News

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend Billy Simmons on Friday 27^th October at the age of 77 years. He was a much liked and well-respected former player, Committee member and Club Steward for many years.

Billy was one of the first players of his era to come out of the Youth XV and go straight into the 1^st XV side playing as flanker. As Billy’s rugby progressed he moved to playing on the wing for Taff’s Well RFC. The well known ‘I was stung by a bee’ story, his excuse for being outpaced by a particularly fast opposition winger, is enshrined in our Club centenary book.

Billy worked at the Taff’s Well Forgemasters during the 1970s as a gantry driver and then in the inspection department. He left work to care for his father-in-law and worked intermittently as a roadie and stage hand with many of the big music bands of the time at the St David’s Hall in Cardiff. Billy then served as Steward of the old rugby club during the late 1980s and into the 1990s. In his later years his enjoyment was walking with his friends. He was well known and well liked by everyone who knew him.

Our deepest condolences and thoughts go to his much loved daughter Teri, son in law Denver, grandchildren Jamie-Lee and Ross and to Naomi, Alysha and Ashton. Our thoughts are also with his sister Pat, brother-in-law Graham and their children Marc, Kristian and Martine.

Billy’s funeral will take place on Friday 17^th November 11.45 at the Wenallt Chapel, Thornhill Crematorium.

Teri and the family would like to invite everyone who is able to join them afterwards to enjoy refreshments and friendship at Taff’s Well RFC.