In Memory of Evan Bryson  MBE

Evan Bryson MBE - Mr Redheugh

Evan Bryson M-B-E born 27th January 1929 dedicated his life to help others.

“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 every day, he was Mr Redheugh a true football legend and gentleman.”

Terry Ritson, Senior Sports Coordinator

“Evan was like a grandad I never had, I loved him, he was always there for me and he never let me down”

“If everyone in the world had a little of Evan in them the world would be a better place.”

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.

Lots of other activities also went 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. The club grew from two teams to teams aged from under 11s to under 18s.  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.

“It does not matter if we win or loose as long as everyone gets home safe, winning will look after its self”

 “If you gain the respect of the young men by giving them confidence and discipline then everything else will fall into place”

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 President’s 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 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.

Terry Ritson, who was present at the ceremony said:

“ 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.”

Evan always said the M-B-E was not his alone, but it is the reward for everyone who has put in their time for Redheugh Boys Club and made the club what it is today

Terry once asked the question to Evan, ‘Why do you devote so much time to the Boys Club?’:

 “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 their sons along. It means we are doing some something right”

Evan Bryson MBE 1929-2011

Mr. Redheugh