THERE will be a formal event taking place in Glynneath, the hometown of Max Boyce, to unveil a statue in his honour.
In tribute to Max, the Band of the Royal Welsh will march from the Rugby Club down New Street, across Heathfield Avenue and up the High Street to the unveiling spot where the First Minister and Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan will formally unveil the statue in the presence of other dignitaries.
Residents of Glynneath, fans, supporters and followers of Max Boyce across Wales, the UK and further afield are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony which will commence from 11.30am and end at 1.40pm on Saturday 30th September 2023.
The statue will be erected at the junction of High Street and the A4109 with Max facing his beloved Abernant Park, home of Glynneath RFC. There will be road closures between 11am and 3.00pm.
The statue has been fully funded using Community Grants that are available and will act as a Gateway symbol to Glynneath and the surround communities.
Speaking on behalf of Glynneath RFC Club Secretary Simon Knoyle who, over the last 4 years, has personally led on the project said:
“As a club, we are delighted to be able to honour our Club President with this unique event, the dedication and support he has provided to Glynneath RFC over the years has been truly remarkable. We are grateful to our funders Selar Opencast Community Fund, Aberpergwm Community Fund and the Maesgwyn Wind Farm Community Fund.
“The idea of a statue of Max was openly discussed in a local pub in Glynneath in late 2019 and due to Covid and the Energy Crisis, it has taken almost 4 years to see the statue being erected in situ. Knowing that Max, who has remained humble during his career, is happy with the product brings with it huge satisfaction for us.”
The statue was commissioned and renowned local sculptor and artist Ruby Eynon was chosen to create the statue. Using a piece of 3D scanning equipment, Rubin was able to create a lifelike, life-size image of the entertainer, cast in bronze by M.B. Finearts foundry, for the final piece of art to be erected. Rubin said “I was incredibly proud and humbled to have been asked to create this statue of our local legend, it was an extremely satisfying and enjoyable process which felt like a labour of love to create. It is testament to Max from the people of Glynneath for the way in which he has put our small Community on the map worldwide. I am over the moon that Max is happy with the statue and am proud to have been involved in the process.”
Several speeches will be heard to honour and praise the work that Max has done not only for his beloved Town of Glynneath but for various charities and organisations with which he is uniquely associated.
Max will celebrate his 80th birthday just a few days before the event and this year celebrates his 50th anniversary of first performing Hymns and Arias, the rugby song which is known worldwide with his links to the Welsh Rugby Team.
Max will celebrate this incredibly special day with his wife, daughters and granddaughters.
Following the formal service, guests are invited back to Abernant Park to watch Glynneath RFC 1st XV play Ystradgynlais RFC in a Division 1 West Central league clash where the Band of the Royal Welsh will entertain guests on the pitch prior to Kick Off at 3pm.
There will be a dinner held for invited guests within the clubhouse in the evening following the rugby match.
