Blackwood president Owen Parfitt, who has given more than 50 years’ service to the club, was included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The British Empire Medal was brought back for this year’s Honours List and focusses on services to the community.
Owen, who first got involved with the club as a player in 1958, went on to become captain, then coach of the side. He went on to join the committee and in 1988 he became chairman, a post he held for 30 years – one of the longest chairmanships in Welsh rugby.
During his time as chairman, Owen was instrumental in a complete overhaul of the clubhouse and playing facilities including overseeing the purchase, planning and renovation of a piece of land and building which has enabled Blackwood to, in his own words ‘provide facilities that meet the demands of players and supporters alike and provide quality rugby within the community for the benefit of the community’.
The versatile clubhouse is now used by many community organisations such as local scout groups, charities and clubs, and is well utilised for parties, wedding and funerals. The club has a vibrant playing structure with minis, juniors and youth teams, and Blackwood Stars also operate from Glan-yr-Afon Park. In order for the playing facilities to be used all year, a rugby league club now also plays games there during the summer months.
Blackwood went from competing in the Mon Union when Owen was first involved with the club, playing against the likes of Pontypool and Abercarn, to playing in the Heineken Leagues, once winning the third division, and in 2008/09 the club became champions of SWALEC Division One East.
“It’s very special to be honoured in this way,” said Mr Parfitt, “but it’s not something I expected at all. I’m very conscious that there are many other people who have also put a lot of time and effort into their clubs and I feel like I’ll be accepting the award on behalf of all of amateur rugby in Wales. People like John Jones of Usk who has served the club for a very long time, others I know at Llanharan and Whitland also come to mind.
“I’m pleased for my family who have sacrificed a lot through all these years.
“I initially became vice chair on the understanding that we would develop the site. I drew up a plan and over the years we’ve been working away at that plan to a position where I’m satisfied with what we’ve achieved.
“From a playing perspective we’ve gone from the Mon Union playing against good sides like Pontypool, Blaina, Abercarn, to the Heineken League, winning our division on one occasion and now the National League. Personally I think we are in the right place at the moment. We have considered going for the Premiership, especially when we became SWALEC Division One East champions but this is first and foremost a community club and we are just about holding our own through utilising the club and its facilities for community activities . It’s an asset for the whole community and I’m proud of that.”
Other than his commitment to his own club, Owen was also secretary of District A for many years, was an elected representative of his Division, was a very well respected member of the WRU criteria panel and was proud to be a liaison officer for many incoming international teams.
Welsh Rugby Union president Dennis Gethin, who has invited Owen to one of the forthcoming November Tests in recognition of his award, said, “Owen is a typical example of what’s good about Welsh rugby. I’ve always said the strength of Welsh rugby is in its grassroots and there’s not a better example of that than what Owen’s done over the years , especially with the ground and clubhouse facilities here, helping to make the club the true heart of the community.”
