Thought For The Day – Monday 19^th October 2026

Black History Month

October is, of course, “Black History Month”.

Thank you to Mrs. Ellen for her inspirational assemblies two weeks ago.

These included Mrs. Ellen’s launch of the wonderful T.B.S.H.S. project for 2026.

This is a brilliant idea, especially as the theme for “Black History Month” this year is “Honouring Communities”.

One person, who passed away from this life, aged 92, on the 24^th of August 2026, who was an outstanding figure in his community, was Sir Billy Boston M.B.E..

Sir Billy Boston moved to Wigan, in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and became a pillar of the community and “Wiganer”. Sir Billy Boston was, and always will be, “The Pride of Wigan”.

And Wales and Wembley too. In Cardiff, London, as well as Wigan there are statues to Sir Billy Boston.

Three statues to one person.

So, who was Sir Billy Boston M.B.E..?

Sir Billy Boston, pictured above, was the first ever Rugby League player to be knighted.

Very interestingly, Sir Billy Boston’s 571 professional tries are the most tries by a British Rugby League or Rugby Union player. The model of consistency.

A match-winner.

A game changer.

For Sir Billy Boston broke sporting records.

But also, Sir Billy Boston smashed social barriers and glass ceilings too.

With as much pace and power as he played, he changed the world.

For Sir Billy became the first black player, or player of colour, to represent Great Britain.

Born in Cardiff, Sir Billy, at the time, felt he was overlooked by his home Rugby Union team and country owing to the colour of his skin.

Later in his life, suffering dementia, Sir Billy continued to attend Wigan games with his wonderful wife, Lady Joan Boston, pictured above, who passed away from this life in July 2026.

There was a very moving memorial, pictured above, on their seats at Wigan Warriors Rugby League club.

Never forgotten. Always loved and remembered.

“Sir Billy Boston’s life was spent breaking through tackles, and breaking down barriers“, said the B.B.C. News report of August 2026 paying tribute