There was much talk of Welsh rugby at the Pembroke Probus Club meeting, held on Tuesday, at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel.

Alun Wyn Bevan, former Welsh rugby referee and sports broadcaster, was in scintillating form with his sporting anecdotes about many of the greats of his time.

He briefly mentioned his ambassadorial role for the charity called Stepping Stones, one dealing with cancer and based in Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch, Cardiff, before talking of his education in a school in Ammanford, then teacher training college, before commence his working life as a teacherand concluding his career as head master of a school in Swansea Valley.

During that time, he became a Welsh rugby referee. He told members that, although he had never played rugby himself, he had refereed rugby matches with most, if not all, of the greats of the time and knew well as a close friend Ray Gravell, one of the greatest centres ever, who sadly passed away in 2007.

Alan talked of such as wing man J. J. Williams, also Alun Williams one time cricket commentator! He told members anecdotes of Lewis Jones, J. P. R. Williams, Gareth Edwards, Barry John. Phil Bennett, Gerald Davies and many, many others, all of whom he knew when in their pomp. Oh yes, there was a wonderful tale of Ernie Finch, of Pembroke Dock, and his run around the New Zealand great, someone called George Napier!

He spoke of Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous Welsh architect, who designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

As an example of unconcerned greatness, when he, as the architect, was told that staff were unable to carry many of the wider paintings into the museum as the front door was too narrow, he told them, "Well you will just have to cut the masterpieces in half." No one was going to trifle with his work of art.

Alun gave his talk in a breezy style, reminiscent of Max Boyce, and when finished, was greeted with appreciative applause. Questions were answered with even more insight and comedy by Alun.

The vote of thanks was given by David Holt, vice-president of the club and a regular purveyor of droll stories. When members had all stopped laughing, 45 of them sat down to a high quality carvery-style lunch which rounded off a very enjoyable meeting.

For further information on club activities, contact the speaker secretary on 01646 683708.