I hope the figures I’ve chosen over the last year have helped to illustrate our journey from my father’s Llantwit Rd, Treforest, garden shed in 1965 to the Groggshop, Broadway in 2025. And so, to my final choice of figures celebrating 60 years of Groggs. I make no excuse for my last selection which, in a way, brings me full circle. This last five years has seen the 50th anniversaries of some of the momentous victories we revelled in during that glorious period in Welsh rugby history.
From the Grand Slam of 1971 to the Triple Crown of 1979, culminating in that famous win over “The Old Enemy” in Cardiff which I’ve was lucky enough to witness thanks to my father’s foresight in buying our debenture seats. That particular victory in Cardiff stands out for me, as Wales had narrowly missed out on possible back-to-back Grand Slams due to a narrow loss to France in Paris, but were still in with a shout of ending the decade with a championship win. England came to Cardiff with high hopes having just defeated the same French team in Twickenham. However, Wales were captained that day by a true living legend… JPR Williams. His record of never having lost to an English side was potentially in jeopardy, especially after he limped off in the first half with a deep gash to his calf and he was unable to return. As he watched from the side lines, he needn’t have worried, as his teammates went on to end the 70’s in style, demolishing England by scoring four classic tries. One of my enduring memories of that day, is seeing our wounded captain, wearing his tracksuit, being chaired off the pitch by an ecstatic crowd.
Over the last few years, I’ve been reflecting on those glory days and remodelling the heroes who inspired me to make a life in clay. For me, JPR in particular stood out, even though he was surrounded by international superstars. There was something in his demeanour and attitude, as well as his dramatic appearance, which caught my imagination as a young Grogg maker. Also, along with Gareth, JPR was one of the first rugby figures made by my father in 1970, which started a love affair with the sport for both of us, which still endures today. Therefore, my final choice is my latest tribute to the great man JPR Williams. This process has been quite a challenge for me. Choosing 12 pieces which encapsulate our history and the reason Groggs exist. I hope I’ve done it justice and you as collectors have enjoyed looking back at our past, along with me.
