please contact Men of League and advise them so that we can call and see them.
KEVIN LANGDON
It was in June 2012 when Northern Sydney welfare officers Denis Bendall and Ken Vessey had the pleasure to meet Kevin Langdon, and they have stayed in touch. Recently, Norm Pounder and Ken paid another visit to his residence and, as before, were amazed by Kevin’s outlook, his attitude to get on with life and the commendable way in which he handles his disability. Kevin commenced his rugby league career with Guildford as a cheeky halfback, progressing through Parramatta’s SG Ball team before being graded with Parramatta in 1973 as an 18-year-old. He played every game in reserve grade under coach Billy Rayner, a World Cup hooker. In 1974 he was head hunted to join Canterbury under well respected coach Malcolm Clift and had a successful year, playing in two grand finals and was enjoying his career. At the end of the 1974 season, NSWRL introduced the 13-import rule and Langdon was forced to leave Canterbury and in 1975 he enjoyed playing first grade for Port Kembla, where many other ex-Sydney players were in the opposing teams. He then had the urge to travel and in 1976 went to England and played first grade with Widnes, joining a couple of English mates from their days at Canterbury, Mick Adams and Doug Laughton, before retiring and touring around. In 2008, Kevin fell from a verandah, suffering severe spinal injuries resulting in him becoming a C6/C7 quadriplegic. Kevin has undergone many operations and had lengthy stays in hospital and
today is cared for by dedicated professional carers plus his loving son Blake and daughter Lara, who was planning to be married. Kevin regularly attends our local Men of League functions on his electronic wheelchair.
GRAHAM MACBETH
Upon receiving word from Stephen Macbeth that his cousin Graham had been at the Royal North Shore Hospital for a long period, Northern Sydney welfare officers Gregory Grace and Ken Vessey wasted no time in paying Graham a visit. Graham, from the township Coolah in Central Western NSW, had been in the hospital for five months following his second kidney transplant. He had his first kidney transplant in 1975 and as a result, his rugby league playing days at school were cut short. He had lived in Coolah the best part of his life, had recently retired from working at the local council and he had a very supportive family comprising of wife Leonie (married since 1969), three sons, four daughters and five grandchildren. He was a keen supporter of St George in the period when the club won 11 straight premiership titles with such marvellous players as Norm Provan, Reg Gasnier, John Raper, John King and Graeme Langlands. He happily reminisced about visits to the Sydney Cricket Ground on a Saturday afternoon in the match of the day.
Gregory Grace, Graham Macbeth and Ken Vessey.
STEPHEN NORRIS
Norris was a familiar rugby league name in Bundaberg from the 1950s to the late 80s. Stephen’s father and two brothers all played league in Bundy. His father Stanley played for Wide Bay against the touring international teams in the sixties. Recently Stephen had a cancer scare which required a serious bowel and hernia operation. He was visited in The Friendly Society Hospital in Bundaberg by good mates and Men of League Bundaberg members Mark Hanson and Peter Stockwell. ‘Norrie’ played most of his junior league for a couple of clubs in the Bundaberg competition. As a 16-year-old he played for Brisbane Valleys under-18 team. He also had a stint with Tweed Heads Seagulls and Townies in Mt Isa. He returned home to Bundaberg where he played most of his A grade footy with Western Suburbs Panthers. We are happy to report that Norrie is doing well after the operation and is recovering at home with family. This was a BMD Queensland welfare visit.
RON AND ARTHUR NOWLAND
A Nowland Brothers’ Tribute Day was held at the Erina Rugby League Club with more than 200 people attending to show their appreciation for the contribution, commitment and influence ‘Pudge’ and ‘Bub’ had on rugby league on the Central Coast. Men of League Central Coast committee members attended and presented Pudge and Bub each with a Men of League polo shirt and cap. Unfortunately, both have not enjoyed great health. Pudge has Alzheimer’s disease and is in an aged care facility and Bub required chemotherapy and is suffering from the side effects of this treatment.
HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN THE RUGBY LEAGUE COMMUNITY
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