Judo club

In 1986 they did it again and this time the presenters were Newport County favourites, John Relish and John Aldridge.

On Boxing Day, 1991 In 1986 they did it again, and this time the presenters were Newport County favourites John Relish and John Aldridge.

On Boxing Day, 1991, I organised a charity rugby match at Bettws Rugby Club, and the person to give an after-buffet talk was Newport Rugby Club and Wales flying wing, Ken Jones, and his talk was brilliant. He also helped the prize draw.

During the late 1990s the Civil Service Club held the awards night for younger players and I was pleased to help the club to hire the voluntary assistance of Newport Rugby Club stalwarts Ian Gough and Rod Snow to present the awards, thanks to Jim McCreedy.

As I wrote this story it was only two days before the funeral of a good friend of mine from the judo club during 1975-1986, and a friend since, Jeff Halford, who sadly passed away on Sunday, February 4.

He was a good husband, father and grandfather to Jean, Karen, David and family, and on behalf of all ex-members, also their families, send our deepest sorrow on the sad loss to Jean and family.

YOUNG DIAMONDS: On Saturday, February 3, I was cordially invited to join in the celebration at the Bettws Social Club of the diamond wedding anniversary, 60 years, for well-liked and widely respected Tony and Eileen Wren, of Clist Road, Bettws.

The evening started with the gracious thanks to the club committee for the venue with a flyer bingo, followed by a photographic session and interview, before the first act on stage, Sarah Jane, who gave her own renditions of some famous musical hits such as Patsy Cline's Crazy, Day Dreamer, then her younger follow-up young lady, I believe her sister, sang Misty before they did a duet on behalf of Tony and Eileen with The Wedding, a fitting tribute.

In my interview, Tony replied to my question of the recipe for his happy marriage: "We believe it is tolerance with each other, plus I never argue with Eileen because she is always right anyway."

They met outside a chip shop in Pill, Newport, and married in 1947, and for those remembering, that was the year of the great snow, up to five feet deep!

Their marriage was blessed with five children, Lennard, Wayne, Karen, and twins Lyn and Leon. They have produced 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

As youngsters Tony attended Portland School, Weymouth, and Eileen attended Bolt Street School, Pill.

Their daughter, Karen, was really pleased with the celebration and was happy to speak on behalf of the whole family in stating: "Mam and Dad are the most wonderful parents one could have, they are so loving to us all, and respect is the highest possible."

I spoke to club chairman, Peter Mullis, who said: "Tony and Eileen have been members here for ten years and their presence is always well respected, they are well liked and admired by all."

Congratulations must go to them both, and may their health be of the best, and wealth and happiness, from the family, and with love and admiration of parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.