This legendary West Indian batsman played in 79 test matches, scoring 6,227 runs, at an average of 47.53 per innings. Kanhai’s test career began in 1957. During the 1970s, he played for Ashington Cricket Club for three seasons. This pub stands on the site of a bus depot, built in 1936 on what, until then, had been Nixon’s Farm. The farm sheds stood on the site of the former Wallaw cinema opposite this pub.

Photographs and text about Rohan Kanhai

The text reads: This J D Wetherspoon pub is named after the world-class Guyanese batsman who was brought in to play for Ashington Cricket Club in the 1964 season. A small but powerful player, Kanhai was one of the West Indies’ leading run-scorers during the 1960s and 70s.

He was selected to play for his national side in 79 Test matches, scoring 6,277 runs, including 15 centuries (two against Australia in Adelaide). His Test average was 47.53, only a little lower than his first-class average of 49.29.

Kanhai was brought to Ashington Cricket Club by Charlie Chisholm Senior. He made a fine half-century on his debut, followed by knocks of 55, 80 and 106. By the end of June, the club had risen to second place in the league. In July, Kanhai brought the West Indian Test side to Langwell Park for his benefit match. Ashington won the league title that season and the Wilson Cup. Kanhai’s contribution was a record 1,217 averaging 93.62.

Above, left: A newcomer to the West Indies team, in 1957

Above, right: Kanhai in 1981
Left: Called out of retirement for the World Cup, 1975

Photographs and text about Jack and Bobby Charlton

The text reads: Jack and Bobby Charlton seemed destined to play football. Their mother’s four brothers were all league professionals, whilst her cousin was ‘The Ashington Flyer’, Jackie Milburn.

As youngsters, Jack and Bobby played for Ashington YMCA, where Jack was spotted by a scout from Leeds United. He went on to play over 600 games for the club at centre-half.

Jack won many honours with Leeds and was chosen as England’s Footballer of the Year in 1967. He later became Ireland’s most popular and successful manager.

Jack’s younger brother Bobby was signed as a lad by Manchester United.

A survivor of the Munich air crash which killed eight of his colleagues, Bobby played more than 750 games for United – starring in the European Cup, League Championship and FA Cup winning teams. He was both European and English Footballer of the Year in 1966: the most capped England player, and the national team’s record goal scorer.

Both Bobby and Jack were members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

Above, clockwise from top left: Great-grandfather John Milburn, grandfather Tanner Milburn, Jack Charlton aged 10, and Bobby at the same age.