When Hewson is your nice new home
Roy Hewson was worried the postie would be confused when he moved in to the Bob Scott Retirement Village.
That was because he and wife Joan now live in the Hewson Wing of the Petone village which carries the names of famous Petone rugby players.
The 86-year-old is well known as a former principal and keen historian but also as the father of a famous All Black.
Allan Hewson played 19 tests for the All Blacks and once held the world record for the most points in a test.
The Ryman home is named after legendary All Black Bob Scott who settled in Petone after retiring from the All Blacks.
As well as the Hewson Wing, other parts are named after Petone All Blacks Andy Leslie and Don McIntosh.
Hewson senior said it was an honour to be living in a wing named after his son.
His initial fear that the postie would be confused had proved unfounded.
He gets surprisingly little feedback on the name, other than some people who assume it is named after him.
His son was pleased to have his name attached to a facility honouring the legendary fullback.
Bob Scott was chosen in Charlie Saxton’s famous Kiwis Army side of 1945-46 that toured Great Britain after World War II.
The great attacking fullback moved to Petone in 1954 to run a menswear shop.
Allan said he had a lot to do with Scott and he remembered him fondly.
‘‘Dad used to take me into the shop and he [Bob Scott] taught me how to kick at Wilford School.’’
A number of well known Petone rugby identities have moved into the village and he said it was nice to see his parents settling in nicely.
‘‘He is as happy as Larry.
‘‘They have company and security. It is a lot better having peace of mind for us.’’
The village will soon feature another famous All Black name when the Ken Gray Wing opens.