Trophy dedicated to memory of slain man

0 Comments | Northern Echo, Jul 30, 2010 | by Rachel Wearmouth

A MEMORIAL trophy will be named after a Bishop Auckland man who was killed outside a pub last summer.

The death of keen football supporter Stephen Wilson, from Bishop Auckland, shocked the community when he died following a brawl outside the town's Beehive on August 8.

Now, friends and family will celebrate the much-loved 48year- old's life with a football match on Sunday and a charity golf tournament on Friday, August 13.

The football match at Escomb playing field will be between the two Bishop Auckland teams Mr Wilson followed, The Cumberland Arms and the Dog and Gun.

The group will then return to The Cumberland Arms, in Newgate Street, for a toast to Mr Wilson, nicknamed Squinny, and to share memories.

A quiz has been arranged and karaoke of Mr Wilson's favourite artist, Elvis Presley.

"This just seemed like the obvious thing to do, really with it nearly being a year, " said Mr Wilson's nephew, Michael Barker, who has organised the event.

"He would've loved it, because this is everything that he enjoyed. He loved football, loved doing quizzes, liked having a few pints.

"We want to make it an annual event."

The winner of the golf tournament at Bishop Auckland Golf Club will take home the Stephen Wilson memorial trophy, after friend Brian Neil organised the contest.

"Lots of people who used to play football with Steve now play golf because we're too old to play football anymore, " he said.

"We have about 70 or 75 people playing, and then, afterwards, we are presenting the trophy, and anyone who wants to come down then is welcome.

"We're going to have a drink and remember him."

Mr Neil, a staunch Newcastle fan, remembers Squinny, a lifelong Sunderland supporter, as a good friend.

"I got to know Steve through football, and I made a lot of other good friends because of him, " he said.

"Although we supported different football teams, we were the best of friends."

Another close friend, Peter Sixsmith, who could not attend Mr Wilson's funeral, is expected to make a speech after the event.

Everyone is welcome at the golf club from about 7pm.

Funds will go to a charity nominated by Mr Wilson's mother Maureen, 74, who lived with him in Hardisty Crescent in the town.

Some funds from the golf tournament will also go to the Great North Air Ambulance.

Maurice Rowell was convicted of Mr Wilson's manslaughter following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

He is serving a seven-year sentence.