At the recent AGM of Old Penarthians RFC, several new members were elected to the management committee. As these new appointees take on role-specific positions, the tenure of several long-serving committee members comes to an end.
In particular the Club would like to pay tribute to two of the longest serving members, Nigel Williams and David (Jammy) James to recognise their outstanding service.
Nigel Williams
Nigel was actually elected onto the committee of the Club in the 1968/69 season, three years before he took on the role of Honorary Treasurer, as successor to Dave Weber in 1971/72. According to the fixture book for that season subscriptions for an RFC member at that time were £1.50 per year with a 121/2p match day levy for all players to part cover player insurance. In the intervening 55 years, Nigel has seen many increases in fees, and many more rising costs associated with the running of a rugby club that he has served with distinction.
In his overall 58 years on committee, and a conservative estimate of 600 committee meetings, Nigel has served under 5 Club Presidents, 11 Chairpersons and with 3 Honorary Secretaries. Thirty-six different 1st XV captains have also tried to encourage Nigel to spend some of the Club’s money on player refreshments for efforts made on behalf of the team and the club.
Within Nigel’s tenure the Club has grown exponentially from the small rectangular prefab building to a facility that now encompasses squash courts, a gymnasium, newly refurbished changing rooms and shower area together with an enhanced lounge and bar area. All of these changes having been developed under one man’s watchful eye on the finances. Initially there were brewery loans but subsequent improvements have been managed from within the club funds supported by grants from the WRU and other generous benefactors. During this time he has always had the support of his wife Jan, daughter Laura and son and former first XV winger, Huw. More recently Nigel has been able to support his grandson Steffan who has graduated from the Mini & Junior rugby section to the 1st XV.
To celebrate his 50 year tenure in 2021 the Club held a lunch in his honour attended by his family, friends and ex-playing colleagues. Chair of the Community Board of the WRU, John Manders presented a signed and framed citation from the then Chairman of the WRU, Robert Butcher, praising Nigel’s outstanding contribution to a single club. The Club recognised his service with a specially designed polo shirt and a commemorative plate designed by Rumney Pottery. And to complete the recognition of Nigel’s service he had the honour of being chosen as the flag bearer for the Welsh XV on the pitch at the Principality Stadium before the England match in February 2023.
Nigel has undoubtedly earned his retirement and he will be missed for his forthright views that have been built on his love for Old Penarthians. It is hoped that he will remain an avid supporter of the Club and that he will continue to enjoy drinking the HB during his regular visits to the clubhouse on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays for many years to come.
David James
David ‘Jammy’ James first appeared on committee in 1997/78 as second XV captain, in a year when the team played 34 games winning 13 and drawing 3. He then served two years on the committee in 1978/79 and 79/80. He had two years away before another two years in 1982/83 and 83/84. He then went on a sabbatical for 18 years before returning in 2003/04 and has been ever present since, serving as vice chairman for 2014/15 to 2022/23
Overall David has served as an RFC committee man for 28 years. In recent years he has been a fundamental part of the Sevens Committee, still one of the leading events in the local rugby calendar, responsible for programme production and advertising income, as well as organisation of visiting team participation.
David has also served on the Social Committee for many years and has been an integral part of the Finance Committee team ensuring that the club met its financial responsibilities to Her & His Majesties governments.
The Club will definitely hope that Jammy remains a stalwart supporter of the Club if only to ensure that the beer sales of HB are maintained in his bi-weekly encounters with Neil Warren.
The Club thanks both Nigel and David, and the other retiring members of the management committee, for all their hard work in the knowledge that their experience can be called upon to offer advise to their successors.