Wigan Album

A Great Photo Keith, is there a players name missing before you get to Jack Hilton? Also was Jack Hilton a teacher at St Thomas Moore and did he live on Howard Street in Pember ton?

Oops! So sorry I missed out Johnny Lawrenson who was just after Bill Hudson but before Les White. Johnny is still with us as far as i know.

Hi, Jack Hilton didn't live in Howard Street. You are thinking of Jack Keane who taught at St Cuthbert's and also had a lot to do with amateur Rugby League.

Hi John, as far as I'm aware the only thing I know about Jack Hilton is that he had a shop, not far from the present Wigan ground and was later a Director of the Club in that phenomenal period when Wigan had probably the greatest array of rugby talent ever seen in any code, during the 1980's and 1990's. Whether he was a teacher or not I cannot say but I do wonder if you are any relation to Harry? Belshaw who played for Wigan during the War years, at the same time as my father.

Keith. I think it was Billy Belshaw you are thinking of. He played for Wigan and Warrington I think and Jack Hilton wasn't a teacher.

Thank you Ken, Quite right, Billy Belshaw it was. Incidentally George Banks, third ib from the right was quite a character (not sure how you describe the "trousers" he's wearing) George was known to have dyed his greying locks to look younger, a good career move for any professional player, it must have worked since George played well into his late thirties. He was also a good player.

My apologies, it was Jack Keane that i was thinking about and not Jack Hilton.
As far as i am aware Billy Belshaw was not a relation of mine nor were the wrestlers of the same name.

Regards,

the guy in front is jonny lawrenson the winger