Howdy Grogg Fans,
Sorry about the ‘long time no speak’ but I have been very busy – honest! Firstly, I have just managed to finish ‘The Lions Roar’ in time for the 1971 reunion dinner to be held at the Vale Hotel on the 19 th of May. As promised I have had a bit of fun including the black eyes, missing teeth, scars and rake marks on him to reflect one of the toughest tours the Lions ever made. It took a little longer than I thought but I hope you will think it was worth the extra effort when it’s painted. The No 13 of 71 is being auctioned on the night of the dinner which is being held to honour their Captain – John Dawes.
On the Wales front the Six Nations was a bit up and down but personally I would have taken 3 wins from 5 at the start of the tournament given our injury problems. As you know Sam Warburton is now available and Bradley Davies is following quickly on his heels. Sam’s Grogg was featured on S4C’s ‘Pethe’ which did a profile on the Groggshop this week. Many thanks to Grogg collector Neil Jones who did the interview for us – I thought the shop looked great even though I’m getting to look more like my Dad everyday!
Use this link to watch Pethe
http://www.s4c.co.uk/clic/e_level2.shtml?series_id=496274916
With the World Cup in mind we are waiting for the Welsh squad to be announced before making any more new 9” Ltd Ed’s but there are some obvious candidates so keep us informed of your wish lists! On the international front I have bowed to public pressure and think it’s time I made a Grogg of Sergio Parisse – especially after Italy’s heroics against France!
On the soccer scene Kenny Dalglish is next in line in the 9” Collection but I was recently inspired by the colour footage of Man Utd beating Benfica in the 1968 European Cup Final to produce only 7 of the 15” George Best figures in that iconic all blue strip. The figure will include an inscription reflecting not only the games score but the fact that George was voted European Player of the Year that season. Also, depending on results, an idea to make the 4 greatest Man Utd Players of all time standing together in the shape of Mount Rushmore but ‘full bodied’ has been discussed. The top four players were voted by Man Utd fans themselves as Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, George Best and the legendary Bobby Charlton who is long overdue to be ‘Grogged’! This should make an amazing piece and I can’t wait to start it but I have to be patient for a few weeks more! On the boxing front – I haven’t forgotten Mike Tyson as I have a deadline to complete him before June. The Mascot range will soon include the USA Eagle and I have been told that a Spanish Bull, Romanian Lynx and a Russian Bear are all possibilities to be confirmed.
Congratulations to Dale, Paul and the whole Pontypridd team on winning the Swalec Cup. This success guarantees at least one new Grogg in our Ponty Mini range and may be more. Ponty have been amazing this season fighting the cause on 3 fronts and we feel their efforts deserve Groggy recognition.
Well I can talk the talk but now I need to walk the walk – lots to do – back to the clay.
Cheers for now, Dicki
