I will gradually fill this with portraits of various Weston identities. At present I am deriving the information verbatim from either Sid Grant's History of Coalfields Soccer (SG), Philip Moseley's Soccer in New South Wales (PM) or Jack Pollard's Soccer Records (JP) (actually compiled by Sid Grant) or other sources as mentioned. The material is 40-50 years old, so it will need some updating. Bear with me. Please feel free to provide me with recommendations. You could write one yourself if you like.
George Avis Snr
Jackie Avis Snr
Bill Beaney
Peter Coppock
Jack Gilmore
Bill Hindmarsh
Alma Kelly
Alan Lamb
Bill Lambert
Ray Lloyd
Max Lucchesi
Jimmy McNabb
Jim Wilkinson
Jim Williams
George Avis, Snr
The name Avis is a byword in soccer at Weston. Rightly so, for in years gone by, one of the pioneers and stalwarts was George W.Avis, Snr. He migrated to Australia from Northumberland County twice: in 1887 and again in 1913, when he settled in Weston.
For over 55 years, he paid his "stump" dues to the Miners' Federation. But his love of soccer extends to over 66 years. He first suggested Weston's entry into Gardiner Cup. He was president of Weston Club for several years between 1915-1920.
At all times, "the old man" was a 100 % Geordies' supporter. One of his rivals once remarked, "G.W.A. is a sound judge of soccer when Weston are not competing."
With his passing, Weston and all the Coalfields lost a grand citizen, whose civic service covered many spheres. (SG, 87)
Jackie Avis, Snr
For more than 60 years, Jackie Avis, of Weston has served soccer in many ways. He was born at Throckley in the north of England and come to Australia in 1911. For years he was an outstanding centre with Weston. He won a State medal with them in 1918 and captained NSW v China in 1923.
In all, he scored 201 goals in 277 appearances. In his prime, he was dubbed by fellow miners "Dead Shot", Jackie. On his retirement, he served Weston as secretary for 14 years, was treasurer for seven years and had 63 years in all as a committeeman. His son, Jack, was secretary for seven years and his father, George, was president of the "Geordies" for six years. (JP, p37)
Bill Beaney
Bill Beaney's years of devoted service began in 1914, when he came to Weston from the north-east of England and ended in 1976 when he returned to Peterlee in the County of Durham to live in retirement. Letters are still received by his friends showing retained interest in Australian soccer as well as a vital support for Sunderland, now in Second Division.
Many regard Beaney as English-born - incorrect of course, for Bill was born in Sydney. When quite young with his parents he returned to England where he developed a love or devotion to soccer.
Just before World War I began, as a married man, he returned to become one of the most capable administrators in Australia. A miner in Hebburn No. 1 Colliery, he soon took high office with the Weston Club.
Season after season, he served the "Geordies" faithfully, aided and spurred on by his good wife, who also loved the game. Beaney was the leading light when the club purchased the old "Homestead Ground" from the Weston Family Estate - purchase price was £300 - £50 down and £50 annually, till balance cleared without interest. When the clouds of Word War I had passed away, Beaney began team building in real earnest. First signings were Dave Leece, Jock Martin and Peter Coppock. Soon wearing the black and white colours were Lambert, Avis, Beverley, Mather, Hollingsworth, Henry, Austen brothers and Jim and Herb Bellamy. During Beaney's management, a series of tragedies hit the club. These are related elsewhere. Beaney's influence spread among other Coalfield clubs and standard of play greatly improved.
In 1926, there was an element of discontent among the progressive clubs - a demand for better management at the top. Hence the "Beaney's Brain Child" was born in Weston where the idea of a State League was first preached.
In 1927, Beaney visited strong soccer centres to advocate its formation. In 1928, the State League was founded with Beaney the inaugural secretary. In an honorary capacity, he worked like a trojan to make it a success.
In 1934, Beaney became State President, replacing his old friend, Tom Crawford, of Cessnock.
In 1935, Beaney withdrew after he had persuaded the writer to accept his position.
It is worthy to note that two honours went his way:
(1) Manager of first N.S.W. team to tour Queensland under State League.
(2) Manager of first Australian team to defeat English Amateurs in Sydney in July, 1937.
But he retired and worked as Weston's delegate till the unnecessary breakaway in 1943.
His life-long friend, Jack Avis, told the writer, "From the first Beaney advocated club against district soccer."
In a long fight, Beaney won and with club soccer the game advanced.
Probably the outstanding soccer secretary of all time. He was foundation secretary of the first State-wide league in NSW in 1928. He acted in an honorary capacity, and donated back into the game all his gratuities.
1909 saw the arrival of former English player Bill Hindmarsh who proved a boon to the club. Colours were changed to black and white stripes with black shorts.
Alma Kelly was born in 1910 or 1911, not long after the club's formation. She only played a handful of games for Weston between 1928 and 1930 but she was a gregarious larger-than-life figure who captained the team, scored goals, sometimes kept (see image) and was a leader in the push for the women's game. She was adopted by the press as a positive example of footballing womanhood. Sadly, Alma left the game prematurely while Weston matches were still taking place and she ended up dying an awful, unnecessary death in Kurri hospital at the young age of 23 in 1934.
Old-timers on the NSW coalfields, where the flame of soccer has burned for 100 years, love to tell about one of their past heroes - an Englishman who arrived unheralded in Weston to work in the local mines. He proved a natural footballer, strong in body and limb. In every field movement, he had an adroitness which foretold efficiency and skill. After a few games, he was chosen to captain the NSW team in Brisbane. In his reports team manager and national secretary, Ern Lukeman said, "Not only have we found a most skilful full-back, we have located an outstanding captain who should serve us for a long time". Lambert led Weston to win the famous Gardiner Cup in 1918, the only coalfields club to achieve that honor. But fate planned otherwise, for Lambert was killed by a fall of coal in the Hebburn Mine. Hundreds of miners stood bare-headed as his casket was lowered with the ball with which he had won the famous cup in 1918. (JP, 165)
James “Skeeta” Wilkinson was born in Weston in 1913, and lived in the town his entire life. His slight frame earned him the nickname ‘Skeeta', and he grew up to work in the local coal mines.
Wilkinson's representative roles extended to more than 20 appearances for the North, 14 occasions for NSW and 16 internationals (eight of which had full status) against New Zealand, England, Palestine and China.
Jim Williams
DEAF AND DUMB SOCCER STAR: Jim ("Dummy") Williams gained a special niche in NSW soccer between 1926 to 1932. He was deaf and dumb and had special education at the Sydney Deaf and Dumb Institute at Darlington. There he developed special talents as a soccer forward. When he returned to the Coalfields, he played senior soccer with Pelaw Main, Kurri Kurri and Weston. In just over 200 appearances, he scored 289 goals. With Weston he gained cup and premiership awards and inter-district honors: Eight of his team-mates learnt the deaf and dumb language. On the field, he knew no fear and was deadly inside the penalty box. (JP, 65)
Beaney showed remarkable organising skills and opened the door for the introduction of partial professionalism into the game. He was State President in 1934 and a national selector for eight years. Fram 1921 to 1927 he was secretary of Weston. Since passing the 80 milestone he has visited Wembley for two Cup finals. This year of 1974 marks his 50th year as a member of the "Geordies" club. (JP p 41)
Born in Australia in 1891 but reared in England, Bill Beaney emigrated to Australia in 1914. A coalminer by profession, he settled in Weston. He was secretary of Weston FC 1922–1927 and the leading personality behind the formation of the NSW State Soccer League in 1928. He served as the League’s secretary 1928–1933 and president 1934. He retired from State Association duties in 1935 but continued as Weston’s delegate to the Association until 1943. After his wife’s death, Beaney returned to England in 1976. He died in ????. (PM)
Peter Coppock
Reg Date
Never played for Weston but he did this once: 9 goals for Wallsend v. Weston at Wallsend on April 10, 1943. This topped Alf Quill's 7 goals for Wallsend against Weston at Wallsend on June 21, 1942.
Jack Gilmore
Born in Alnwick in Northumberland, England, in 1894, Jack was one of Weston's first ever international players. He played 2 tests against China and Canada scoring a double in both matches.
He migrated to Australia in 1913, when he was 18 years old, and settled in Kurri Kurri. His early life followed a path that was familiar to many young men at that time: working in the mines, playing local soccer and joining the Australian Imperial Force (the AIF) to serve in the Middle East and Flanders during the First World War.
Jack spent his family life in Abermain, and enjoyed playing soccer at the local level for Weston Workers Bears, and then at state and national levels. In its early years, the Weston Bears club was heavily influenced by its Geordie players, and Jack earned the nickname “Terror of the Geordies” for his attacking prowess.
As an outside or inside left with impressive ball handling skills, Jack represented North NSW on a number of occasions before his war service. Following the war, in the 1923 test series against New Zealand, he became the first Weston player to be selected to represent Australia. He was also one of the scorers in that game.
In total, Jack played four internationals for Australia during 1923/1924, and in two of the games, against China and Canada, he scored two goals. In the same period, he also played for NSW, and for the South Maitland association when it played matches against state and visiting international teams.
In 2007 Jack was posthumously inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame, and was also recognised by the Weston Bears in the same year, its centenary, as one of the “Bears of the Century”. (from "Bears of the Century")
Bill Hindmarsh
Hindmarsh known everywhere as 'Geordie Bill' was a colourful character and his name lives on at Weston where as time runs out in a game the cry goes out - "Geordie Bill, the ball!" This cry was made famous when Weston played at the Homestead Ground and Hindmarsh was fullback. Whenever Weston needed a breather Hindmarsh would kick the ball into a nearby creek - a handy time waster.'
Alma Kelly
Alan Lamb
After a long and successful career as an administrator with the Weston Soccer Club, Alan Lamb was chosen as president of the Northern New South Wales Soccer Federation with headquarters at Newcastle. The game in this area goes back to 1885, from which year the playing strength there could rival any other centre. Under Lamb's guidance, Weston has won the last three "doubles" - premiers and champions in 1971-72-73. Closely associated with Lamb in this work in an important region is Federation Secretary, Harry Hetherington, former Wallsend and Mayfield defender. H.H. has been registrar since 1963. (JP, p165)
When Alan Lamb became associated with Weston Bears, the famous club was gradually slipping down the decline of Depression Drive towards extinction. His belief in the old adage, “where there is life, there is hope”, changed the course of events. He became president in 1954 for a short term but as a committee-man he voiced his opinions in no uncertain manner. Even the moving of headquarters to Abermain Park in 1952-53-54 brought no success. Neither did help from local coaches.
Lamb faced this problem with pluck and determination. Under his dedication, Weston sent Ian Thompson off to recruit players from England and Scotland. In May 1968, the first contingent of players arrived and Weston were soon climbing the ladder. Lamb’s outbursts about inefficiency in Northern control caused concern. Time proved him correct so when things reached a record low, Lamb was elected President of the Newcastle Soccer Federation. Soon the capable, co-operative group of directors helped Lamb to lift soccer in the North.
Let's relate his achievements:
- Secured reliable sponsorship.
- Number of clubs rose from 24 to 56.
- Club administration improved and made businesslike.
- Gained full voting rights for N.S.F. on National body.
- Gained two permanent representatives on National Council.
- Initiated tours with A.C.T.
- Initiated tour of New Zealand.
- Gained permanent coach for the North.
- Strong support of Newcastle KB United in National Philips League now an established fact.
Also, Lamb is a leading Rotarian - constant business pressure plus soccer demands caused Alan to resign in 1977. In all his civic and sporting activities, he has been fortunate that he has had the full support of his gracious wife, Judy. Soccer within the Commonwealth, as well as Weston, owes a big “thank you” for leadership and business drive.
Lamb is best summed up in Huxley’s words: “The great end of life is not knowledge but action.” (SG 78-79)
Alan Lamb died in December 2008 aged 79. His wife Gladys June (Judy) passed away in August 2011 aged 80.
Bill Lambert
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| A rakish Bill Lambert looking more like a movie star than a footballer. |
Ray Lloyd
A product of Lancashire junior soccer who migrated straight to Newcastle to help the Austral Club win its first major title. He is a solid midfielder, who can read a match with consummate skill. Well built, Lloyd is a master of the tackle, and when in possession has the ability to make forward passes in the right channels. He has represented Northern NSW on many occasions and travelled overseas with the national team. In 1973, he took over the job as playing coach of Weston to lead them to their third major premiership award. (JP, 167)
Max Lucchesi
Jimmy McNabb
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| Jim McNabb |
A native of Weston, McNabb was born in 1910. At sixteen he joined Weston FC as a junior and remained with the club until his retirement in 1940. Originally a left full-back who represented NSW in that position during 1930, a serious leg injury saw him switch to goalkeeper. He played for Coalfields against Newcastle in 1931, NSW in 1932 and seventeen times for Australia between 1933 and 1939. Injury when playing for NSW against England Amateurs meant McNabb missed the first two Tests in 1937 but he returned for the third Test in which he saved a penalty. At five feet eight inches, McNabb was small for a goalkeeper but he was solidly built.116 This stood him in good stead when, as was the custom during his time, opposing players attempted to ‘charge’ the keeper. Yet McNabb’s sturdiness was no impediment to agility or speed. Moreover, like all great goalkeepers, he rarely needed to produce flashy saves, such was his good positioning and keen anticipation. He had a legion of admirers, some of whom were fond of recording special moments.
I saw an opposing forward fire a shot from close range. Nabby didn’t bother to catch the ball, he drew back one fist and punched it straight back . . . I saw Jim at a second-rate ground one day, the cross bar was distinctly saggy. The ball came high towards the centre of the bar. Nabby jumped up and sprung the centre of the bar down with one hand, so the ball passed over it. (from Raulston)
McNabb was forced to retire in 1940 soon after playing for NSW against Victoria. A nagging ankle injury which restricted his mobility was responsible. Throughout his soccer career he had won just about every honour in the game and was lauded as the ‘doyen’ of all Australian-born goalkeepers. (From PM)
A strange career unfolded itself for Jimmy McNabb, doyen of Australian·born goalkeepers. Early with Weston, he won interstate selection as a back, but a serious injury to his right ankle changed everything for the agile miner. Desperate to stay in the game, he turned to goalkeeping and within two seasons he was right on top. McNabb was reared in a tough school. His Uncle Bill was a boxer who taught Les Darcy; his father, Jack, a road cyclist on rough country roads, and his sister, Esme, a leading fast bowler and slogger at vigoro. He was tailor-made for the job of 'keeper. He had hands like Rodney Marsh; eyes like Greg Chappell, and the movement of a leopard. He trained until his reflexes were superb. On the field,. he let everyone know that he was king of the penalty box. He could kick the ball over 70 yds, punch it 50 yds; throw it 40 yds - that was his strength. He won international, State honors and every worthwhile trophy in the game. (JP, 171)
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Jim Wilkinson
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| James Wilkinson's 1931 Stevenson Cup winners medal and promotional flyer for his testimonial match in 1955. |
His life as a soccer player began with the team Weston Bears, for whom he played 461 games. He later played for Kurri Kurri and Mayfield, reaching a total of 552 senior games (although his family records record 574 games). This is believed to be an Australian record. His soccer career spanned 24 seasons from 1931 to 1955, during which he scored 167 goals as a right winger.
Wilkinson turned down many offers to play as a professional in England, maintaining his home in Weston. There are many testimonies recorded which indicate that he was held in high esteem, regarded as one of the finest soccer players Australia has produced.
Wilkinson was inducted into the Hunter Region Sporting Hall of Fame in 1995 and into the Australian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2002. His accomplishments are recognised in several locations in the Weston and Kurri Kurri area.
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| Jim Williams JP, 39 |
The following will be incorporated when more information comes to hand
Warren Halverson
Warren won caps at Australian U/23 and NNSW levels and was a great attacking defender when he played at Weston.
Jim Williams
Jim was a goalscoring freak. He scored 151 goals for Weston between 1929 and 1934. One games saw him sent off at the old Homestead Ground for swearing - only problem was he couldn't hear and had no speech. The referee apologised to all and sundry later
Tom Snedden
At one stage Tom was included in the Australian team and was also NNSW. Without a doubt was one of the best defenders Weston ever produced and would have stood out in any era. Won the Sydney Morning Herald Best and Fairest in 1973. Both his parents are life members of the Club.
John Joseph Turnbull
JJ as he was known was a NNSW representative. He was a fast, strong, bustling forward with a never say die attitude. JJ was a must in any Weston forward line - he was a great Club man and an example of the youth that came through the ranks.
Roy Johnson
Roy was a NNSW Rep on numerous occasions and was one of the first picked to play against touring sides. He was a tremendous defender and would have figured in any arena. Roy also coached the Bears 1st grade which involved a last minute equaliser in a grand final against Adamstown and unfortunately lost in the penalty shootout.
Jackie Manion
Another Australian and NNSW representative with various honours in that both arenas. He had pace to burn and scorched the left hand touchline scoring an amazing 76 goals in 3 seasons.
John Bond
A NNSW rep, Bondy was a formidable midfielder. He was strong in attack and a staunch defender with talent to burn. Coached Weston 1st grade to a 3-0 Grand Final victory over the Central Coast in 1983.
Jack Avis (snr)
A NNSW rep and captain. Scored over 200 goals in a sterling career that saw him play against China in a packed arena - one of Weston's top line players.
Dennis King
Midfield dynamo who played in plenty of Weston grand final wins. His energy in the engine room is well documented as is his tenacious tackling - a tremendous asset for the Bears. Dennis has also been a terrific sponsor of the Club.
Tom Oliver
An Australian and Coalfields representative. Has always been highly regarded - this is justified through his 5 tests in the green and gold.
John Thomas Turnbull
A U16 NNSW rep the year they won the National Title. Rale Rasic, the Australian coach at the time selected Jack in the Aussie U16 team. Jack played 222 games for the Bears over 15 years. He represented NNSW as well as coaching the Bears to grand final success in 1984 with JJ Turnbull.
Jack lived and breathed the Bears and you would not find a better club person - he is still greatly missed today.
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