This audio clip below was taken at the Coffee Bar in Croesyceiliog tonight. Around 16 players and pool fans stood in silence and then applauded to pay their respects to Tony Bielski, the chair of Cwmbran and District Pool League.

The minute took place before the Coffee Bar played RAFA A team, one of Tony’s old teams.

The scene was repeated across pubs in the area tonight and last Sunday. Darren Hurdley, a mate of Tony’s for around 25 years contacted other teams in the league to organise the tributes before their matches. He said: “He was like a father figure to me. I can’t believe he’s gone. We played together and against each other so many times. He put my name forward and I passed the trial to play pool for Wales. Tony was such a character, a great guy who loved his pool.”

Thanks to Simon Wilks, another mate of Tony’s for sorting it out so I could attend tonight’s tribute and do a recording. Tony’s funeral is on Friday 8 February in St Gabriel’s church at 10am followed by Gwent Crematorium and drinks at the RAFA club.

If you can’t see the Audioboo play button below click on this link to go the site where you will find the clip.

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