It is with great sadness that we record the passing away of Ion Wilkins. Since the beginning of the last century, the Wilkins family have played a prominent part in the history of cricket in Pontyberem. Ion, following the family tradition, was a regular member of the 1st XI for many years, both as a batsman and bowler. Following his retirement as a player, he became a hard working committee man and faithfully served the club until his health deteriorated a few years ago. He is greatly missed by all his friends at the club. Our sympathies are extended to his widow Jean and to all his family.

Professor Hywel Teifi Edwards
President  Llangennech Cricket  Club

In January the village of Llangennech, and indeed the whole of Wales, was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Hywel Teifi Edwards following a short illness.
Hywel Teifi was a popular patriot, historian, politician and author who was a regular TV and radio contributor as well as a speaker at countless events throughout the whole country. He was a specialist on the Victorian era in Wales and was an authority on the history of the National Eisteddfod.
Born and raised in the Cardiganshire village of Llanddewi Aberarth, he was educated at Aberaeron Grammar School and the University of Wales Aberystwyth, before embarking on a teaching career at Garw Grammar School, Pontycymmer. He moved to the extra-mural department at Swansea University where, in due course, he became professor of Welsh and head of department.
Although an academic, Hywel Teifi was very much at home in village halls and chapel vestries throughout the country analysing the history, culture and literature of Wales in a most interesting and amusing way, and making it relevant to contemporary Wales.
He was also keenly interested in and knowledgeable about most sports, football being his first love. During our Gŵyl Dewi concert last year, when Eifion Thomas the conductor of Côr Meibion Llanelli announced that the next item would be “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, the unofficial ‘anthem’ of Liverpool FC, Hywel, a fervent Arsenal supporter, immediately got to his feet to suggest to Eifion that the choir should therefore sing out of tune!
At our Presentation Evenings Hywel would always emphasise the contribution that a club such as ours made to the community, and how sport was just one aspect of village life which needed support and encouragement. He would also suggest to our players that they should, as far as possible, use Welsh to discuss tactics on the field so as to bamboozle their opponents.
While teaching at Pontycymmer some of the younger members of staff would join the boys for cricket matches during the lunch hour. We were told by the late Dafydd Rowlands, a teaching colleague of Hywel’s, a crowned bard and Archdruid, and a keen Glamorgan supporter, that when big-hitting Hywel came to the crease nearby householders would anxiously watch as balls flew into their gardens.
Many will also recall the funeral of Ray Gravell at Stradey Park two years ago, when Hywel Teifi, along with Rhodri Morgan and Gerald Davies, paid tribute to the great rugby player in a wonderfully poignant and moving manner.
We will all greatly miss Hywel and send our sympathies to his widow Aerona, the children Huw, the BBC newsreader and Meinir, who lives in Australia and their families.

 It was with great sadness that the community of Gowerton heard of the untimely death of Robert Owen Evans on Friday, 22^nd January 2010, aged 67 years. Born and bred in the village, Robert was educated at Gowerton Grammar School and St. Luke’s College, Exeter. In 1967 he returned to his former school as a teacher of Physical Education and Geography where he remained until his retirement in 2002. During his 35 years in the profession, Robert proved to be an inspirational and energetic teacher who was held in the highest regard by both colleagues and pupils. Robert was a keen sportsman who played cricket and rugby for the Gowerton Clubs. As a cricketer he made a major contribution to the success of Gowerton Cricket Club over many years. He captained the Club for 5 seasons from 1970 to 1974, and in his first season as captain the Club regained its position in the 1st Division of the South Wales Cricket Association. He played in both Gowerton visits to Lords in 1973 and 1975 winning the man of the match accolade in 1975. He also played cricket for Wales, captained Wales Over 50`s and played Minor Counties cricket for Devon. 
Following his retirement from 1^st team cricket Robert took on the mantle of second eleven captain a position he held for 15 years. In 1996 Robert stood down as a player and took on the duties of umpire for the second eleven a job he did with distinction for over 10 seasons. His legacy to Gowerton Cricket Club continues through the Veterans Section which he ran for many years with   the commitment and dedication that was synonymous with the man. 
Robert was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all those people who were privileged to know him.