FOOTBALL Hall of Fame WA inductee Bob Brown has made a valuable contribution in the quest to safeguard many items of memorabilia that play a huge part in the near-120 year history of the game in this State.
Bob was a member of the original Hall of Fame Committee, set up in 1996 to honour the greats of the game in WA. He stepped down from an active role in the organisation five years ago - but still maintans a commitment to the aims and ambitions of what was Australia's first football Hall of Fame.
The Committee hired a storage facility several months ago in order to safely secure treasured memorabilia donations - and Bob has now financed an impressive collection of shelves, which have been built on wheels for ease of access and mobility.
Bob's eldest son, Robert, designed and built the steel-framed shelving. And the Committee of the Hall of Fame greatly appreciates the gesture, and work, by both Bob and his son. Hall of Fame secretary Penny TannerHoath was on hand to accept the donation.
"We can't thank Bob and Robert too much," said Committee chairman Louis Prospero. "It's reassuring to know that some of WA's best football memorabilia will be safely stored away."
Bob Brown, who was Team Manager of the State side in the 1960s, a player, coach and referee in his day and a sponsor in the establishment of Country Week for junior teams and associations, said that he is particularly proud to have been associated with the Hall of Fame.
"I think the establishment of the Hall of Fame was a real positive for the game here," he said.
"So many fine players and others have had their place in the history of WA football acknowledged and secured.
"But it would be great to now go one step further and have a Football Museum to display the wonderful array of memorabilia which has been gathered over the years and to further honour those who have given so much to the game in WA."
A Football Museum is the Hall of Fame Committee's number one objective. Many items of historical significance have already been donated and it is hoped to display them in the not-too-distant future.
***IF YOU have any memorabilia that you feel could add to the history of the game, then see the Memorabilia Advert for details on how to donate.