment airing!”

Oakfield Croft has been rated ‘Good’ in all five areas by the Care Quality Commission and was named a Top 20 care home for the second year in a row. The home is designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities, as well as facilities like a cinema, coffee shop and hair salon.