Today I spent time at one of my usual haunts, Maesteg Harlequins R.F.C. It was actually a social occasion, which provided the perfect opportunity to present a couple of High Sheriff Awards, to two high calibre and wonderfully worthy recipients, for their remarkable work over the years.
The main purpose of the night was actually a reunion as part of Maesteg Harlequins’ 125th Anniversary. During the evening, caps were awarded to the players who had played two hundred or more games. It was at one point during the presentation of caps handed out by British and Irish Lions Gwyn Evans and Robert Jones, that I pounced!
My first High Sheriff award was presented to a former Maesteg Quins player Andrew Morris who, for the last seventeen years until his recent retirement, has been the lead fundraiser for the Velindre Cancer Trust. Wales specialist cancer hospital has allowed people to be treated within Wales, without having to travel huge distances. It is vital to us as a people and as a nation.
Over the years Andrew has harnessed many a Welsh national treasure and international figure to lend their support to the hospital. He has encouraged people like you and I, to undertake many forms of fundraising for Velindre.
We are all touched by cancer, for some it is sadly closer to home than others. We are all indebted to Andrew for his work. Is this hyperbole? Most certainly not. Whether cycling across the USA, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, running marathons or enjoying a slice of cake at work, Andrew’s efforts have raised £50 million pounds. An incredible sum which has helped save many lives.
The second recipient is a true rugby stalwart, who has ensured Maesteg Harlequins rugby has survived through thick and thin. And not just survived, but thrived. Under Robert Williams’ stewardship the club rose from one of the bottom four in Wales, to the top twenty clubs, while remaining totally amateur.
Robert Joined the club in 1971. Apart from playing 715 times for the club, he joined the committee very early on and has been a major part in running the club for over fifty years. Over thirty years of that has been as Chairman.
Without people like Robert, rugby would die. The number of people who have had a game of rugby, created life-long friendships, bonds and marvellous memories are down in no small measure, to Robert Williams. Maesteg, indeed Mid-Glamorgan is a better place for having the likes of Robert involved in our civic and sporting lives.
Ymlaen.