The Original Blaenafon Joggers - 1985-2000

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).

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

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.

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).

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

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.