The original Blaenafon Joggers - 1985-2000

The original Blaenafon Joggers - 1985-2000 The club folded due to a number of reasons: people ‘retiring’ from running, moving away, etc, resulting in a dwindling membership.

This is a page commemorating the late, lamented and still much loved Blaenafon Joggers, a ‘social’ – and sometimes serious – running club that was based at the (late, lamented and still much loved) Blaenavon Recreation Centre through the 1980s and 1990s. From humble beginnings, as a group set up by LL&SML Town Councillor and all-round good egg Neil Williamson and current Torfaen Councillor Stuart

Evans, the club expanded to number an amazing near-80 members during its 1989 peak. Standards ranged from fun runner to international, and we travelled far and wide to enjoy road, cross-country and fell races, many members achieving outstanding results. But no matter what the achievements, we were – first and foremost – great friends who enjoyed a drink in the bar after battling one another so hard it almost killed some of us (yes, Gary Evans, I’m talking to you). I’m pretty sure it could have been revived, had Torfaen Council not made the heartbreaking decision to demolish the centre. Let’s hope someone is brave enough to take on the challenge some time in the future. In the meantime, I’ll be uploading a massive collection of photographs, newspaper cuttings, newsletters, videos and other memorabilia. It’ll probably take forever, but it will be a labour of love. Thanks to Jane Williamson and other members for entrusting them to me. If anyone else wants to share some pics, or just memories, that would be lovely. Let’s start with some photos of our founder members, without whom so many of us would never have had such an absolutely wonderful time. Jackie Huybs, former Joggers’ PR, Secretary and Chair … at one time or another. PS, if any of the info above is incorrect, please give me a right telling off and I’ll update it.

I'm sure we all remember Paddy. Lots of love from the Joggers to Sue 🥹
26/06/2025

I'm sure we all remember Paddy. Lots of love from the Joggers to Sue 🥹

29/12/2024

Tonight's the night! See you at the Pottery at 7pm or thereafter 🥳

24/12/2024

Morning all

The Pottery won’t do a buffet for fewer than 20 people, so we’re now having a curry at £5 a head.

Hope that’s okay with everyone. If anyone’s a veggie, please let me know.

The guest list:

Sian and William Reid
Richard Warrilow and Mrs W
Mary Abbot (Williamson)
Derrick Gwillym
Stacey and Lyndon Jenkins
Gaynor and Paul Johnson
Chris and Annette White
Gary Evans
Eric Meredith
John Scandrett

Christine Ann Lewis is going to try to come

Still working on Sean Carney, Liz Probert and Melvin Woods.

See you at 7pm!

Here you go, peeps. Please confirm that you're definitely coming for the buffet. Thanks!
01/12/2024

Here you go, peeps. Please confirm that you're definitely coming for the buffet. Thanks!

08/10/2024

Good morning fellow former Joggers!

I’ve been in touch with most of you about having a reunion in the run-up to Christmas – and most of you are keen to come!

Sorry these dates are so close to Christmas itself, but we are hopefully having a rare meet-up with one of our original – maybe even founder – members Richard Warrilow, who is back from Spain on a family visit.

The best date for Rich is SUNDAY DECEMBER 29, although he could – at a push - do Monday 30 or Thursday January 2.

Please let me know your thoughts – although, obviously, the 29th would be the preferred date.

Thanks!

Aah! Was much better when it was the half-marathon, wasn't it?!
14/04/2024

Aah! Was much better when it was the half-marathon, wasn't it?!

Join the Mic Morris 10km road race from Blaenavon to Pontypool and be part of one of the fastest 10K races in the UK.

Shocked and saddened today to hear about the untimely passing of stalwart Blaenafon Jogger Adrian Woods.Adrian was an ea...
31/08/2022

Shocked and saddened today to hear about the untimely passing of stalwart Blaenafon Jogger Adrian Woods.

Adrian was an early and loyal recruit to the club, joining in every training session, taking part in countless races - whether as an impressive individual or important member of relay teams - coaching, advising and generally supporting us all.

He will be a massive loss to especially the fell-running, but also the general athletics and sporting communities in Wales. He was also an excellent rugby player before taking up running and played for Pontypool Youth and all the Blaenavon clubs in the late 70s and early 80s.

On a personal note, I could never thank him enough for encouraging me to take up running and changing my life for the better.

Deepest sympathy to Sharon, Bethan and - of course - our other Woodsy Jogger, Melvin.

RIP, Ade xx

Well done our Ange!
07/01/2021

Well done our Ange!

Found a few more pics from back in the day. The first two are at the Westlakes in Cwmavon after the 1991 Tour of Torfae...
15/08/2020

Found a few more pics from back in the day. The first two are at the Westlakes in Cwmavon after the 1991 Tour of Torfaen. The third is at Mark's sister's pub The Bush in Cwmbran after a Gwent League cross-country in 1992. Maggie Evans, show young Gary :-) Andrew Sims, Suzanne Sims :-) Martin Sims, I believe you're the third Sims in the pic :-)

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Bristol
NP49

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Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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