From aspiration to inspiration for Ashington
In July 2020, following the death of Jack Charlton, Cllr Liam Lavery acted on the outpouring of grief, locally and further afield, with the idea of a fitting tribute; a statue in his hometown Ashington. On Saturday, the aspiration that Cllr Liam Lavery shared with so many others, and which was taken forward by Ashington Town Council, will be realised.
The Council commissioned accomplished sculptor Mr Douglas Jennings to create a life-size image of ‘Jack the Elder’ which would look out onto the football fields where Jack, and brother Bobby, learned their craft. The wait is almost over for the people of Ashington, and admirers of the great man, and Jack’s family will be at the unveiling to celebrate this incredibly special tribute.
Chair of Ashington Town Council, Cllr Mark Purvis said,
“As someone who has seen many footballing tributes and statues, I can honestly say that this is one of the best. I am proud to have been involved in this project from the start and I know that the pride I feel will be felt by everyone on Saturday. The work is exceptional, not only of the statue, but the linked project to celebrate Ashington’s Footballing Heritage. We are rightly proud of our sporting legacy and thanks to this project, we are sharing the stories, and hopefully inspiring more to come.”
Hirst Park is owned and managed by Northumberland County Council, who are pleased to have been able to support what will no doubt become a much-celebrated work of art and heritage. Praise to local heritage consultant Barry Mead who put together the words and pictures that make up the story boards for Ashington’s Footballing Heritage. As we watch the 2022 England squad, we will remember the success of the 1966 squad, two of whom were born and raised in Ashington.
Speaking of first-class teams, those involved in this project have come together as well as any topflight team in the Premier League. Landscape Designer Nick Wright designed a scheme that superbly links the Jack Charlton Statue with our Footballing Heritage Project, whilst maintaining the individual integrity of each. Nick Wright of Place on Earth Ltd. has been an integral liaison between the quality crafts involved, all of whom are from the Northeast, and are looking forward to seeing the completed project on Saturday. Our team of legends include Bespoke Concrete, Brambledown Landscapes, CBS World, Classic Masonry, Jasper Kerr Consulting and Spotty Dog Signs and Print.
The event will also welcome three icons of the game, Leeds legend and ambassador Eddie Gray; one of Newcastle United's finest Captains, Bob Moncur; and Newcastle United and Sunderland legend, Bryan 'Pop' Robson. As well as marking the tribute to their comrades of days gone by, the occasion will also allow them the chance to inspire the footballers of the future as Ashington Town FC host a football festival with teams from Ashington, Bedlington, Cramlington, Ellington and Ponteland – a Northumberland feast of fun and participation.
The football festival will kick-off at 10:30am and Full Circle Food will be serving drinks, soup, and snacks for spectators. The last presentation is expected at 1:00pm. The young people will demonstrate their target hitting skills with a penalty shoot-out after each game. The festival celebrates participation in sport and every player will receive a special commemorative medal for taking part. Billy Docherty, Chair of Ashington Town FC champions inspiring the future generation to participate in sport and has been involved in grassroots football for many years. The legacy of Jack Charlton will inspire an annual event for the club, and the statue and works will add greatly to its impact at Hirst Park.
Ashington Colliery Band will entertain as visitors and guests arrive. The unveiling will commence with speeches at 10:00am and is expected to last no longer than 20-minutes. Family and guests will have the first opportunity to marvel close-up while Northumberland Piper, Beverley Palin entertains visitors, after which members of the public will be free to explore.
Please remember that if you are travelling to the event by car, parking is limited. Northumberland College, a short 10-minute walk away, has kindly opened their car park for the event. Those attending should also be mindful that the event is outdoors and standing, the forecast looks fair but please be prepared.
In the coming weeks, Ashington Town Council website will include a page dedicated to the project and the event. Online visitors will be able to view images of the statue in the making, and see how the project developed over time. We are very grateful to local broadcaster Koast Radio and to Ashington Camera Club who will provide the Council with a lasting record of interviews and photographs from the unveiling event.
