Shake on it: Cllr Rob Lewis greets former British heavyweight champion Scott Gammer.

Cllr Rob Lewis says he is a lucky man because he has a job that he loves doing.

He has always been involved in sport and relishes the prospect of being the cabinet member for sport with Pembrokeshire County Council.

Rob's title is actually cabinet member for sport, leisure and cultural services, all of which he is heavily involved in, but when anyone talks to him about the sport aspect, it is easy to see his enthusiasm.

He is ever-ready to help clubs with advice regarding things like grants and is a big believer in the fact that if he doesn't know then he can find someone who does. He took over the role two years ago and although there is such a wide portfolio, he is lucky in having Cllr Jamie Adams as his capable deputy. Rob links well with the Sports Council over grant-aid for clubs and signposts the way to apply, with the valuable assistance of the council's development officers. He also isn't afraid to give commitment since he is regularly at County Hall by 8am and many functions are held at night.

Ask Rob about highlights so far and he can supply a speedy answer.

"There have been loads but I was thrilled when the council received the local authority of the year for tennis development' award at Wimbledon -we were able to watch a couple of evening matches as a bonus. It was also great to see Tom James win the coach of the year' award from the Welsh Tennis Association at Celtic Manor because Tom has done a brilliant job as development officer, as do all the others in their sports."

But Rob is equally as enthusiastic about the bread-and-butter aspects of sport in Pembrokeshire.

"I have had a real insight into the tremendous work undertaken by so many loyal members at sports clubs across the county," he said. "It is an amazing network of sports lovers and our job is to help out whenever needed, with advice. Leisure centres also come under our remit and we are delighted with the new development in Fishguard and looking forward to completion at Haverfordwest."

Fine prospects: Cllr Rob Lewis is pictured with Sport Pembrokeshire Award winners Isobelle White and Harry Owen.

It is fair to say that Rob also gives a great deal back to sport after initially following his father, Eric, a Welsh international, into clay pigeon shooting, and aged 14 he won a bronze medal at the British Grand Prix for Olympic Trap shooting - and after two days had a sore shoulder!

Rob also played rugby for Narberth School and had a few games as scrum half with Narberth's youth side before sustaining a back injury, then turned his attention to road rallying with his Mark One Ford Escort Mexico.

He learned to drive on the family farm when he was a nipper and with Vic Dennis as a superb navigator had success at the Harrison-Allen Rally and JG Blands Rally.

Back on the rugby front, Rob would admit to being an ardent Narberth fan and his weekly role at the club is to help with the video analysis of the Otters' matches, putting the games on DVD so coaches Jonathan Dodd and Clive James can use them as an assessment tool.

When elder son Jamie started playing he took his coaching exams and helped the Young Otters alongside Clive Bevan as they went through from under-10 to under-15s.

They were unbeaten for two seasons and represented the county in the national play-offs at Rodney Parade, Newport, before losing out to eventual winners Nelson/Blaenau.

Jamie also played football for Carew so Rob helped out there as well, taking over the junior team after the death of his brother-in-law Gary Morris.

Younger son Matthew also plays at Carew and received cracking coaching for two years from Roy Morgan before joining the group coached by dad, Alan Laville and Paul Rogers.

Not content with that little lot, Rob has also coached cricket for Narberth Juniors in cahoots with Jamie Lewis and Joe Allen, readily admitting he can only do it because he has great support from wife Elaine and young daughter Chloe.

"I really do enjoy my involvement in sport, and I couldn't wish for a better role in the council than the one I have. I am lucky to have not only family support but wonderful assistance from those involved and very committed people at Sport Pembrokeshire.

Rob added: We really are eager to see people enjoying whatever leisure activity they want and if anyone has any ideas for possible development they can certainly contact me at County Hall - I would be delighted to hear from them."

3:23pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

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