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Photo of Neath Supporters Club 1931-2
the photo is by Harry Jones, 8 Windsor Rd, Neath:
Top Row:- Fred Williams (Vice-President), J. M. Parker, W. Cooper, T. George,
T. J. Youatt.
Second Row: V. T. Hunkin, T. G. Jones, Ernest Williams (Vice-President), D.
Williams, B. Sutcliffe.
Third Row: T. J. Rouse, W. H. Waring, B. Gorman, W. A. Griffiths, J.
Shufflebotham (Vice-President), W. J. Davies
Sitting: R. Gregory (Hon. Treas), G. Stephens, Ald. J. B. Williams (President),
G. H. Mills (Chairman), Phil. Howells (Chairman N. R. F. C.), Horace Peckham
(Hon. Sec.)
Inspired by former Welsh international Glyn Stephens (seated
front, second from left) this band of tireless workers are responsible for
raising enough cash to build the first clubhouse, below is an extract from the
Neath club history published in 1936/7 season.
"
A programme of this character would be incomplete without reference to the
remarkable achievements of the Neath Rugby Supporters' Club, who are responsible
for its publication. Formed in 1930, this young but virile offshoot of the
premier club has worked untiringly and ensured the continued success of the
parent body. The full details of the social and financial efforts cannot be told
here, but all those who have played their part in its development are gratefully
thanked. In 1932 the Supporters' Club took the initiative in a scheme which had
been the subject of much talk for the past 30 years, namely the provision of
accommodation for the players and a pavilion. This building was erected at a
cost of £1,542, and when £1,000 had been wiped out the pavilion was handed
over to the premier club, free of all liabilities, and leaving the Supporters to
clear £400 plus interest, a task which was accomplished in 1935. Apart from
this outstanding effort the Supporters have also assisted the premier club with
handsome donations, and by their whole-hearted endeavours increased the
membership to 1,000. Donations have been made to outside organisations, and
senior and schoolboy internationals in the town in recent years have been
presented with framed photographs of themselves. Members have also voluntarily
carried out repair and painting work on the ground.
The present officials of the club, who deserve all praise for their past
triumphs and encouragement in their future enterprises, are: President, The
Mayor, Councillor J. B Williams, J. P.; chairman, Mr. W. Cooper; vice-chairman,
Mr J. M. Parker; treasurer, Mr. Stan. Simmons; hon. secretary, Mr. Bert Gorman;
hon. solicitor, Mr A. R. Harris; committee, Messrs. Tom Rouse, W. G. Rees, A. D
Evans, ex-Supt. Rees Davies, Messrs. T. Garfield Jones, Bert Sutcliffe, W. A.
Griffiths and Glyn Stephens, J.P., the founder and originator of the Pavilion
Scheme.
The Supporters are not resting on their laurels, and are already assisting in
the provision of a new wicket to retain county cricket for Neath sportsmen. In
addition, the erection of a reversible stand in the field for the benefit of
cricket and rugby spectators is being undertaken by the Club. The impossible is
unknown to these gallant workers, and may their future schemes be marked by
progress and success, and the unstinting support of the generous-hearted
sporting public" (WRM-0594)
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