History and community spirit merged today on the local football field as Chilton officially unveiled the new Charlie Wayman Arch. The ceremony celebrated the enduring legacy of one of the town’s greatest sporting legends, bridging Chilton’s proud footballing roots with the generations currently keeping the local game alive.
The memorable celebration was proceeded over by Chilton Town Crier Norman Strongman and Chilton Mayor and Chair of Trustees, Cllr Sue Reece who paid tribute to Charlie Wayman’s remarkable journey from a young lad working the coalface at the local colliery to becoming one of the most prolific centre-forwards in English football history. She highlighted his early grassroots days playing for Chilton Colliery and Spennymoor United before his rise to the First Division with Newcastle United, Southampton, Preston North End, Middlesbrough, and Darlington.
“Today, as we cut the ribbon on this spectacular new Charlie Wayman Arch, we are doing much more than opening a gateway to a field,” Cllr Reece noted during the ceremony. “We are building a bridge between our town’s proud history and our vibrant future. This field remains the beating heart of Chilton football.”
The highlight of the event arrived with the official ribbon cutting. Representing the enduring family line of the football icon, the ribbon was proudly cut by Charlie’s son, Paul Wayman, alongside Charlie’s niece Gail Fawcett and great-nephew Charley.
Demonstrating the bridge between past legends and modern players, the Wayman family was joined by representatives of the teams that call the pitches home today. Cutting the ribbon alongside them were William and Edward from Chilton Juniors Football Club, as well as senior player David Haversonrepresenting Chilton Club FC.
Paul then entertained the gathered crowd of family, friends and resident with stories of Charles’s life, a remarkable journey full of laughter and adventure followed by a toast the great man.
With the archway officially open, attention turned immediately to the pitch for a highly anticipated local match. The newly christened grounds played host to an absolute classic as Chilton Club FC squared off against Kelloe FC.
Inspired by the legacy of the lethal centre-forward looking over the pitch, both teams put on an offensive masterclass for the spectators. In a breathless, high-scoring affair that saw the lead change hands, Chilton Club FC dug deep to honour the occasion, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory over Kelloe FC.
The action-packed match served as the perfect conclusion to a historic day for the town. The Charlie Wayman Arch now stands as a permanent visual anchor for local players, inspiring everyone from grassroots toddlers to senior league veterans to play with the same passion, grit, and heart that Charlie showed the world.
Sue Reece
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
