What a great response. Thank you so much.

I'm a Leigh lad with a strong interest in Leigh history. Myself and a few others have a number of projects currently on the boil. One such project is the Bedford Brewing and Malting Company which, in 1902, was renamed George Shaw & Co., Ltd., Leigh Brewery. The company was then bought out in 1931 by Peter Walker's. During our research, we came across one Harry Yates, a long term employee of the brewery, commencing work there in 1906. He retired in 1958 by then employed as Clerk of Works. The following extract is from Leigh Journal:-

Retired After 52 Years Service (Leigh Journal, 10 October 195icon_cool.gif

[iAfter 52 years at Leigh Brewery, Mr. Harry Yates, the former Leigh footballer, has retired and at an informal farewell he was presented by Mr. E. Frankland, architect for Peter Walker (Warrington) Ltd., the owners of the Brewery, with a cheque which had been subscribed to by members of the staff and employees.

Mr. Yates, who lives in Marsh-st., Leigh, in 1956 had the distinction of being the third employee to complete half-a-century of service with the company.

He began work in the bottling stores in 1906. He next worked in the malt kiln for a year and then, in 1910, went into the building department, in charge of the stores. He served with the Royal Field Artillery in the 1914-18 war and in 1938 was appointed Clerk of Works-a position he retained until his retirement.[/i

The brewery had a very strong connection to Leigh RFC for decades. Ground provision, financial assistance and providing employment for players to name but a few.

Looking forward to hearing more.

Isn't this thread wonderful and an example of the importance of RL within our community. You can imagine, or hope, these discussions taking place in another 50 years when most of us we are but memories also.

@ACW

I would welcome sight of anything you have pertaining to Harry's life generally and specifically to his employment by the brewery.

Marsh Street was very close to Brewery Lane (parallel to and one street further East) and the houses have been demolished methinks.

@Maurice

A wonderful thread indeed. If I remember correctly, at least three or four deaths occurred in 1958 pertaining to guys who were both ex-Leigh players and ex-brewery employees. One was Walter Mooney. Also, on a number of occasions c. 1920, brewery employees acted as secretary to the rugby club, one of whom was a chap called Sinclair who lived at the brewery owned property, 32 Brewery Lane. Also, George Shaw & Co., Ltd., produced a booklet in commemoration of Mooney and Joe Darwell's presence on the 1924 Australian Tour. And there's more.

Gleanings

Harry Yates was born in Leigh on 14 February 1893. In the 1911 census he was shown as living with his parents at 2 Marsh Street, Leigh, employed as a general labourer. His parents were Andrew, b. Leigh, c. 1857, and Margaret, b. Warrington, c. 1858. Harry died in Leigh in April 1985, aged 92 years.

Deaths (Leigh Journal, 25 April 1985)

YATES-On April 15, 1985, peacefully in hospital and of Flat 9, Wharfdale, Leigh, and formerly of Marsh Street, Leigh, HARRY, aged 92 years, dearly loved by all his family and friends. R.I.P.. Service and committal took place on Tuesday, April 23 at Overdale Crematorium. Inquiries to Sankeys Funeral Service, 5 Hope Street, Leigh. Tel. Leigh 673171.

Hello Spectator

Many thanks for researching those dates. I was studying away at Loughborough when Harry died though I recall coming back for the funeral; I think its the last time I saw his granddaughter. As far as I can remember he only lived a few weeks in Wharfedale, 9 weeks seems to ring a bell.

I didn't get much opportunity to do any real research last weekend but did locate the 1911 Leigh Rangers photo; Mick Bolewski is the club president and there is a Tom Yates also on it as the treasurer who I think is Harry's older brother, Paddy O'Neil is not on it. I also located a WW1 picture of Harry in his Army uniform, embroidered christmas cards and post cards written from the front, a February 1956 presentation photograph which simply states 50 years with one company and some photos of him with drink in hand ca Christmas 1980. There are many more documents to look through but I only have a brief opportunity to do so when home at weekends. Harry's son, also called Harry, was Deputy Mayor in 1977 and moved to Devon to be with his daughter after his wife died. Although he has also passed away, he may have took some posessions with him to Devon that could be of interest. Luckily I found a contact address for Harry Sr's grandaughter at the weekend and will follow up.

That's really good news. As it happens, I have details of a Thomas Yates who also had rugby and brewery connections and may be a relative of your family:-

Mr. T. Yates (Leigh Journal, 6 August 1937)

The funeral took place at Leigh Cemetery on Tuesday of Mr. Thomas Yates, who died on Saturday at the Bradshawgate Inn, Leigh. Mr. Yates was 53 years of age and been at the Bradshawgate Inn for three years. Prior to that he was at the Volunteer Inn for six years. For 30 years he was employed at Leigh Brewery as a driver, and was well known in the town. In sport he was keenly interested in Rugby League football, and for many years was a referee and a member of the Rugby League Referees' Society. He was connected with Bedford. St. Thomas's Church, and a service was conducted there by the Rev. G. Willett, prior to the interment.

Looking forward to hearing more.