On Saturday, July 21 Northam’s Railways Football Club celebrated the 50th year since their inclusion into the Avon Football Association in 1968.
Following the 1967 season two of the local teams, Northam Towns and Northam Unions, who were both struggling for player numbers merged to form Railway Football Club, but now known as Railways Football Club.
The new president was Keith Bradley, treasurer was Ken Montgomery (who went on to serve in this role for 28 consecutive years), and Ken Lally was captain and coach, and also the club’s first Fairest and Best in 1968.
A premiership was soon to follow with Railways winning both the league and reserves flag in 1969 and another dual premiership in 1984 was to follow.
The league team have won six premierships (1969, 1984, 1995, 1999, 2007 and 2009), while the reserves have won 10 premierships, the most recent being 2004.
At the 50th celebrations, more than 300 Railways players, officials, volunteers and supporters gathered at Northam Oval to watch Railways and Cunderdin do battle, with Railways winning both grades quite comfortably.
Following the match, everyone was invited into the middle of the ground for a group photo, 221 people in fact, with our intrepid photographer Geoff Dickson from Navigator Photografix climbing high to take the historic photograph.
During the evening festivities there were a number of speeches including Ken Lally explaining the formation of the club, plus gatherings of life members, past presidents, past coaches, past and current 150 gamers, past Fairest and Best, presentation of life membership to Jermaine (Bomber) Davis, and speakers included current coaches Matthew Stokes and Junior Davis, Fast Tarts coach Hayley Moore, and current president Con deBleCourt.
Some hilarious speeches were provided by Bill Griffiths, Mick Mills, Kevin Sleight and others.
The night was ably MC’d by Phil Eaton, and Maureen Allert captured some fabulous moments and gatherings with her camera, while everyone was fed by Avon Valley Hospitality and served drinks by Northam Lions Club. A rousing rendition of the Railways team song finished the official part of the evening.
The overall theme of the night was one of nostalgia, catch up with old friends, reminisce and laugh, and appreciate the Club having a family atmosphere, with some families having three generations of players.
For anyone wanting to get involved in the community and meeting friends, joining your local football club should be on your list – it is great fun.
