Club Tribute To Evan Bryson MBE

Tribute to Evan Bryson M-B-E Evan Bryson M-B-E born 27th January 1929. Who dedicated his life to help others. We gather here today to celebrate and give thanks to Evan. I can honestly say I have never met a more genuine and honest guy as Evan. He never had a bad word to Say about anybody and he was always there to help anyone. He lived for the boys club and the sport and was on hand all day everyday, he was Mr Redheugh a true football legend and gentleman. In 1957 Billy Charlton who ran a boxing club for boys in the Teams asked Evan if he would help stretch the activities to include Football. It was then that the boys club was born starting with an under 18 football team. Evan ran the boys club with the help of Tommy Leonard, Alex McPherson BEM and later Alan Blackburn. As the club moved forward into the sixties with lots of new members Evan and his team decided to have 2 under 18 teams the A and B teams and with lots of other activities going on, table tennis, pool, snooker, badminton and cricket in the summer. Everything looked well but Evan knew we required better premises and in 1969/70 moved into old Rose Street primary school after discussions with Gateshead Council. More success came from Evan and his team through the 70s, 80s and 90s. Growing from 2 teams to teams from under 11s to under 18s, but the most important factor was not the success of the teams for Evan, but the well being of all its members to take part in a safe and respected environment were safety came first. Evans words “It does not matter if we win or loose as long as everyone gets home safe, winning will look after its self”. I asked Evan what do you mean, Evan replied “If you gain the respect of the young men by giving them confidence and discipline then everything else will fall into place”. Evans awards Over his 50 years of voluntary service Evan achieved many awards from the National Association of boys clubs (now the National Association of clubs for young people), Evan was awarded bronze for 10 year, silver for 20 year, gold for 30 year, platinum for 40 year and the presidents award for 50 year voluntary service. Also an award for his 50 years of service by the Durham Football Association for his work as the Boys Club Secretary. No wonder Durham FA gave Evan an award for his work as secretary a on many occasions he made the journey to Ferens Park the Head Quarters of Durham FA to put his case forward for the boys who had received a red card (I think some of you are here today) and on many occasions the case would be dismissed, this helping Even earn the name of Perry Mason as he never left a stone unturned in the defence of his players. His greatest achievement was in 2004 he was awarded his M-B-E at Buckingham Palace by the queen for his voluntary work with young people in the Community of Gateshead. His enthusiasm and dedication was second to none and on the day of his award I remember his face the smile was as big as the mouth of the Tyne, Buckingham Palace with all its ponse and splendour and here was a man from Hyde Park Street in Gateshead receiving the M-B-E from the Queen. But he always said the M-B-E is not mine alone it is also the reward for everyone who has put in there time for Redheugh Boys Club and made the club what it is today. Its amazing to think Evan has devoted half a century to the club without any monetary gain so why did he devote so much time and effort (I once asked Evan the question) his answer “The reason I do it is because I enjoy it, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I would do it all again, I have no regrets, I feel proud that the former boys are now bringing there sons along. It means we are doing some something right”. I received an email from an ex player who now lives back in Australia. Brad spent a few years living and playing for Redheugh Boys club and I think it typifies the feeling of many people who are here today the email reads: Thanks to everyone for all your support while Evans been sick I really appreciate it Evan was like a grandad I never had, I loved him, he was always there for me and he never let me down he was kind, thoughtful, caring, giving and always told me straight if I needed a telling off. He truly believed in me and he tried to give me the confidence to do better then I thought I was instead of selling myself short which I probably still do. Evan often said theirs friends and acquaintances and Evan truly was my friend, he never swore, he was a true gentlemen, one of a kind and if everyone in the world had a little of Evan in them the world would be a better place. Evan was always there for advice even if I didn't always take it on board, a little bit of my heart broke when Evan passed away I always thought Evan would be there forever but God has him reunited with his family, Alec, Allan and Tommy. Evan will always be the angel of the north a true angel who dedicated his whole life to helping people I'm blessed in the relationship and time I had with Evan Evan was also true when it came to my football he always believed I was a good footballer but knew I was to hard on myself and it was my head that let me down and he was right I'll always remember the time me and Evan spent together and all the funny times we had Like the time he sold one of his many bangers (cars) he had to someone I think it was a monteago, the bloke came from Whitley bay and picked the car up from Redheugh The bloke paid around 400 quid When I got to Redheugh Evan said I sold my car I said that's good Evan said " The bloke called and said the cars on fire". Evan said "So it's running well, your happy with it". The Bloke said " The cars actually on fire the cars full of smoke" Evan and I were laughing our heads off Evan said a little bit of fire never hurt anyone There is so many Summer Wine moments I sometimes thought I was actually on the BBC show Anyway Terry like you said remembering the good times helps us through like when he received his MBE off the queen I must have watched the video 150 times he was so proud. Thanks again Terry for keeping me informed and staying in touch. Talk soon, Take care Bye Brad Can I take this moment to reflect, Evan with his cup of tea and his kit kat, and the rest of the Redheugh politburo sat around with Evan discussing the next move from above, and for everyone to think of one of Evans famous sayings for the next few moments. Evan Bryson M-B-E Rest in Peace