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.

Details of Brin's funeral 🥲 William Reid
15/05/2026

Details of Brin's funeral 🥲 William Reid

06/05/2026

Heard the sad news today that Bryn Morgan has passed. Bryn was an enthusastic member of the Joggers in the 80s, and his cheerful friendliness made him popular with everyone.

He'd been ill for a number of years after suffering a stroke.

Condolences to his wife Freda, daughter Mel and son Stewart 🥹

Lovely turnout at Melvyn's funeral. Great to see so many Joggers - and so many people who didn't jog but just wanted to ...
26/03/2026

Lovely turnout at Melvyn's funeral. Great to see so many Joggers - and so many people who didn't jog but just wanted to pay their respects to someone we all thought of as a friend ❤ So bittersweet to see Melv's son Cian and daughter Stacey there as well after all this time.

Just read his poem. I always knew Melv was a romantic and that he loved the mountains, particularly the Blorenge. But who'd have thought he could write something as lyrical and heartfelt as this.

RIP, you funny, gorgeous and totally mad fella 🥲

24/03/2026

Blaenavon and Beyond
Bethan Hawksley

❤️🕊For anyone wanting to pay their respects to Melvin Woods his funeral will be at Cwmbran crematorium at 10am this Thursday 26th of March. His son Cian has informed me there is unfortunately no wake to follow🕊❤️

From Adrian's daughter, Bethan.

I know that Lyndon Gwillym is planning to go for a coffee in the garden centre following the service, if anyone else wants to join him.

I still have room in the car if anyone wants a lift.

12/03/2026

For all the friends who have asked, I now know when Melvyn's funeral is.

Thursday March 26, Gwent Crematorium, at 10am.

If anyone needs a lift, I have room for two or three.

If anyone knows any former members not on here, please let them know.

Such sad news from Sharon about Melvyn's passing this week. He was, indeed, a total legend - not only in running, but in...
19/02/2026

Such sad news from Sharon about Melvyn's passing this week. He was, indeed, a total legend - not only in running, but in Blaenavon in general.

He was one of the town's original joggers, running for fun and fitness long before other people did. I remember him running in Dunlop Green Flash tennis trainers in the late 70s before he discovered the joy of cushioned running shoes.

Condolences to Sharon and to Melv's son Cian and daughter Stacey. Enjoy your jogging in the clouds, Woodsy 🥹💔

Second left in the pic, between Fred Jones and Ioan Pearce, alongside Stuart Evans, Nigel Edwards, Melv's beloved late nephew Adrian, Tony Williams, John Scandrett, and Richard Warrilow.

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!

Address

Bristol
NP49

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447814070239

Website

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