This week we make our merry way through the long grass to a place where the grass has been allowed to grow a little longer than most - Llanfoist Recreation Ground.

Just check out this picture, ladies and gents. The year is 1968 and grass is everywhere! Why? Because of the vibes dude, and the vibe at the time was one of success. Llanfoist FC had won what is now universally known as the Gwent Central League but was then the North East Mon League. This pic was taken long after the season ended, hence the long grass.

Rob Richards who kindly supplied, and is featured in, the photo, told the Chronicle, “To be crowned champions, Llanfoist won their last 13 consecutive league games including a 2-0 victory at Race who finished a close second. The team also won the Benevolent Cup, beating Tranch FC 4-1 in the final at Blaenavon after being one down at half-time.

“A measure of the strength of the league at that time was that the third placed team Blaenavon Blues joined the Welsh league for the following season.”

Rob added, “Llanfoist were denied promotion to the Monmouthshire County League due to the significantly sloping pitch. This was again the issue in the 1980s when Llanfoist FC as champions had to move to Ty Mawr, Gilwern, to gain entry to the County League. It is a shame that Llanfoist’s best days were long before the pitch was levelled and the ground is not now used for senior football.”

Pictured back row from left, Hadyn Davies, Peter Hughes, Roger Vaughan, John Reynolds, Brian Sullivan, Tony Moyle, Reuben Parsons - Manager.

Front row, Jimmy Rawlings, Jeff West, Dave Salisbury - captain, Michael Cope, Rob Richards.

A few players were not present, namely Geoff Marshall and Ken Davies who later turned to rugby and had great success with Newport RFC. Also not present was trainer, John Morgan, who represented Wales in the 1958 Commonwealth Games in the 100 yard sprint.

Rob added, “In essence it was fitness, team spirit and togetherness which brought success to Llanfoist at that time, with the faces in the pic playing virtually without change every week.

If you’ve got any engaging and striking pictures from the past (they don’t just have to be sport related!) that could do with an airing and benefit from the oxygen of publicity, then why let them

linger and gather dust in the drawer a day longer? Send them to [email protected]. Alternatively you can do things the old fashioned way and pick up the telephone and ring Tim Butters on 01873 852187 (30).