A week ago the club received the very sad news of the sudden death of our long serving groundsman MIKE Watts, who suffered a heart attack at home. Mike served the club faithfully for over twenty years, making sure the pitches were always in tip top condition and well presented on match days, at all times of the year, in all weathers. The Directors, Management Committee, members and all on the playing side of the club send their sincerest condolences to his son Rhys, close family and friends, who are mourning their loss. Mike was a popular, well respected club member, who was well known around the town; he had an encyclopaedic knowledge regarding local and international rugby, a sport that he loved and supported throughout his whole life. He will be very fondly remembered and missed by those he regularly interacted with at the club and around the town, with whom he was always willing to chew the fat over a wide range of social and sporting issues. The funeral is at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Wednesday August 14, at 12.15pm, followed by a wake at the clubhouse.
With the new season almost upon us, the club announced the appointment of Lloyd Davies as Club Captain for his second year in charge; everyone wishes him and the squad every success as they start in Division 4 West, whilst the Panthers and Youth are yet to name their leaders. All squads across all age ranges have been training for weeks now and some have taken advantage of the Friday social rugby sessions to increase their workload. There are a number of pre-season fixtures arranged and these are on display at the club, the First XV start on August 17 with Pontyates (home) 2.30pm KO, the Youth play Carmarthen Athletic (home) Friday August 16th, KO 7pm, whilst the Panthers are yet to confirm their fixtures.
The club was delighted last Sunday to turn over the ground to QUNINNFEST; the event was part of a fundraising effort by friends of the local Catermole Family; there was a huge community turn out, which raised over £6k on the day. The friends also organised a bike ride from and back to Pembroke Castle, taking in Castles of H’West, Wiston, Llawhaden, Narberth, Tenby, Manorbier and Carew Castles en route and they intend doing a Bikeathon at Adsa Cribbs Causeway (Bristol) on September 7; an online Just Giving page opened for donations has already brought in over £8k and remains open until after the Bikeathon. All funds raised will go to PHAUK (Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK).
On Saturday August 17, alongside the first home pre-season senior match, there is another fundraising effort in aid of NERVETUMOURSUK, which is being coordinated by ex-player Matthew Evans and wife Chantelle. The couple will be holding further events during the coming season and Chantelle will be running the London Marathon next year; all funds raised will be donated after she completes her run. Everyone at the club is supporting their efforts to maximise their fundraising efforts.