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Blackwood Rotary Club has unveiled a new park bench at Blackwood Bowls Club to commemorate the King’s Coronation and celebrate the life of former bowls club chairman Allen Witchell.

The ceremony took place on Tuesday June 20 and meant a great deal to the people involved at both club’s, according to Beverley Edwards, whose husband, Ian Edwards, is a member of the rotary club.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Mrs Edwards said: “Rotary is a worldwide organisation which collectively marked the coronation of King Charles III and as a club we discussed what would be the most appropriate way to do so.

“We gave it some thought and eventually agreed on a bench that we decided to place in the grounds of Blackwood Bowls as the two clubs have worked with each other a lot in the past.”

As the bench would be put in the bowls club, the Rotary club thought it would be a good idea to also commemorate the passing of former chairman Allen Witchell.

“Allen very sadly died earlier this year to the shock of everyone,” said Mrs Edwards. “He was the beating heart of that club and a truly dedicated man,” she added.

“Allen worked on all of the committees and everyone felt like they’d lost a friend. His son, David, is now chairman and his grandson both represents Wales. The day was all about friendship and fellowship.”

Mr Witchell’s wife, Jo, was also the founding member of the ladies side at the club.

Mrs Edwards continued: “It felt really special and we’re all proud that the bench will be there for everyone to use.”