Meet Evan Webb, a remarkable 76-year-old Consett native whose life story spans the steel industry, inventive achievements, athletics, and creative craftsmanship. Born and raised in Consett, Evan began as an apprentice maintenance fitter at the Consett Iron Company, later known as British Steel. He not only worked in the steel industry but also played a crucial role in its historic closure, helping clear the power station and drilling the cooling towers for their iconic demolition.
Evan’s accomplishments extend far beyond his work at the steelworks. In 1979/80, he earned the Consett Sunday League Footballer of the Year title with the highest record of “man of the match” awards—a milestone that no one else had achieved. Winning that trophy remains one of Evan’s proudest moments, a testament to his love for football and his dedication to the sport.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Evan participated in the very first Great North Run. He looks back on that accomplishment fondly, with his certificate and medal still cherished mementos from that memorable day.
Evan’s adventures took him beyond Consett. While on holiday in Orlando, he visited the Kennedy Space Centre, capturing a memorable photograph of his visit—a prized keepsake from his travels that represents his lifelong curiosity and love for exploration.
Evan’s inventive mind led him to create a Brake Light Failsafe System, a safety feature for vehicles that earned him a patent. Though the automotive industry didn’t adopt his invention, he proudly demonstrates it with a model and diagrams he still keeps, showcasing the system’s capabilities to anyone interested.
In another unique turn, Evan also appeared on the television programme ‘Pawn Stars UK’, where he showcased a small car he built himself. This little car later found a home with a former Dragons’ Den contestant, who used it to launch a luxury car leasing business, adding yet another fascinating chapter to Evan’s story.
Evan’s craftsmanship also caught royal attention. His hand-built wooden telephone and post boxes were acknowledged by Kensington Palace, and he even received a letter from Buckingham Palace wishing him well in his creative endeavours. Both letters remain treasured items, symbolising recognition for his dedication to craft.
With a life marked by steelworks, sporting accolades, inventiveness, and a touch of royal recognition, Evan Webb is more than a Consett legend; he’s a local treasure whose diverse accomplishments continue to inspire.
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Great football player and a good lad.
Sean Mccabe did he play for Wigan?
Lee Jackson not sure Lee.
Sean Mccabe Steve Eyre
Evan was a whizz at foottball and a great lad. His brother Davey was a legend too!
Hi Sean…great to hear from you after all these years! thank you.
As for the football side of things not in the publication…when I was 18 y/o I played and captained the Consett Iron Company junior side….I was watched by a north east scout from Burnley who were top of the old first division at that time who was impressed with my footballing ability….his name being ‘ Jack Hixon ‘ who years later went on to pick up someone called ‘ Alan Shearer ‘. Instead I ended up playing for ‘ Bradford City ‘ and did play in the first team….all that back in 1966 at 18 y/o.
you were a Smashing lad to know Sean!
Cracking topper.
New Evan very well, he was a good friend of my late brother Melvyn
Hello Peter, so sorry to hear about Melvyn……hope you are well…I lost my younger brother David two years ago…I miss him so much as I’m sure you do wjth Melvyn also!
Knew him well Good footballer and a great bloke
Hi Gerry, thank you….the same goes for you…a great bloke also!
Nice guy went to school with him stay safe Evan
Lovely to hear from you John…always a gentleman!, thank you.
You all seem good friends, so why doesn’t some one have a quiet word with him about is dyed hair , it looks a cunt.
Stuart Longley because he wants to look like yourself.
Garry Nolan God help you all.
Is that a wig?
Stephen Sewell almost undetectable🫣
Michael Poole yes you wouldn’t know it lol 😂
Stephen Sewell it can’t be 😲
Stu Robinson I bet he’s not using head and shoulders lol 😂
Stephen Sewell not really appropriate guys🙁🙁
Stephen Sewell I can’t tell 🤣
Absolute lovely guy.cracking footballer
Thank you Tlm, brilliant lad..good footballer and a darts legend in your own right!
Great guy
Thank you David….great lad to know.
My old friend… JD.
Thank you David.
Played with Evan and his brother Davey….great lads!!
John…I lost David two years ago…hurt me badly…..it was fun playing football with you…I did enjoy it!
I hope you are well over there in Australia…Evan.
Evan and his brother David were both cracking footballers
Thank you Barry…I lost David two years ago…not a bad player yourself…Evan.
Mick Cotton.
Well done Evan. I remember playing football with you.
Hi Ged….not a bad player yourself…a brilliant lad!! thank you…take good care. Evan.
Suits his hair that colour 😀
and he managed to keep all his hair and not a grey hair in site
Wow what a read, what a bloke!
Thank you Lee….Evan.
Along with his brother David, they are two true gents and great crack. Great footballers too. Miss having a bit crack with them both on the odd Saturday afternoon 👍
Hi Philly…David died two years ago..a big miss for me…take good care of yourself ….always a gentleman…great bloke!…Evan.