South Wales
Cricket Association
Established 1926
Obituaries
Haydn
Beynon
Pontarddulais Cricket Club
Frederick George Haydn Beynon, or ‘H’ as he was affectionately known, sadly passed away on
Monday 24th of January, 2011, aged 76.
A talented right hand batsman and occasional Off Break Bowler, Haydn played club
cricket for Pontarddulais and as a pro at Pontyberem and Gorseinon. He also
figured for Glamorgan 2nd XI between 1958 and 1961 and was capped at
Welsh level. Haydn served Pontarddulais in various roles for over 60 years, as a
Player, Committee man, Chairman, Senior Vice President and life member of the
club.
After his playing days, Haydn still contributed a great deal to Welsh cricket as
an Administrator. He was Chairman of the SWCA for 14 years between 1984 and
1997. He served on the Welsh Cricket association for 20 years, 3 of which as
Chairman. He also figured on the committee of both the Cricket Board of Wales
and Wales Minor Counties for many years and was still President of Wales Minor
Counties at the end.
Haydn had a passion for Education and served as a School Governor at
Pontarddulais Comprehensive School for 30 years. His passion for young people
and their development in all paths of life was evident as Haydn played an
integral part in the formation of the South Wales Junior Cricket League and
served as the league’s first Vice Chairman in 1973.
Universally recognised as a nice man by everyone involved in cricket in Wales,
Haydn will be sorely missed. Something that will not be forgotten however is the
high regard in which he was held as one of the great contributors to all aspects
of Welsh cricket.
Byron
James
Pontardawe Cricket Club
Byron was one of the most charismatic
cricketers ever to play in the South Wales Cricket Association. He will be sadly
missed by his wife Glenda, his family and the multitude of friends whom he met
on and off the field of play.
A very competitive fast bowler he represented Pontardawe, Port Talbot and
Ynysygerwn with distinction for a total of 25 seasons. At Ynysygerwn he was a
key member of a side that won the Dan Radcliffe Division One Trophy and played
at Lords in the National Village Competition.
He was also an outstanding goalkeeper in the Welsh League with Clydach and
Pontardawe clubs and played in a final Welsh Amateur trial.
Testament to his unique personality and popularity was shown at the Swansea
Crematorium on Wednesday 1st December 2010 when there was "standing room" only.
Our sympathies are extended to his wife Glenda and all his family.
Grenville Alan Nicholas (“Nick”, “Gwyn” or “Gren”)
Port Talbot Town Cricket Club
It was with great sadness that Port Talbot Town Cricket
Club learned of the passing in June 2010 of “Nick”.
Coming from a well known local family, that ran a grocery business in Station
Road, Port Talbot, he was one of thirteen children and two stepchildren.
During his childhood, along with his brother Geoffrey, he as a choirboy in St
Mary’s church, Aberavon. It was from here he won a scholarship to Llandaff
Cathedral School in Cardiff to complete his education, with the added bonus of
winning the “Deans Award” for the best chorister.
On completion of his schooling he worked at various times, first at the Hawker
Aircraft factory, then British Steel where he finished his employment in 1979.
He married his lovely wife Olive in March 1947 and together they had two sons,
Gary and Jeff. Sadly, Olive died in 2001 and he missed her terribly.
As far back as anyone can remember his love of cricket was paramount, he called
it “God’s game”. He honed his skills with Margam Celtic Cricket Club as a hard
hitting, left handed batsman, who, despite having a disability, held his own
with all and sundry.
In the late fifties and early sixties, he, with others, was responsible for the
reformation of Port Talbot Town Cricket Club, an achievement of which he was
rightly proud. For three decades he was in the forefront of the Club’s
activities, both on and off the field and his strong leadership was the bedrock
on which the present day Club was built.
In the late seventies and early eighties he served as an umpire along with his
brother Geoff in the South Wales Cricket Association, before retiring in 1985.
His love of music remained with him throughout his life. He was a keen
participating member of Cor Meibion, Aberavon and remained so until his health
began to deteriorate.
His passing will leave a gap in the ethos of Port Talbot Town Cricket Club. We
know that the name of “Nick” will never be forgotten, nor should it be, because
he represents all that is good about the game.
Finally, to his family, we say, May his memory be a constant source of comfort
to you in the coming years.