Grogg News!

We would like to remind customers to check on our site before bidding on items on eBay, recently people have been paying way over the odds on second hand figures when you can have them shiny and new from us for a better price! Give us a ring if in doubt!

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖚𝖗𝖓 𝖔𝖋 𝕭𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖜𝖊𝖓 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌

Eagle eyed Simon has once again spotted a rare and unusual piece made by my father in the mid-sixties. Luckily, at the auction, our bid was accepted & Branwen, has once again, made her way home. 

If anyone is unaware of the stories of the Mabinogion, I can thoroughly recommend them. Always fantastical and sometimes quite disturbing, as children we were told these legendary tales of Welsh magic & the figures my father made of their wonderful characters illustrated our childhood & fired our imagination.

This story in particular captivated my father & he returned to its theme many times. 

Branwen was the sister of the King of Britain, “Bran the Blessed “, also known as the giant, Bendigeidfran. A pact was made with Matholwch of Ireland that he & Branwen be married to keep the peace between Wales & Ireland. Unfortunately, at the wedding ceremony Branwen’s half bother, Efnysien, loses his temper at not being consulted about the match & disfigures Matholwch’s horses…I told you it was disturbing! 

Although Matholwch is placated by Bran’s gift of a cauldron which can revive the dead he takes Branwen back to Ireland but she is treated with great disrespect & made to work in the kitchens where she is abused. She befriends a starling which carries a message home to Wales telling her brother of her imprisonment & the giant Bran crosses the Celtic Sea with an army. He is so tall when the Irish sentinels see him coming, they believe it’s an island moving towards them. After much violence Branwen is rescued but Bran is killed & his head buried in London where it is said to defend Britain from invasion to this day. Sadly, Branwen died of a broken heart as a result of the destruction which followed in the wake of her rescue. 

As you can see it’s no wonder as children we were totally absorbed by these stories. I myself made many figures of celts (for a little pocket money!) with the names of the giants  warriors of the Mabinogion inscribed into their shields. I’ve also been lucky enough to be reunited with some of them over the years and, as with our latest acquisition, they are now on permanent display in our museum where visitors can see them today…. the figures of Welsh mythology made whole in clay. 

"Glory Days"

A Unique and fully logoed Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies Grogg plinth.

On the 6^th July 2013 the Centres of Excellence were reunited for the British and Irish Lions third and deciding Test. Having played on 45 occasions for Wales this was to be their first Lions Test together.

Warren Gatland and Rob Howley decided to place their faith in Wales iconic centre pairing, Wales greatest pairing of the professional era. After regaining his fitness Jamie joined Jonathan at the expense of Brian O’Driscoll.

Having lost inspirational Captain Sam to injury in the second test and with the series on the line Jamie was one of ten Wales starters. 

And as they say the rest is history, the Lions went on to win the test with Jamie’s iconic try sealing the magnificent record win. A victory that cemented the Lions future and first series victory for 16 years.

Ahead of the Lions tour of 2013, there had been calls for the famous invitational side to be scrapped but under Warren Gatland, the tourists went out and sealed a 2-1 series win over the Wallabies - their first since victory in South Africa in 1997 - winning the decider 41-16.

The Groggs depict a match that the Lions had to win twice, racing to a 16 point lead only to be cut back to 3 points early on the second half. The following 22 unanswered Lions points clinched the series.

As a celebrity ambassador for Noah’s Ark, Jamie is hosting a year of events to celebrate his rugby career and raise money for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

Please send your bids for this unique piece of rugby memorabilia to andy@30-3.co.uk. Email bids will end at 5pm on Tuesday the 9th of May. The highest bid will be carried into the JR12 Testimonial event at The Grosvenor on Park Lane the following evening.

Good luck and happy bidding!

Eddie Butler

Richard presenting Eddie Butlers son Jack with our new Limited Edition Grogg.

The World of Groggs is proud to present a new figure of Pontypool, Wales and Lions broadcasting legend, Eddie Butler, which will be launched Friday 12th May. In recognition of Eddies work as an ambassador for Prostate Cancer Cymru we will be making a donation from the sale of each piece to the charity. The Groggs will be available in both Wales and Pontypool strips.

“Better Than A Slam” 10th Anniversary Jamie Roberts

On the 16th of March 2013 a confident England came to Cardiff in search of a Grand Slam only to be thwarted by one of the greatest Welsh victories in the history of the Championship. Wales themselves had suffered a double blow in losing their coach Warren Gatland to Lions duties and slipping up in their first home match to an Irish defeat. However, Rob Howley, as interim coach, took his team on an amazing run of three away wins in a row to set up a dramatic chance of Wales winning the Six nations at home. Wales needed to win by a margin of 8 points….. they did it with a margin of 27, denying England the Grand Slam. It was Wales’ biggest win over England in history.
 
Jamie Roberts had been the focal point of Warren Gatland’s strategy since switching him from fullback to centre and this competition was to prove how effective that strategy was. Everyone knew what Jamie was going to do but defences could do nothing about it…. allowing Wales to get over the gain-line again and again keeping England permanently on the back foot.

Coaches and players were so delighted with this win they dubbed it better than the slam they had won the previous season. The “Better than a Slam” 10th Anniversary Jamie Roberts is a unique fully logoed piece depicting the Admiral strip worn by Jamie on that momentous occasion.

As a celebrity ambassador for Noah’s Ark Jamie is hosting a year of events to celebrate his rugby career and raise money for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

Please send your bids for this unique piece of rugby memorabilia to andy@30-3.co.uk email bids will end at 5pm on Friday the 24th of February. The highest bid will be carried into the JR12 Testimonial event at the Cardiff Arms Park on the same evening.

Good luck and happy bidding!

The Golden Age Revisited

Just in time for the BBCs Slammed 2, which focuses on the Decade of the Dragon 1969-1979, the World of Groggs has been reunited with its own celebration of that amazing rugby era. Originally commissioned for the relaunch of The Railway public house on the Broadway as “The Golden Age”, Richard took months to complete this unique and priceless compilation relief of the Welsh squad who became household names in Wales and captured the imagination of rugby fans across the World. Many thanks to Phil Miles for reuniting us with this remarkable piece which is now on display once again amongst our shirts,boots and other sporting memorabilia in the shops museum.

Diolch Gareth

Thanks for the memories Gareth When my friend Les Miles told me about a very young talent called Gareth Bale he assured me that one day we would be making a Grogg of him as he was destined to become a true great of Welsh football. Even at the tender age of 16 Les had spotted something special in Gareth and of course he was right. It wasn’t long after that conversation that the first Gareth Bale Grogg was made. Shortly after, Gareth visited us at the Shop to collect his Grogg and sign the Wall of Fame where he presented us with two of our most prized shirts, one Spurs and one Wales, which have pride of place in the shop. Not long after his visit he made his world record move to Real Madrid from Spurs. However, Gareth never lost his connection with Wales and their fans, going on to become the most capped Welsh footballer of all time and the record goal scorer for his country. It has been a privilege to watch him play and lead his country.

A true legend of Welsh football who has been an inspiration to a generation of young Welsh children determined to follow in his footsteps.

Good luck in all you do Gareth and enjoy the golf….. you deserve it!

 The Greatest Try - Now SOLD OUT

On the 27th of January 1973, almost fifty years ago, the 7th All Blacks played their final game of a long and gruelling tour of the UK and Ireland against the Barbarians at the National Stadium Cardiff. What happened that day has gone down in sporting history as one of the greatest rugby matches ever played and one iconic moment in particular has inspired generations of rugby players and supporters ever since.

With the 50th anniversary in mind, I have created a piece to celebrate that incredible try and the dreams of one particular 13 year old boy have finally been realised. The figure, entitled “The Greatest Try”, will be released on Friday the 27th of January 2023.

*Please note there are no pre-orders being taken on this piece and final details of price and Limited Edition will be announced on launch.

Unique Jamie Roberts RWC 2015 Grogg

In celebration of Jamie Roberts’ much deserved Testimonial Year, the World Of Groggs have created this unique, fully logoed figure of Jamie Roberts.

The Grogg depicts Jamie wearing the strip he wore while defeating England in the historic win at Twickenham in the RWC 2015 group stages on the 26th of September 2015. England were overwhelming favourites to qualify for the knock out stages of the World Cup they were hosting but on that momentous night Wales had other ideas. England were leading by a comfortable 7 points going into the last quarter and Wales had emptied their bench due to a disastrous series of injuries which left the scrum half Lloyd Williams playing on the wing. Ironically it was his cross kick which set up Gareth Davies’ try under the posts which levelled the match and Dan Biggar’s incredible penalty from the half way line which gave Wales the victory. 

This win has been hailed as one of Wales greatest away victories and ranks up there with Wales’ nail-biting victory in Wembley 1999 and the famous “Better Than a Slam” home win over England in 2013. 

Jamie has chosen this particular strip as it represents for him one of the highlights of a long and illustrious career with Wales which has seen him play for his country 94 times including two grand slams and three six nations titles. Jamie is a true legend of Welsh rugby.

As a celebrity ambassador for Noah’s Ark Jamie is kicking off a year of events to celebrate his rugby career and raise money for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.

Please send your bids for this unique piece of rugby memorabilia to andy@30-3.co.uk email bids will end at 6pm on Friday the 4th of November. The highest bid will be carried into the JR12 Testimonial event at the Principality Stadium on the same evening. Good luck and happy bidding!

Eddie Butler the Bard of Rugby

L-R Jeff Squire, Eddie Butler, Graham Price, Terry Cobner, John Hughes and Richard Hughes

I was away from home when I heard the tragic news of the sudden passing of the broadcasting and rugby legend Eddie Butler. Since his retirement from the game Eddie had become “The Voice of Rugby”, taking over from the great Bill McLaren with aplomb. He became such a part of the big match day that it is difficult to imagine watching the game without his thoughtful and considered commentary. The six nations won’t be the same without him.

It was always great to meet Eddie on his visits to the shop where he signed the Wall of Fame, and we shared our thoughts about the game we both loved. The first figure I made of Eddie was a “one off” commissioned piece which stood 16” tall which was bought by a fan of Eddie’s from Caerphilly. And of course, as a captain of Wales he famously featured on the Kilimanjaro Captains Climb piece which I loved making. It once again highlighted his generosity and charitable nature. It’s no surprise to anyone who knew him that he died helping to raise money and awareness for another deserving cause.

My favourite memory of Eddie, besides the many great matches which he enhanced, was his contribution to “A Groggs Life” made for our 50th anniversary.

When I heard he was available to do it I was over the moon. I remember him telling me at a rugby writers’ function that he had finished work on the commentary that day and assured me it was a magical little film. He was right but I don’t think anyone else would have brought it to life quite like Eddie.

He will be greatly missed by the whole of the rugby and broadcasting community.

Jasmine Joyce 16.7.2022

On Saturday we welcomed Wales & Bristol Bears stars Jasmine Joyce & Alisha Butchers to the shop, they signed in at the Wall of Fame and collected Jaz's players editions. All the best with pre season both and good luck in New Zealand!

HUGPOT 28.5.2022

We have an extensive collection of photographs over our 57 years but the only one missing is of our shop Hugpot on Sardis Rd, Pontypridd that we had during the mid 70's. Thanks to Facebook we've been reunited. Photo credit Huw Wakefield.

Tomas Francis 5.5.2022

Cornerstone Of The Pack We were delighted to welcome Tomas Francis and his family to the shop last week. Tomas signed in at the Wall of Fame and received his Players Editions.

The Golden Groggshop

In 1971 my parents, John and Pamela, took the brave and somewhat risky decision to move from our family home at 26 Llantwit Road to the derelict public house on the Broadway, then called the Danygraig Arms. Dad had been working with clay since the early 1960s from his ‘two sheds’ at the back of the house in Llantwit Road. Following some small but encouraging sales through an agent, he quickly realised direct contact with customers was the way forward and in 1965 he began looking for new premises.

Photo Uncredited - believed to be The Griffin Arms circa 1900's

He needed a property which could serve as a family home, ceramic studio and a gallery which would be accessible to the public. My mother was working as a teacher in Parc Lewis school which was directly opposite a derelict pub, and encouraged Dad to give it the once over. There had been a public house on the location since the mid nineteenth century, its name having changed many times over the years. Latterly known as the Griffin Arms, then the Danygraig Arms, the pub had been empty since 1967 as the brewery who owned it had decided the ancient cellar was too small. The property was in a terrible mess - everything of any value had been stripped from it but, determined to seize the day, my parents decided to make an offer of £2000. The offer was accepted, and renovations began.

The Danygraig Arms - Photo credit the David Beilby collection https://davidbeilby.zenfolio.com/  - Dated 1963

Dad attempted to make it habitable, in part by drafting in us children to help strip the old wallpaper from the walls and clean the mould from the windows with toothbrushes, while doing some of the heavier work himself. This led one day to him getting stuck between two floors like a character in a cartoon. He’d been working in an upstairs bedroom when the inside door handle fell off, leaving him locked inside.

Freezing and hungry, he decided to try and squeeze through the hole in the floorboards, only to get stuck half way through like a bearded Winnie the Pooh. After hours of struggling, he finally wriggled out of his overcoat and dropped Houdini-like into the saloon bar below. Scratched and shaken, he managed to walk down the road to Bruno’s cafe where he was revived with a hot cocoa stiffened with a drop of brandy! At this point, Dad realised it would take professional skills to get the project off the ground. Luckily, one of his first collectors, Byron James, was a property developer, and he took over the project, organising the gutting, rewiring and plumbing of the rather cold and spooky shell of a building.

To us kids it was amazing. The place still had its bar intact, a smoking room, a ladies lounge and two pianos upstairs in the function room. Even a young Dame Shirley Bassey had sung at the Danygraig, borne out by her signature and phone number scribbled on the wall next to the pay phone! Sadly the pianos had to be broken up to get them downstairs.

As time moved on, the shop began to take shape, when an unforeseen setback almost halted proceedings. Dad had applied to the local council to convert the shop into a working pottery only to have his application denied as kilns were deemed too dangerous. Once it was pointed out that the kilns being used were electric, the council approved the change of use, and the Groggshop was up and running.

The Danygraig becomes the John Hughes Gallery in 1971

1971 had been a significant year for many reasons, but most importantly, Wales had won a Grand Slam in the spring. Dad had already turned his focus from esoteric figures based on the Old Testament, the Mabinogion and animals to making rugby figures. The first of these were Gareth Edwards and JPR Williams, who had starred in the success of the young and super-talented Welsh Team at the dawning of the ‘Decade of the Dragon’.

Coincidentally, Dad had already met a certain young Welsh fly half by the name of Barry John who also frequented Bruno’s cafe just down the road. Before Barry was crowned King John, taming the mighty All Blacks in his Lions shirt later that summer, he was kind enough to encourage Dad in his dreams over cups of milky coffee and even visited the ramshackle work-in-progress to give it his approval.

Slowly, word spread about the eccentric artist on the Broadway with a love for rugby. With Wales winning Grand Slams and Triple Crowns almost every year in the 70s, the Groggshop started to receive more visitors and sometimes even the players themselves. Needless to say, growing up in this environment, us kids were in seventh heaven and watching the old pub  transform into Dad’s idea of an art gallery soon had us making our very own Groggy figures!

Photo reproduced by kind permission Rhondda Cynon Taf Libraries - circa early 80's and painted yellow and brown!

The building itself went through several transformations over the years both inside and out. The exterior of the shop has been many different colours, from bottle green to yellow and brown, before Dad decided to wear his heart on his sleeve and finally opted for the colours of the Welsh flag. The iconic red, green and white Groggshop had arrived.

Inside, the rooms have changed use many times - some of the walls have come and gone and then come back again. The former garage is now the Groggshop museum, but for most of its life was our moulding room, with shelves full of moulds bearing the names of the world’s greatest rugby stars. The famous ‘Wall of Fame’ signature wall - now in my studio - was once in the firing room, which for many years housed two giant kilns. Simon’s packing room, in a former life, was the ladies powder room. The original main bar was Dad’s first studio, but over the years the shop space has grown to encompass the whole of the front of the building, its ceilings entirely covered with shirts (and shorts and socks) generously donated to us by international players from the past 50 years.

The building has served us well as a home, studio and shop and retains its unique character and atmosphere. I love the place and can’t imagine it being anything other than the Groggshop. It has been my home and my life and holds so many amazing memories for us all.

Cheers Groggshop and a happy 50th Birthday!

Tier 4 Click & Collect Forecourt Collections January 2021

Due to the new restrictions here in Wales we are now closed but are still able to provide Click & Collect orders. These are done on our forecourt and not in the shop. This will only be possible if you have ordered online or placed a paid order over the phone beforehand.

• Forecourt Collections between Monday – Saturday 10am-3pm.
• If arriving my car, please park in allocated spaces and call us on 01443 405001 - we will bring your packed order to the collection table. Please do not come to the shop door.
• If arriving by foot, please stand at Collection bollard and call us on 01443 405001. We will bring your packed order to the collection table. Please do not come to the shop door.
• We cannot make any adjustments to your order on collection, any add ons or changes MUST be made before you arrival via email or phone.

For further details on our guidelines please give us a call or email us on info@groggs.co.uk.

See you soon & stay safe.

My Name’5 Doddie Foundation Groggs

On the 13th of March, on the eve of the Doddie Weir Cup match between Wales and Scotland, a special dinner is being held at the Cardiff Arms Park Hospitality Marquee to help raise awareness and funds for the Doddie Weir Foundation. As most rugby fans will be aware Doddie was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2017. One of rugby’s most recognised and much-loved characters Doddie has spent the last three years making a huge impact on the lives of fellow sufferers and research into the causes of this disease.

Especially for this auspicious occasion The World of Groggs has created a Unique set of Doddie Groggs to be auctioned on the night. The set of five figures depicts Doddie in his beloved Scottish, British and Irish Lions, Barbarians, Newcastle Falcons and Melrose strips and will be the only set of its kind to be made.

Anyone wishing to make a bid on this unique piece of rugby memorabilia which will be taken into the dinner as a reserve price (and who knows may end up being the winning bid) please send your bid and details to Emily.Rees@engagesport.com by midday 12^th March.

Meanwhile we have a 9” Limited Edition Doddie available to order with £10 from each sale going straight to My Name’5 Doddie Foundation https://www.myname5doddie.co.uk/, which can be ordered here https://www.groggs.co.uk/9-doddie-wier-3-4-week-delay/p02301.

Stay Strong for Ows Unique Grogg Auction

17.2.2020

On the eve of the Wales v France game a special lunch is being held on behalf of the Blues and Wales centre Owen Williams who was injured while playing for Cardiff Blues in the World Cup Tens in Singapore 2014. Owen’s life changing injury came at a time when he was being spoken of by his teammates, supporters and coaches around him as a brilliant player with huge potential and a great future for both his region and his country.

At this time a Grogg was made for him and presented to Owen. This figure was never made available to the public... until now. The World of Groggs, in the light of this special event, has produced two unique figures of Owen celebrating his career in Rugby Union. Both pieces are unique and logoed, one depicting Owen in his beloved Blues strip from 2014 and the other is the only Grogg ever to be produced in the unusual all grey strip worn by Wales on the day Owen scored his only try for Wales against Tonga at the Millennium Stadium.

If you wish to leave a bid on one or both of these unique pieces of rugby memorabilia please send your bid and contact details by Friday 21st to Andy Allen at andy@30-3.co.uk.

Please note this piece will not be available for general sale.

Diolch yn fawr Mr President 

The story of a special Grogg for a very special person. 

As most people who know their Groggs will know, I don’t make portraits anymore and haven’t done so for over 25 years. Sadly I don’t have the time, as it takes just as long for me to make a “one off” as it does to make a master figure for a new Grogg and the cost is prohibitive. However, there is always the exception that proves the rule. When I first heard Dennis Gethin was retiring from his role as President of the Welsh Rugby Union, I immediately had the idea of making a figure for him. We’ve known Dennis a long time, long before he was President of the WRU, but the way he took to his role was a personal inspiration. He became the figurehead for Welsh Rugby around the world and at the Groggshop we were all very proud to be able to say we knew Dennis and his “First Lady” Jan. Although he is accustomed to being in the company of Royalty and Heads of State, Dennis has never lost the common touch and is never more at home than when he’s supporting the grass roots of rugby in Wales. Over his record tenure, he has worked tirelessly with the WRU to ensure the game in Wales continues to develop in what are difficult times for club rugby. It was also Dennis who encouraged us to become involved with the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust, which supports players who have suffered catastrophic injuries. It is a cause for which he has a heartfelt and passionate interest which led us to make them one of our designated charities. Mostly we like to think of Dennis as a friend and someone who over the years has had our interests at heart and therefore, the decision to make a Presidential Grogg was an easy one.

I first mentioned the idea to Jan, as we wanted it to be a surprise. Jan was thrilled with the idea and took on board the role of chief researcher, but during one of our many chats she mentioned that Dennis’s Grogg would not be complete without his favourite rimless glasses. Although initially worried about making something out of clay that is essentially floating in mid-air I put it to the back of my mind as I was keen to get started on “ Project X”. Dennis made a great subject and work went quickly, and as the deadline for the presentation approached Simon had been working on a plan for the glasses. With his more technical mind I was confident he would come up with a solution, but when it came time to glue the painstakingly made mini-lenses to the arms of the frames, the glue reacted and they frosted over. This left us with a week to think of a plan B. Luckily, Carly had the answer. One of our collectors, Matthew Castle at Lenstec in Bedwas, makes real lenses and after a quick enquiry I was on the way with mini Dennis strapped safely into the passenger seat. After a bit of head scratching the techno geniuses at Lenstec had created the tiny lenses and came up with a solution which required the figure to be held under a UV lamp for thirty minutes to cure the glue.

Picture courtesy of Matthew Castle at Lenstec

To say I was a little nervous is an understatement, but it worked and looked amazing.... I was so relieved. The figure was finally presented to Dennis at Saturday’s match against Ireland at the Principality Stadium, where the real Dennis was surrounded by friends and family for his final home appearance as the President of the Welsh Rugby Union. It was a privilege to be involved in this relaxed but special occasion. Dennis’ work isn’t quite over however, as he and Jan are due in Tokyo for the little matter of the Rugby World Cup. Fingers crossed Wales can send off Dennis and of course Warren and his coaching team, with a wonderful World Cup.

After all, if the Groggshop can make rimless glasses out of clay, anything is possible!

Picture courtesy of the WRU and Ben Evans at Welsh Rugby Pics

March of the Groggs ~ World Rugby Museum Visit

11.8.2019

Team Groggs day out at HQ!

 
We visited our exhibition #MarchoftheGroggs for the first time at the World Rugby Museum, which was an overwhelming experience to see our pieces with such history & memorabilia of the game. Appropriately we sat opposite the weathervane which inspired our 50th Anniversary piece 'Field of Dreams' for the game, looking forward to the rematch on Saturday!

Rob Evans 8.8.19

It was great to catch up with Scarlets & Wales Grand Slam Hero Rob Evans yesterday. Rob collected his unique players editions, signed in at the wall of fame and found time to check out his forthcoming Mini in Richard's Studio.

We were delighted to be presented with a pair of Rob's Six Nations 2019 boots which he was kind enough to sign for us! Thanks again Rob & good luck in Japan! 

“Hoodie of History!”

Unique Grand Slam “Gats” Grogg

On the 16th of March 2019 in his last game as coach of Wales in the Six Nations Warren Gatland’s Wales secured a third Grand Slam under his tenure. In doing so he became the only coach in the history of the Five and Six nations to achieve this outstanding feat. Warren had boldly stated at the beginning of the competition that if Wales beat France in Paris, they would go on to win the Grand Slam and his confidence was infectious. Throughout the campaign Warren wore his Under Armour hoodie while training with Wales and this Unique Grogg depicts him wearing his oxblood and scarlet top and in typical determined pose, plotting the downfall of his Six Nations adversaries.

This Grand Slam Gatland Grogg, a unique piece of rugby memorabilia, has been specially created by the World of Groggs to raise funds for Prostate Cymru and will be auctioned at the Warren Gatland Farewell Dinner at the Vale Hotel Thursday 15th August.

If anyone wishes to leave a pre bid to be taken in as a reserve please get in touch with Charlotte on charlotte.final@engagesport.com before noon Wednesday 14th. Good luck!

Current Bid - £1000 - Thank you!

Cory Hill 24.6.2019

Cory popped in last week to collect his players edition Grogg & add this signature to the Wall of Fame.
All the best with the upcoming training camps Cory!

Breaking Grogg News! 29th May 2019

'A Grand Slam of Groggs' Book Announcement 

The World of Groggs is delighted to announce the forthcoming book 'A Grand Slam of Groggs'. Written by Marc Roberts and published by Gomer Press the book is hoped to be ready in time for the Rugby World Cup this Autumn. Highly illustrated it will explain the history and process behind the Groggs and will be a must for any fans of rugby, Groggs and Welsh culture. Priced at £14.99.
More details to follow as we have them.

Update for collectors who have ordered the

Grand Slam 2019 Alun Wyn Jones 15.5.19

• Now the piece has been completed and painted we can confirm the final price is £295.
• Dimensions: 13.3” tall (base to cup) – 10.6” wide (fingers to cup) – 4.5” deep (base)
• We will now start to work our way through the orders in sequence of when they were placed, we will get in touch via email or phone once we reach your order. If you would like an up to date delay on when you will receive yours please email us on info@groggs.co.uk or phone 01443 405001, we aim to get all orders completed by Christmas.
• The remaining balance will be required when we have the piece available for your order, but if you would like to pay the balance ahead of this or pay in instalments please contact us on email or phone to arrange further.
• Please be aware this piece is sold out so we are not able to take any new orders – many apologies.

World Rugby Museum Update 25.3.2019

 We are over the moon that the World Rugby Museum has asked us to extend their exhibition March of the Groggs until early next year.
The display includes these first named Groggs of Gareth & JPR made by John in 1969. For more information on the exhibition please visit http://www.worldrugbymuseum.com/

Gareth Davies 1.3.2019

What a lovely St David's Day surprise! Wales' super Scrum Half Gareth Davies took time out of his busy training schedule yesterday to be presented with his Players Edition Grogg & sign in at the (near full) Wall of Fame. Great to meet you Gareth & 🤞for the rest of the tournament!

“Here’s one we delivered earlier!”

t

John & Richard wrestle with Gareth & Merv

After our recent visit to Twickenham to deliver the Groggs for the World Rugby Museum I was reminded of a similar trip we made in the late 1970s to the BBC in Shepherd’s Bush with the largest things ever made in the Groggshop. Although technically the giant Front Row is the largest Grogg we ever made, as it was made of clay, the giant papier-mâché figures of Gareth, JPR, Mervyn and Gerald have yet to be beaten for sheer size. The Mervyn Davies in particular was almost eight foot tall beating the real thing by a good eighteen inches.

Tommy David & John chat over a cuppa while watched over by Gerald & Merv!

Once again it was one of Dad’s ideas. We’d been told that the Groggshop could be somewhat intimidating to enter as a building and Dad thought we needed an attraction outside to help people understand what was on the inside of the old converted pub on the Broadway. So, he roped in our old friend Ron Masson from Treforest Foundry to make some giant armatures and we got to work on the chicken wire muscles and rugby kits. It was a painful business and very time consuming work, twisting the sharp chicken wire into human forms but the papier-mâché work was great fun. There’s nothing better than squishing old newspapers in buckets of wall paper paste and slapping it everywhere. Pretty soon we had a giant Mervyn finished and it did the trick and quite literally stopped the traffic. We continued with the other three giants and they pretty soon became as popular as their smaller clay versions.

The late-great Broon from Troon with JPR & Gerald

The next thing we knew we had a call from the BBC in London to say they had heard about the giants of the Broadway and would we be interested in bringing them up to the Blue Peter studios. Having been brought up with Johnny Noakes, Peter Purves and Valerie Singleton in our living rooms I thought it was a hoax call. People may forget that television output was somewhat limited in the seventies so everyone of a certain age watched Blue Peter....it was hugely popular and ground breaking in some of the things they made poor Johnny do. The call turned out to be the real thing and the road trip was on! The only difficulty was getting a van big enough to transport these giants of welsh rugby, but we eventually found one and trundled off up the M4. I’ve often heard people on TV quiz shows saying they’ve had a wonderful day and I can guarantee that in our case it was true. I was a teenager by then and had been “officially” working at the shop for a year or so but even my grumpy teenage self was blown away by watching these icons of children’s TV at work.

JPR Williams MBE & his daughter

Gerald Davies CBE & Gerald

I even saw Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier in dressing gowns queuing for cups of tea! We had a full tour of the studios and offices and got to meet the enigmatic Johnny himself who did the piece on the giant Groggs. It was famously filmed live in the studio back then and we got to watch it all happen. There were no teleprompters in those days, so Johnny stuck his notes on JPR’s back and Lo and behold Cathy found them in the attic last week. I thought they’d been lost forever like so much of our memorabilia including the Giant Groggs themselves. They slowly decayed from the typical Welsh weather they were exposed to on a daily basis.

Dad also blamed his double hernia on having to put them in and out each day to stop people running off with them. In the end they were chopped up and skipped and only the photographs remain. But I’ll never forget that day in London and I’m so glad we found Johnny’s handwritten notes again, so I know it was all true!

World Rugby Museum Grogg Exibition

9.2.2019

I doubt even my Father, who was a pretty confident person, would have guessed that one day his work would be on display at the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham. Back in the very early days when he nearly accidentally gassed himself building his own kiln in the coal house at No 1 Phillip St, The Graig, his mind was on becoming the Pablo Picasso of Pontypridd, but once the rugby bug bit him in the late sixties his life was changed forever. Although we class the Groggs as being born in 1965 in fact Dad was experimenting and making things much earlier than that and it’s great to see some of those primitive but endearing creations have been chosen for the display to show how much things have moved on in the last 54 years. We hope you get a chance to see the exhibition before it ends in September as it helps to explain the history and technical changes Groggs have been through and the work that still goes into every figure made by us to this day. One thing is for certain Dad would have been so proud to have been acknowledged in this way as are we all here at the Groggshop.

Richard Hughes

March of the Groggs is open from 9th February until 1st September at the World Rugby Museum, Twickenham Stadium, for more information please visit http://www.worldrugbymuseum.com/. 

Unique Lions Warren Gatland Grogg

8.2.2019

On the 14th of March 2019 the Welsh Rugby Former International Players Association (WREX) will be holding a charity dinner to raise funds for injured former internationals at the SWALEC Stadium, Sophia Gardens. At this special function a number of ex-internationals will be inducted in to the Welsh Rugby Hall of Fame. Among the list of the evenings inductees which includes Shane Williams, Mike Phillips, Gareth Davies, Bleddyn Bowen, Terry Cobner and Malcom Price, is the current Wales and British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland.

To help raise funds for one of our favourite charities the World of Groggs has created a Unique figure of Warren Gatland in his fully badged and logoed British & Irish Lions track suit. As Grogg collectors will know, despite many enquires, we have never made Wales’ coaching supremo in his Lions strip... and even Warren doesn’t own one!

If you would like to place a bid to be taken into the event for this unique piece of rugby memorabilia, please contact Graham on graham@jjwilliamsltd.com. We will provide updates on the latest bids below, bidding ends 5pm March 13^th.

Good luck and happy bidding!

Current Bid £2500 - Thank you!

“Up and under, here we go!”

21.1.2019

It’s more than 40 years since the Pontypool Front Row last left Wales and headed up the M4 to HQ in Twickenham to take part in the then Five Nations. This time it’s their Grogg version that’s making the trip as part of a display 'March of the Groggs' which being launched at the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham.

Richard & Simon get the 'Viet Gwent' on the road.

“March of the Groggs” will be launched during this year’s Six Nations and will reflect the history of the Groggs and their relationship with our beloved game. The huge Pontypool Front Row has never actually left the Groggshop being one of very few pieces that was literally too much to handle. Made by Richard Hughes in 1978 it has become something of a Grogg legend, the challenge being if you could lift it you could take it with you. As yet no one has succeeded!

The display will also show very early pieces made by the Groggshop founder John Hughes and the very first Rugby figures made by him in 1969. Richard Hughes has also made a specially commissioned Grogg of John Clayton who played in the very first ever rugby union international when Scotland played England in Edinburgh in 1871. The figure of John Clayton will be shown in its very early development stages and piece by piece all the way to the finished painted Grogg showing the lengthy and time consuming process involved in every Grogg figure made. The World Rugby Museum has had some Groggs on display for some time but this is the first time an exhibition explaining the process of Grogg making has taken place and we are honoured and very excited it has happened at the home of Rugby Union.

Richard gives the piece a wash before it takes pride of place at the World Rugby Museum

"March of the Groggs" opens 9th February until 1st September, for more details keep watching our social media and www.worldrugbymuseum.com

“History In The Making”

The John Clayton 1871 Grogg

Among the various projects Richard is currently working on, for what is set to be a very busy 2019, is one with a special significance. In 1871 the game of Rugby Union as we know and love it today was born with the first international game ever played taking place in Edinburgh between Scotland and England. One of those history making players was a man named John Clayton who played for England that day. The shirt he wore during that match is on display at the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham and is the only one known in existence and therefore is the oldest international rugby union shirt in the World.

The World of Groggs is honoured to have been invited by the World Rugby Museum to create a display showing the history and development of the Groggs since their birth in the early 1960s. To illustrate this Richard has begun a figure of John Clayton which will be used to show how a Grogg is designed and modelled from a rough piece of clay to the finished hand painted figure. The display will also include some of the Groggshop’s own museum pieces made by John and Richard from those very early days and up to the modern Groggs still being made 54 years later.

Picture courtesy of World Rugby Museum Twickenham ~ John Clayton Backrow 3rd from the right.

The display is due to be on show during the Six nations 2019 beginning the week before England’s first home game against France on the 10th of February.

Needless to say we are all very excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to see the finished figure and display.

More details will follow as and when we have them, in the meantime be sure to check out http://www.worldrugbymuseum.com/ for information on the museum.

“A Life in Rugby”

A Unique Collection of Phil Bennett OBE Groggs to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Llanelli, Wales and the British & Irish Lions legend Phil Bennett OBE. The World of Groggs has created a unique collection of figures depicting the rugby career of one of the World’s Greatest players.

This significant commemorative piece includes Phil’s beloved Felinfoel, Llanelli, Wales, Barbarians and British Lions, each piece personalised with an inscription cataloguing the Scarlet fly half’s remarkable rugby achievements.

The unique Grogg compilation will be auctioned at Phil’s birthday celebration at the Stradey Park Hotel on Saturday 20^th October 2018. Bids can be sent to se.events10@gmail.com prior to the event and will be taken into the function as a reserve price. Good luck and happy bidding on this singular piece of Rugby Memorabilia.

Aaron Shingler 22.9.2018

Scarlets & Wales' Aaron Shingler called in on Saturday to collect his Players Edition Groggs and sign in at the Wall of Fame 

Everything crossed for December!

Adam Jones 4.8.2018

Did not expect this either!

Many thanks to Wales & Lions Legend Adam Jones who presented us with his Harlequins European Challenge Cup Final shirt today whilst collecting his final four Groggs to complete his collection.

Do not try at this at home!

Only the Bomb can get away with the four Grogg lift!

L-R Neath RFC, Cardiff Blues, Barbarians & Harlequins.

Jonathan Fox Davies 30.7.2018

Didn't expect this! 

It was great to see Lions Man of the Series Jonathan Fox Davies today looking fit and ready for the new season. Jon generously donated his match worn shirt from the Lions v Crusaders to our collection. #ThanksFoxy
See if you can guess who the other 3 players to donate Lions shirts to the Groggshop are? 

Josh Navidi 18.7.18

It was a pleasure to welcome Josh Navidi to the shop yesterday to receive his players editions and sign in at the Wall of Fame. We are all looking forward to seeing him get back on the pitch this coming season.

Privacy Policy (GDPR) Update 22.5.2018

For us to comply with upcoming law changes regarding how your data is used and held by us we will require everyone that currently holds an account on our website to re-register the next time they place an order, accounts opened before 25th May 2018 will be erased and no longer valid.

You will need to opt in to our Privacy Policy to hold an account or place an order with us if checking out as a guest. Please read our updated Privacy Policy https://www.groggs.co.uk/privacy-policy.

Any queries on this email info@groggs.co.uk for more information.

World Rugby Museum

We were delighted and honoured to see some of our figures featured in the redeveloped display at the World Rugby Museum in Twickenham. Many thanks to Museum curator Phil McGowan for the pictures. Please visit the below link for all the details and ticket information.
www.worldrugbymuseum.com

Unique Alun Wyn Jones Testimonial World Cup 2011 Edition

On the 8th of October at Westpac stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, Wales played Ireland in the quarter finals of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. For Alun Wyn Jones it was to be a day he would rank as one of his most memorable played in the red shirt of Wales.

In a performance considered by many as one of their greatest at a Rugby World Cup, Wales ran out winners in an epic encounter, 22 points to 10, shattering a strongly fancied Ireland's World Cup hopes.

When asked which Welsh strip Alun-Wyn would prefer to be represented in for this unique Welsh Grogg the great man had no hesitation and chose this famous Celtic clash as a personal highlight in his long and illustrious international career.

The only unique Welsh Grogg figure to be created specifically for Alun-Wyn's Testimonial year, it is complete with the fully logoed Under Armour World Cup strip, an inscription recalling this momentous rugby encounter and signed by the British and Irish Lions, Wales and Ospreys Rugby Legend himself.

Bids for this piece can be placed online before the 'Lock In' event at City Hall on Thursday 15th February, please read all T&C's before bidding.

https://www.awjtestimonial.co.uk/lite-ui/?controller=lots&action=showLot&id=1 

AWJ's Testimonial benefiting charities are Golau - South West Wales Cancer Foundation, Forget Me Not Dementia Day Clubs, and Duke of Edinburgh Award so please take a look around the other special items available https://www.awjtestimonial.co.uk/lite-ui/?controller=lots&category=All%20Lots

JPR Williams 20.12.2017

Back in the safest pair of hands in rugby! JPR Williams picks up his JPR Grogg after it's restoration. 

JPR lending a helping hand packing his Grogg up with Simon!

Action British and Irish Lions "Ripped shirt" Ray Gravell (Reserved Players number)

In 1980 the Llanelli and Wales legend Ray Gravell toured to South Africa with the British and Irish Lions. Ray played in all four tests scoring his second international try in the second test in Bloemfontein. On a typically physical South African tour Ray famously had the shirt almost ripped from his back- a moment which Richard never forgot! The World of Groggs marked this "rugby incident" by producing a limited edition of 13 action figures depicting Ray in that torn Lions shirt, characterising Ray's do-or-die attitude to the game he loved. Twelve of these rare figures have long ago been sold but one - the players number 13 - was reserved for the Ray Gravell & Friends Charitable Trust https://grav13.cymru/. On the 31st of October a dinner is being held to help raise funds for the trust at Parc y Scarlets where this highly collectable piece will be auctioned.

If you would like to place bid on this rare Grogg to be taken into the auction on behalf of a very worthy cause please direct your bids to Adrian Davies at 4wizard@live.co.uk before 5pm Monday 30th.

Old Groggy Adverts from the Rugby Memorabilia Society

Big thanks to Phil and Peter at the Rugby Memorabilia Society for putting together this collection of some vintage Groggy adverts, lovely to see after so many years! See link for more http://www.rugby-memorabilia.co.uk/grogadverts.html

Unique Cardiff Blues Amlin Champions Gethin Jenkins Grogg

On the 23rd of May 2010 Gethin Jenkins captained the Cardiff Blues to a stunning victory over the star studded Toulon in front of a record crowd at the Stade Velodrome in Marseilles. In defeating Toulon 28-21 the Blues made history becoming the first Welsh side to win a European trophy.

This Unique Grogg figure depicts the victorious captain in the fully logoed strip worn on that momentous day, it will be auctioned at Gethin's Testimonial Dinner 'Inside the Lions' Den' at the Cardiff and Vale College Wednesday 20th Sept.

World of Groggs Unique Testimonial Alun Wyn Jones

5.9.2017

A chance to become the owner of a unique British & Irish Lions fully logoed Grogg of Welsh Rugby Legend Alun Wyn Jones. Alun Wyn begins his much deserved Testimonial season at his inaugural event on Tuesday 12^th September. The World of Groggs has produced a unique 9” Grogg depicting Alun Wyn in his 2017 British & Irish Lions strip from the victorious second test in Wellington. Finished in superb detail it also bears the inscription

‘One of only seven players in British & Irish Lions history to defeat South Africa, Australia & New Zealand.’

The official Charities for Alun Wyn’s Testimonial are Forget Me Not Dementia Day Clubs and Golau Cancer Foundation.

Ken Owens 26.8.2017

It was lovely to see Ken and his family over the weekend. He popped in to pick up his Players Copies of his Lions and Wales Groggs and sign in at the Wall of Fame.
All the best with the new season Ken! 

The Lions Roar Four

The World of Groggs is proud to present a once in a lifetime opportunity to become the owner of a Unique set of four of the Greatest Rugby players in the history of the British and Irish Lions. Designed specifically to celebrate Wales' most capped player Gethin Jenkins' Testimonial year this singular piece of Grogg sculpture depicts Lawrence Dallaglio, Shane Williams, Gethin Jenkins and Paul O'Connell in their fully logoed Lions strips reunited forever. It is planned that each individual figure will be signed by the player on the night of the dinner. On Thursday 18th May 2017 this unique piece will be auctioned at Gethin’s Lions Roar Dinner at The Grosvenor Hotel London, his charities are NSPCC Cymru Wales and Stay Strong For Ows. For early bids to be taken into the auction please visit link below..

https://www.gjtestimonial.com/lite-ui/#lots/show/2 

The Captains Run - In Aid of Velindre

The Captains Run The World of Groggs is excited and honoured to present a one off opportunity of becoming the owner of a Unique Action figure of Velindre Patron Sam Warburton in his British and Irish Lions kit. Sam is the only Welshman to Captain the British and Irish Lions on back to back tours and this singular Grogg is the only one of its kind to be made in this historic 2017 strip. On Friday 19th May 2017 this unique piece will be auctioned at Velindre’s Lions Legends Lunch at the Principality Stadium, if you wish to leave a bid which will be taken into the auction as a reserve price please contact Kylie.McKee@wales.nhs.uk before 7pm Thursday 18th May.

Gethin Jenkins Testimonial

"Better Than A Slam"

On 16^th of March 2013 an impressive England team came to Cardiff confidently hunting a Grand Slam only to be blown away by one of the greatest Welsh performances of the Six Nations. Gethin Jenkins was captain of Wales that day and winning the Championship in such style was described by some of the players and coaches as "Better than a Slam". This Unique Grogg depicts the victorious captain, Gethin, in the fully logoed Admiral strip worn on that unforgettable occasion also including the Champions medal and an inscription recalling the details of that historic match.

On Thursday 9^th February 2017 this unique piece will be auctioned at Gethin’s Wales v England Six Nations Dinner at the Cardiff Arms Park, his charities are NSPCC Cymru Wales and Stay Strong For Ows. The Auction site is now live to place your silent bid before the event, see here for the Grogg https://www.gjtestimonial.com/lite-ui/#lots/show/1

"Bloodied but Unbowed"

This unique Lions Grogg figure has been specially commissioned to celebrate Gethin Jenkins' Testimonial. Each Grogg figure made is unique as each individual piece is hand crafted and hand painted but few pieces are created with the exceptional detail and fully logoed strip seen in "Bloodied but Unbowed". Figures like this are usually only created to be presented to the players themselves by the World of Groggs so this is a rare opportunity to acquire a singular piece of rugby memorabilia. The figure depicts Gethin in the Lions strip worn on the epic tour of South Africa in 2009 when along with Adam Jones and Matthew Rees the Welsh front row represented the Lions en-bloc in the unforgettable second Test.

On Thursday 26th October 2016 this piece was auctioned at The Gherkin, London for the first of Gethin’s Testimonial events, his charities are NSPCC Cymru Wales and Stay Strong For Ows.

Richard and Cathy had a great night at the launch of Wales Legend Gethin Jenkins' Testimonial year, we are very proud to be part of it. Keep an eye out for how we will be involved!

Gethin Jenkins Testimonial Year
http://www.gethinjenkins.com/

Joe Allen

Wales' star midfielder Joe Allen is presented with his 'Euro Special' Grogg on Wednesday 31st August by his teammate Gareth Bale #TogetherStronger.

Ayumu Goromaru Announcement

13.7.2016

Dear Grogg Collectors,

Firstly we would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding in what has been a very busy 8 months since the Rugby World Cup 2015. Finally after many months of deliberation, consternation and general head scratching we have come to a consensus on the Limited edition Ayumu Goromaru. It has been very difficult but we have decided upon a plan which we feel is fair and the only sensible way to manage the launching of this extremely ornate piece. The figure will be limited to only 300 pieces and priced at £200 each. This may seem a jump in price but it is an unusually low number being created and the price reflects the amount of time taken to paint each figure by hand to such a high standard, being probably the most complicated 9” Limited Edition ever made at the Groggshop. The other issue is the timing. You will be able to order a Goromaru Grogg with us but we will not be releasing any figures until 2017. This will give us much needed time to prepare for Christmas but also ensure there is no undue pressure on our small team of dedicated painters.

I hope this all makes sense - for further details please feel free to contact us.

 2.3.2016 Thanks Dan!

We had a wonderful surprise from Dan Biggar this morning, a brand new shirt for the collection which he wore in the 2015 Six Nations against England - make sure you take a look on your next visit. Thanks again Dan!

30.10.2015 The Dragon Who Came Home

We are often delighted to see old Groggs brought back to their birthplace but some are more special than others. Especially those pieces which bring back particular memories or are significant milestones to their makers. My memories of the dragon I made as a ten year old boy in junior school is one of these special pieces although if truth be told not as sophisticated as my old head has imagined over the years. The dragon was made and entered into a schools art competition to celebrate the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969. The idea to do so was my Parc Lewis junior schools Headmaster Mr Evans who had no doubt heard great things about my "abilities" from my doting mother who was teaching in the infant’s school across the yard. However Mr Evans was no fool. Literally an old school headmaster he only allowed me to work on the dragon in his presence and on the school premises to make sure I had no help from Dad!  However when the piece was finished I can vividly remember being taken to each classroom in the Junior school building as Mr Evans sang my praises to each class one by one....describing how I had made  my creation using only my bare hands and some wooden modelling tools. As you can imagine this was a little nerve racking for me but it's something I have never forgotten. The dragon went on to win first prize in its age group and I was given the choice of either a one pound premium bond or the cash in hand. One pound was a lot to a ten year old in 1969 and I had already spent it many times over in my head..... however I was convinced that the premium bond was a sure fire investment and one day may make me a very rich man.

Headmaster Joseph Gwyn Evans picture courtesy of Richard Evans

I can remember my grandmother checking to see if I'd won a million every week as the winners were posted in the newspaper but I soon forgot my moment in the spotlight and got on with being a naughty schoolboy.... until Mr Evans grandson Richard reunited me and my only prize winning Grogg 46 years later. I had no idea my rather imposing headmaster had kept my "investiture dragon” and passed it on to his family where it has been ever since. Many thanks to Richard and his family for leaving his heirloom with us where it will be on display in our museum for a while.

Now if I can only find those gorillas and my premium bond! 

Rhys Webb

Ospreys and Wales' Man of the Moment Rhys Webb visited the shop yesterday to collect his Players Editions and sign in at the Wall of Fame. Congratulations to Rhys and his family on the new arrival!

Unique Grogg Charity Auction

In association with Sam Warburton the World of Groggs produced a Unique Grogg auctioned on Wednesday 20^th May at the Sam Warburton Charity Evening at the Millennium Stadium. The proceeds went to Velindre and #StayStrongForOws. The Action Grogg of Sam incorporates a fully logoed Wales Strip, orange and silver boots as worn by Sam this season, Velindre logo and #StayStrongForOws wristband.

30.4.2015 Dan Biggar

It was a pleasure to finally catch up with Ospreys and Wales Super Fly Half Dan Biggar this morning. Man of the Match from Ospreys Judgement game day on Saturday, Dan was here to collect his unique players figures and sign in at the Wall of Fame. 

Hayley & The Hoff

Photo courtesy of Avanti & BBC Wales

Thanks @WorldOfGroggs & Richard. Made a few jokes about it on the "Hayley and the Hoff" special airing April 27th @BBCWales but I love it!

— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) April 2, 2015

Photo courtesy of Avanti & BBC Wales

If you missed the show you can now catch it on BBC iPlayer

 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05sjfsw/hayley-and-the-hoff

New Memorabilia

Amazing new shirt for our collection! A match worn Gareth Bale Real Madrid shirt presented to Richard by Gareth's Dad Frank, once again many thanks!

Liam Williams

Liam popped back to the shop to collect his unique players editions of his past clubs Penlan RFC and Waunarlwydd RFC. It's great to know he was pleased with his special Groggs!

Thank you @WorldOfGroggs for my @waunrfc & @PenlanRFC club Groggs! They're incredible 👍 pic.twitter.com/2iCS5yrFCQ

— Liam Williams (@SanjayWills) April 13, 2015

26.2.2015 'Grav'

The Grogg Team had a great time last night at the Treorchy Parc and Dare where Torch Theatres production of ‘Grav’ was thoroughly enjoyed by a full house. It brought back a lot of memories for us all and Gareth Bale’s performance made us laugh and cry in equal measure. We were lucky enough to meet Gareth after the show and wander around the stage – an added bonus. I can thoroughly recommend this production to anyone rugby fan or not – please don’t miss out. I will be taking my wife to one of the added dates at the Sherman in Cardiff I enjoyed it so much. Bravo ***** 

To book tickets visit this link http://gravcymru.co.uk/tour/  

13.2.2015 Liam Williams

It was a pleasure to welcome Liam to the shop yesterday to receive his new Groggs and sign in at the Wall Of Fame. All the best to Liam and the boys for Sunday!

6.2.2015 Groggy Breaking News

Filming started yesterday for our 50th Anniversary Documentary to be aired on ITV Wales 11th September. Make sure you mark it in your Diary - more details to follow as and when we have them.

A big (belated) thanks goes to Rob over at the fan page http://thegroggblog.blogspot.co.uk/ for our early 50th Anniversary gift. This piece is unique and handbuilt by Richard & John around the late 70's, which we used in a principality or bank display. It's a great addition to our museum just in time for our big celebration!

Nigel Owens Red Card Unique Grogg

in aid of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust

Final bid £475 Thank you!

28.10.2014 Welsh Rugby Writers Association

Richard was privileged to become an honorary life member of the Welsh Rugby Writers Association at their 40th Anniversary dinner this week. Further details on the night to follow.

The Grogg Blog Exclusive Interview

Richard gives fans and collectors an insight into past and present life at the Groggshop for fan page The Grogg Blog. We hope everyone enjoys reading it and seeing some rare and never seen before Groggs as much as Richard did putting it together. A big thanks to Rob Van Der Steen for the idea. Here's a sneak peek at some photo's and quotes from the interview.

'I’d like to quite simply thank you all. In my opinion, an artist can receive no greater compliment than someone buying their work.' - Richard thanks our collectors.

'I had vague notions of becoming the next David Attenborough but when you’re in an environment as exciting as the Grogg Shop it was an easy decision to make.' - Richard on deciding his future at the shop.

http://thegroggblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/exclusive-interview-richard-hughes.html?spref=fb

Paul James 7.8.14

We were delighted to receive a gift from Wales & Bath super prop Paul James when he dropped in to collect his players editions of his new Grogg. Paul presented us with his match worn shirt from Wales' momentous 2nd test against South Africa this summer. It is also our first 'All Red' Under Armour shirt and is now proudly displayed in a prominent position in the shop - Thanks again Paul!

Unique Gethin Jenkins Grogg Auction in aid of

The Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust

 This is the only figure painted in the fully logoed strip worn by Gethin on the day he broke the Welsh Cap Record. This singular Grogg also incorporates the inscription:

‘Wales 51 Scotland 3

Millennium Stadium

15.3.2014’

All proceeds going to The Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust http://www.wrct.org.uk/

Final Bid £900 - Thank you!

Leigh Halfpenny

Richard presenting Leigh with the first ever Golden Grogg Award for Outstanding Achievement!

It was great to see Leigh & Jess, here's Leigh with the Brand New Merci Beaucoup Limited Edition!

World Of Groggs Special Unique Auction

An exclusive opportunity to acquire this unique Grogg of Wales and British & Irish Lion Captain Sam Warburton, the proceeds from which will be going to the Rhian Griffiths Charity fund at Velindre. As our collectors know these unique pieces rarely appear so hopefully we can raise both awareness and funds for this deserving cause. The figure is painted in the full Admiral strip and features the Rhian Griffiths ‘Forget Me Not flower’ logo on Sam’s shirt. It is also signed by Wales’ super captain!  

Words from Wayne Griffiths the Charities founder - “Sam Warburton at the Vale Hotel on the 4^th February, just after he signed the unique exclusive Grogg of himself as made and kindly donated by Richard Hughes of the Grogg Shop Pontypridd (the emblem for Rhian Griffiths’ Charity Fund at Velindre Cancer Centre, the Forget-Me-Not Flower is emblazoned on the shirt).  Sam is a hard working supporter of fundraising for Velindre Cancer Centre for which everyone at the Centre is so grateful.  Grateful thanks is also owed to Richard and his family at the Grogg Shop for allowing this to be auctioned online and bids are now accepted for the Grogg.  A certificate of authenticity will accompany the Grogg together with a framed photograph of Sam Warburton with the Grogg and the Grogg is signed, not only by Sam but also authenticated through signature by Richard Hughes as well”.

FINAL Bid - £1000 - Thank you!

Richard Hibbard - Iron Man 2013

Following in the illustrious footsteps of Leigh Halfpenny, Ospreys, Wales and Lions super hooker Richard Hibbard becomes the second player in history to receive our 'Iron Man Grogg Award'. Richard's crunching hits and rampaging drives made him the obvious choice for the year 2013. Fingers crossed he continues in his great form and good luck to the Wales team in the defense of their Six Nations title!

Gareth Bale

Gareth was recently presented with his Players Edition Real Madrid Grogg, all the best at the Club Gareth. With thanks to Les Miles.

Christmas Message

Just a quick thank you to all our collectors and Grogg fans for all your patience and support this year. Many thanks to our Grogg team, moulders, grinders and painters for your sterling work and last but not least to our boys in red for your amazing feats on the field, which kept us going through what has been a challenging 12 months. I personally cannot wait to see what 2014 will bring – New Groggs for one!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Richard

World Of Groggs

The shape of things to come!

Movember!

_{1st November - After the shave!}

Richard and Simon are taking part in this years Movember campaign, raising money for Men's health - Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer + Mental Health. Together they have formed Team Grogg and would be appreciative of any kind of donation towards this campaign. You can help by donating either at this link https://www.movember.com/uk/donate/payment/team_id/1040573 or in the box at the shop. Make sure you check out their progress on Facebook, Twitter or at the shop! Team page can be viewed here http://uk.movember.com/team/1040573 .

Sam Warburton 30.10.13

British & Irish Lions and Wales Captain Sam Warburton took time from his busy schedule yesterday to pay us a visit and collect his Lions Grogg. Sam was delighted with the result! Good luck for the forthcoming Internationals to Sam and the boys!

Hibbard & Faletau
 

It was great to get a visit from Toby and Richard after their succesful Lions tour of Australia. Both coming to the shop to collect their Limited Edition Groggs. All the best for the new season boys!

World Of Groggs - Special Exhibition!

Just before Pontypridd, Wales and Lions legend Neil Jenkins left for Australia in his capacity as Lions Kicking Coach he found the time to loan us a small portion of his own remarkable memorabilia collection ie. his Groggs! Illustrating Neil’s long and successful career this temporary exhibition offers a fascinating review of the development of the Grogg figure over the last 23 years. Spanning the transition from stoneware clay figures to the more detailed cold cast resin Limited Edition, try not to miss this special insight into one of the Groggshop's most loved subjects.

10.5.13 Two Lions loose in the Groggshop!

Soon to be joining the shelves themselves, Wales' Championship Winners, Justin Tipuric & Richard Hibbard.

Richard checks out his Groggs progress and is happy with the work so far!

Justin Tipuric signs in at the Wall of Fame

Ryan Jones Testimoinal Grogg

Please click here for further details on the special Welsh Guards Limited Edition Grogg made for his Testimonial year.

Photo courtesy of Ben Evans @ Welsh Picture Agency

We love this quote from the man himself - 'World of Groggs hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who loves Welsh rugby and have become as familiar and as much loved as the Pontypool front row or the sight of Neil Jenkins slotting a kick between the posts, so it’s always something special to be told that they are making a figure of you. It’s happened a few times for me now, and the novelty and excitement never wears off!'

Richard Hibbard Friday 15th March

Ospreys & Wales super Hooker Richard Hibbard paid us a call on the eve of the big game to sign in and have his photos taken for his up & coming Grogg!

Wales 6 Nations Champions 2013

To celebrate Wales' unforgetable win over England at the weekend, we recreated the moment at the Millennium Stadium by turning the lights off and launching streamers! To see how we are celebrating this historic win go to Richard's Grogg Blogg.

Daily Mail Article 13.3.2013

It was a great suprise to see this 1978 JPR Grogg made by Richard featuring in today's Daily Mail. Photo by http://www.welshrugbypics.co.uk/

For the article see here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2292320/Six-Nations-2013-JPR-Williams-says-Wales-ruin-Englands-Grand-Slam-chances.html#comments

Around Town RCT March Edition

We are currently featuring in the March to May edition of Around Town RCT magazine, check this link or pick up your copy in the shop to read Richard's interview.

     Sam's Coat 16.10.2012 

Richard's lucky shirt!

On the eve of the France game Groggshop favourite and Grand Slammer Ryan Jones paid us a visit and presented us with not only our first ever Golden Wales shirt but his No 18 shirt from the Wales Australia game this Autumn. As superstitious as I am I have never tried a players shirt but couldn't believe how small Ryan's was - so I did the unthinkable and put it on - suprise suprise it fit! I was so chuffed I took it home to watch the game on Saturday and who should come on to play a blinder in a No 18 shirt - Triple Grand Slammer Ryan - spooky. Needless to say the shirt is still at home. Thanks again Ryan!

Golden Boy- Richard and Ryan

Dan Lydiate

Dragons and Wales No 6 Dan Lydiate took time out of his busy training schedule today to collect his first Grogg and presented us with a Groggshop first - a Gwent Dragons shirt!

Many thanks again Dan and have a great day Saturday!

'Enter the Dragon' Richard and Dan with his historic shirt.

Sergio Parisse

The Italian Captain was presented with his Grogg over the weekend in Cardiff and gave us a training jacket to add to the collection, thank you Sergio! Also a big thanks to Les Miles for the photo!

   Adam Jones Testimonial      

 

 

 

 

   

 

Your Groggy Team, L-R John, Pamela, Cathy, Carly, Simon, Sophie, Gail, Richard and pack leader Sam.

Best Try : Mike Phillips - Ireland
Best Team : Wales
Best Referee : Nigel Owens
Best Overseas Player : Richie McCaw

 

   

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Paul Scholes

Paul and his 2010 Ltd Ed Grogg - Photo courtesy of Les Miles.

 

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Happy New Year! No VAT Increase!

We hope you've all had a great Christmas and we wish you a Happy New Year. Some good news to welcome 2011 - we are not putting our prices up due to the VAT Increase, all prices will stay the same! Remember we re-open on Monday 3rd Jan 9am - 5pm, see you then!

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Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our fans and collectors. We've had a great 2010 and are looking forward to a even better 2011, thanks for all your support we couldn't do it without you! We are now closed for the Christmas holidays until Monday 3rd Jan, any orders placed during this time will be dealt with on that date. Have a Groggy Christmas!

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Our Christmas Cake!

 

Many thanks to Ros, our family friend and specialist cake maker for this amazing cake for John and the family! Note the MBE on the front and newspaper that read's John Hughes the Grogg Man receives MBE Congratulations'.

You can contact Ros on 01443 205422 for birthday cakes and wedding cakes.

 

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Gareth Bale

Wales and Spurs superstar Gareth Bale paid us a surprise visit this morning 1.12.10 and in return for his Spurs and Wales Groggs, presented us with two match worn shirts, the Wales shirt being from the Bulgaria game in October. Needless to say we were over the moon! Thanks again Gareth.

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Hello Old Friends and Congratulations!

It was great to see our old friends Raewyn and Graham Henry who called in to see us before flying off after their Grand Slam Tour of the UK. Saturdays game against Wales was Graham's 101st Test in charge of New Zealand and the win crowned what has been an amazing year for the former Wales Coach and the All Blacks.

It was great to catch up and reminisce about old times especially the 'Perfect Day' in Wembley '99! Thanks for the memories Graham & Raewyn.

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More great Memorabilia

Ma'a Nonu sent us a thank you gift prior to the All Blacks Grand Slam win at the Millennium Stadium - his signed boots from the England Test in Twickenham - thanks again Ma'a!

Now showing at a Groggshop near you! A full set of Nonu's plus his boots complete with Twickers grass!

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Justin Marshall

81 times capped All Black scrum half and Sky Sports presenter Justin Marshall called in for a quick look around in the week prior to the All Blacks final game and found time to sign our Wall Of Fame.

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Ma'a Nonu

We were surprised and delighted to receive a flying visit from All Blacks star centre Ma'a Nonu today. Ma'a had already been presented with his New Zealand figure at the Hilton Hotel on Monday but was delighted to pick up his Barbarian (Blackheath sock) and Hurricane figures at the shop. Ma'a enjoyed his tour of the museum and studio signing the Wall Of Fame in time honoured fashion!

 

 

Another All Black Legend makes his mark. Joining Ian Jones, Grant Fox and Frank Bunce.

 

Ma'a checks out the museum.

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Amazing Memorabilia

 

We were blown away to be presented with a signed 'played in' pair of Ryan Giggs' boots this week. Ryan's Grandad Dennis was so pleased with his AON strip figure of Ryan that he sent us Ryan's boots complete with tufts of grass on the studs. Now on display in our new cabinet!

'Heels of Gold' (Spot the grass!)

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John's MBE

John and the whole family made the journey last weekend to Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from Prince Charles. Congratulations John! We would also like to thank our Collectors, who made us what we are today. Cheers!

Pamela, John and Richard at the Palace

Pamela, John and Cathy.

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'Reach for the Stars'

  

All Blacks legend Ian Jones signs in!

 

 

Two of the All Black squad to play  Wales on Saturday paid us a visit today to do some filming with New Zealand second row legend Ian Jones. Try scorer from the Irish test Anthony Boric and 43 times capped prop Neemia Tialata signed our Wall of Fame before rushing off to their training session.

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Craig Bellamy

 

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More Groggshop improvements, getting ready for our 40th Anniversary (being in the shop!) in 2011.

Two new cabinets to help display our growing range of Limited Editions and our 'Groggy' Christmas tree!

Additions to the museum include our new 'Celebrities Squares' Wall.

 

Some great new shirts are now on display from left to right, Filo Tiatia's Classic All Blacks, Cory Harris' Warriors Away strip, Filo Tiatia's 2009 Ospreys, Dafydd Jones' Gold, signed, Wales Strip and our signed Help For Heroes shirt.

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Shane Williams & His 'Career of Groggs'

Shane called in this morning to collect his unique set of his 'Career in Groggs'. Includes Amman Utd, Neath RFC, Wales, Ospreys, Lions and Barbarians.

 

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Welsh Charitables John Dawes

An unusual and unique Grogg has been created to be auctioned on behalf of the Welsh Charitables Organisation on Friday 5th November  at Llandovery RFC. The dinner is being held to honour London Welsh, Wales and Lions legend John Dawes in the presence of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. This figure is the only one of it's kind to be made in the Welsh Charitables own strip. Any Grogg collectors wishing to bid for it prior to the dinner can contact David Power at http://www.welshcharitablesrfc.com/  .

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Captain Rees

Congratulations to Matthew Rees on being chosen as Wales' Captain for next weeks Autumn International against Australia.

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Martyn Williams

6.10.10

British Lions, Wales and Blues legend Martyn Williams called in today to collect two special pieces reserved for his Testimonial. Martyn was on his way to the Marriot Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London where the No 7 of 7 Bust in Barbarian Strip will be auctioned tonight.

 

"In the footsteps of the greats" - Martyn with his 'Man of the Match' Barbarians Bust.

 

The unique Bust in the Amlin Challenge Champions Strip will be on display at the Cardiff Blues ground until auctioned later this year.  

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Ryder Cup Grogg Found!

Richard recently rediscovered this photo of the unique figure he made of Sir Terry Matthews not long after the Celtic Manor was awarded the Ryder Cup.

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Craig Bellamy

 

  Craig Bellamy signing in at the Wall Of Fame today after having his photos for his up and coming Grogg - 'This place is Rugby heaven' he said on arrival! Even though the figure has not been started yet, we are taking names and numbers if you are interested, email on info@groggs.co.uk 

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Captains Climb Kilimanjaro 2010

Bob Norster & Ieuan Evans

Many thanks to Bob, Ieuan and Huw for visiting us before their Climb. Good luck to everyone who is making the trip up!

 

 

 

The World Of Groggs has decided to put this piece for sale to the public after much demand. We will be making a donation to Velindre, Stepping Stones Appeal from each piece sold. - All pieces now sold.

 

 

After months of hard work, this piece has finally been completed. It took ten hours for our head painter Sandra to complete!

 

 

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Mount Groggmore Certificate

Anyone waiting for a Limited Edition Certificate for the Mount Groggmore it is now on it's way to you! These in their own right are Limited Edition pieces as they are designed and printed in house and of course there are only 45!

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FILO TIATIA 5/7/2010

 

 

Double delight! Two great shirts!

 

Ospreys forwards coach and Magners Champion Filo Tiatia came to the shop on Monday morning to collect the missing piece in his set of Groggs. The Toyota Verblitz strip was difficult to track down but Filo eventually got some images for us to complete his career in Rugby Union. We were also able to add another with his Ospreys Magners Champions White Strip Grogg. Filo surprised us with two maginifcent contributions to our ever growing shirt collection. His No8 Ospreys Shirt from season 08-09 and a very unusual Classic All Blacks Shirt. Thanks again Filo - Keep your boots clean - that 100th appearance for the Ospreys might just happen!

 

 

Verblitz at last!

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Gareth Bale 25.6.10

 

 

Spurs and Wales star left back Gareth Bale called in to sign our Wall of Fame and have his pictures taken for his forthcoming Grogg. Gareth will be only the second Tottenham Grogg ever made following in Paul Gascoignes footsteps.

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Bob Dylan Bust

21.6.10

 

 

Richard's tribute to his favourite Dylan Album 'Blonde on Blonde' has finally been finished, mostly down to the persuasive efforts of Mr & Mrs Bodman. The 'Mask of Dylan' had been in a bag for a record breaking 2 years waiting to be finished and Richard eventually completed it in time for Mr Bodmans 60th Birthday!

Only 45 of these pieces will be produced reflecting next years 45th Anniversary of the releasing of this iconic album.

To order this piece click here http://www.groggs.co.uk/shop/new_products/1_93_0_727/bobdylanbust.aspx

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Congratulations John!

 

 

 

We are pleased to announce Mr John Hughes has been awarded an MBE as part of Her Majesty the Queen´s 2010 Birthday Honours List for services to the Ceramics Industry in Wales.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/59446/supplements/18

After John´s illness last year, it´s a huge boost for us as a family and the business. Well done John!

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/2010/06/14/carolyn-hitt-being-immortalised-in-clay-by-john-hughes-is-a-career-pinnacle-for-any-player-91466-26645191/

 

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2010/06/12/cbe-caps-a-steady-rise-to-the-top-for-catherine-zeta-jones-91466-26637097/

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/wales/10298338.stm

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  To celebrate the Ospreys Magners League Championship we will be launching only 10 Editions of every Ospreys player we currently make who played on Saturday in the White Kit with 'Magners League Champions 2010' on the back bases, this includes Adam, Goughy, Alun-Wyn, Tiatia, Hook, Shane, Byrne, Mike, Tommy, Jono T and Ryan. To be priced roughly at £150. Please let me know if you are seriously interested on info@groggs.co.uk

 

'The Maestro meets the Mountain!'

Fittingly Gareth is the first player to see himself 'carved from stone' on Mount Groggmore. Gareth dropped in on his way to the Cardiff Institute for the Blind Launch in Sardis Road today.

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Mount Groggmore

 

 

 

 

Now the piece is finished we would like to finalise the orders, so if you are one of the lucky 44 (the 45th being donated to Velindre) can you please get in touch with us to confirm and arrange the payment.

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'Secret' Project Revealed! 10.5.10

Things have been a little quiet on the Work In Progress front because Richard has been working on a new 'Secret' project. We can now let you know that another Mountain is involved. As most people are aware Huw Evans of Welsh Rugby Pics Fame is taking 15 ex Captains of Wales on the 'Brains Captains Climb' to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in September. On behalf of the Stepping Stones Appeal, Velindre , the historic climb is raising funds for Lung Cancer Research. Having known Huw and being fans of his work for years we were delighted to be involved and are making a unique record of the event.

Instead of making just one figure at the summit - Richard thought it would be fun to make all the players participating including Huw at the peak taking a snap shot! What Richard didn't realise is that each figure would only be 6 cms high, making them the smallest Groggs in history. It's just as well he's just had his eyes tested and has some new glasses!

Donate to this amazing cause here www.justgiving.com/captainsclimb

 

'With a little help from my friends' Huw gets his shot!

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Limited Edition Update 10.5.2010

 

Miniature Lions Front Row Limited to 100 - 20 Left

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New Website April 2010

 

We would like to thank Richard Dymond of http://www.valeinternet.co.uk/

 for his speedy hard work that he's put into this site and getting it up and running quickly for us.

We are going to be introducing a few new things along the way like our 'Archive' section, which will illustrate all the sold out or no longer available figures seen in our museum. If you need any help with the new site or have any queries just drop me a email on info@groggs.co.uk

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Richard's Grogg Blogg Feb 2010

Richard begins his ascent of Mount Groggmore!

 

Well - here we go again, the Six Nations is upon us and the nerves are kicking in. It's at times like this I find it doubly hard to concentrate on work with customers getting excited about the forthcoming matches. It's just as well then that I have Mount Groggmore to keep me busy. As you know the votes are in and I have got to grips with the basic shape and size and I am now down to refining the features on some favourite subjects. In the end I think we have the best mix of old and new and I personally wouldn't argue with any of the choices. Many thanks again for everyone who voted - we had a great response. Gareth was the only certainty but JPR, Neil and Shane have definately earned their place in Rugby history. I do feel a little sad that there is no forward involved - but it's not our fault that the USA ran out of money whilst creating the original otherwise we could have had 5 or 6 more to choose from!

Anyway it's starting to come together and should look great in it's final stone finish. I'm toying with putting a scale model of myself in it to give it some perspective but you would need a microscope to even see me, so maybe not!

One more thing we would like to do as a tribute to our old friend Bill McLaren, is to incorporate on the back of each player a quote from the 'Voice of Rugby' referring to them. We already have the quote for Gareth and Neil but if you can help us with JPR and Shane we would be very grateful.

In the meantime the clock is ticking and kick off time is drawing near - good luck to the boys and everything crossed except my busy fingers!

 

 

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Fresh from Irelands historic win over the World Champions, Ospreys Super winger called in to collect his 'players' set of unique Groggs. While here Tommy helped us out by choosing our competition winner.

A tricky choice for Tommy

 

A tough call Tommy finally went for Barry Frost's masterpiece with Dion Steven and Chris Buckley being placed second and third. Many thanks to all our entrants in what proved to be a fascinating challenge!

The Winners!

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Groggs Unleashed!

Thanks for all your entries, we've enjoyed them all!

Here's a selection for you to admire!

 

1st Place chosen by Tommy Bowe!

Jamie gets a eye full in a cold Cornwall, unfortunately they didn't manage to persuade Jamie to get his kit off! Picture by Barry Frost.

 

2nd Place

Titled 'Hunting Groggs in the Jarrah', the mascot Wallaby gets a direct hit from a traquilizer gun out in the Jarrah Forest, Western Australia. Picture by Dion Steven.

 

3rd Place

The mighty Pontypool Front Row visit rugby's founder William Webb Ellis grave, Menton, Cote D'Azur. Picture by Chris Buckley.

 

Shane visits the Overtoun Crags in Dumbarton and overlooks the River Clyde and Dumbarton Castle. Bet he had fun running down there! Picture by Owain Williams.

 

Ospreys, Wales and British and Irish Lions super tighthead and Groggshop favourite Adam Jones called in last week to collect his special 'One off' HSBZ Lions Figure and his Ltd Ed all Welsh Lions Front Row.

Best Wishes for a speedy recovery Adam - your country needs you!

 

 

Wales and Ospreys powerhouse second row unit arrived in tandem on Saturday to collect their respective Groggs. Goughie's patience has finally paid off and he was delighted with his new 9" Limited Edition Grogg, as was his club and Grand Slam buddy Alun-Wyn Jones who was also presented with his special 'HSBC' Lions Grogg.

 

Alun-Wyn checks Goughie's profile!

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Adam Jones

 

Ospreys, Wales and British Lions tighthead Adam Jones was also pleasantly surprised at Abercrave RFC during his tribute night recently, when he was presented with a special Abercrave RFC figure - Best wishes for a speedy recovery Adam!

Many thanks to Steve Phillips of the South Wales Evening Post for the great picture!

 

Pleased as punch

 

Richard sees there are some benefits to getting old!

 

We are all quietly ticking along here at the shop, enjoying the weather and the rugby. Well done to the new look Wales team in Canada, tough team to beat in their own back yard and nice comments on 'our Neil's coaching from Man of the Match Dan Biggar. Lions looked a bit shaky but all the Welsh boys did really well especially our hero from Tondu, Lee Byrne - great game! On the new Grogg front Mini collectors will be pleased to hear that Andy Powell will be ready very soon as he has been fired and moulded. In the Limited Edition range Jamie Roberts is needing some last minute detail ready to join his Lions pals in our new Lions 2009 Collection. Sadly we didn't get to see Leigh Halfpenny for his pics but I will probably start

him next anyway. We will obviously be adding Hooky to our Lions range also so watch this space, Lions 2009 Collection .

The new Ryan Giggs figure is coming along and I have received some help on the 11 unique strips illustrating Ryans long service at Manchester United. Many thanks to our great friend and Grogg fan Jeff Thomas for his research and print-out of all the Man U strips Ryan has played in - I think the Newton Heath one in particular will look great.

Latest news on the Bust of JPR in Bridgend strip, is that it will be auctioned online and at the shop with all the proceeds going to JPR's Spinal Research Charity - an announcement will be made soon on how bids can be made. Great news also from the 'Help the Heroes' figures of Lawrence Dallaglio and Scott Gibbs which were auctioned recently. They did very well raising £600 and £450 respectively, which in this current climate is excellent - Thanks again to Geryn Jones for his involvement. Well that's all my poor brain can think of for now - the next time I update this I'll be 50 years old, so look out for a special announcement!

Keep Grogging

Richard

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Merci Beaucoup to Bertrand Guillemin, Canal + Jour De Rugby sports presenter and Grogg fan for these great pictures of Dan Carter with his Grogg. Dan was presented with his figure after the Perpignan V Castres game on the 23rd of December 2008 at the stadium Aimé Giral.  

 

 

 

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Filo Tiatia

The worst kept secret in Wales was finally revealed last week when Ospreys and New Zealand star no 8 Filo Tiatia was presented with his Limited Edition Groggs at the shop during filming for the Scrum V Christmas Special. The episode goes out on Sunday the 21st of December so keep your eyes peeled for some Groggy Christmas magic!

Unfortunately due to the Christmas rush figures will not be available before Christmas but please feel free to ring for details of the strips available.

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