The Astbury family name first appears in Avoca Football Club records in 1927 when Andy Astbury, a stock and station agent, was elected to the committee.
The following year he became vice president.
Andy Astbury took over the role of President soon after the start of the 1934 season, when George Redpath passed away suddenly.
He was president for six consecutive years, a record now shared by his grandson, John Field.
Errol Howell captained and coached Avoca to a Premiership in 1935, and as a token of esteem the players presented Andy Astbury with a team photograph.
The photograph which now hangs in the club rooms, features great grandfathers of people involved with the club today.
Andy Astbury`s son, Keith, first played with Avoca in 1928.
During the Second World War, he served the famous dam buster squadron, and was decorated as one of Australia`s greatest bomber pilots.
He did not play football after the war, but became club treasurer in 1958, relinquishing the position 12 years later. He was honoured with Life membership in 1971.
Keith`s brother Jim was a most accomplished footballer. Aged 20, he played in Avoca`s 1937 Premiership side, and retired in 1946. He also served the club as a committee man and treasurer.
Keith Astbury`s sons, Neville, Keith Jnr, Ray, Graham and Robert, all played for Avoca. Neville and Ray were particularly talented. Neville later became a top full forward in the strong Western Border League.
However, it was Rob who gained notoriety of debatable merit in the Lexton League.
Rob was gifted with a natural leap and quickly caught the eye of League President Ray Bibby, who selected the `jack in the box` in the league`s junior representative side.
Bibby soon realised his protege was more intent on the big spring than working for the hard ball. At half time Bibby gave Rob a thunderous lecture, but it was like water off a duck`s back. Rob continued to fly for the big mark, and once went so high he cleared the fence and landed on top of a parked car.
Next season Bibby, also President of Navarre, was interested to learn that young Astbury had been promoted to the seniors and was selected at centre half back for the match against Navarre.
When the teams lined up, Rob found himself on Gerry Brennan, a champion country footballer renowned for his freakish ability.
As the pair shook hands Brennan flashed a big toothless grin and remarked,`This ya first year in the seniors is it kid? Well don`t you worry about that, because I’m gunna teach ya a few things`.
Not 30 seconds into the game Rob was making position for the big mark. Just as he launched himself towards the ball, he felt something clip his ear. Looking up he was shocked to see the boots and wiry frame of his opponent taking the classic high mark.
As Brennan strutted back to Rob after goaling he quipped, `Ray Bibby told me ya had a bit to learn`.
And learn he did. Some year`s later Navarre was playing Avoca at home.
In full flight, Rob got the perfect sit and took a screamer reminiscent of the mark Brennan dragged in some years before. Sadly the victim was Gary Cross, one of Navarre`s best and fairest footballer`s, who did not deserve the indignation.
After playing with Melbourne thirds for one season, Rob returned home to Avoca in 1971, and kicked 84 goals to win the Lexton League goal kicking award for Avoca.
Next season he underwent his fourth knee operation, but returned to kick seven goals in the preliminary final against Navarre.
Although he was part of the 1962 Reserves premiership team, he says one of his biggest regrets in life is not playing in a premiership side with Avoca seniors.
Rob made a brief comeback in 1981, but ironically his football career ended abruptly when he fell awkwardly whilst attempting a screamer. His left leg and ankle were shattered.
The game was held up for half an hour whilst Wes Dawson, the local undertaker, was summoned to transport Rob to the Ballarat Base Hospital in the back of the town`s hearse.
Appropriately, Rob went on to carve a name for himself in the television industry.
Rob`s nephews. Lloyd and Rowan Astbury, gave the club loyal service in the late 1970`s and figured prominently in club awards. Rowan played in the 1977 Under 15 Premiership side.
In 1988 Richard Astbury travelled from Melbourne, displaying skills reminiscent of his father, Ray, 30 years earlier.
In 1956, Avoca gained the services of Dave Astbury from Natte Yallock, after the club disbanded in 1955. Although 33 years old, Dave was still an outstanding footballer.
In the 1st semi final Avoca defeated Moonambel by 26 points, but lost the preliminary final to Navarre by 9 points in a memorable game. Dave Astbury was voted best man afield in both matches.
In 1958 he retired, but served Avoca as a trainer until 1962, when Natte Yallock and Bealiba amalgamated. The `new` club acknowledged his distinguished service, on and off the field, with a Life Membership.
