Hello Spectator

Harry Yates was my great uncle.

I think he was born in 1893 and I can’t recall if he passed away before or after my Granddad which was in 1983. It may have been after as I seem to recall him reaching 90. Both of them lived in the Bedford area all their lives with Harry living in Brewery Lane. I remember both him and my Granddad having a liking for whiskey and cigars especially at Christmas time.

Harry did sign from Leigh Rangers and some years ago I donated a copy of a 1911 Leigh Rangers team photo taken outside what I assume to be the old grandstand at Mather Lane to Leigh Miners Rangers when they built the new clubhouse on Manchester Road. They weren’t aware at that time that there had been a previous incarnation of Leigh Rangers. It was on display upstairs but I’ve only visited it once since I donated it. Harry is on that photo as well as Mick Bolweski who was one of Leigh’s first antipodean signings; I think Paddy O’Neil is also on it but I’m not sure and I would have to check the original when I’m back in Leigh at the weekend.

I’m not sure why he didn’t appear to play rugby after WW1. The story that has been passed down to me is that both he and my Grandad volunteered early on in WW1 and somehow managed to survive the horrors of the war. Although he worked for a brewery, I was told he didn’t drink until he was 25 which by my calculation coincides with the end of the WW1. I did have a laced up rugby ball that he gave me in the early 1970s which on reflection probably was pre WW1 but is sadly long gone.

With all the talk of heritage, I’ve thought about him a lot of late and was intending, if possible, to contact his granddaughter who to the last of my knowledge was living in the South West area to see if she would permit me to sign him up so to speak for the ‘past players’. I’m fascinated to know the reason for your interest in him.

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 familyMr. 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.