George Mason was born in Lincolnshire, England, on 4 March 1938. He arrived in Australia as a 14-year-old in 1952. His early sporting interest in Burnie was cycling, where he made a name for himself among the pedalling fraternity. He arrived at Yeoman when his daughter, Linda, began seeing a certain player. George must have liked the place because he’s been here ever since.
Name an off-field job that needs doing around a football club and you can be sure that George Mason has been involved one way or another. For instance, someone has to clean up after the night before. The old clubrooms at Les Clarke Oval felt the power of a George-wielded broom for decades. How many beers has he served and how many bottles has he opened as chief barman? How many people would have gone thirsty if it had not been for George?
George has forgotten how many years he has spent on the Committee. But we know he was there for the premiership years of 1978, 1993 and 1998. And his service continues. While some other clubs need to look outside for workers such as gate attendants, Yeoman has George Mason.
You don’t get to see much football if you’re on the gate or in the bar for most of the match day. Those who do want to see as much of the matches as possible are indebted to George for his sacrifice. No wonder, that, since 2012, George has shared the honoured position of Patron with Ron Wynwood.
Election as an inaugural inductee to the Yeoman Football Club Legends of Loyalty is a fitting reward for George Mason’s five decades of service.