We’re rewinding the clock and stepping back in time to the swinging sixties this week. The year was 1968, the grass was green, the sun was high, and barbers were wondering where all their customers had gone.

It was a time to let your hair down and have some fun. In Abergavenny, two momentous things happened that year. A middle-aged gentleman was seen in public without a tie and Abergavenny Rugby Club’s Youth Section was born.

It’s 50 years since Malcolm Davies and Peter Lewis (pictured far left), and John Mills and Jock Tolland (pictured far right) got a bunch of lads together to form what has since become an Abergavenny institution.

Just look at these likely lads keen to spread a little peace and love around the environs of Fortress Bailey.

The picture was kindly supplied by Mrs Angela Davies, whose husband Malcolm is featured.

Angela and Malcolm married in 1960. Eight years earlier Malcolm had served in the Korean

War - a conflict which indirectly would later cost him his life.

Mrs Davies recalls, “Malcolm was proud to serve his country and become a ‘red cap’. Towards the end of his tour of duty he was struck down with Rheumatic Fever, which was endemic at that time in Korea.

“He was too weak to walk and hospitalized for a long period. He did eventually recover but in latter years he suffered a debilitating stroke followed by three major heart operations. The doctors believed it was all direct result of the permanent damage the Rheumatic Fever had caused.”

A born fighter, Malcolm overcame the challenges life threw his way, but just as it seemed he was turning a corner, he was struck down by cancer.

Mrs Francis added, “This was a battle he could not win. He had suffered enough, and so we had to say our final goodbyes.”

Malcolm died 30 years ago, leaving behind his wife Angela and three children.

Mrs Davies explained, “My family and I still miss him more than words can say, and I grieve for the things he has missed. We will never forget him.”