FRIDAY October 23 saw a very special event to bring to a close the 50th anniversary celebrations at Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club.
An ‘originals’ evening was held where the remaining members from the first Gwernyfed XV from 1965 gathered again along with other club officers, captains and book contributors as well as members of the local community.
The event doubled up with the launch of ‘50 Years in Green, Black and White’ - a book detailing some of the experiences of players who have represented Gwernyfed Rugby Club over the last half a century. 240 pages compiled by club members including stories, results, reports, poems, cartoons and photographs - the book is great read for any rugby fan.
Gwernyfed Chairman Robert Stephens welcomed everyone to the Malthouse before inviting local AM William Powell to say a few words about the positive impact the Club has had on the local community.
The microphone was then passed on to Gwernyfed past chairman Peter Weavers who spoke passionately about the past 50 years and also looked forward to the next 50.
Cartoonist and past player Andrew ‘Dix’ Dixon was commissioned by the club to pen a portrait of the ‘Originals’ from an early team photograph and the first of a limited edition run of 30 prints was auctioned off by Brecon and Radnor MP Chris Davies - it was bought for £350 by the family of club co-founder Bernard Altmeyer, who the Club were delighted to see on the evening. Remaining prints are available from the Rugby Club.
‘50 Years in Green, Black and White’ is available to buy for £20 from Gwernyfed Rugby Club in Talgarth, Old Railway Line Garden Centre in Three Cocks or online from www.oldrailwaylinegc.co.uk.