The day Compo came to town (From St Helens Star)

The day Compo came to town

4:50pm Saturday 27th October 2012 in News

IT was the night when two huge showbusiness legends came to Newton.

On November 30, 1962, Newton Boys Club was opened by top crooner Frankie Vaughan, while the Beatles were playing across Market Square at the old Town Hall.

Half a century on, the Beatles are no more, but the Boys Club soldiers on. and this year celebrates its golden jubilee.

Today it is called Newton Boys and Girls Club, and will be marking its special anniversary on November 30 with a sportsman’s dinner organised by a group of Old Boys, and will be held at Haydock Park Golf Club.

Andy Gregory, legendary Wigan and Great Britain scrum half, will be speaking, plus top comic Jimmy Cricket.

Organisers want to hear from all Old Boys out there, but you’d better get those tickets booked early as space is limited to 120, and more than 40 have been sold so far.

The club’s first three leaders Ken Dibble, Ray Tapkin and Brian Harris have all accepted an invitation to attend.

Over the past 50 years the club has had many highlights including back in 1968 when the Boys Choir starred on Opportunity Knocks.

Steve Hampson, who played football for the club, went on to a brilliant career with Wigan and Great Britain.

Today, after a dip in fortunes, the club is trying again to be at the forefront in helping to develop the youth of the area.

Now operating as Newton Boys and Girls Club, it needs help urgently, not just financial, but also in the form of new committee members to drive the club forward.

Training is also for volunteers who want to help with activities on club nights and weekends.

For tickets, which are £25, please call Paul Southall on 01925 227205, John Kilshaw on 07581 510452, Brian Edge on 01925 221323 or Bonzo on 07876 348 638.

For more information about how to help out at the club call 01925 226149.