A loud 'ohhhhh' rang out around the room. Kim Ogilvie, a Big Hearts staff member, had simply used "quickie" when explaining that the Maroon Memories meeting would be ending sharply. She was stopped in the tracks of her explanation when those in attendance immediately pounced on the word and, in unison, turned into wee kids.

It was another typical Tuesday afternoon in the Shed, tucked under the Wheatfield Stand at Tynecastle Park. The perfect venue for a group that can be as boisterous as those who stood in Shed when it was part of Tynecastle in a previous life. In fact, there were likely a few amongst the group who had been regulars back in the day. 

Between 1.30pm and 3pm every Monday and Tuesday around 40, maybe more, older people, mostly Hearts fans, who are living with dementia, are stroke survivors, live in care homes or are at a high risk of loneliness, talk, tease, test their knowledge and most importantly have a laugh.

READ MORE: Big Hearts Day: Why it is important, unique kit, first-team talks and target

One of those is Tricia Anderson, one of the Heroes of the upcoming Big Hearts Day when the team face Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.

Tricia "couldn't care less about football" but she is a Hearts fan because her dad was, her sons are, and her grandson is. But also because her husband Derek was. 

At just 81, Derek passed away back in September. Before then he was a regular at the Maroon Memories group.

"He had dementia," Tricia said. "We had a lady that came to the house and she gave him a few things she thought he might be interested in. It was her who actually told us that Big Hearts was here. We hadn't a clue it was on.

"I said we'd go along and try it and he absolutely loved it, mainly because it was all Hearts supporters really. There was lots of old memorabilia, he could sit and discuss the match on Saturday. I really felt for the last wee while of his life he enjoyed it."

Walking into the Shed on Tuesday afternoon and surveying the bonhomie that was unfolding it was impossible to tell the reason that brought each individual to Tynecastle for the group. But it was evident everyone there was part of a community. That's what Tricia found with Derek as soon as they entered through the doors for the very first time. 

"I think it is great for people who are on their own and maybe not so good at making friends," she said. "Sometimes it is difficult to make friends but I talk to everybody so I'm fine. But there are lots of people who have a barrier and don't know what to say to people. I think it is good for them. I think men maybe find it harder to make friends.

"It was very important for him. He lost most of his friends because he couldn't go for a pint. This introduced him to a whole lot of different friends. They were really excellent with him. If the game was on tele he would watch it and he would always remember things about it. It was good for him."

READ MORE: The beating heart of Gorgie: How Big Hearts is changing lives in the community

There are always lively conversations, some play pool, others look at the memorabilia scattered on the table but all wait for the infamous music quiz which is likely heard up and down Gorgie Road, from Diggers to Luckie's.

Tricia said her specialty is musicals. On this particular day, there was nothing from musicals, with Lynyrd Skynyrd the most notable of tracks that had to be guessed. 

It's telling that even after her husband's passing Tricia still makes the journey from Corstorphine every week to attend. And she's even introduced her sister and niece to the group.

"They are all very friendly, you can have a laugh and that's what we come along for, to take away from the very day humdrum life and have a laugh," she said.

"I enjoyed it so much, I had made a few friends and my sister and my niece come and they enjoy it and have made a lot of friends as well. My sister has dementia but she enjoys it. I wouldn't miss it now, I look forward to my Tuesday afternoon. It cuts you off from everyday life for a wee while.

"I didn't know what to imagine but didn't think it would be anything like this. I think they do a marvellous job."