In 1959 the Daily Mirror proclaimed their nausea with the Queens’s New Years Honours list and invited their readers to vote for what they described as “exceptional people” in the community. In January 1959 a panel comprising Lady Joan Braithwaite, Beryl Grey, the Duke of Bedford, Alec S. Dick and Mr. (later Sir) Matt Busby, decided that Billy Johns was their ‘Daily Mirror Man of the Year’. For the people of Mumbles Billy Johns has been their man of the ‘Century’ and some form of posthumous recognition for this outstanding incredibly brave local man is felt by many to be long overdue. Perhaps a purpose-built clubhouse to add to the sculpture sitting in the woodlands in the park would be a fitting tribute and memorial to Billy Johns. The club is actively pursuing Billy’s dream and has joined forces with Mumbles Rugby Club and the local community to form a Limited and Charitable Company to improve the clubhouse and to safeguard the futures of the community to enjoy the Park as THE recreational centre for the Mumbles.


To continue the story of Mumbles Rangers, Billy John’s overriding ambitions were always for his young members, and throughout his short life he strove to build a clubhouse for his boys. In April 1961 Billy Johns was awarded the British Empire Medal. Sadly, on Valentine’s day, February 14th 1962 Billy lost his fight for life at the age of 33 years, but he left behind wonderful memories and a legacy that is still carried on to this very day. Billy’s dream of a clubhouse of our own will one day be realised. In the meantime, Mumbles Rangers carries on in the true traditions of Billy, almost as if he were still at the helm.


In the mid fifties Billy was introduced by Murray Crook to a young Italian, Carlo Prete, who had been sent to Wales by his father to learn English. Carlo idolised Billy and the Italian Connection began. After Carlo’s return to his homeland a visit to Italy was organised, Carlo and his family were to play hosts to Billy and his youngsters. For Billy it was a journey made against all the odds. 36 boys led by Billy travelled from Swansea to Paddington, and to cut costs, stayed overnight in a Salvation Army Hostel, before continuing next day to Dover where they crossed to Calais. They travelled by train through France and Switzerland to Genoa, Italy, a massive journey for Billy.


Genoa, Italy 1960


“His boys” watched over his every moment and youngsters, Eddie Wade in particular, and others still in their teens, demonstrated astonishing care and concern for Billy throughout that fortnights stay. That did not prevent ‘the boys’ losing Billy’s


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