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GWERNYFED RFC
TO THE NEXT FIFTY YEARS...
Gwernyfed RFC Chairman Rob Stephens reports
on a memorable season for everyone associated with the Club.
I have just settled down after the fantastic evening of celebration with some 500 members, friends and associates in the company of one of the World’s foremost rugby greats, the Welsh and British Lions Coach Warren Gatland MBE. In the following report I would like to take stock of where we are today as a rugby club and where I see our future.
It was fantastic to see both the Knapp and Altmeyer families in attendance at the ball, with their rugby playing grandchildren - of whom the founders of the club, David and Bernard would have been so proud.
The fact that we also had in attendance, some of our original players means that we have a fantastic pictorial record of the night, that will be displayed for the future members of the club to see. What was also special that evening, was the presence of so many Minis and Juniors section’s parents and coaches and, without doubt, our future is very sound. Whilst elsewhere in this newsletter we will see many reports of what has occurred in the last twelve months, I do not need to mention eveybody in my report but, instead I will concentrate on the growth of the club which is, without doubt, not only strengthened by all who give their time but also from sound financial backing of all our generous sponsors especially John and Miriam Jones.
I would like to thank our senior coaches Chay Billen and Danny Skyrme who are moulding a fine, young set of players into an ever improving squad. The teams are ably led by their captains and by integrating the seniors and youth next season, we will surely see further improvement. The commitment of players and coaches as last season progressed was very impressive and some fine victories were achieved in the second half of the year.
As for the senior Ladies, they will again play their rugby in the highest echelon and Gordon, Dan and John have already recruited more players for the new season. Retiring from captaincy, Del Thomas should be especially congratulated for her key role and sterling ‘lead by example’ attitude - which has seen the girls reach the Premier League in Welsh rugby.
Overseeing all this, is Rugby Director Des Parry, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support rugby across the club. It is towards the junior end that our future lies, and that is where we will concentrate any future expansion. Ian, Gegs, Norm and Toggsy amongst others deserve plaudits too. Membership has grown to over 600, Audrey Bayliss having worked hard to modernise the records and keep them up to date.
A couple of special mentions to Pete Carey and Matthew Hoole who take the entrance
money on the gate, all season they always miss the first quarter of the home games as they await the late arrivals - great dedication! Aimie Lloyd has now completed her first 12 months as bar manager and, together with her hardworking staff, should be proud of their contribution to the club.
More members means expansion, a much needed office will hopefully be up and running in the near future - as yet another undeveloped part of the Malthouse is being utilized.
The 200 Mini and Junior members will be pleased to know the club has agreed to take over the management of the cricket pavilion and pitches at the Mid Wales Hospital in conjunction with Talgarth Cricket club and the owner Phil Collins.
TADSCA, the local sporting organisation of which the club is a member, is being established and hopefully grants can be secured for some all weather facilities - a must for the club, with our area to play and train on currently being very limited.
The threat of the closure of Gwernyfed School is a major concern as we presently have access to its indoor facilities, school mini bus for matches and, of course, pitch facilities. We are actively supporting the campaign to ensure its future, as the impact of closure would be devastating to the wider community as well as ourselves.
GRFC News