Aberdare Boys’ Grammar School
Memories and Memorabilia
Aberdare Boys Comprehensive School
Business Enterprise Competition Win, 1988-89
from Mark Groom
These pupils of Aberdare Boys’ Comprehensive School were winners in a business competition, organised by Merthyr and Aberdare enterprise organisation. The A team led by Clive Williams, lower sixth form, submitted a business plan entitled Rec Spec, a tourism challenge centred on the Rheola area of the Neath valley. They conceived the idea of an indoor and outdoor sporting complex, both for able-bodied and disabled people. Taking advice from the WDA, they envisaged a 10,000 sq ft building on two storeys, with a multi gym, courts on the ground floor, and accommodation on the upper floor. They also proposed mountain bike tracks outside, archery, shooting, rowing, forestry walks and other activities.
Second were the Afon Tâf Comprehensive School, Merthyr, and the St John the Baptist School, Glandare, was placed third.
The event was held at the Baverstock’s Hotel, Merthyr, where the participants had access to many specialists in their field, such as marketing experts, accountants, and other professionals.
Among several prominent businessmen, who acted as judges, was Mr Roger Chappell, managing director of Celtic Newspapers Ltd. He commented that, “Considering the length of time pupils had to come up with an idea and form a business plan, the standard was impressive. The winning team, Aberdare Boys’ Comprehensive, really came up with the outstanding proposal. The natural flair for creativity, for marketing the proposals, their skill in spotting opportunities throughout the day means we must have some budding entrepreneurs in the Cynon Valley.”
Jeff Pride, representing the MADE organisation, who promoted the day, said, “The 22 teams participating made the day a huge success. We are delighted”. He then presented every participant with a degree type scroll and presentation mugs. He continued, “Sponsorship, primarily from the British Steel, but also from large and small businesses, was greatly appreciated and vitally necessary.”
Mr Noel Thomas, headmaster, added his own congratulations, and emphasised the links which the school already had with the business community, which were to be further strengthened in the future.
The winning team’s members were Clive Williams, Richard Brent, Hywel Morrish, Paul Thomas, Mark Groom and Craig Hammond.
The school’s B team were Alistair Adom, David Ellis, Nathan Williams, Ryan Howells, Steven Minney and David Mear.