Harry Westhead
Miners are mourning the passing of a real club legend and an inaugural member of the Hall of Fame in Harry Westhead, who passed away earlier today. Harry was a founder member of Leigh Miners Welfare ARLFC when he joined from Astley & Tyldesley in 1966. He became the club’s first international representatives, playing for GB amateurs against France in 1967 in Bordeaux where he was vice-captain in a narrow loss to the home side. He spent four seasons as a player at the club, captaining the team to the runners-up spot in the inaugural campaign in the Warrington & District League and representing the Miners in our first two Challenge Cup ties, against Halifax and then Wigan at Central Park.
Retiring in 1970, Harry spent some time away from the club concentrating on his business, but he returned as a committee member in 1980 where he remained, serving on both the rugby section and the Welfare Club management. He had been battling illness for some time, particularly since the start of this year, but despite this he remained a committed supporters and stalwart of the side.
Harry will be remembered as a staunch clubman but more importantly as a real gentleman and a much-loved member of the Miners family. The club pass their sincere condolences to his wife Barbara and his family.
