GWERNYFED were honoured by a visit from Welsh Rugby Union President Mr Dennis Gethin and his wife Janet on Saturday.
Ostensibly the visit was to allow Mr and Mrs Gethin to watch the game against Abercynon. The special guests enjoyed an open game on a lovely afternoon but only in The Old Malthouse after the game was the real purpose of the visit revealed to all.
Back in 1965, rugby at Gwernyfed kicked off. One of the most prominent players in those very early days was Brian ‘Titch’ Jones, resplendent in headband and the bushiest sideburns and a master of the dark arts of front row skullduggery.
Titch was not only up front on the pitch but was prominent in putting the Club on its feet from administrative and financial perspectives.
Fifty-one seasons later and Titch is President and Honorary Secretary of the Club and the wise old head to whom everyone turns in terms of both rugby and the broader wellbeing of the Club.
In recognition of Titch’s immense contribution to rugby at Gwernyfed, in Breconshire and across Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union struck a special Waterford crystal bowl which Dennis Gethin presented in front a packed and hugely appreciative audience.
The President paid special tribute to Titch’s work in guiding Gwernyfed RFC from the germ of an idea to the successful community club that it is today.
"Titch, marvellously supported by his wife Mary, has been the foundation stone upon which Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club has been built," said Mr Gethin, "Titch’s commitment to rugby is an example to us all, indeed with Titch’s guidance Gwernyfed has developed into the most marvellous role model for just how a community club should be run. If every Club had a Titch, Welsh rugby would have little to worry about."
For once Brian was almost lost for words, the presentation being a complete surprise for the Three Cocks man. However, in thanking Mr Gethin Titch said: "I am very touched by this presentation. I have enjoyed every minute that I have spent involved with the Club – and I have every intention of spending many more minutes working with so many great people for the benefit of Gwernyfed Rugby Club."