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Jack Bowen
Jack Bowen
Photo: Keith
Views: 2,393
Item #: 29106
Jack Bowen, landlord of the Wellfield Hotel, Beech Hill, 1956 to 1974, seen here on the pub’s car park with Wellfield Road in the background. The second photo shows the presentation of his Welsh International cap at the JJB Stadium on March 25th 2005, some 60 years after his first appearance for the Welsh RL team. It coincided with his 90th birthday when 25,000 watched Wigan play St Helens. It was a great surprise since he thought he was going to be introduced at half-time to the spectators as the oldest living ex-Wigan player, which he was at that time. He and our family were delighted when Kel Coslett, a fellow Welshman and like my father, an ex-Llanelli player, presented him with the cap. My sister and I accompanied him onto the pitch. Dad passed away in February 2009 just one month short of his 94th birthday.

Comment by: broady on 25th February 2017 at 19:19

Great photographs. Sure you were very proud.

Comment by: Walter Southern on 25th February 2017 at 20:38

That's a great story Keith, your dad, sister and yourself must have been very proud on that day and I can imagine your dads excitement when he was invited onto the pitch.

Comment by: Keith on 25th February 2017 at 21:42

Thank you for your comments broady and Walter. I can’t recall dad ever mentioning the fact that he should have had a cap, but I remember my mother mentioning it a few times, so they must have discussed it, unfortunately my mother was not around by the time dad received his cap, despite being married 60 years. I must thank the Wigan Club, Kel Coslett, a certain Steve? Manning a Rugby League writer for making it possible, and the wonderful Wigan supporters who expressed their warm appreciation at the presentation, it was an event our family will never forget.

Comment by: Gordon on 26th February 2017 at 09:37

Remember your dad and family when I was being weaned onto Greenalls bitter in the late 60's. Always found Jack to be a true gentleman. Had our wedding reception at the Wellfield in Aug 1975, thought Jack was still there then but must be mistaken.

Comment by: Graham Taylor on 26th February 2017 at 17:43

Great photos Keith. The house I was born and bred in is just out of shot on the right. I remember your dad well, a true gentleman. I was at the JJB the night he received his cap, I bet he was surprised and chuffed.

Comment by: Keith on 26th February 2017 at 20:53

Thank you Graham and Gordon, dad was a man of few words when it came to expressing his emotions but we could tell he was moved by the whole occasion.

Comment by: Gordon on 27th February 2017 at 11:36

Keith, would it be ok to post this photo and story, credited to you of course, on the Facebook group Growing up in Beech Hill. I'm sure many of the members, like me, have fond memories of your dad

Comment by: Keith on 27th February 2017 at 19:26

That would be a nice touch. Thank you Gordon.

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