Collector Profile - Paul Owen Ashton

Age: 39
 

Location: Swansea, South Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs? What made you want to buy your first Groggs?

I started collecting in 2003. My love of all things Welsh, and I recognised at that time World of Groggs in Pontypridd was a Welsh Institution and still is to this day.
 

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?
Gareth Edwards (Classic Collection),

Gareth Edwards for Barbarians try against New Zealand,

Kenny Dalglish.  

Buying Gareth Edwards for my first Grogg in 2003 was the obvious choice given that he is without doubt for me the finest Welsh sportsman to every grace any arena.  

In 2004 that little gem of Gareth scoring for me the greatest ever try in 1973 against New Zealand.  My next Grogg was not purchased until 2012 - Kenny Dalglish he has always been an iconic Liverpool Legend and I was eager to start up of my collection again with a Liverpool FC flavour.
 

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?
Yes, I still own them

What Groggs do you try to collect now?
I do like the Specials that come out.  I do mainly purchase 9" Groggs though, and the majority of them are rugby Groggs.

How many Groggs do you own?
22 - The limited Gethin Jenkins special is on its way.
What's your favourite Grogg and why?
The Ray Gravell Bust of him wearing a Llanelli shirt.  Only 13 made.  I own 13/13.  I managed to acquire this from eBay.

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?
I've never sold any Grogg, and don't intend too unless of course I am forced too due to financial constraints.

Who would you love to see Grogged and why?

I'm not sure if he has ever been Grogged, but I would love something on the Great Bill Shankly, or perhaps the current Liverpool FC Manager Brendan Rodgers.

Now for some photographs of your collection:

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Owen Ashton

Photographs Courtesy Of Paul Owen Ashton

Got Wood? Like Wood? Want Wood? Better be quick!!

Irish legendary Hooker Keith Wood has been immortalised in Grogg form for over 10 years now in both 9" and mini versions.

In classic line out throw pose the 9” version of Keith's Grogg has graced the shelves of the Grogg shop and the cabinets and displays of many a collector, but shock horror this piece is nearly sold out!

The World of Groggs recently updated the "Ltd Ed's Reaching Limits" section of the website and the latest Grogg added is Keith himself. 

With only 38 editions remaining, time is really running out if you want to grab yourself one of these fantastic pieces.

Priced at only £69.95 this is an affordable Grogg but worth every penny, don’t wait too long to grab one as they will only go up in value when they are all sold out!

Orders can be placed directly with the shop by following this link: World of Groggs - Keith Wood

Happy Groggin'

Photograph Courtesy Of The World Of Groggs

Collector Profile - Adam Brain

Age: I’m 32

Location: Nelson, Caerphilly, Wales

When did you start collecting Groggs?

I started collecting them when I was about 14.

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?

My first 3 Groggs were:

Scott Quinnell

Phil Bennett

Jonathan Davies

I picked these because I used to play at number 8 and Scott was playing there at the time. Phil was a legend and I loved watching Jiffy play league and union.

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?
Yes still got them.

What Groggs do you try to collect now?
I haven't had a Grogg for a while now but am planning on starting back up soon.

How many Groggs do you own?
I own 39 Groggs.

What's your favourite Grogg and why?
My fave is Nigel Bazani holding the cup because I was a huge Ponty fan and was there on the day they won that game.

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?
I would never sell any of my Groggs, most of them are signed by the players themselves

Who would you love to see Grogged?

I really would love to have zinzan brooke as a Grogg he was my childhood hero I meet him last week and was gutted that I didnt have one of him to sign for me.

And now for some photographs of your collection:

Photographs Courtesy of Adam Brain

Photographs Courtesy of Adam Brain

Photographs Courtesy of Adam Brain

Photographs Courtesy of Adam Brain

Collector Profile - Stephen Gladwin

Age: 34 years young

Location: Neath home of the real All Blacks also known as neef, neef, neef

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?
I started collecting in the last 2 years I always thought they were a different way to appreciate my heroes.

What were the first Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?
My first Grogg was Jonah Lomu. A true legend with an insperational life story. The first of a new bread of giant winger

What style of Groggs do you want to try and collect now?
I collect miniature rugby legends. Not just welsh players but people who have inspired me. Or I feel are legends.

How many Groggs do you own?
I only have 2 Groggs my Lomu one and Gareth Edwards of course.

What's your favourite Grogg and why?
My favorite Grogg is my Lomu one. Everyone wanted to be Lomu when growing up. Everyone had the Lomu hair cut as kids. 

Who would you love to see Grogged?

I'd love to see a Jonny Wilkinson Grogg with Heineken cup. Guy is the ultimate legend.

And now for some photographs of your collection

Photograph Courtesy of Stephen Gladwin

Collector Profile - Dan Thomas

Age: 29

 Location: Cardiff, South Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

I started in January this year. I have always wanted Groggs but never had the room to display them. Myself and my wife bought a house in December so as soon as we moved in I wanted to get one.

What were the first Groggs you bought and why did you pick these in particular?
My first grogg was Shane Williams. I wanted to start with a legend and Shane my favourite Wales player before he retired.  He was a player that got people on their feet every time he touched the ball.

What Groggs do you hope to purchase next?
The next Grogg I want to get is a Bruce Springsteen Grogg. I am a big Boss fan so I would love that Grogg. Also I have seen on twitter work in progress for a action George North and that looks amazing so when that comes out I will get that one as well.

How many Groggs do you currently own?
I own two Groggs Shane Williams and action Sam Warburton.

What is your favourite Grogg and why?
My favourite Grogg is action Sam as I am a huge Blues fan. I think it is a really good likeness of Sam.

Who would you love to see Grogged and Why?
Being a massive Cardiff RFC / Blues fan I would love to see the legend that is Dan Baugh made into a Grogg. He is my favourite player ever to run out at the Arms Park. I can still hear the bone crunching tackles he used to make!

And Now for some photographs of your collection:

Photograph Courtesy of Dan Thomas

Photograph Courtesy of Dan Thomas

Collector Profile - Simon "Shakey" Shakeshaft

Age: A run down middle aged 49

Location: Now in East Hertfordshire, England

When did you start collecting Groggs?

I'd say about 10-12 years but properly collecting in last 7 or so. 

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?

John Charles, older 18" version

Ryan Giggs Testimonial piece in Wales home strip

I think a Mark Hughes hollow 9" in Wales kit.

I actually collect Wales match worn football shirt memorabilia and bought a collection of shirts off a well known collector in the Rhondda and he also had some Groggs, had to have them too. 

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

Yes still got them all. 

What Groggs do you try to collect now?

Always collect Wales football kit based Groggs, Wales Rugby Mini's and a few other football & rugby legends pieces. 

How many Groggs do you own? 

I haven't actually counted them but roughly between 80 and 100, those Mini's soon mount up mind. 

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

Have too many favourites to pick just one but think my 9" John Charles in Hereford United kit will always be special, it’s a one off. 

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

Never sold any of my Groggs. 

Who would you love to see Grogged?

Don't think there isn't a rugby playing Welshman or legend that Richard or John haven't covered so need to concentrate on a few more footballers. That list could be endless to! Denis Law (Scotland kit) -please do Dalglish in Scotland strip!!- maybe Joe Allen in Wales strip and then a few Arsenal greats, Henry, Wright Adams but especially Bergkamp!!! Said list could be endless. 

And now for some photographs of your collection:

Photographs Courtesy of Simon "Shakey" Shakeshaft

Photographs Courtesy of Simon "Shakey" Shakeshaft

Photographs Courtesy of Simon "Shakey" Shakeshaft

 

Groggs: Club vs Country

Traditionally the Groggshop has produced a number of Welsh rugby legends complete with their classic red national team kits (feathers and all). The same is true for most of the rugby players produced in the International series being kitted out in their own country’s colours.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

 
When it comes to club kits the case is often that the Welsh guys may be produced in some of the Regional club kits (when time permits) and in the case of the non Welsh kits these are in rare cases produced as some form of special as was the case with Sebastian Chabal in his Racing Metro kit or Gavin Henson in Saracens and Toulon kits.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

For the most part it's fair to say when it comes to the rugby Groggs they are produced in national colours and any club kits are a bonus. 

The story for the Football Groggs however is vastly different.

Most of the Groggs which are produced in the Football range tend to be in their respective club kits, with a large contingent of Groggs being produced in Manchester United and Liverpool kits and a sprinkling of others such as John Terry in Chelsea, Aaron Ramsey in Arsenal and Gareth Bale in Tottenham and Real Madrid colours.

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

 

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

 

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

The Welsh lads however are often the exception, with them also being produced in the National team strip as well. For most of the footballers however, they are only ever produced in club colours (although in recent times we have seen a few in England strips Rooney, Bobby Charlton etc).

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

Photograph Courtesy of The World of Groggs

I for one would certainly like to see a few more of these Groggs produced in their National kits as well. For football fans it is very difficult to bring yourself to purchase a Robin Van Persie Grogg in Manchester United colours when you are an avid Arsenal fan, but given the option of buying him in the Dutch kit, well that would be a different story… somehow this is more acceptable, you could even convince yourself it was the Dutch kit from the days that he was still an Arsenal player therefore completly ok for you to own this Grogg.

It’s fair to say that the level of detail on the national kits seems to be a lot less intricate than some of the club kits produced so the level of work involved would presumably not be so time consuming when it comes to painting these Groggs. My suspicion is the Groggshop are not sure whether the demand would be there for the National colours across the board. 

I now throw a plea out to all Grogg collectors, if you would like more footballers in their National kits let us know, maybe if the demand is there the shop may consider a change in their policy. 

I mean who wouldn’t want a Ronaldo Grogg in Portugal’s kit, Van Persie in Holland colours or Torres in the strip of Los Rojos?

Collector Profile - Deiniol Glyn

Age: 27

Location: Aberystwyth, Wales 

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

I received a mini Martyn Williams as a Christmas gift from my girlfriend in 2010, although I didn't really start collecting until the following year having received a mini Alun Wyn Jones that Christmas.

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned?

Mini Martyn Williams

Mini Alun Wyn Jones 

Nigel Walker

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

Yes. I still own all 3

What Groggs do you try to collect now?

My collection started as just a random collection of heroes/cult heroes, but I then decided to concentrate on completing the Welsh pack, which is now close to completion.  I've recently decided that I will also add some Cardiff RFC/Blues Groggs, in order to give a bit of variation to the sea of red.  I also keep am eye out for mini testimonial Groggs as well as green collared Groggs so that Nigel Walker can have some company!!! 

How many Groggs do you own?

15

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

Although a born and bread West Walian, my mother is from Cardiff and we still have family there, so we visited the capital quite often when I was young.  I remember seeing Groggs in the shop window in Cardiff, I always made my parents walk past the shop so that I could have a look at the Nigel Walker Grogg, he was my first rugby hero and I always wanted that Grogg.  Having forgotten all about Groggs in my teens, receiving my first Grogg rekindled my love of Groggs as well as jogged the memory of seeing the Nigel Walker Grogg.  I knew I had to have this Grogg somehow, so when I saw it come up on ebay, I knew I had to have him! 

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

I've never sold a Grogg.

Who would you love to see Grogged?

Deiniol Jones is probably my only cult hero that hasn't been Grogged.  As a teen I always liked Deiniol Jones and looked out for him, due to the same first name, we went to the same school (although he left before I started) and our birthday is only a day apart.   Typical teen reasons!!! Although he certainly became one of my favourite players when he signed for the Blues and was an excellent servant over the years.   

Now for some photographs of your collection:    

Photographs Courtesy of Deiniol Glyn

Photographs Courtesy of Deiniol Glyn

Calling All Groggers.... We Need You!!!

From time to time at The Grogg Blog we have guest writers giving us their news and views on all things Grogg related. We actively encourage writers of all levels and articles on anything with an element of Grogg related content, it could be a piece about a favourite player who has been Grogged, a plea for a Grogg you feel should be produced or even a review of some of the past or present Groggs.

So if you fancy having a go get in contact with us at thegroggblog@gmail.com or via our Facebook or Twitter pages.

For those that follow this Blog regularly you will know we post a number of Collector Profiles showing off some very impressive collections and giving us all an insight into why we all collect these fantastic pieces. We are always looking for new profiles so if you collect no matter how big or small the collection is, get in touch with us and we can arrange this for you.

Happy groggin'

Collector Profile - Krystian Kriescher

Age: 22 Years old 

Location: Skewen, near Neath, Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

I started collecting in 2011, I started collecting because my best mate was really into them and collected mainly Liverpool ones, I'm not a Liverpool fan but I just loved them straight away and wanted Manchester United and Welsh rugby players

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?

My first three were:

The normal Shane Williams (the normal kit version of the one with his hand raised against Scotland), I wanted a Shane Williams one to be my first one because he's my all time hero really, I even used to play left wing because I wanted to be like him so much.

Then there was the Little Pea Javier Hernandez, which is still my rarest one, I had him because he was and still is my favourite United player, I wanted the Little Pea one because it looks much better with the kit all decked out in my opinion.

My third was Sir Alex Ferguson, obviously being a United fan the guy is the ultimate football icon in my eyes, he's just a god to me.

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

I still own all of my Groggs that I've ever owned, not that it's a big collection although I do intend on building on it as soon as possible, I don't have any intention on selling because I love all of them really, I don't see any point in the future that I'll want to either.

What Groggs do you try to collect now?

I mainly collect nine inchers, rugby and football ones, those two are my favourite sports so they are all that I'm really interested in, I'd love to have the full collection of The Beatles though, they're awesome, I'd have to buy them all together though, can you imagine having two or three and missing one or two, it'd just look wrong!

How many Groggs do you own?

16

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

I'd say it's between three for my favourite because three, Little Pea Javier Hernandez is my rarest (16/20) I think it is off the top of my head, I've got a signed Ospreys kit Shane Williams that I bought off eBay and Better Than A Slam, I love that one so much just because I think it looks the best of my ones. My all time favourite one I don't own though, it's the mini Gareth Edwards Barbarians try one, I almost bought it on eBay though, I got outbid by a tenner at the last second once which was pretty saddening, it was also on more recently on eBay and I just could not afford it, that is my ultimate Grogger goal though to own that particular piece. 

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

I've never sold one but I imagine that I'd regret selling any piece, I had an offer for my Lions Lee Byrne but the thought of letting go of any of them was too unpleasant to sell him on.

Who would you love to see Grogged?

I've been an advocate for so long, and have said on several Grogg pages in the past, that I'd love to see Warren Gatland be made into a Grogg, I can't think of a more deserving person who's not been made in to one, I mean what else can he do?! He's already coached Wasps to a Heineken Cup win, Wales to two Grand Slams, the Lions to a test series win and won Sports Personality Of The Year Coach Of The Year, I've joked in the past that he's going to have to bring peace in the Middle East to be more deserving!

Now for some photographs of your collection

Photographs Courtesy of Krystian Kriescher

Photographs Courtesy of Krystian Kriescher

Photographs Courtesy of Krystian Kriescher

Photographs Courtesy of Krystian Kriescher

Collector Profile - Amy Ronan and David Blackman

Age: Amy 26 & David 31

 Location: Bryncethin, Bridgend, Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

We are both big rugby fans, David collected them after seeing his Dads Millennium Miniatures collection

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?

Neil Jenkins - big Ponty and Jenks fan,

Scott Gibbs try - first conscious time of Wales beating England in their own back yard.

Gareth Edwards action try

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

Yes we still own these

What Groggs do you try to collect now?
The lower ltd edition, Special Grand Slam Championship ones

How many Groggs do you own?

17

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

Haven't got a favourite, like them all for different reasons

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

Not sold any.

Who would you love to see Grogged?

Shane Filan (massive Westlife fan) - Amy. Austin Healy in a jesters outfit to hold the toilet door open - David 

Now for some photographs of your collection

Photographs Courtesy of Amy Ronan & David Blackman

Photographs Courtesy of Amy Ronan & David Blackman

Photographs Courtesy of Amy Ronan & David Blackman

Photographs Courtesy of Amy Ronan & David Blackman

Collector Profile - Sarah Jones

Age: 43

Location: Pontadawe, Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

Started collecting them at 18 after a visit to the Grogg shop

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned and why in particular did you pick these?

Robert Jones
Bleddyn Bowen
Craig Chalmers
These were the first 3 as they were my rugby heroes. . and still are!

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

I still own them but they're on loan to my Dad in France

What Groggs do you try to collect now?
I enjoy the Ospreys Groggs and the 70's players

How many Groggs do you own?

I have 8 in total

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

Robert Jones and Gareth Edwards are my faves… best number 9's ever… totally not biased lol

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

I would never sell these precious items!

Who would you love to see Grogged?

I would love to see my Dad Grogged and player wise Jeff Hassler,  a bit of a crush I’m afraid :-)

Unfortunately my Groggs are in France with my Dad as he feels homesick from time to time so unable to provide any photos of my collection.

Similar Grogg to the one Sarah has in her collection

Collector Profile - Phil Davies

Age: 48 years old

Location: Pontypridd, South Wales

When and how did you start collecting Groggs?

Started collecting in 1997 as I'm a massive Pontypridd supporter it was a natural thing to do! 

What were the first 3 Groggs you owned?

first 3 groggs were Neil Jenkins 9" Pontypridd action figure,16" Neil Jenkins Pontypridd figure and a Dafydd James 6" wales Grogg.

Do you still own these Groggs and if not why?

Yes I still own these

What Groggs do you try to collect now?
Groggs I collect now are any Neil Jenkins (up to 23 at present) ,Lions 2013 and some special ones where possible

How many Groggs do you own?

Approx 100 including my Pontypridd minis.

What's your favourite Grogg and why?

Favourite Grogg that's a difficult question as all my Groggs are special to me but my Lions roar would probably just edge it as it is signed by 11 Lions and 2 New Zealand legends. 

Are there any Groggs you regret selling if so why?

No Groggs I have sold I regret as it was either to swap or get cash to fund something else.

Who would you love to see Grogged?

I would love to see Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones 2013 holding the Lions trophy that to me would be awesome!!! So if you're reading this Mr Hughes and I will have number 1 please!!!

**Plea If anyone has a Ryan Jones 2008 Grand Slam Grogg they are willing to part with please let me know**

Now for some photographs of your collection

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies

Photographs Courtesy of Phil Davies