bersham and adwy school diaries, boys school book 2, 1880- 1890

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BOOK 2 Boys Schools Diary and Logbook 1880 JANUARY Commenced school today after the Christmas holidays. Found that hardly any of the children had done any lessons. Find it very difficult to work this large school with my very young staff. Am now busy preparing for our annual concert. New songs already learnt are = 1 `The new boys song` 2 ` Twi Twi` 3 ` Westward ho for England` 4 `The Huntsman’s chorus` 5 `Shut the door` 6 `Down where the Blue Bells grow` 7 `Every twinkling star` 8 `The shoe black company` 9 `The soldiers mothers daughter` The above mixed up with recitations will form a good long programme. Some of the girls will also sing `Solos & Duets` School visited by Mr Williamson, Penygelli Hall one of the members of the Board. I find that he will not seek re-election in February as he intends leaving the neighbourhood. We have three of his boys at school and they are very sharp and intelligent. FEBRUARY Have worked very hard during the whole of this week, held singing meetings three times and I therefore feel very tired and ready to

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Page 1: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

BOOK 2

Boys Schools Diary and Logbook

1880 JANUARY

Commenced school today after the Christmas holidays. Found that hardly any of the children had done any lessons. Find it very difficult to work this large school with my very young staff. Am now busy preparing for our annual concert. New songs already learnt are =1 `The new boys song` 2 ` Twi Twi`3 ` Westward ho for England` 4 `The Huntsman’s chorus`5 `Shut the door`6 `Down where the Blue Bells grow`7 `Every twinkling star`8 `The shoe black company`9 `The soldiers mothers daughter`

The above mixed up with recitations will form a good long programme. Some of the girls will also sing `Solos & Duets`School visited by Mr Williamson, Penygelli Hall one of the members of the Board. I find that he will not seek re-election in February as he intends leaving the neighbourhood. We have three of his boys at school and they are very sharp and intelligent.

FEBRUARY

Have worked very hard during the whole of this week, held singing meetings three times and I therefore feel very tired and ready to give up with fatigue. John Lloyd our Second assistant is doing good help.Have been greatly troubled this week on account of the School Board election. This seems to have taken up everybody’s mind and I have hard work to fill up the forms for the various candidates. Singing lessons every night this week and after singing had to attend committee meetings on school matters. Last night our annual entertainment came off and it proved a thorough success. The schoolroom was crowded though our admission was 1/- each. The receipts will be over £11-0-0 a good sum from a children’s concert. Have had two new monitors from the Board. They are Albert William Ashford and David James Price. They were not my best teachers but were pushed on me by

Page 2: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

their friends though the Board. I hope they will turn out better then I anticipate. They now figure very badly both in teaching and lessons. James P Shelby and Thomas Jno. Jones have not worked hard at home. The School board election took place today. A great number of people failed to vote, the poll closing too early. A great number were also without their names on the register

The following is the state of the poll for The Bersham School Board.1 Richard Phennah. Rhostyllen 9992 Hugh Jones (present vice chairman) 8593 S T Baugh (present chairman) 7804 Issac Jones (new man) 7245 Joseph Jones (an old member) 5986 Thomas Roberts (new man) 4667 Heth Jones (new man) 4488 George Gibbons (new man) 1899 Tudor Rogers (old) 98

There being only 7 members on the board the two last are out. I believe that 4 out of the 7 will go in for the policy of the late Board. Dr Gibbons, whose great cry was `Reduction in salaries ` is out in the cold. The old members who so warmly supported the schools during the last 14 years have all been re-elected. Mr Hugh Jones who has always gone in for good salaries coming in `Second` and Mr S J Bough `Third`

I had to correct two boys for singing during lessons. We do very little corporal punishment in schools now. The boys are really very good especially when it is considered from what kind of homes many of them are drawn. The lessons of AW Ashford and S Price were again very bad today. Indeed I find it very difficult to get them to do anything. The Attendance officer was here this morning but took no names, he simply walked round the classes. Kept the First class in school for singing practice after the school was dismissed, they sing very fairly only and are inclined to get too fast and not keep to the correct time.

Visited by Mr John Owen, member of the Brymbo School Board who intends sending his son here to school. He was formerly a member of the Adwy & Coedpoeth British school committee and has been a member of the Brymbo School Board since it’s formation.Kept the teachers long at work last evening, each had to do a certain amount of arithmetic before they went home.

MARCH

The attendance on Tuesday was very small owing to a very severe storm of wind and rain. In the morning the ground was thickly covered by snow. The storm was one of the severest that was ever witnessed in this part of the country. The shutters had to be kept on the shop windows all day. This kind of weather has been more or less felt all week causing the attendance to fall greatly below what it generally is. Progress of Pupil teachers very unsatisfactory. James P Shelby has improved a little but David James Price and A W Ashford are really worse than useless with their own work. Taught the children one new song.

On Monday the Drawing examination took place. In Freehand the boys were very weak but they seem to think that they have done well. Two cases of playing truant came under my notice this week and were dealt with privately and publicly before he whole school. Today I have taken the Pupil Teachers in drawing and geometry, they worked very well up till 12 o clock. Saturday mornings re generally devoted to the lessons of the Pupil Teachers when I am not obliged to be away from home.

Thomas John Jones away poorly. On Monday James P Shelby and Albert Ashford were absent at a football match. I don’t approve of absence from duties except in cases of real necessity

Page 3: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

but these were exceptional cases. The two monitors Albert W Ashford and D J Price seem to have the greatest repugnance to getting their home lessons. I have made complaints to the parents of D J Price and intend writing to Mr Lester the guardian of AW Ashford. They are a cause of a great deal of trouble and annoyance to me coming as they do day after day without having paid the least attention to their lessons.

APRIL

The school reopened on Monday the 15th after the usual Easter Holiday. Attendance very poor throughout the week owing no doubt to the Parliamentary Election at Wrexham at the March Fair commencing. James P Shelby was absent till Thursday at Ruthin but brought a letter from Mr Owen as an excuse for his absence. No doubt he was anxious to witness the election at Denbigh.

The attendance has been anything but satisfactory. A large number of children seem to run wild about the streets and no attempt seems to be made to get them to attend school. They are certainly from the lowest class of society in the neighbourhood and would be of very little credit to any school, but their example is very injurious to others. The question being very often asked `Why are so and so allowed to have their children running about or at work when they ought to be at school`. Progress not very satisfactory. We have some boys who seem to me to be very deficient in ordinary intelligence, and it is almost impossible to get them to understand an ordinary sum in any new rule after several days working on the blackboard.

Albert W Ashford and David J Price work anything but satisfactory. They seem to take no interest whatsoever in their homework and it is almost useless to get them to prepare anything in the shape of home lessons. It can be mentioned in favour of D J Price that he is an early riser and attends always punctual at school, which is not the case with Albert W Ashford.

The attendance has never been as irregular as it is at present. It is certainly no credit to he attendance officer that the attendance is worse now then it has ever been. The circular on the next page was sent to all teachers under our Board.

Copy of resolutions passed 29th April 1880School Attendance It was resolved that it be an instruction to the Attendance officer to compel all children of proper age to attend school and is to inform the parents that the Board will no longer insist upon the Teachers requiring prepayment of School fees but will authorise limited credit to be given for the fees where necessary and in case of non payment within 3 months the board will insist enforced payment by County Court proceedings, and it is to be an instruction to the teachers not to send any child back from school in future merely on the ground of not being prepared to pay the school fees.School Fees Arrears It was resolved - that a return be furnished by the teachers for each school showing the amount of the floating debt for the arrears of School fees at the end of the last school year 30 th Sept 1879 and also on the First day of 1880.

Progress pretty satisfactory when the teaching staff is taken into consideration. The monitors and one of our PT`s are almost useless as actual teaching is concerned, The weekly examination did not exhibit great care on the part of the majority of the children, much of the work was very carelessly done and this was especially the case in my own class.

Whit Monday is kept as a general holiday in the district and the school was not opened till Tuesday. School fees were less than any week this year owing to the holiday and the very irregular work of the neighbourhood. Trade is worse than it has ever been and some parents find the greatest difficulty in getting the school fees paid. The school was visited by Miss Scott, a headmistress under the London school board. On Thursday Mr Clarke Llangollen and Mr Williams Professor of Chemistry Birmingham visited and stayed during the afternoon.

Page 4: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

The Board met on Tuesday when it was resolved that -1 To pay Mr Edward Roden the Drawing grant.2 That the houses of the teachers should be painted and a grant of £2 to Headmaster and of

15/- to each of the Mistresses towards papering.3 That the terms of salaries on the next page should be copied for each of the members.4 That an enquiry as to arrears of school fees be made to the Penygelli Schools.

All the members were present with the exception of Mr Richard Phennah who has now been absent on two occasions. 1880 Amounts of Grants earned by Teachers under Bersham School Board for the year 1878 - 79.Penygelli Girls school. Post Annual salaryElizabeth Davies. Pupil Teacher 16-0-0Sarah E Price “ “ 8-0-0Penygelli InfantsMiss Parsonage Head teacher 75 -0-0Agnes Jones Pupil Teacher 14-0-0H A Williams “ “ 14-0-0E J Taylor “ “ 14-0-0C E Gibbons “ “ 5-0-0Return of salaries of teachers etc employed by the Bersham U D School Board April 1881

Bersham Boys School Post Annual salaryGeorge Bristow Head Teacher 102-4-0Shadrack Evans Pupil teacher 20-0-0Thomas Breese “ “ 15-0-0T H Blew Monitor 5-0-0

Bersham Girls SchoolMiss Carrick Head Teacher 55-0-0M E Davies Pupil teacher 14-0-0S J Hanmer Monitor 5-0-0

Infants SchoolMiss Kendrick Head Teacher 55-0-0M J Badwick Pupil teacher 6-0-0

Penygelli Boys SchoolG J Jones Head Teacher 195-0-0Edward Roden Ex Pupil Teacher 40-0-0John Lloyd “ “ 30-0-0Phillip Jones “ “ 30-0-0James P Shelby Pupil Teacher 15-0-0Thomas J Jones “ “ 12-10-0A W Ashford “ “ 7-0-0David J Price “ “ 7-0-0

Penygelli Girls SchoolMrs Dall Head Teacher 90-0-0Hannah Rogers Ex Pupil Teacher 25-0-0S J J Evans “ “ 20-0-0

Page 5: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

JUNE

Thomas John Jones was absent on Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. He complained of pains in his chest. He does not look well and if the way he gets up his homework is any indicative of the state of his health it must be very bad indeed for his lessons could hardly be worse got up.

The attendance low and the school pence very hard to be got in owing to the great depression in the trade. Sent a large number of bills but I don’t know how much money will be brought in on Monday next as a result of this bill sending. Mr Owen the Diocesan Inspector for the district called this week, he examined our National Schools in Religious Knowledge.

The measles greatly affect the attendance at school and considering the large number of families that are down with it the attendance be considered very fair. Thomas John Jones is again absent the Scarlet Fever has broken out in the house and two or three children are ill with it.

Of course he cannot return to schoolwork until the family have recovered in health. The school still going down in the average owing to the large number under the measles. It is remarkable fact that our neighbourhood standing as it is in such an isolated position in pronounced by the Medical Officer to be the most unhealthy in the Wrexham Sanitary Union. There never passes a year without scarlet fever and measles carrying a considerable number of the younger population away. This year almost every house seems doomed to have some of its members under the measles. The epidemics greatly affect the attendance and efficiency.

JULY

Owing to the way the school dwindled down in numbers we had to break up on Wednesday for our Midsummer Holidays. I trust that when we reopen on July 26th that we shall have a much better attendance than during the last six weeks.

It is really disheartening to teach when half the school is at home. Felt glad to break up myself, as I have not been near well during the whole of the last twelvemonth. I believe that my ill health has been brought about by overwork. I feel that my health is fast giving way but I trust that after the holidays my health will be renewed.

Attendance very small. A large number still under the measles. One of my little ones was taken ill of the measles during the holidays but has now recovered; this kept me at home and prevented me from going anywhere except during last week when I went to the Hydropathic Establishment at Southport. Feel a little better towards the heavy work now coming on.

The work this week was simply preparatory, two of the teachers being away. Philip Jones, Assistant and Thomas Jones, Pupil Teacher. This is a great annoyance and causes a great deal of extra labour. All the teachers are punctual but one or two given too much to stay away from work for the most trivial excuses.

AUGUST

Was visited by Mr Thomas Roberts late attendance officer but now one of the School board members. Scarlet fever still in the neighbourhood but measles almost disappeared

Thomas John Jones is still absent from his work owing to sickness in the family. He has now been absent many weeks. Shelby works well at his lessons, Ashford and D J Price very unsatisfactory in their work. They will never learn and they don’t deserve to pass on account of their laziness

Page 6: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

SEPTEMBER

Working very hard, the boys are all in good spirits. The teachers flinging themselves into the spirit of the work, they go at it with a will. Two boys played truant, were punished in the presence of the other boys. Thomas John Jones still absent from lessons and work owing to sickness. I am afraid that he will cut a sorry figure at the Pupil Teachers Examinations

Several parents were summoned for the non-payment of their children at school and without exception were fined 5/- including costs. Have been all this week greatly upset by one of my little girls being ill with the scarlet fever. This has hindered me greatly with my schoolwork being obliged to stay in after school hours. I disinfect my clothes every morning and use a large quantity of carbolic acid about the house and in the school. I hope it will not spread.

Examined the Third standard in geography, find they are improving. The standard are all very young especially the Third. They are remarkably so all being about 9. Gave the evening to drill the Pupil Teachers in their work for tomorrow. Shelby is fairly up his work, the rest are very unsatisfactory. Sincerely hope that Ashford and Price will not pass, as they do not deserve passing having worked very unsatisfactorily all through the year.

OCTOBER

Thomas John Jones has been at work in the school during the last fortnight but he is far from strong. Shelby seems to suffer greatly from his chest, which affects his reading at times causing him to stammer.

Several boys were absent this week gathering up potatoes. This is a great annoyance close to the examination. Scarlet Fever is on the increase a large number is laid up from each school. It is most peculiar that this neighbourhood is more subject to epidemics in the months of September and October than all through the year. At the Government Inspections visit we have every year some who cannot attend on account of measles or scarlet fever. This causes a great loss to the School Board Grant.

NOVEMBER

Attendance good, we had 40 boys from the Infant school. The Pupil Teachers lessons were not well done this week. Thomas John Jones absent from lessons on Saturday morning owing to a face ache.

Attendance good, progress satisfactory. Thomas John Jones absent on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday owing to a cold. Lessons very badly got up by Ashford and Price. Not a single lesson has been learnt since the examination. Shelby was not very satisfactory but better than the two names First. Thomas John Jones only attended one lesson during the week.

Progress fair, already the standard six are through Interest and addition of fractions, and 200 lines of Poetry have been committed to memory. The classes are keeping very well. David James Price, Albert Ashford and W H have not learnt a single lesson during the whole of the week. Thomas John Jones was very unsatisfactory and James P Shelby came without his geography lesson on Wednesday and Saturday.

Again the monitors Ashford, Price and Shelby have come without learning their lessons. The Euclid of Shelby was very unsatisfactory and no map had been made. Thomas John Jones made no map and all the other lessons were badly got up.

I have this evening been in school from 5 to 8pm in order to get the teachers to learn their homework here, as they do not do them at home. I feel that I punish myself with these long hours. The attendance was very small owing to the severity of the weather.

Page 7: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

DECEMBER

Weather very cold and the attendance is greatly affected by it. Last week we held the paper examination, I find that most of the classes did their work very creditably. There was only one failure in dictation. The Pupil teachers did their work better then they have been doing for some time with the exception of Ashford. He is determined not to get on; at least his conduct says so.

There is a great deal of sickness among the lower classes and many are unable to come to school. Received the Report of HM Inspector Morgan Owen Esq. upon the schools with which I am very highly pleased. Have never received a better report. The whole of the Classes have acquitted themselves remarkably well and results are very satisfactory.Broke up yesterday for the Christmas week, School reopens on January 3rd 1881.

Summary of the Inspectors Report on the Penygelli Board Schools. Boys School.

The Geography of the Second and Third standard was thoroughly good, of the Fourth standard, Colonies very good, England and Wales good, Scotland pretty fair, their map knowledge of Ireland and Colonies was excellent, of England very good and of Scotland good, of the Fifth standard decidedly good, of the Sixth standard good, and their map knowledge very good. The Grammar of the Second and Sixth standard was very good, of the Fourth and Fifth standard good, of the Third standard fair. The standard work of the First and Second standard was good in every respect, in the Third standard the Reading which has improved in intelligence since the last Examination and the Arithmetic were good. In the fourth standard, the Reading as regards pronunciation was good, but it’s intelligence could be improved, the poetry was read too much like prose, their spelling and writing were very good, their Arithmetic was highly creditable, most of the boys worked the test problem correctly. In the Fifth standard both Reading and Arithmetic were good, some of the composition was very good, and the rest of it except for about half a dozen was good. The Sixth standard did very good work in every respect. In all the standards the writing was neat and round and legible, and the Arithmetic was characterized by neat figures, correct method and results.Literature - in the Fourth standard the repetition was about very good and intelligence and composition were very fair, in the Fifth, Sixth and ex Sixth standard the repetition was very good, and a great part of the Composition was of a creditable and original character.The Latin was fair; more care should be takes to distinguish Tenses, Moods, and Voices. The Mathematics was fair. T C Jones did good work in this subject and in Latin also. The Physical geography gave evidence of great labour on the part of the School Staff and of Scholars. I should recommend as much oral teaching as possible in this subject as many of the answers were of too formal and similar a character. Rodens notes of lessons were of a high order. Shelby`s work was of a commendable character. Tone and order were excellent. The amount of work done in this school has won me highest admiration. I only hope the little boys are not overworked. Both teachers and Pupils are thoroughly earnest in what they do. The singing was particularly well rendered. The Registration was good.Girls SchoolCare is evidently taken with the singing but it lacks heart, it is too constrained. The specimen Needlework was on the whole of a good and comprehensive character that on the day of examination did not come up to my expectations, more attention should be paid to the code on this subject. The grammar was good throughout the school. The work of the First and Second standard was thoroughly good. In the Third standard, the reading was intelligent so long as it was conferred to one set of books, but not satisfactory when the second set was resorted to; the spelling was good, the writing was neat but it should be larger and rounder. The mechanical part of the Arithmetic was correct but few worked the problems. In the Fourth standard, Reduction and simple problems should have further attention; the Reading and Spelling were very good. In the Fifth and Sixth standards the work was thoroughly sound in every respect. Domestic economy was of a promising character. H L did good work in this subject. The tone was excellent. The order was an

Page 8: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

improvement of that of last year. This school is steadily and surely attaining a high position. The Registers should be kept cleaner.Infant SchoolRegistration was good. The girls in the First standard did well; the Boys were not so satisfactory, their work was uncertain. As a whole the work of the First class was good. The Second class were pretty good in Arithmetic, Writing, Form and Colour, they were pretty fair in Tables and Intelligence and fair in other subjects, this class should avoid simultaneous answers. The Third class was a large class of very little children, it is in a promising state, they were good in Alphabet and Spelling, pretty good in Arithmetic, Form and Colour, in other subjects they were fair. Some of the Needlework was good as specimen and as examination work (The Pupil Teacher Taylor does not work as well as the other Teachers, she taught the Second class of Infants) The tone was good, but the order was not quite firm enough. This be in consequence of Miss Parsonage’s regrettable illness. She is most kind and sympathetic in her teaching.The School Fees for R H Hughes, R Jones, J Jones, L J Jones, Peter Parry, Powell Parry, J Roberts,T Roberts, J Turner, E Williams, L Williams, J T Whomsley, J Griffiths, T Morris, A Jones, and T E Jones have all been allowed.J P Shelby has passed well, and T J Thomas, E Davies, S E Price, S L Taylor and A Jones fairly, but T L Jones should attend to Arithmetic. Davies (whose Arithmetic needs attention) should be informed that she is now qualified under Article 79, but not under Article 60.W H M GeographyH A Williams Grammar, Composition and History.A W Ashford FailureSigned Thomas Bury, Clerk of the School Board of Bersham U.D.

1881 JANUARY

Attendance very low owing to the severity of the weather. Ashford and Thomas John Jones did not turn up on Monday. I have made a special point of requesting teachers to be in their places on the reopening of the schools and talked to Ashford and Jones by themselves as they were going home, but they disappointed after all. Thomas John Jones is particularity fond of absenting himself both from lessons and school. Received notice from Mr Bury that Ashford was to leave at the end of the month as his services being no longer necessary. The weather continues very severe and the schools are very cold. A large number are absent and the wonder is that so many come to school, as the snow is so deep upon the ground and frost so very severe.

Thomas John Jones Pupil Teacher in his 2nd Year never learnt a single lesson during the whole week. He has not reached half way through his Geography, History and Euclid. I have always had my PT`s through this memory work before Xmas but this boy won’t be pushed on. Attendance very small and we cannot expect an improvement while the present weather lasts.Shelby was absent from lessons and school all day on Friday. He suffers from a very severe cold on the chest.

I take the teachers generally every Saturday for Drawing and History lessons. Today Thomas John Jones was again absent. James P Shelby was there as were all the others. JP Shelby is the most careful and correct worker in this as well as in other subjects.

Mr Hugh Jones, Vice chairman of the Bersham School Board visited the schools today. He stayed till the registers were marked. Thomas John Jones was absent from school the whole of the day. Excuse given, two of his brothers were poorly with a cold and having a swelling of the neck

Thomas John Jones absent the whole of the week. Attendance fair though the weather continues unfavourable. We are now busy preparing for an annual concert, which is only a fortnight off. The children’s concert always takes well in this neighbourhood.

Page 9: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

FEBRUARY

This has been an exceedingly busy week, working carried on a great deal of overtime as we were poising up the singing and recitations for Monday evening next. The children look forward with great interest to this annual concert and they work with a will preparing for it. The singing this week drove almost everything else out of the children’s minds. This morning very little work was done, owing to stage used at last nights concert being removed. Last nights concert was a splendid success in every sense of the word. Upwards of £13-0- being made from sale of tickets. The children never sang better and all seemed pleased

Have been obliged to keep to my bed today. I have all week have been suffering from a dreadfully swelled face, which is gathering. I ought have yield work on Wednesday morning as I was in a most unfit state to be in school. Doctor ordered me not to leave my bed. I have never suffered so much before. Feeling a little easier I turned out of my bed this evening. Work was carried on under very great difficulties.

I am unable to go to school again today but Mr Thomas Rogers an old Pupil Teacher of mine very kindly undertook to take my class and Mr Roden takes the Pupil Teachers. The Drawing exam takes place on Monday March 7th.

MARCH

Had to punish several boys for playing roughly with snowballs and throwing snow to some of the girls. Yesterday when I came to school I found a new boy had been admitted to the First class. He used to go to the Rhos Board School but left as all the boys in his class had gone to work. Name is James Graham, Bronwylfa Esclusham.

Today James P Shelby came without his Grammar being done. His History was also very badly got up. David James Price and H.M did no work last evening and on Monday they came the same without having done anything on Saturday.

Had to punish two boys for truant playing on Thursday. They went to Wrexham without the leave of their parents. David James Price did his lessons very unsatisfactorily during the whole of the week.

The school was visited by Mr Jones our late assistant and Mr Edward Morris formerly teacher in these schools. On Monday the children’s annual concert was repeated to a crowded house. James P Shelby so far does not work as well as he could but he is by far the best boy amongst the teachers.

School visited by Mr Hugh Jones and Mr Joseph Jones of the Bersham School board.

Page 10: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

It being Board day they visited the schools to see if anything was required in the shape of school materials and respecting my assistants application for an increase in salary. At the meeting my assistant had his salary increased by £10 cash per annum from March25 th. Miss Dall Mistress of Girls School put in her resignation, her successor to be appointed April 28th.

APRIL

Good Friday. Broke up school yesterday. The Fair in Wrexham, but fewer attended this year since I have been at Penygelli. The weather was fine but bitterly cold during the whole week nevertheless the attendance was better than usual on fair weeks.

Attendance fair. Thomas John Jones was absent for a great deal of the week. He loses a great deal of his time. He suffers from headaches and biliousness. His class suffers from a continuous change of teacher but his own lessons suffer a great deal more. Yesterday the Board appointed Miss Dall`s successor. The choice of the Board fell upon Miss Parsonage now mistress of the new Infant School. Miss Jones of the Cefn Infant School was appointed to succeed Miss Parsonage at the Infant school. Miss Garrick of the Bersham Infant School has already sent her resignation in after being in charge of the school but for little more than twelvemonth, so our Board have their arms full in appointing Teachers.

School visited by the Rev J Hughes, Wesleyan Minister. He was appointed by the Board to superintend the Drawing Examination and came to know the result. Several boys playing truant. They don’t seem to take heed of the warnings sent to them. Thomas John Jones was again absent for two or three days. James P Shelby is working at Scripture; the exam takes place a fortnight tomorrow. Was suffering from a very bad cold during the greater part of the week, which made it very difficult to work.

Many children were absent today. Thomas John Jones absent from school suffering from a very bad cold. His sister called to ask to get him examined. The arrears of fees are on the increase. The works are again very bad and consequently it is most difficult to get the boys to pay.

Attendance not very good. The present officer does not seem to have the same influence of our late man. I have no doubt that he will improve with experience. Thomas John Jones was again absent. It grieves me sadly to find this teacher losing so much of his time. His class suffers when he is absent and his lessons are seldom well learnt, it must tell upon his future as a teacher.

Bersham school is one of the very few original school buildings existing.It is now the central point in the Bersham Ironworks and Heritage Centre. The Bersham ironworks originally dates from the late 17th century. In the 18th century, John Wilkinson produced cannon for the American War of Independence and also built the cylinders for James Watt's steam enginesIn later years it was the venue for events held by the Cricket Club.The club came to a halt in 1914 when practically all the members volunteered for service. 1919 saw the resurrection of the team and to this day it is still thriving.

Page 11: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

JUNE

The weather very sultry and the school room full. I found it very difficult to work with my usual energy. William H.H.M. (pupil teacher) was absent from Wednesday morning. His grandmother with whom he was living being dead. He asked permission to be absent. Admitted a boy from the Wrexham Free School whose guardians have come to live in this neighbourhood. The school was visited by Mr Hugh Jones the Vice Chairman of the Board, who came about repairs required with regard to ventilating the schools.

John Lloyd, assistant was absent suffering form a bad face. He has always been very regular and has suffered but very little from any sickness. Thomas John Jones absent suffering from a bad face. He loses a great deal owing to sickness but appears to get gradually stronger. His lessons are very badly got up.

Today examined the whole school. They did not do so well as they did at the last exam. Sometimes they do very well at other times they are very unsatisfactorily especially in the case of paper work. They do better on slates.

As we break up tomorrow for our Midsummer Holidays we held a proper examination again today with a better result than that on Friday last, though it was far from satisfactory. Thomas John Jones’s class did very well. Of all the Pupil Teachers he is by far the best teacher, though he gets his own lessons up in a very unsatisfactory manner.

JULY

Broke up at noon. Gave the boys their homework during the holidays. We are to reopen again on Tuesday August 2nd. Monday being Bank Holiday it is useless to open on that date. The holidays are to continue for four weeks

AUGUST

Opened school this morning August 2nd, attendance very small. The average this week is only 128, the smallest average we have had during the year. Neither children nor teachers were in very good humour for work. Our attendance officer seems not to be able to do his work very satisfactorily. He lacks energy and perseverance and is no doubt too young for his work. Thomas John Jones and David Price seem to make very little progress and to take very little interest in their books.

A Committee of the Board was held on Friday evening. About a dozen parents were ordered up to attend the committee but several were absent themselves. Those who attended promised to send their boys more regular in future. The school fees have fallen low again owing to the continued depression of trade in the neighbourhood.

SEPTEMBER

One of the parents called to complain of the ill treatment received by his child from one of the Pupil Teachers. After school I enquired into the matter and found that there was no foundation for the charge. Our Pupil teachers are on the whole very kind and fore bearing and are not inclined to treat their pupils cruelly or in an unkind manner.

Mr Philip Jones was absent a part of Monday. Kept the boys in this evening for singing. They know their songs but are uncertain of the words. We have been on new songs early in the year. The boys of this neighbourhood are passionately fond of singing.

The boys are working heart and soul now and the progress made is really wonderful. I stay in with the Pupil Teachers in the evening as one or two of them even now will not work at home. Pupil Teachers Examination tomorrow at 9am in the Free Schools Wrexham.

Page 12: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

OCTOBER

Held the examinations this week. On Monday two boys were punished for playing truant on Friday afternoon, this is rather a rare occurrence at present but when it does occur I am rather severe upon the culprits. Have worked my self so hard that I begin to find it affecting my health but I am so anxious to see the boys doing well that I cannot help even to put a lot of extra time on. Mr Roden I am glad to find has gained certificates from the `Science and Art Department` in `Physiology and Chemistry` and has done well. One boy left on Monday for the Vron schools but returned on Wednesday morning to his class again. It seems his teacher had to correct him for doing his work in a dirty, slovenly way and his parents took him away, but he soon returned on the Wednesday.

Received notice from Thomas Bury Esq. Clerk of the Bersham School Board that the Annual Inspection will take place on October24th.

Received the following notice re School Fees from the Clerk of the Board.Bersham U D School Board. Meeting held on 30th June1881.On the Motion of Mr Barnet, Seconded by the Chairman Mr Baugh.It was resolved ` That in view of the recent decision of the Queens Bench Division in Saunders V Richardson reported to the Board by the Clerk in which the full court decided that it was the duty of parents to cause their children to attend school and send their fees, and having regard to the continued increase in arrears of school fees in this district the Board resolve that in all cases the children’s school fees to be taken are to be payable in advance and that the rules must be adhered to and after the reopening of the schools after the Midsummer Holidays, and that in future the Board will decline to entertain excuses for the fees having been allowed to fall in arrear`

During the past week we have held a series of examinations in each class. The boys are very well up in their paper work and I expect them to do very well good work On Friday the standard two girls were in and they were examined along with the boys. Mr Roden dictated and gave out the sums, Miss Parsonage examined the girl’s work. Mr Roden gave his notes of lessons on the ` Atmosphere ` to the fourth standard, the boys were greatly interested.

The teachers gave their notes of lessons, Mr Roden gave a lesson on `water` and it was very well done. He created quite an interest in the class. Mr John Lloyd was absent all day without leave. I am told that he was over at Ruthin. The attendance was very good today considering that it was the First day after a great deal of hard work and excitement caused by the `Annual Government Inspection`

NOVEMBER

I received my `parchment` with the following entry by H M Inspector, J Morgan Owen Esq, `Excellent tone and order` I am greatly pleased with the above entry. It could not be better.

On Thursday I received the schedule from the Clerk. The boys have passed a splendid examination. Today Friday I arranged the classes for next years schedule and also named the teachers who would be responsible for each standard. Thomas John Jones absent from lessons on Tuesday evening. Shelby absent on Wednesday afternoon with a sick headache.The school these days is working under great difficulties as we are reorganising the school altogether and we are making the changes by degrees. A new timetable has been roughly drawn out but we are not yet satisfied with it. The Drawing lessons have been started again. Shelby assists now with the Sixth and ex Sixth standard and I allow him to do a little reading for himself as well. An Attendance Committee meeting met on Wednesday when several parents were called to appear before the board.

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Pupil teachers were absent again from lessons. Their lessons are very badly got up. Thomas John Jones, Shelby and come with their lessons undone. This week I am working on my proposed new timetable. It feels stiff so far, I suppose after long use to 3 lessons each half day. Three boys sought admission today, one from the Minera, and the two others from Brymbo. Refused admission to one as he was in arrears of school fees at the school last attended.

DECEMBER

Sent circulars home with the children informing parents that no one would again be admitted without prepayment of school fees. Thomas John Jones came during the First part of the week without any lessons being prepared.

Attendance this week was much less than last week, the reason for this was that we sent a large number home for their pence. The school pence received this week was the largest for the whole year, being £4 within a few pence.

Attendance not so good since we have begun to refuse admission without school fees. Mr Roden and Mr Lloyd returned from attending the examinations at Liverpool. Broke up for the Xmas week. Holidays for one week only.

1881 Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli Boy’s Board SchoolBoys’ School – The Registration was very good. I am glad to leave that for the future. There will be no corrections. Both Tone and Order were excellent. I was extremely pleased with the selection of the School Songs. The singing is about the best in the District, the voices were sweet and very nicely blended. It was very correct in both time and expression. The grammar of the second, sixth and ex-sixth standards was very good: of the third standard fair: of the fourth standard pretty fair: of the fifth standard good. The Geography of the second standard was excellent: of the third standard pretty good, with some very good answers: of the fourth standard good and thorough: of the fifth standard pretty good, with several good answers, their map knowledge was very fair: of the sixth and ex-sixth standards very good in every respect. The standard work was simply of an excellent character throughout the school. The Physical Geography was as good as can be expected from Boys of the age of those who took this subject:Questions that required a little thought were not attempted; those of a routine character were answered most fully. The Literature was good in Composition, and very good as a whole in other respects. I was very pleased with the assistants: they appear to me to work from the best motives: their notes on lessons were very good ones. Shelby’s work, though not so good as it was last year, was good ranks next, Jones’ lesson the Pigeon was of a practical character.

A typical Victorian Christmas Card.

Page 14: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

The school fees for A. Carrington, D.C. Evans, G. Goodwin, E. Jones, J. Jones, L.J. Jones, T. Jones, Peter Parry, Powell Parry and C. Williams have been allowed.W. H. M. has passed well, and J.P. Shelby, (S.E. Price, and E. J. Taylor) fairly. Shelby should attend to Composition. T.J. Jones, Euclid

School StaffHeadmaster Mr. G. J. JonesAssistants Edward Roden, John Lloyd. Phillip JonesPupil Teachers James P. Shelby, Thos. J. Jones, Wm. H. M. Paid Member Thos. E. Jones

Thomas Bury, Clerk.

1882 JANUARY

Attendance at beginning of week very small but greatly improved toward end of the week. School fees very good, over £2-5-0 against about £1-13-0 for the corresponding week last year. Thomas John Jones, Pupil Teacher came every day this week without his homework done. No other Pupil Teachers did their work fairly.

School fees are increasing. Over £3 again this week. We are but preparing for an annual distribution of prizes, which is to take place on February 20. The Teachers do their homework with the exception of Thomas John Jones. The girls were in for their singing lesson for an hour today from 3 to 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The First class boys are kept in daily for extra singing lessons.

Attendance very small owing to a very severe snowstorm which has been raging since early Sunday morning. The roads just about here are almost impassable. The teachers had no heart to work with such small numbers, every class was a mere skeleton.

FEBRUARY

Attendance not so good. This is owing to the severe snowstorms. Thomas John Jones was absent during the whole of the week with he exception of Monday. The reason for his absence was that his grandfather had died on Monday afternoon. Have worked extremely hard preparing for the distribution of prizes, which takes place next Monday. I believe the singing is better than it ever was. We have worked well and I expect a good result. The expenses this year will be close to £20. The main sum in the expenses is the attention to gaslights and the erection of a permanent stage. School fees continue to be well paid, though the works are very slack at present.

The Children’s Annual Concerts and distribution of prizes took place on Monday evening last. The School was capitally attended though we charged 1/- for admission. The children seem to give excellent satisfaction to those present

MARCH

Was suffering from a very bad cold myself I was obliged to take to my bed. During the fourteen years that I have been teaching I have only been obliged to be absent from duty for 2 or 3 days. On Tuesday the school was visited by Rev Dan Edwards, Cefn Rectory, St Asaph and W Lester Esq. Fron Offa, Adwyr`Clawdd.

School fees very good considering there was no payday anywhere. Mr W Garrett Jones of Wrexham visited the schools on Monday. Shelby does very good work, he takes French lessons from the Rev Browne and I believe makes satisfactory progress. On Tuesday evening the children’s annual concert was repeated when T Morgan Owen Esq. very kindly took the chair and spoke in a most encouraging tone of the work done in the schools.

Page 15: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

APRIL

Broke up yesterday (Thursday 6th) for our annual Easter Holidays. The teachers before leaving worked through and took stock of all books and belongings to school, and found everything correct.

Attendance fair, school fees not coming in so well. The men in the neighbourhood have struck at the collieries. There is very great excitement through the district. This is certain to affect both attendance and fees.

School fees came in this week better than expected. They amounted to over £2. No prospect of men going back to work. They seem more determined than ever not to work at the terms offered. A great many of our best man are leaving our neighbourhood for the South Wales and the Lancashire and Staffordshire coalfields. The children don’t seem to be in a humour to work at all.

Attendance and school fees are falling rapidly owing to the continuance of the strike among the colliers. There is a great deal of suffering in the neighbourhood and this greatly affects the schools both as progress and attendance. During the last two or three weeks I have admitted five or six new boys. Sent notes enquiring for absentees and this raised the attendance greatly by the afternoon.

The strike greatly affects our average and the progress of the children. All seem to have lost heart. A large number of children are kept home to gather coal along the coal tips and several are obliged for want of the necessities of life to go out begging. The Teachers work fairly with their own lessons.

The strike among the colliers continues and greatly affects our schools in every way. The children taking the example of their elders are inclined to be rebellious and the discipline on that account is more rigid. A soup kitchen was opened for the poor this week. Progress very unsatisfactory owing to the unsettled state of the neighbourhood. Today some hundreds of people came from Rhos-Llanerchrugog as a mob causing the greatest uproar. Very little work could therefore be done in school.

JUNE

The men at the Vron Colliery began working today, as did also those employed at Plas Power and Grosvener Collieries, thus terminating the strike in this immediate neighbourhood. The Attendance was rather better some days this week. This will come right again now that the men have gone to work. Attendance better. Progress more satisfactory. Everything looks brighter. Thomas John Jones and H M do their homework in a very unsatisfactory manner. Shelby and Thomas Edward Jones work very well. School fees amounted to £2-4-0 the highest since the colliers strike.

The soup kitchen provided some welcome relief for the needy.

Page 16: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

JULY

Left school in charge of Mr Roden who was to break up for the Midsummer holidays on Thursday July 6th. My health has not been well for some time hence the reason of my leaving two days before my holidays begin. James P Shelby was absent attending the Scholarship examination at Bangor.

AUGUST

Opened school this morning after 4 weeks holidays. Attendance very unsatisfactory. All the teachers returned with the exception of Thomas John Jones who went home on Saturday last, he is very unwell. School fees came in very badly. The trade in the district is in a very bad condition and this greatly affects the school. Both Teachers and children seemed in no humour to work.

Attendance this week was very good. School fees come in very badly. Thomas John Jones has returned, he is not much better. Pupil Teachers very unsatisfactory with their lessons especially Thomas John Jones and W H. On Monday next we will have no school owing to a Sunday School demonstration in the neighbourhood.I attended the Eisteddfod at Denbigh on Friday last and Monday. Left school in charge of Mr Roden, Senior Assistant and other teachers, they got on very well. On Friday morning I held an examination of the whole school when all the classes did fairly well. In the afternoon the school was badly affected owing to a club walking in Coedpoeth. On Monday the Sunday Schools were out walking and holding the annual tea-meetings. Upwards of 1600 children and young people turned out. The schools were closed. The Attendance at school does not compare favourably with this time last year. The Attendance officer seems to have had but very little influence on the parents of the children generally.

A great many children were sent home for their school fees this week. This has brought the attendance down very low. A Committee of the Board was held last evening when it was decided that several parties should be summoned. The Pupil teachers do their work at home in anything but a satisfactory manner. They are to come to school tomorrow for a half days work. The school was visited by Mr Hugh Jones, chairman of the Board. He went through the playground and found they required work attending to. He promised to bring the same before the notice of the Board.

SEPTEMBER

We had an attendance Committee meeting on Wednesday evening when several parents attended to give the reason for their children’s absence. In every case the reason given was poverty - no money to pay the school-fees, but really this is only an excuse as parents equally poor pay regularly. A Committee visited the school in order to see what repairs were required

A large number of children were absent this week. The reason given by the Attendance officer was that they were gleaning. Each of the classes are greatly improving in their paper work. The Copy books in all the classes are now replaced by paper work.

Paper work ensures neatness and corrections in working. Special attention is paid to the weak subjects in all the classes. Our system of weekly examinations ensures a thorough acquaintance with each child’s abilities and what progress he makes. Thomas John Jones is exceedingly backward in all his studies but for all that he is an excellent teacher and the Second standard will pass well.

James P Shelby was absent from lessons this morning. He had been sent to his work by his parents but did not come. About 8 o’clock his brother came to enquire for him but he had not been to work at all. On enquiring of the other teachers I found that he complained of Rheumatism.

Attendance very good. Paperwork of the classes excellent. Visited by Mr Hugh Jones and Mr Heth Jones, members of the Bersham School Board. They went round the classes as the children were doing their paperwork and appeared highly pleased. The Pupil Teachers worked fairly well with their lessons this week.

Page 17: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

Thomas John Jones tried to make up for past negligence but I am afraid that it is too late for any tangible improvement. Mr Hugh Jones examined the registers and found them correct.

OCTOBER

Wrote to several parents whose children are very irregular but who have the required number of attendance (250) reminding them of the examination, the irregularity of their children and its effect upon their success at the forthcoming Government exam. I do this very often during the year and the teachers themselves send out also enquiry notes.Received the copy of notice of inspection, Examinations and inspections will take place on Oct 24 th, 25th and 26th.

Attendance very good through out the week. The school register examined and found correct. Had to punish Thomas James Prydderch for truant playing. This boy continuously absents himself from school. I believe more might be done making the attendance better if a little more energy was shown by the Attendance Officer. This evening the examination is over and we have now only to wait patiently for the result.

NOVEMBER

On Tuesday we had the schedules to hand. The results very satisfactory with the exception of Physical Geography. Several parents came to procure new books for their children. Had to punish Edward Taylor from Coedpoeth for playing truant on Friday last. His father sent him to school and called to make enquires concerning him and found that he had not turned up at school

Results of scholarship exam to hand. Shelby only took Second class; we fully expected that he would have stood well up in the First. I cannot account for the position he has taken. The children admitted from the Infant school attend very regularly but the great majority are very backward. About 30 don’t even know their alphabet.

DECEMBER

The `Report` to hand. it is a very excellent one. Am glad to find we have done so well and above all that we have given such excellent satisfaction to Her majesty’s Inspector.The Grant is also much larger than last year but not more per head. Our average was larger and we presented more boys. The measles have broken out amongst the children in the neighbourhood. Several at home ill, should it increase it will greatly affect the schools.Broke school up for Xmas week on 23rd.

1883 JANUARY

Attendance this week was very fair. School pence very low. Several children at home with the measles. Began out practice for the Annual concert. As several children have been coming without their school fees of late we this week sent all those whose payday was last Saturday home for their fees with the result that the fees have been raised to £2-10 already. The teachers do their work well in school but their home lessons are not well done.

Suffered from a very bad cold all the week which kept me in bed on Monday and Tuesday and part of Wednesday. I was not able to do any work during the whole of the week. The school very well attended, some days as many as 215 were present. School pence were also satisfactory; we refuse admission unless the school fees are brought. Mr Evan Jones of Gargoed, Merionethshire (farmer) called to visit the school on Tuesday and asked that the children should sing to him, which they did. Mr Williams the Attendance officer for Minera called in for the attendance of some children from that district.

Page 18: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli Boy’s Board School.

Boy’s School – Tone and order were both excellent. The grammar was very good; the analysis of the fifth and six standards deserves special notice. The Geography of the second, fifth, sixth and ex-sixth standards was very good; of the third standard good and map-knowledge very good; the fourth standard was good in Colonies, and pretty good in British Isles; their map-knowledge was good. The standard work of the first standard was pretty good in Reading, Writing and Arithmetic were very good; of the second and fifth standards very good; in the third and fourth standards the spelling was pretty good, their other subjects were very good: the sixth and ex-sixth standards did excellent work. The style of the work was of a thoroughly superior character. The Latin and Mathematics were both good. The Physical Geography of the second stage was fair, and of the third stage good. The Literature of the first stage was good, and of the second and third stages very good. This school maintains its high position for hard, honest and intelligent work. The singing was good. The pupil teacher Shelby did very work and good work. The assistants are superior young men and appear to me to be very desirous to help their able chief.The passes in Literature of the scholars numbered 183, 184, 185, 186, 187 & 188 on the Boy’s School Examination Schedule have been disallowed under article 21(E).The school fees for E. Edwards, E.L. Edwards, W. Griffiths, E. Jones, W.A. Rogers, A. Carrington, D.E. Evans, G. Goodwin, T. Jones, and E. Williams have been allowed. J.P. Shelby and W.H.M. have passed well and T. J. Jones fairly, but Jones should attend to Euclid, Algebra & History.Shelby should be informed that he is now qualified under both articles 60 & 79.D.J. Price’s name has been removed from the Register of Pupil teachers serving in this school.

School StaffHeadmaster Mr G.J. JonesAssistants Edw Rogers, John Lloyd, Phillip JonesPupil Teachers Thos. J. Jones, Wm. H. M. , Thos. E. JonesPaid Monitor David J. Jones

Thomas BuryClerk of the School Board.

FEBRUARY

Attended school this week but feel very unwell and almost unable to work. Have been using all my spare moments to arrange for our annual concert when The H M Inspector P Morgan Owen Esq. has very kindly consented to be present. Mrs Morgan Owen is to distribute the prizes. Mr Edward Griffiths late of Capelgarmon, Llanwrst but now of Ffestiniog called in school today. He was at Ruabon burying his sister. School Board elections seems to be on everybody’s brain. There is a most strenuous effort being done to throw out the old members.

Spent some time to prepare for our annual concert this evening. Mr & Mrs Morgan Owen attended to distribute the prizes. The children were delighted to have Mrs Owen give out the prizes. The attendance was really excellent considering that we are in the middle of a contested School Board Election.

The Triennial Election of School Board Members took place today Feb 26th

The following is the result. Mr Richard Phenneh Rhostyllen 940Mr Hugh Jones Adwy`r Clawdd 827Mr R T Davies Vron 760

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Mr S T Baugh Bersham 576Mr Joseph Wilcoxon Coedpoeth 556Mr Isaac Williams Coedpoeth 539Mr Joseph Jones Coedpoeth 513Mr J Tudor Rogers Coedpoeth 484Mr Heth Jones Coedpoeth 424Mr John Owen Vron 400Mr George Gibbons Vron 76

The first seven are the elected members. The constitution of the board is not altered. The old members favourable to thorough efficiency have been re-elected. The township has been thoroughly roused at this election and they have shown great wisdom in selecting the best men. Though one very good man is out. Mr Johnson, Vron who has been connected with education for upwards of 20 years.

The attendance very low, Thomas John Jones has not attended lessons once during the last fortnight. only does his lessons fairly but Thomas John Jones works very irregularly. A very bad week as far as any good work being done.

MARCH

Attendance and school fees have improved wonderfully this week. Mr Williams Penygelli Hall called this afternoon to complain of the ill treatment of his little grand daughter by one of the teachers in the school. I informed him that could not interfere with the discipline of any other department beside my own. and Thomas Edward Jones do their lessons fairly. Thomas John Jones I am sorry to say very seldom does any work

Joseph was the son of Thomas who was a publican in at least 3 inns in the village.Joseph ran the Post Office at Tegla House, Coedpoeth for many years where by 1893 he was the resident agent for the North Denbighshire Building Society. He was later appointed assistant overseer to the Board of Guardians. By 1909 Joseph was the chairman of the Bersham School Board and a member of the County Council. At the official opening of the new Council School at Pentre Bais, now known as Gwynfryn, Joseph was the chairman of the group managers and in his speech at the ceremony upset a number of (church) people by his remarks that the people of the area could rejoice in that they now had the freedom to send their children to a school of their own choice and teach them in their own religion. Over the next few weeks there were a number of letters sent to the Wrexham Guardian concerning the remarks made by Joseph, whose own family were by this time Non Conformist

Joseph Wilcoxon1855 - 1934

Page 20: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

APRIL

Opened school after a week’s holiday. Attendance very small owing to the holidays and the meeting held at the Presbyterian Chapel, Adwy`r Clawdd. The Rev. Bannow Williams, Wrexham and Mr Williams, Acer House, members of the Ruabon school Board visited the school in the morning. In the afternoon the school was visited by Mr Thomas Jones Esq. and Mr Owen Williams, Bodfari who is I believe a member of the Bodfari National School committee. He complimented us upon our discipline.

A Fair at Wrexham ` Dydd Llan Pawb` which greatly affected the attendance at our school and will injure us all week. Thomas John Jones, WH and Thomas D Jones were absent for lessons this evening.

MAY

Had an examination today throughout the school. I was sadly disappointed with the results in the Second standard, I had counted on this class doing well but they never did worse. The Second part of standard one also did badly.

Holiday on Whit Monday. The attendance very low throughout the week. Was absent myself on Tuesday, I visited 4 of the Liverpool Schools, with Mr Crocket of Gresford. I found the rooms much superior to any County schools. Each class had a room of it’s own which is a great advantage to good progress.

An examination held today. The results are fair. The Board meets today, the assistants from the Girls and Infant schools have applied for an increase in salary. I sincerely trust that they succeed, I have done all I can for them, they are miserably paid. The senior assistant only gets £20 and the other only £18. These sums are less that what Pupil Teachers get at the end of their Fifth year.

JUNE

The attendance is not so good as it ought to be owing to the bad state of the work and as our Board enforces prepayment of our school fees several parents keep their boys at home. It is a very wise plan to make parents pay in advance as it teaches honesty to the children

Was very unwell this morning with a serious bilious attack and was unable to come to school until ten o’clock. It was very little work that I was able to do all day. Left school early this afternoon in order to take Mrs Jones over to the Vale of Clwyd. She has been ailing for many months but is now getting stronger.

Worked surprisingly hard all the week. The First standard has done capital work taking into consideration their backward state when they were transferred here from Tabor Hill.

JULY

Broke up today for the Midsummer holidays. During the holidays the school is to be coloured and painted.

AUGUST

The school was reopened on August 7th. The school was opened under the charge of my assistants and Pupil teachers. I was confined to bed very ill and have been unable to make any entry until today August 31. I managed to walk to school this morning but was forbidden by my medical attendant (Dr Eyton Jones) to do any work for another fortnight. I am to try and get out a little every day. Mr Roden informs me that they are doing fair work but I am exceedingly anxious about the result. This is the First time I have ever been obliged to stay from school on account of sickness. I

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have suffered a great deal but am glad that I am gradually recovering again. All have been very kind to me .H M Inspector Morgan Owen Esq. sent me a kind note and called personally to see me. Mr H Jones, Vice chairman of the Board calls to see me daily and when I was very ill twice and thrice a day. Have also received very kind letters from the Chairman of the Board.

SEPTEMBER

Am still very weak and unable to go to school. W Roden informs me that the teachers are working as well as they can. An examination was held today with fair results.

OCTOBER

Returned home today, I was in school during the afternoon. Attendance was not so large. Examined the children in Arithmetic, some classes did very fairly but all not so well as I could expect. I trust that I will be able to attend to my duties from this week. Mr Hugh Jones during my absence called twice to examine the registers on several occasions. Mr Isaac Williams and Mr Joseph Wilcoxon called twice to examine and enquire about the attendance. This week we have worked very hard and most of the classes have done good work and have improved wonderfully.

The Girls and Infant Departments were examined this week by T Morgan Owen Esq. Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools. Mr Hughes Jones called in the school on Tuesday and examined the Registers and found all correct. Mr Isaac Williams and Mr Joseph Wilcoxon called again on Thursday. School very well attended the whole of the week. Very fair progress made in all the classes. Am gradually gaining strength though still very nervous and weak

The First standard was taken from the Infant school, examined them and found them more forward than any previous year. Miss Agnes Jones from the Infant school is in charge of the children transferred from that department as I have no teacher for them at the present time. The Rev G O Browne visited the school for the first time since he came to the neighbourhood. Work very satisfactory but find the requirements of the present code very difficult to come up with and as a result we look forward with pleasure to our annual exam. The school was visited today by the Rev Davies, Baptist minister in the neighbourhood

Page 22: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

. NOVEMBER

It has been a very rough week and this has slightly affected our attendance especially in the lower standards. Have been suffering from a bad cold on the chest all through the week. Examination this week, I felt it rather harder than I expected it would be. On Tuesday Mr Hugh Jones, and Messrs Williams and Wilcoxon were present. We gave a holiday on Friday and Thursday. We expect the Schedules during the course of next week.

DECEMBER

The Schedule has not yet come to hand. This makes it very awkward, as we cannot work the classes until we get them. Attendance this week is much lower than it has been for sometime, we must have more regular attendance if we are to succeed under the new code. Two of our Teachers were examined on Thursday at Brynteg School.

Broke up today for the usual Christmas Holidays. School reopens on Monday Dec 31st. We only give a week at Christmas. Schedules to hand this week, result equal to expectation though not up to the usual results, this is due I have no doubt to my long continues illness.

1884 JANUARY

Attendance good. Home lessons got up very well and on the whole neatly done. The weather continues very open and therefore very favourable for a good attendance. Thomas John Jones left today for Garston as an assistant at the N. School. Mr John Lloyd, our second assistant has gone to Salford as a Police Constable. What a change to become a Policeman from Schoolmaster. I am afraid that he will never succeed and make his mark in the force so as to raise himself into a fair position. He is not firm enough to make a successful policeman. He might by firmness and resolution rise himself into an office of trust but I am sadly afraid he will only be in the rank and file.

Am working under very great difficulties minus two of my oldest teachers, Thomas John Jones and John Lloyd. I find the work very trying and feeling greatly upon my strength. I have had to rearrange the whole teaching staff.

Messrs Isaac Williams and Joseph Wilcoxon called today and went through the classes examining and questioning. They examined the registers; during my long illness Mr Hugh Jones was very regular in his examination of all registers in my school. On Tuesday I paid our Attendance officer Mr Albert Edwards the sum of 5/- being the amount of a fine received from John Edward Edwards (Tedw) Adwy`r clawydd.

Sent to Mr Morgan Owen a list of our proposed pieces for recitation for his approval. I hear that Mr Thomas John Jones is dong very well at Garston and that he likes it there very much, but he was I believe very ill advised to go away as he did without giving the Board due notice. Mr John Lloyd also sends reports home.

(1883) Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli (Boy’s) Board School

Boy’s school: “The Geography of the first standard was good: of the second standard very good: of the second standard very good: of the third standard moderately fair and map knowledge fair: of the fourth standard good and many very good answers. The History was thoroughly good, with some very good and very many excellent answers. The grammar of the third standard was pretty good; of the other standards very good. The Poetry was very good in Reception but somewhat lacking in intelligence and grasp of meanings of words and allusions. The standard work of the first, second, fifth, sixth and seventh standards was excellent in many respects: of the third standard Reading and Arithmetic were pretty good, spelling very poor: of the fourth standard, Reading pretty

Page 23: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

good, Spelling fair, and Arithmetic good. The singing was pretty good. Tone and order were excellent. Registration was very good. Year after year this school has produced wonderful results, this year its excellent master has been ill over three months consequently the specific subjects were discontinued. Taking every circumstance into consideration it affords unqualified pleasure to be in a position to recommend this Department for the Excellent Merit Grant.”

S.E. Jones has passed well, and W.H. fairly. T.J. Jones should be informed that he is not qualified by this examination by Article 50 or 52. He can be qualified for Article 50, only by passing the Examination Specified in Article 46.

GrantsBoy’s School - £197-11-3Girl’s “ - £126-10-0Infant’s “ - £107-15-6Total - £431-16-9

The Report of which the above is a copy came to hand today. It came to Mr Bury yesterday (Sunday) and he very kindly sent a word to tell me of its receipt and saying it was to be had on sending down for it, this I did at once. I am sorry to find that Thomas John Jones has failed but it was only what I expected.

FEBRUARY

Attendance good. The Board decide to advertise for an assistant at their meeting held yesterday, but the salary offered is really miserable, only £30 per annum. I am afraid no one will apply for such a paltry amount. John Jones has been engaged as a Monitor along with David John Jones. Monitors are of very little use in the work of teaching especially in a large school. The appointment of Monitors in the Girls school was deferred for a month. Miss Agnes Jones has been transferred from the Infant school to our Girls department. Received our new stock from Manchester.

Mr Isaac Williams and Mr Joseph Wilcoxon at their visit on Wednesday spoke about Mr Thomas John Jones returning to our school as an assistant and asked if I had any objection, which I certainly have not as he has proved himself an excellent teacher even though he was unsuccessful in his own exam. He has always done very well and is a capital disciplinarian. His class is always in perfect order and he is never idle. I feel very sorry that he should have done so bad at his last examination, the most important one of the whole that he went through. It was impossible to persuade him and I feel that his whole apprenticeship has been thrown to the wind.

Mr Hugh Jones, vice chairman of the Board called today concerning his son Thomas John Jones’s application for the vacancy in our school. Three members of the Board had called asking him to get his son to apply. I quite agreed to it for the reasons stated before. The salary offered is also too small for anyone to apply who does not live in the neighbourhood - who can live upon £30 per annum?

We had a case of truant playing this week, the boy was from the Fifth standard. No excuse was given for neglecting school and at the request of the parents I caned the boy pretty severely. This will I hope nip this tendency to truant playing in the bud and will also be a lesson to the other boys who be inclined in the same way.

Attendance on the increase and is considerably in excess of last year and owing to the very mild winter the children as a whole are more regular.

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MARCH

Two boys in the first class were punished for fighting, blame being attached to each side. They were two of my nicest boys in the class and I was very sorry to be obliged to correct them on this matter. The attendance continues really well, this week it as 220 on average attendance.

The average attendance in the Infant department is somewhat less than for the same period last year owing to the great prevalence of Hooping cough among the children, which began to be felt after the Government exam, The Infant school is now only beginning to recover from it’s effects.

APRIL

Have suffered from a severe cold on the chest during the whole of the week but have been able to follow my work in school. The Attendance officer only turned up once. I send for children when absent, if I did not my attendance would not be near equal to what it is. Progress fair, Standard two making very slow progress in Algebra.

Opened school this week after the Easter week, attendance very fair. All the Teachers attended the first day; Thomas Edward Jones had done very good work during his holidays. On the whole he works better than he did last year with his own lessons but still he could do better. The usual monthly exam is put off for another week in order to make up for the Easter holidays.

MAY

The examination of the whole school took place today with very satisfactory results. I leave determined not to push Standard five on with Algebra as they are rather slow with this work A few boys are not very bright. Attendance lower than at the beginning of the quarter, school fees also less than what they were owing to the works being in a very low state.

Have received a large number of Specimen of New Readers and other books during the week. Good progress in Music except in standard one, which is rather slow. The voices in this Standard are very poor and will require a great deal of training before the exams.

Attendance this week has not been very good owing to the boys being kept at home for potato planting but expect it to improve from this.

Attendance this week has greatly improved this week. The reason for this be principally that potato planting is over. Examination in Chemistry took place this week. During this last fortnight the time has been given chiefly by the teachers to Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. The examination which is held weekly took place today. The papers not so well in appearance owing to the short time allowed for working but trust to find the result very satisfactory. Dictation and Reading was really very hard, I gave very difficult portions for reading and dictation throughout the whole school. Mr Wilcoxon a Member of the Board came in this morning and went through the schools. During the first part of the week I did very little work personally owing to a severe cold and pain in the head, which almost compelled me to stop working.

JUNE

All the Teachers work remarkably well, Thomas Edward Jones does his own work beautifully and hardly ever misses a lesson. Miss Helen Taylor, a member of the School Board who was lecturing in the neighbourhood sent a word yesterday that she would visit the schools after waiting till 12.30 to see if she could come. I received a message later from Mr Hugh Jones that she would owing to indisposition be unable to come. I was not present at her lecture and believe that it was rather thinly attended.

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Attendance excellent, papers very well done. Held an examination this morning in Grammar with all Standards, some passed exceedingly well others were rather weak. My daughter Myfanwy was examined in the same passing after school and she did it beautifully.

JULY

The school was closed yesterday for the usual Summer Holidays of four weeks. Attendance was exceedingly good for a closing week. The school fees raised amounted to £2-8-0. The school fees for the first 3 months of the school year amount to £100 in the Boys department alone. Paid £34-0-11 to the bank as School fees for 13 weeks.

AUGUST

Attendance has considerably increased during the week and Teachers and children are getting into the working swing. Thomas Edward Jones does some very good work and his grammar and arithmetic are really excellent. Was sorry to hear of the death of a fellow teacher Mr Lee Rees, Llanfynydd which took place on Tuesday last. (13th)

SEPTEMBER

Today received notice of annual examination. School exam, 20 th October. Pupil Teachers exam, 25th

October, Girls Board School Wrexham. School fees very good. The Pupil Teachers are doing very good work.

Registers examined by Mr Hugh Jones and Mr Joseph Wilcoxon and found to be correct. End of school year. Averages considerably higher than last year. School fees are also about £16 more than they were for the year ended Sept 30 1883. This is very encouraging.

Penygelli Infants School Pupils.Children were usually chosen for the honour of being photographed

by their good attendance records.

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OCTOBER

School visited on Thursday by Mr Thomas Jones, Plas Coch Ruthin, the secretary of my old school at Gellifor. He was highly pleased with the discipline of the school. He spoke a few kind words to the boys. Mr Thomas John Jones, assistant has been absent from school suffering from the tooth-ache since Tuesday. His class was in charge of David John Jones and John Jones two monitors. All the boys who are to be examined passed the usual weekly examination. The singing was also very well done today. Indeed the boys are much in advance of what they were last year in all subjects. I was absent last year for three months from school and that must have affected the general progress of the school and most particularly that of my own class.

Excellent work done during the week, the exam held today showed excellent results throughout the whole school. I earnestly trust to equal if not better than any last year. Thomas John Jones was obliged to stay at home this afternoon. He suffers terribly from pain in the head and face. He has worked well with his own class.

The Annual examination took place this week. Upwards of 700 children were present. We anticipate a very good increase in grant. Miss Griffith transferred upwards of 40 children from the infant school to the Boys department. The Duplicate schedules came to hand this week, in the Boys school we passed upwards of 97 per cent and in the Girls over 90. Infants have done better than on previous years.

NOVEMBER

The boys are just beginning to feel their feet in their new standards. Heard the result from Bangor; he did not succeed to pass. (James P Shelby) He was very much disappointed and we all feel the same. Admitted seven new boys this week, four from Bersham Village School and three from Minera School. I refused admission to two other boys from Minera as they owed school fees.

Admitted three boys again from Minera and refused admission to four others. If a child owes school fees I always make it a point not to grant that child admission until the fees are paid.

DECEMBER

A most miserable week. Snow several inches deep at the beginning of week. Rain in tonight at end. This bad weather has affected the attendance in every department. I have myself suffered from a very bad cold on the chest, and for the last week I have been under Medical Treatment and unable to attend as usual to my duties. The night school progresses very favourably. Good attendance and excellent fees. School open some weeks for 4 nights, but the regular nights are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

School fees received very satisfactory considering the state of the country. The Teachers work very well especially so Thomas Edward Jones. Broke up today for a weeks holiday, the school is to open on January 5th 1885

1884 Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli (Boy’s, Girl’s & Infants) School

Boy’s School:- “The Geography of the first standard was pretty good in the main; of the second standard excellent; of the third standard very good; of the fifth, sixth and seventh standards decidedly good, with excellent map knowledge. The grammar of the second, fifth, sixth and seventh standards was excellent; of the third standard good; of the fourth standard pretty good. The Poetry of the first, second, third & fifth standards was good; of the fourth standard pretty good; of the sixth and seventh standards very good. The standard work was thoroughly good in every respect; a great part of it was simply excellent. The Tone, Order and Registration were excellent. The singing by ear, though good, was not what it has been: the work of the second division varied from fair to good, of the third division pretty good to very good (but the second standard was very poor in

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naming notes by ear) of the fourth division good to excellent. The work done in this school and the spirit in which it is done is richly deserving of the highest praise.”

Girl’s School:- “The Tone and Order were excellent. The Registration was very good. The Singing was good. The Needlework was good both as regards specimens and work done on the Examination day. The grammar of the second stand was very good; of the third, fourth and seventh standards good, of the fifth standard fair; of the sixth standard pretty good. The Poetry of the seventh standard was excellent, of the sixth standard very good, and of the other standards good. The Reading of the first standard was weak, and of the second standard fair. The rest of the standard work was of a good character as a whole some of it was very good. Bearing all things in consideration I am inclined, with a certain amount of hesitation to recommend this Department for the Excellent Merit Grant.”

Infant’s School:- “Some of the work of the first standard was good, there was a great many excused the examination in this class. The first class were very good in form, good in arithmetic, vivâ voce, spelling and occupations: fair in Writing (with some good) and Repetition of Tables, but pretty good in intelligence of latter subject; moderately fair in addition on slates and Reading; moderate in Colour, objects generally, and Natural Phenomena. The second class were very good in Spelling, Tables, Form and Colour, good in arithmetic, vivâ voce, pretty good in objects and Natural Phenomena, weak in arithmetic on slates. The third class did well. The singing by ear was pretty good and moderate in other respects. The Recitation, Exercises, and counting were creditable. The marching was fair. The Tone and Registration were good.”

T.E. Jones has passed well, and W.H.M. and C.E. Gibbons fairly. should be informed that he is now qualified under both articles 50 & 52.

School StaffHeadmaster Mr G.J. JonesAssistants Edw. Roden. Phillip Jones. Thos. J. JonesPupil TeachersWm. H.M. .Thos. E. JonesProbationers Dd. Jno. Jones,John JonesTemp. Monitor Edw. G. GriffithsWm. H.M. has left 31st Dec. 1884 having completed his apprenticeship.

Thomas BuryClerk.

1885 JANUARY

Opened school today after a week’s holiday. Attendance good considering it was the first day after a week away. Neighbourhood now very free from any sickness. Teachers all attended. May who of course was not to return has gone away to Glasgow to be reading there for college, he has gone for the first twelve month as a private student. Edward Goronwy Griffiths has been appointed to take the monitorship, which becomes open by leaving. He is a quiet but good boy. Admitted several new boys from Bersham and the rest from Minera and Vron. In each case made the usual enquiries as to school fees paid. Two boys were refused admission as they owed school fees in the school (Minera) they were leaving

Work going on as usual. There is a gradual fading off in the night school, the attendance that at one time was excellent is now getting less and less. Received a letter of congratulation from Mr Bury written at the request of the Board upon the results of the Government examination.

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FEBRUARY

Attendance rather lower this week but school fees the highest being over £4. Have been ill the whole of the week, I caught a very serious cold at a funeral of one of my First Class boys last Wednesday when I got very wet. Have been obliged to call the doctor in again. A very serious cold with a bad cough and night perspiration, which greatly weakens me. School in charge of Mr Roden. Scarlet fever has broken out in the neighbourhood again. One boy from Standard three was buried today. Have given orders for the greatest possible care to be observed in admitting children to school from the parts of the neighbourhood where scarlet fever cases have occurred.

The Scarlet fever begins to tell on our attendance. It is the lowest for some time past. School fees about £2-3-0. I have not been able to attend school again this week owing to the severe cold from which I am suffering but hope to be able to attend next week, my cough is much less than it was.

Attended school this week but feel very weak and quite unfit for work. Attendance owing to the bad weather and the considerable amount of sickness in the neighbourhood is considerably lower than it was a few weeks ago. Scarlet fever and mild diphtheria seems to be rather on the increase. We have now been troubled with the above since sometime in September. The attendance at the Infant school is affected more than at the Boys and Girls schools. School fees this week only a trifle over £1-10-0

MARCH

Usual progress to recorded at the day school, night school making satisfactory progress but the attendance has dwindled from an average of 80 to almost the half. This has always been the history of night schools in this neighbourhood. The school fees this week made upwards of £4-10-0 the largest received this year. Admitted two new boys. Examination of night school took place on Wednesday evening when 52 attended to be examined. Mr Morgan Owen assisted by Mr Morris examined the school. Hope for very fair results. Day school admitted two new boys. One from Lodge, Brymbo and another from Southsea.Everything shows that the school is in a very flourishing condition. Never more so. Average higher and school fees paid more regular than ever.The night school attendance has greatly fallen off compared to what it used to be. The fees and grant will I trust pay for trouble taken during the whole of the winter. We have now got through the years work and after the Easter Holidays we shall begin to capitulate the work so that by the midsummer we hope to be pretty forward again.

APRIL

Reopened school after the usual Easter week. Owing to the very irregular way in which the works are going on at present the school fees and attendance is now affected. Children being sent home for their fees do not return for the rest of the week. If the children are allowed to come without their fees they will not pay at all.

Some of the classes are now working on papers and do their work very fairly. Thomas Edward Jones has worked well during the last half year and I anticipate good results for his papers tomorrow. He is a good steady worker and does his work very thoroughly. I have no doubt of his passing well, as usual as he is thoroughly well up in his work

MAY

Weather very rough and has greatly affected the attendance. It is nothing like the end of April and beginning of May. Hope to see the attendance now improving. School fees unsatisfactory. Have

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suffered during the week from a gathered face which has made it difficult for me to work but I stuck to school all week.This week the teachers have been released from their regular studies as they were attending Spring

Examinations at the National School Ruabon. Mr Roden took three classes, Thomas E Jones and Thomas John Jones one each. They are afraid of the result with the exception of Mr Roden who hopes to do very fairly.

JUNE

The registers were examined by Mr John Tudor Rogers and found to be correct. The attendance has been affected by the breaking out of measles amongst the children. I understand that the Minera School has been already closed and as this attendance has been greatly reduced I sincerely hope that we will not suffer to any great extent before the Holidays commence, the first week in July.

It has been very difficult to work in school owing to the great heat during the whole of the week. It has been unbearably hot up to Friday afternoon, quite a change from previous weeks. Edward Gordon Griffiths at home during the whole week with a very bad sore throat but I hear that he is better.

Attendance continues fair notwithstanding that the measles continues to spread among the children. The infants seem to suffer mostly and their attendance is going down fast. Thomas Edward Jones, Pupil Teacher in his 4th year is working very well. He is doing very good work and I anticipate excellent results when he goes in for his scholarship exam. He is a persevering boy and very fond of his books. He does not idle his time in the least but is always working. He is a thoroughly good boy in every respect and one who is certain to make his mark wherever he goes. The younger monitors are not so very fond of their books but are making fair progress.

JULY

Attendance going down, sickness spreading fast among the children and I am afraid we will forced to close before the usual time which will greatly injure our arrangements for our holidays. Hope sincerely it will not be so.

The Board met yesterday June 6th and decided to close the school for five weeks from today owing to sickness amongst the children, school will reopen August 4th.

AUGUST

Attendance very low. Measles still raging amongst the children and it is a great pity that we were obliged to open today. We have not had such a low attendance for a very long time. School was opened by Mr Roden on Tuesday as I failed to arrive in time, my wife fearing to travel on Bank Holiday when the trains are so crowded. Attendance is also affected by the Tea parties, which take place every Monday during the latter end of July and the whole of August.

We are now just beginning to feel that we are doing a little work. Today held an exam on all the school. Mr Roden, Mr Phillip Jones and self conducted the exam, result pretty fair.During the week ended today all are throwing their whole energy into the work.

SEPTEMBER

Attendance considerably lower than corresponding week last year. At the weekly examination this morning the attendance was very good. The result was only fair. Some of the boys were very careless in their work Standard four did well in Arithmetic but were weak in Dictation. Standard two did well in Dictation but were weak in Arithmetic. Standard three were good in everything. Standard five fair, might do a great deal better.

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School fees have come in well for the year. I hope by the end of next week that the school fees will be equal to last year. Last year they were over £118 or an average of about £2-2-0 per week. The weekly examination was much better throughout the school.Dated Sept 29th 1885Penygelli & Bersham Board Schools.SirI beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st inst announcing that the Collective Exams of PT`s will be held on Saturday the 31st day of OCTOBER 1885 and on Saturday the 10th day of APRIL 1886 at 9.15 o’clock and to supply the information requested therein.I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant Thomas Bury.To T Morgan Owen Esq. HM`s Inspector of Schools, Education Dept, Whitehall, London SW

This information is needed to evaluate HM Inspector to provide a sufficient supply of papers. If not furnished within 7 days he cannot be responsible for providing for the examination of your Pupil Teachers and Candidates.

OCTOBER

On Wednesday we completed the school year and find that owing to the great sickness that the average attendance is about 3 less than for the year ended Sept 30 th 1884. The school fees are a trifle larger. The amount received for the Boys school this year is over £119. School visited by Mr Edward Henry Jones an old scholar for some time at Penygelli. Feel exceedingly tired at the close of this weeks work.

A miserably wet week, the attendance varies almost every day owing to the bad weather. The work during the week was very good. Thomas John Jones gave object lessons to the First class. The lesson on Climate was a most intelligent one.

Examination took place this week. I anticipate very good results. Her Majesty’s Inspector and his assistant carried on the examination in a most fair manner and every child had a chance to do well. I find that the results of the annual examination correspond very nearly to my own results and I am hardly disappointed in the manner that the boys do their work. They have good practice with their paperwork. I never spare foolscap.

NOVEMBER

The result of examination came to hand on Tuesday. We have done remarkably well, we have passed upwards of 97 per cent. Boys have worked well. The Girls have not done quite equal to last year but have done well for all that. Miss Jones has had an excellent entry on her parchment with which she is greatly pleased.

We have been greatly disturbed during the week by public meetings held in the Boys school on political questions. These meetings greatly affect the schoolwork as it sometimes takes sometime to get the school into order for working next day. I should be pleased if the Board refers the schools to both parties. The schools are left in a most dirty condition after the meetings and the school cleaner cannot possibly clean them after the late hour that they are over. We have there fore to work in the dirt and filth. Two meetings are to be held again next week.

DECEMBER

No school today owing to the schools being used as polling booths for the general election. Very unsatisfactory work done during the whole week. The election seems to upset children and all. We shall all be glad to see it over. I left home yesterday early in the morning and did not return till about 10 o’clock in the evening.

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Report to hand this week with which we were very highly pleased. All the schools have done well. The Teachers in the Girls department and those in the Infant school with the exception of Miss Ada L Jones have done very badly. Thos. Edward has done very excellent work he has obtained the full grant every year. So far he is a thoroughly good boy with this books and a very intelligent teacher.

Broke up today for the annual Christmas Holidays. Boys and Girls came well together to the last. They came no doubt for their weekly papers. We give out 460 papers weekly; a lady in Kent sends them to be distributed amongst the children. The paper is `The Christian Herald` written by the Rev Wm. Baxter, Clergyman of the Church of England.

.

1885 Summary of H.M. Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli & Tabor Hill Schools.

Boy’s School - “For the ninth time I have pleasure in reporting upon the excellent character of the work done in this school.”Girl’s School - “This is a thoroughly good school upon the whole; its needlework was from pretty good to good. Its Tone on the examination days was excellent.”Infant’s School - “The first class need attention in Reading, Writing and natural phenomena; conversational information could be better imparted. The rest of the work of the Infant’s was from moderately fair to excellent. The Discipline should be improved at once.”Evening School – “The standard work of the third standard was weak, that of other standards was good, in English out of thirteen presented, seven passed and six failed.”

T.E Jones has passed well, and A.L. Jones fairly, but A.L. Jones, should attend to Grammar, Geography and History.W. Moss: Grammar, Geography, History and Knowledge of Method. She should be informed that she is with hesitation passed as qualified under Act.50 but not under Act.52.M.C. Jones is not qualified by age for admission as Pupil Teacher.

Front page of the Christian Herald dated Wednesday January 7th 1880.It shows a view before and after the “Terrible Railway Accident at Tay Bridge” Engineer Thomas Bouch designed the bridge and when it opened in 1878 it was the longest in the world.On the night of 28 December 1879 at 7.15pm, the first bridge collapsed after the middle spans gave way during strong winter gales. A train with six carriages carrying seventy-five passengers and crew, plunged into the freezing waters of the Tay. All seventy-five were lost, including Sir Thomas's son-in-law. The engine was retreived from the Tay, restored and put back into service.

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M.J. Jones: Geography, Grammar, and History.M.E. Evans: Writing, Grammar, Composition, Geography and History.M.E. Jones: Grammar, Composition, Geography and History.S. Evans is excused her examination on account of illness.

School Staff. (Boy’s.)Head master Mr. G.J. JonesAssistants Edw. Roden, Philip Jones, Thos. J. Jones.Pupil Teachers Thos. E. Jones, John Jones, Edw. G. Griffiths.Paid Monitor Pryce P. Jones.Thos. J. Jones will have leave 31st Dec 1885 after due notice.Thomas Bury, Clerk.

1886 JANUARY

School reopened on Monday last with a very gallant attendance in the first class. The week of reopening is usually a poor week but this week the attendance was very fair. I have been minus an assistant this week, which has caused me a great deal of trouble. Thomas John Jones my Third assistant has gone to Scotland to college.

Attendance exceedingly good considering the state of the weather. It is extremely cold with a great depth of snow upon the ground. Children coming from poor homes must suffer most acutely. I have a large number in my school with their feet actually through their boots. There is a great amount of suffering at present in the community especially amongst the colliers. Work is very scarce and those who are at work are only able to work for about five or six times in a fortnight and how can they possibly keep a family upon say about 10/- or 12/- per week. It is an utter impossibility; I don’t know how it can be done. I am sure the shopkeepers must be suffering greatly in pocket. My wife has done a great deal for the poor, and gives away both goods and money. I only wish I could do more; we have the will but not the means. There has not been such an amount of suffering in the country since I have been here, fourteen years now. this sore distress amongst the people soon pass away.

All the Teachers work well. We have not had such a winter for many a year. Attendance wonderfully good considering what fearful cold we are having. I have been able to keep to my work regularly. I had a slight cold for one week only but got on with it and was able to get to school every day, find myself much stronger this winter than last. Last winter I suffered greatly from colds and was obliged to keep indoors for some weeks. Weather continues very bad with deep snow upon the ground. School damp and miserable from the snow carried in with the feet of the children.

Helyg Shop, High St, Coedpoeth was run by Robert Evans and his family. Robert was born in Denbigh c 1866,Pictured here are his wife Hannah Jane Evans nee Hughes b 1870 and her son John Daniel b 1893.The poster in the window is advertising Evening Classes in Penygelli School.

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FEBRUARY

School visited today by two of the members of the Board. Registers examined and found to be correct. The weather has moderated in its severity this week with the result that the attendance is much better than it has been for some weeks. The snow has almost cleared off the roads. The boys are better able to come to school without damaging their feet than they were. Great stir in the neighbourhood with the School Board Election. The cry is to reduce some salaries and in order to do so to drive the old members out and put new ones in their stead. The election is to take place next Monday week at three Polling stations- Tabor Hill Infant School, Boys School, Penygelli, and at the Church School Rhostyllen. Hope a good board turn up.

A rough cold and miserable week throughout. The bad weather has caused the average to be down to below where it was last week. This week it was only 213, whilst last week it was over 220. School fees were very low owing to no pays taking place at any of the works. The youngest Pupil Teachers do not do their work in very satisfactory manner. Home lessons very often not done. There is no school on Monday next owing to the Triennial Election of a School Board for the Township of Bersham.

The Election of School Board took place today Feb 11 th with the following result, first seven elected.Mr Joseph Wilcoxon (an old member) 1318Benjamin Harrison (new “) 1025Hugh Jones (old “) 735Joseph Jones (old “) 650John Daniel (old “) 628George Gibbons (new “) 513Thomas Davies (new “) 423Ellis Abraham (new “) 324 not electedWilliam Pattinson (new “) 309 “ “Thomas Davies (new “) 265 “ “S T Baugh (old “) 216 “ “

MARCH

Very severe weather. March came in like a lion. When school was opened on Monday but two or three boys put in an appearance. It was impossible to get to school through the front way, the steps being quite blocked up and the entrance quite filled with snow. Snow has also filled the porches and has worked its way through the windows, a severer week I never remember.

Attendance low again this week owing to the severe weather that we have been having, it continues extremely cold with a very severe frost but there was a very agreeable change towards the close, the snow going away nicely. Progress in school is pretty fair. The work is very hard as we only have two assistants and the rest being very young teachers. It is very trying to us all and I feel very sorry to be obliged to push my young teachers on when the teaching work is so heavy for them. They cannot possible keep the large classes of the school in good order and increases my labours tenfold. The Motto of our Managers should be `Efficiency first and economy afterwards` Tomorrow I have my own examination of our Pupil teachers, am afraid they may not do well. Thomas John Jones, First year Pupil teacher was at home for three days this week again with a bad cold. He loses much more of his school time than any of the other teachers. Not being as strong as the others I suppose.

A great number of children are ill with a kind of swelling in the neck called the `mumps` .I understand that it is very catching and consequently all coming from families where the children are suffering from this affection of the neck are ordered to stay at home until they are well.

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This has greatly affected our average and in addition to the bad weather will considerably decrease our average attendance for the present school year. We had an examination of the whole school today and find some boys very forward and some very much behind. Tomorrow our First Pupil teacher’s exams for Wrexham District takes place. The centres are Wrexham, Penygelli, Brynteg, Ruabon and Llangollen. About 11 or 12 are to be examined in our district (Penygelli), they are solely from under the Bersham School Board

The Wrexham Association for the Quarterly Examination of Pupil Teachers. 1886(These are the names that appear on the Schedule)

Subjects that were studied were - English, Arithmetic, Geography, History, Euclid, Algebra, Mensuration, Sewing, Music, Domestic Economy, Latin, French.

Name School John Jones Penygelli Boys Year 1 E G Griffiths “ “ “ Pryce P Jones “ “ “M E Evans “ Girls “Marg. J Jones “ “ “Mary.C Jones “ “ “Marg. E Jones “ Infant Year 2Ada L Jones “ “ “William L Williams Penygelli Boys “William James Jones “ “ “Thos. Edw. Jones Penygelli Boys Year 4Wm H Lea Bersham Boys “Henry K Jones “ “ Year 2Ada Blew Bersham Girls Year 1Daniel Monslow Bersham Infant Year 2Ruth Stephens “ “ Year 4

APRIL

Attendance very low owing to the continued sickness amongst the children. John Jones First year Pupil Teacher at home again ill and a monitor only in charge of his class. He loses a great deal from illness. The school must suffer in this manner especially as our staff at present is very weak.

John Jones returned to school today after an absence of 4 days from school. William Price Williams, monitor was ill yesterday and did not attend school. Attendance continues extremely low. The cold weather did not affect us as much as the present sickness amongst the children. School fees are very hard to get, works are as bad if not worse than ever they were. The look out is really very serious both for parents and children.

School was visited today by the Rev Thomas Davies Baptist Minister, a member of the Bersham School Board who examined the register and found the same correct. We had an examination of the school today. The boys have done fairly well. Paper work much improved to what it was.

Attendance this week better than what it was. Several of the children who were ill have returned this week. Considering that the Wesleyan fair was held the attendance was really good. Next week am afraid that it will be low again owing to the Easter Holidays and Good Friday, after Easter hope to have better attendance.

On Wednesday Geo. Gibbons and Thomas Davies two members of the Board visited in order to see what repairs were needed. They at the same time examined the registers.

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We also broke up for the usual Easter vacation today. We have suffered greatly in the attendance during the last four months. It is hoped that the attendance will be better after the Easter Holidays and the sickness at present in the district at present clear away by the end of next week

MAY

Attendance today not very good. All the Teachers turned up early. The attendance officer seems to have quite neglected his duties and hardly ever visits the schools.

Attendance continues in a very unsatisfactory state. The number on registers is equal to what it was last year but the average is much less. The attendance officer does not at all attend to his duties. He is at present very negligent and in my opinion never visits but few of the children. The Board should certainly see to this without having their attention called to it by the Teachers.

JUNE

School visited by some of the members of the Board to see what alterations were required. Board met yesterday and formed a resolution that religious knowledge should form a part of the school curriculum and quoted schools where religious knowledge is taught, but when they cannot get above `fair` as a merit grant.

A holiday on Monday being Whit Monday. Attendance fees very low. Sent notes out to a great many parents but it produced but very little good as the attendance officer has quite left, as never paying us a visit. Had to punish a boy named Edwin Roberts for playing truant. A truant playing is a very rare occasion in this neighbourhood. Price Parry Jones ill during two days this week.

Attendance continues very low. Boys who attend fairly regular make excellent progress. Price Parry Jones continues ill he has not been in school during this week. I am sadly afraid that he will not be able to continue on as Teacher. He looks terribly bad and is in a very weak condition.

JULY

Attendance very low due owing to the breaking up for Holidays. Last week is always very low as is also the first week on opening. The school is to reopen again on Tuesday after Bank Holiday (August 3rd)

Average this week is very low, only 145 with 250 on the registers. The lowest that we have had for years. On enquiry I find that the boys are engaged gathering bilberries or whortleberries. The country as regard the coal trade is in an exceedingly depressed state and school fees as a consequence are exceedingly low.

This road leads from Minera Mountain back to Coedpoeth.Bilberries are still found all over the mountain.The area was known as Pen Y Bont, but is now called Pentre.Tyn Y Capel Inn can be seen on the hill to the right and just behind peeping out from the trees is the tower of St Mary’s Church, Minera.

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Attendance much better this week though it is still not exceedingly good. There were on average nearly 60 children absent each day, most were found to be on the mountain bilberrying.An examination was held today with only fair results. Average 206

An examination held this morning. Attendance exceedingly good. Sent word to parents to send their children regular and especially to let them attend at the weekly exam. Pupil Teachers are doing very fair work and their progress is very satisfactory on the whole.

SEPTEMBER

Attendance very good throughout the week. Two cases of truant playing. I was also obliged to expel one boy from school as his mother interfered with the discipline. Having being very slightly punished for tampering with the desks in the classroom during the dinner hour he went home. Upon his returning to school next morning he was tapped upon the hand whereupon he again went home at the dinner hour by the orders of his mother. His mother having come to school in the mean time was told that he could not be admitted unless he apologised for his breach of the school discipline, so far he has not done so and consequently he cannot be readmitted. The boys name is Benjamin Ellis and he lives in South Sea.

This has been rather an irregular week. Tea party on Monday in one chapel and an anniversary on Sunday in another. These tea parties and preaching meetings are the ruination of our schools.

OCTOBER

The Pupil Teachers do their own work in a very satisfactory manner. The examination held today showed very good results. Mr Thomas Edward Jones my senior Pupil teacher received the result of Scholarship examination today. He occupies a most honourable position being 60 th on the general list throughout England and Wales and First on the Bangor list.

Good attendance and very good work done during the whole of the week. The teachers throw their heart and soul into their work. My assistants will second my efforts to keep up the thorough efficiency of the school. During the whole of last year we have been working minus one assistant, which greatly increased the work of the remaining teachers. I sincerely trust that the Board will grant us an assistant during this coming year as Mr Thomas Edward Jones is leaving for college.

Attendance very satisfactory. All worked well during the week. Hope to do well at the exams next week Girls examined this week on Thursday and Friday as were the Infants.

NOVEMBER

Attendance very low. Boys engaged in potato picking. Some who were in 5th & 6th Standards are about beginning to work, but the attendance ought nevertheless to be much larger.

Headmaster was absent on Monday having gone to London on the previous Friday evening to see the Colonial Exhibition. Returned home by 7am on Tuesday morning. Schedules not having yet come to hand I have been unable to reorganise the schools. Hope to have them next week. Attendance very low. Mr Roberts the attendance officer works fairly well but he could do better I have no doubt if he were to exert himself. Several boys who ought to be in school are running about the streets.

Pupil teachers lessons done very well on the whole. They also do their own lessons in a very satisfactory manner. They are very kind to the boys. We have no complaints of ill treatment on their part. This is really an excellent neighbourhood for allowing the teachers to have their own way without any interference. It is very seldom that I have any complaint concerning any of these. They all work hard and seem to have the interest of the school at heart and not working simply to their time but they work for the best of motions.

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DECEMBER

Attendance this week better than what it has been for some time though it is not what it should be. School fees are also very low. Mr Roberts father who has been ill for a long time, he is now dead, poor fellow. I have no doubt but that his illness has caused in Thomas Roberts a great deal of hindrance, and that he has been obliged to attend a great deal to his father when he should have been on his beat again after the absentees.

A most stormy and wet week causing the attendance to fall down less than ever. Rain came into my classroom on Thursday and Wednesday in Infants. The wind must have displaced a little on the ventilator. One large square of glass was blown into the room on Wednesday evening. It was most fortunate that it was done at night and not during the day school hours or many a child might have been hurt. School fees low. Pupil Teachers quarterly exams tomorrow.Attendance is still very unsatisfactory. Pupil teachers do only fair work at home, occasionally they might do better. There is no doubt about it, but you cannot place ` old heads on young shoulders`Christmas is once again upon us. I am today ending my fifteenth year at the Penygelli Board Schools. A very long time to be in charge of the same school. During the eighteen years that I have been teaching I have always had excellent reports and I sincerely trust that I always give satisfaction.

1886 Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Penygelli and Tabor Hill Schools.

Boys School – “This is a decidedly satisfactory school; it has again earned the excellent Merit Grant. The following were weak. - Some of the Grammar, some of the Reading & the Mental Work. I was glad to see the name of T.E. Jones so high in the Scholarship List; the other P.Ts need care.”Girl’s School – “This Department as fallen off very much. I fear there has been a grave want of steady and intelligent work on the part of the school staff. It is with the greatest hesitation I venture to recommend the Fair Merit Grant. The Tone & Order were excellent, and the Registration & Singing were alike commendable. The P.Ts need the greatest attention.”Infant’s School –“ This Department has barely earned the Good Merit Grant, it’s work needs more finish and accuracy. The following need special care, - The Arithmetic of the 2nd class, the Writing, Ball-frame and Counting of the babies. The Singing, Recitation, Marching, Counting and Exercise, were all very good. The Pupil Teachers need great attention.” T.E. Jones has passed well. He should be informed that he is now qualified under both articles 50 & 52.John Jones - Arithmetic, Grammar, Composition, and History.M.J. Jones - Grammar, Geography, and History.M.E. Jones - Arithmetic, Grammar, History and Needlework. She, J. Jones and M.J. Jones must improve very much.E.G. Griffiths - Composition, Geography, and History.A.L. Jones - Arithmetic and GrammarE. Jones & S. Edwards, Failure.W.P. Williams is not qualified by age as a recognised as a candidate on probation. Wm. Moss is recognised under act 50. My Lords regret that the state of S. Evans health renders it necessary to remove her name from the register of P.Ts, serving in the school. M.E. Evans has passed an unsatisfactory exam. Should she be required to complete the staff, and fail to the same extent next year, the grant will have to be reduced

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1887 JANUARY

On Monday school was reopened after the usual Christmas holidays. Mr David Thomas our new assistant entered upon his duties this week. Received the following letter from T Morgan Owen Esq. HMI together with a copy of his History of England to the time of the Norman Conquest. I very highly value the gift and the letter, which accompanied it. It is an encouragement to renewed efforts in my work in school.

Education Department, Whitehall 1 Jan 1887.Dear Mr Jones,Enclosed is a copy of my History, which I hope you will accept in token (a slight one) of my appreciation of the way in which you discharge your high duties.With best wishesYours sincerelyT Morgan Owen

The Pupil teachers are doing very very fair work. I have arranged that Mr Thomas shall take a part of the subjects with the Pupil teachers. Mr Thomas meets them in the morning and I meet them at night. I this way I hope to see them doing very good work. They ought to do well with their mathematics and grammar especially. They are now very forward with their Arithmetic and Algebra. History and Euclid are their weak subjects. They don’t seem to get their memory work up very well.

Attendance improving very fast. Messrs Gibbons and Davies visited the schools today and examined the Registers and found all correct. This entry on the next page is a good testimonial as to the efficiency of the schools.

Jan 21st 1887.As members of the School Board we are glad to be able to certify to the able manner in which Mr Jones conducts these schools. Whenever they have been visited by us the teachers are all fully occupied. The children in good working order and the discipline always appears to be excellent. Altogether we believe the head teacher and his assistants to deserve the highest praise for the splendid work performed by them. We are very glad to find that this department has again won the Excellent Merit Grant. It having done this every year since the merit grant came into operation. We have today examined the registers and found them to be correct.Geo. Gibbons, Thomas DaviesMembers of the Board.

FEBRUARY

Attendance improving and progress very good. School Board decided upon paving the playground so as to keep the schoolroom clean. I have promised that the best standard for attending school shall be let out earlier than the other classes on the last Friday in the month. This has greatly improved the attendance at school. I hope the attendance can still be kept up as we have started, it will be an excellent thing for the school. Pupil teachers attending lessons very well.

Fridays give us always great trouble with the attendance but since we have introduced a system of emulation amongst the classes the attendance on this day has greatly improved as it has also on the other days of the week. Monday is now as a rule our worst day especially if Monday happens to come after “pay day”

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Feb 22 1887“My attention being called to John Hopwood by his parents I certify that he is of a weak

constitution and not in a fit condition to do the work of Standard six and therefore recommend that he be permitted to do the work of Standard five for another year.”Geo. Gibbons.

Regulations, as to the Duties of Cleaner of out-offices, yards, etc.As to the work of John Roberts.1 .That he visit the Schools at least three times each week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays.2. That the yards and closets be kept thoroughly clean and in good order : all refuse and litter to be removed, and the gratings and drains well looked after.3. That the steps leading to the boy’s yard be thoroughly swept, once each week - on Fridays or Saturdays.4. That the ash-pit in girl’s yard, to be kept tidy and not allowed to accumulate.5. That the windows, walls, ceiling & beams, in all schools, be cleaned during the Xmas, Easter and Midsummer holidays.6. That the closets be lime washed twice a year, in the early Spring and Midsummer holidays.7. That the closets be cleaned out once a month and the urinals be well washed with water weekly – on Saturdays.8. That the landers be examined and cleaned during the Summer Holidays.9. That John Roberts look after the Infant School when used for Public Meetings, and that he also see to the cleaning and lighting of lamps for same purpose.10. That John Roberts be paid an additional 6d per week in consideration of the extra work given to him. 4/611. That these regulations including the extra payments come into operation on Monday February 7th 1887.

Regulations as to the Duties of Sch: Cleaners.As to the duties of Catherine Williams and Alice Roberts.1. That the Schools be thoroughly cleaned and dusted daily.2. That the Schools be washed once a month.3. That the porches of each School be washed weekly.4. That the fires be lighted with coal in the grates & with coke in the stoves.5. That fires be lighted on Sundays, after washing on Saturdays, also on wet & very damp weather.6. That fires be lighted on Saturdays when required by the Head Teacher of each department.7. That all fires be lighted before 7.30am.8. That all materials used for cleaning including brushes, buckets, floor cloths etc be not removed from the School premises.9. That the School premises, such as the washhouse etc be not used for any other, but strictly School purposes.10. That the ashes be daily riddled by the school cleaner.11. That Alice Roberts be paid 3/6 per week for the summer months, and 4/6 per week in the winter months. That Catherine Williams be paid 7/6 per week for the summer months, and 8/- per week in the winter months.12. That these new regulations including the extra payments come into operation on Monday February 7th 1887.

MARCH

Beautiful week very good attendance. School fees not so well as they used to be. As we don’t send the children home so regular as we used to for their money. The average this week has gone as high

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as 220 or about 81 per cent of numbers on the registers. The attendance is not near what it should be taking into account the compactness of this neighbourhood.

Very rough week. Weather continues very boisterous and wet. Wind dancing most of the week, North East. It has given me a bad cold again and I believe that many children are suffering from coughs and other ailments. Hooping cough is very prevalent in the neighbourhood and as no children are admitted from houses where Hooping cough is upon any member of the family the average attendance is naturally greatly affected. This week is even lower than last week; it was only 196 or 73 per cent of number on registers.

APRIL

Received Notice of PT Examination which is to take place at the Wrexham N S. on Saturday April 30th at 9 am. Broke up today for Easter week, school to reopen again on Monday 18th.

Cadwelyn Cadwaladr Hugh Bellis Chas.Roberts I B JonesWm. Blackwell Robert Roberts Jos. Roberts Arth. DaviesJno. Jas. Rogers Th. Humphreys Jos. Ph. Davies Robt. WilderSeth J Parry Benjamin Evans Th. C. Edwards Wm. P WilliamsJoseph Evans Jas. Griffiths John Jones Edwin PearceThos. Hughes Enock Jones

I certify that the boys named above are physically unfit to be worked up for the Standard they are now placed in.Geo Gibbons.

MAY

I, Isaac James Williams (Carmarthen 83/84) took charge of this school as temporary master during the absence of Mr G J Jones and found it thoroughly well disciplined and in a good state of efficiency. Dr. Gibbons visited the school this morning.

The attendance during this week has been rather better than last, but has fallen off today in consequence of a heavy shower in the morning. Was obliged to punish two boys this evening for bad conduct in school. The Algebra of the sixth and seventh Standards has been nearly completed.

Owing to the torrents of rain which fell last night the attendance today has sunk considerably. Considering the small number present in the morning I thought it better to hold the fortnightly exam in the afternoon. It being customary however to do so in the forenoon.

The attendance for today has been very fair being much better than it was yesterday afternoon owing to many of the children being present at a Tea meeting in the Adwy. Were informed this morning that Mr G J Jones, permanent Master of this school has arrived safely in New York after a most perilous voyage. All the school staff very glad that his family had escaped the deaths by shipwreck which was the lot of several of the passengers in the same vessel.

The Rev Wm Davies Baptist Minister and Member of the Board in company with Dr Gibbons visited the school this morning. The result of the weekly examination was very fair. Dismissed school in the afternoon as many of the lads were very wet especially those who live a long way from the school.

JUNE

Held the fortnightly examination in the afternoon. Hugh Jones Esq. Chairman of the Board and Dr Gibbons visited the school in the morning Completed “Rule of Three` from Merchant’s Arithmetic’s with Standard six. Attendance for this week has been very fair on the whole. On Saturday 11th inst the quarterly examination of the PTs of this district is to be held in this school.

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The result of the last fortnightly exam was very disappointing especially the arithmetic of Standard six The sums which they were given were those with which special pains had been taken during the fortnight previous to the test. All must have been careless in the working (as all understand the method), which produced a poor result. Ed.G Griffiths had leave to be absent in the morning in order that he might attend the Confirmation Service held in Minera Church by the Bishop of St Asaph.

Were informed last Friday by Mr Bury - the Clerk - that holidays were to be given on Tuesday and Thursday - the former being Jubilee Day and on the latter a Tea party was to be given to the Boys, Girls and Infants of the Penygelli Schools by Mr Burton of Minera Hall.

Yesterday the children were regaled with tea and cake in this school, and afterwards marched in procession to a field kindly lent by Mr Burton for their use for the day. The morning only a few were present, sent for as many of the absentees as were likely to come, but very few came back. Was informed about 10.30 am by Hugh Jones Esq. and Dr Gibbons that owing to the small number present I had better dismiss them.

JULYThis morning received the result of the P Ts quarterly examination, was very pleased with

the result, as two of the teachers of this school - W J Jones and W P Williams stood 1 st and 3rd

respectively on the list. The attendance for this afternoon has been very low especially in the upper standards, on account of the hay harvest.

Attendance very poor today owing to there being meetings held in some of the neighbouring chapels. I doubt the attendance will be poor all the week as we intend breaking up on Friday 15 th

inst. The PTs work very well with their lessons now they see to have been spurred on to make better efforts than they have done by the result of the last quarterly exam.

My time of service expires here next Friday (the 16 th inst). Trust that Mr G J Jones when he begins duties will find that I have to the best of my ability worked the Standards entrusted to my special charge to his satisfaction. The attendance has been very poor, in particular the infants for the past two weeks owing to the harvest, the measles having affected it.

Broke up school Friday for four weeks. My time of service expires here todayI J D Williams.

AUGUST School reopened on Monday 15th. Attendance exceedingly small. The school was usually

opened on the Tuesday after the August bank Holiday but this year owing to the Carnarvon Eisteddfod where several of our assistants were engaged the holidays were put off a fortnight further.

SEPTEMBERAttendance a little better but still very unsatisfactory. No particular reasons for absence.

There are a few cases of measles but not many as yet. During the last two weeks have been busy trying to improve the work of my own class which made no progress during my absence. No real work was made during the whole time that I was away.

There is a marked improvement throughout the whole school but much has yet to be done. Standard five and six are the weakest. Am working as hard as I possibly can. Received notice of School Exam. 24th 25th 26th 27th October.

Attendance much better this week than it has been, few still home with measles. Though there is plenty of room for improvement. Taking the whole year through the attendance is much more irregular than it has been for some time. I can’t assign any reason for this unless the attendance officer is less energetic than his predecessor.

Progress made during the last few weeks is really wonderful all through the school. School kept very nice and clean by the school cleaners. The regular fire began today. Examination held

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today and standards did their work in a satisfactory manner. This was the last exam before the event of HMI

NOVEMBERAttendance very fair except in Standard five. A large number in this class were absent

during the whole of the week, most of them raising potatoes Attendance not satisfactory. Potatoe raising again affects the attendance of the upper

standards. Should the weather keep favourable the potatoe harvest will son be over.The attendance officer informs me that there is considerable sickness amongst the children.

Am suffering considerably from a bad eye. Have been under operation in Liverpool and though it is considerably better it is still bad.

Work going on as usual. The result of the morning exam was encouraging. This was our first after the Government exam. We have made up a list of our prizes (books). Twenty-seven boys have qualified for a prize by attending over 400 times during the school year.

DECEMBERAttendance still unsatisfactory. I am perfectly pleased with the work of the Pupil Teachers

with their own classes, they all throw their whole energy into their work and I could not wish them to do better than they are. The two senior PTs might do better work at home. They have plenty of ability but they seem to prefer to work with their classes than at their own personal work.

Very poor attendance in comparison to the numbers in the registers. I have allowed Mr Roden to have a part of his time for studying. Mr Roden was up this week attending the Certificate Examination in Liverpool. I took his class along with my own. Of course we felt lost without him. Broke up yesterday for the usual Christmas Holidays.

Summary of Inspector’s Report on the Bersham, Penygelli Schools 1887

Boy’s School.-“The Grammar of the third and fourth Standards on paper was poor, vivâ voce it was from moderately fair to good: the rest of the Grammar was from fair to very good. The Poetry was from moderately fair to very good. It is without hesitation that I recommend the Good Grant for English. The Geography of the fourth Standard was poor, the rest was from good to very good. The History was from moderately fair to very good. The Standard work of the third and fourth Standards lacked character, that of the rest of the school was very commendable. Some of the Algebra papers were very commendable. The tone and order were most satisfactory. The Measles has told against the work of this Department.”Girl’s School.-“This is a fair School upon the whole; it’s Tone and Order were very commendable. The points that need attention are the Division, vivâ voce of the second Standard, and the Arithmetic of the fourth Standard; the Grammar of the third and fourth Standards, and the Standard work of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth Standards. Some of the other work was creditable.”Infant’s Class.-“This Department is doing very well. The Arithmetic vivâ voce of the first class, the Reading of the second class, and the objects of the third class could be improved. A stove is needed.”Payment of the excellent merit grant to the Boy’s School is again allowed this year in view of the interruption of the work by Measles.A.L. Jones and M.E. Jones have passed fairly, but they should attend to Composition and Method.John Jones Arithmetic, Grammar, Composition, History and Method.E.G. Griffiths Grammar, Composition, History and Method.M.E. Jones Composition, Geography and Grammar.

The name of M.E. Evans has been removed from the Register of Pupil Teachers serving in this School. Article 42 precludes the recognition of M.E. Williams as a Candidate on Probation in the

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Infants Department. M.J. Jones has passed an unsatisfactory Examination. Should she be required to complete the staff, and fail to the same extent next year, the grant will have to be reduced under Article 115(2.)

GrantsGrant claimable on Av. attend. (boys) £194.0.0“ “ “ Exam in spec. subjs. (boys) 6.4.0Do . on average attend.(girls) 122.1.2Do. “ “ “ (infants) 109.10.0Do. For Pupil Teachers (inf.) 4.0.0

£435.15.2

School StaffHeadmaster Mr G.J. JonesCert. Assistants David Thomas, Edward RodenAssistant Phillip JonesPupil Teachers John Jones, Edwds G. Griffiths, William J. JonesMonitors William P. Williams, Arthur O. Jones

Thomas Bury, Clerk of the School Board.

1888 JANUARY

School was opened on Tuesday, as there was a local Eisteddfod on Monday in the Talwrn, which would have greatly affected the attendance.

Attendance improving. We are busy preparing for our annual concert. We have two practices a week on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The singing is very satisfactory. We are preparing one mentioned by E Morris Esq. HM Inspector “ Sweet and Low” I believe it is well done. Feel nearly worked out in preparing for our annual concert which takes place next Monday January 30th. The children are very well prepared for it.

This report appeared in the Wrexham Advertiser the following week

Wrexham Advertiser. Saturday February 4 th 1888

Coedpoeth and Minera .Prize Day At Penygelli.

On Monday evening the boys’ schoolroom of the Penygelli Board Schools was a scene of a very interesting gathering, on the occasion of the annual concert and distribution of prizes. The prizes were awarded for regular attendance, each child who having made 400 attendances and over receiving a beautiful book prize, and the certificates to those who successfully passed the late Government examination in Euclid and Algebra. Money prizes were also given on the recommendation of Her Majesty’s Inspector (Mr. T. Morgan Owen), for distinguished merit at the examination. The certificates are most elegantly illuminated and lithographed by Messrs Bayley and Bradley, Wrexham, from an exceedingly neat and artistic design by Mr. G.J. Jones, the head master. The certificated was surmounted by the representation of an open book, on the leaves of which was inscribed the Welsh Motto, “ Goreu arv, arv Dysg,” which being interpreted means that “The best weapon is the weapon of Knowledge.” The idea was emblematically carried out by the Welsh weapons of warfare – the sword, battle-axe, and spear – being placed underneath the open book, and crossed by the familiar implements of literary labor – the pencil and pen.

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Over the book was inscribed the name of the school, and running down either side of the card, on an illuminated scroll, was the couplet –

“Tis education forms the common mind,Just as the twig is bent the tree’s inclined.”

At the foot of the certificate was the signature of the Inspector, Mr. T. Morgan Owen, and of the head master, Mr. G.J. Jones. As a work of art the certificates are unique, and well worthy of the handsome frames in which upwards of twenty of them were exhibited.The meeting commenced immediately on the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. Burton, of Minera Hall, Mr. Burton having kindly undertaken to preside. Though the doors were not announced to be opened till 6.30, yet as early as six o’clock many put in an appearance, and the number increased so rapidly that the doors were compelled to be opened long before the appointed hour. Before seven o’clock the room was crowded almost to suffocation, after which scores were obliged to return home disappointed.Amongst the densely crowded audience, which included a considerable number of parents and friends of the school children, were: Mr. Thos. Bury, clerk, and most of the members of the Bersham School Board: Rev. G.O. Browne, Rev. T.E. Thomas, Dr. and Mrs. Gibbons, Poplar House; Mrs. C.J. Gibbons, Plas Maelor; Mrs. Joseph Jones, Mr. and Mrs. B. Harrison; Mrs. John Davies, Tynycoed; Mrs. Pattinson, Mrs. R.O. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Jones, Mrs. Walker, Southsea; Mr. Cameron, Plas Power; Mr. E. Davies, Adwy; Mr. Davies, Bwlchgwyn Schools; Mr. C. Dodd, Miss Griffiths, Mr. Fyfe, Mr. Williams, and Mr. Fagan, British Schools, Wrexham; Mr. Owen, National Schools, Minera; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wilcoxon, Mrs. Edward Hughes, Dr Davies, Brymbo; Mr. Jesse Roberts, Berse; Mrs. Jones, Coedpoeth; Mr. and Mrs. Noah Price, Mrs. Rogers, Birkenhead; Mrs. Steel, Manchester; Mrs. James Price, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Gegin; Miss Rose Williams, Brymbo.The decorations were very tasteful. On our right was the couplet already mentioned, in large and bold letters, and on the left two Welsh mottoes, “Goreu arv, arv Dysg,” and “Môr o gun ym Cymru gyd.” Besides these, facing the audience was “Welcome to all,” and opposite the platform was “Welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Burton,”Some choice plants, kindly lent by Mr. C.J. Gibbons, Plas Maelor, and Dr Gibbons, Adwy, also added to the beauty of the place. Praise is due to the teachers for having so tastefully decorated their classroom. At the commencement, Mr. Burton was formally requested to take the chair by Mr. George Gibbons.Mr. Burton, who was received with hearty cheering, said it gave Mrs. Burton and himself great pleasure to be present at the concert, and to assist at the distribution of the prizes to the successful scholars. He congratulated the scholars, the masters, and the members of the Board upon the success achieved during the examination. He trusted the pupils would make good use of their opportunities, and that the parents would see that their children made as many attendances as possible. If children did not make the best of their opportunities in a very short time, they would be outrun by others in the race of life. He especially hoped that parents would do their duty and see to the attendance of the children, for it was no use having schools unless the children attended regularly. Nothing could be better than the report of the Government Inspector, and he understood those schools earned the highest grant of any school in that part, and that fact he thought spoke very well for the master and his staff (Applause.)

The programme was then commenced as follows the items being well sustained:-

Action Song “Dolly Bell’s Toilet” The InfantsPrologue Master Abraham GeorgePianoforte Dust “Osbourne Quadrilles” Miss Myfanwy & Miss Morfydd G. JonesAction Song “Drummer Boy” The Infants

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Recitation “Johnny’s Pocket” Master Llywarch R.M. JonesSong (humorous) “The girl in the pinafore dress” Mr. J.P. Shelby

The next item was the distribution of prizes to infants, and those children specially mentioned by H.M. Inspector, but owing to the great heat of the room, and the exceedingly lengthy programme, only a few of the prizes were given, Mrs. Burton kindly promising to distribute them on the following Wednesday.

The programme was then resumed:-

Song and chorus “Pull for the northern shore” Master W.P. Williams & party of school boys

Part-song “The handwriting on the wall” The Maelor Juvenile Choir.Recitation “The boy” Miss Elizabeth Ellen WilcoxonSong “Hiraeth” Miss H.A. WilliamsDust “I know a bank” Miss S.E. Price & Miss Agnes JonesPart-song “Robinson Crusoe” The Maelor Juvenile ChoirMusical Sketch “The emigrante” Party of school boys

Mr. Thomas Bury said he was sure the audience would express the hope that in that heated atmosphere the clerk to the Board would cut his speech short. (Laughter.) He meant to do so. He had heard a great deal about the attendance at these schools, but he did not know what the attendance officer had been doing to secure such thronged seats. It showed how interested the parents were in the success of the children at the school. He was pleased to be present on that occasion, and expressed his satisfaction with the way the children had entertained them, looking so bright and happy that there did not seem to be a single dull or backward scholar to be found. (Applause.) He should have liked to tell them how prosperous the schools were, but most leave it for another time.

The second part of the programme was then given as under:-Part-song “Sweet and Low” The Maelor Juvenile Choir.Song (humorous) “The bloom is on the rye” The School Glee Party. (conducted by Harmonydd.)Song (humorous) “The very worst girl in the school” Miss Myfanwy G. Jones.Part-song “Ringing cheerily” The Maelor Juvenile Choir.Song “The broken pitcher” Miss Gibbons.Glee “All among the barley” The School Glee Party.Dust “Love and pride” Miss Gibbons and Mr. Fagan.Medley “Tipyn o bob peth” Party of School Boys.Part-song “Homeward bound” The Maelor Juvenile Choir.

Dialogue “Wanted a wife.” Characters – Felix Fumbleton, Esq. (in want of a wife), Mr. D.J. Jones; Nathan Slyboots (man servant), Mr. P. Jones, Lizzie Dimplechin (maid servant), Miss Gibbons; applicants – Miss Lacetight, Miss S.E. Price; Dorothy Dingle, Miss W. Moss; Sarah Moprag, Miss H.A. Williams; Molly Maloney; Miss A. Jones.

Song (humorous) “Doctor Quack” Mr. J. Fagan.

Mr. Hugh Jones, Chairman of the Board, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Burton for presiding and to Mrs. Burton for attending to distribute the prizes. He hoped that soon there would be erected a Public Hall which would accommodate with due regard to their comfort such a large audience as had assembled that night. (Applause.) If a thousand people subscribed £1, the thing would be done.

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Mr. Wilcoxon, Vice-chairman of the Board, seconded the resolution in Welsh.Mr. Burton returned thanks for the vote of thanks.Mr. Benjamin Harrison proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Jones, the headmaster, the teachers, and the children, for the entertainment provided.The programme had to be curtailed in consequence of the great heat in the room, and the crowded condition of the audience.

The following is a report upon the work of the schools:-

The Board are glad to be able to report that all the schools under their charge are doing very good work. Two departments, namely, the Boy’s at Bersham and Penygelli, having again this year received the excellent merit grant. At Penygelli Boy’s, the highest merit grant has been received every year since the merit grant came into operation and, with the exception of one year, the same can be said of Bersham Boys’. Altogether the staff employed by the Bersham School Board appear to be doing their hard work in a highly commendable manner, and deserve the best thanks of the Board, ratepayers, and the parents of the children in attendance for the energy they have thrown into the work. In addition to the usual subjects, reading, writing, and arithmetic, geography, history, and grammar, two specific subjects have also been taught at Penygelli Boys’ School, namely Euclid and algebra. The success of the boys in algebra was really remarkable, every child in the first class having scored a pass, several having worked the full number of questions given (eight). Mr. Morgan Owen, H.M. Inspector of Schools, speaks very highly of the work of the following boys :- William P. Williams, Abraham George, George Roberts, Richard Bellis, William J. Jones, Albert Wilkins, William Jones, Thomas Owen Jones, Henry C. Evans, and William Crewe. Concerning the above boys, Her Majesty’s Inspector says: - “The algebra of these boys excited my admiration, and I think they deserve a special prize.” A scheme of prizes and certificates was adopted by the Board, on the proposal of Mr. Wilcoxon, similar to the one formerly in operation in the schools, the funds of which were than raised by the teachers. In addition to the above, the teachers of the boys’ and girls’ schools at Penygelli guaranteed the following money prizes, the awarding of which was left to H.M. Inspector. Mr. Morgan Owen, therefore very kindly agreed to undertake to award the money prizes, and forwarded to the Board the following decision as a result of his examination of the papers, &c, worked at the Government examination in October last:-Boys’ Department - 1st prize, Abraham George £1; 2nd prize, Albert Wilkins, 5s; William Jones, 5s; George Roberts, 5s.Girls’ Department - 1st prize, Morfydd A.G. Jones, £1; Myfanwy G. Jones, 10s; 3rd prize, Annie Jones, 5s.

The following are the recipients of the prize and certificates offered by the Board. The certificates are awarded only to those boys who pass in the whole of the elementary requirements and one at least of the specific subjects; the Board having found that the higher the standard for which the certificates are to be granted, the more they are appreciated. The certificates are got up from a design by the headmaster, Mr. G.J. Jones, and bear the signature of her Majesty’s Inspector (T. Morgan Owen, Esq.) The following is a list of those boys who have gained certificates: -Wm. P. Williams, Richard Pritchard, Wm. Jas. Jones, Jonathan Powell, John Wynne, John R. Lloyd, Albert Wilkins, Richard E. Jones, John Kelly, Arthur O. Jones, William Jones, John B. Higgins, Thos O. Jones, Humphrey Griffiths, Daniel Hughes, Henry Chas. Evans, Abraham George, William Crewe, Thomas Evans, George Bryan, Richard Bellis, George Roberts, Albert E. Williams, Isaac Saunders, Richard Hopwood, John Powell, John E. Glaspole, Alfred E. Jones, Alfred Evans, Thomas Edwards, John Edwards.

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The Book prizes are awarded to the following boys, girls, and infants for regular attendance

BOYSStandard VII. William Jones, 425Standard VI. Arthur O. Jones, 427; John R. Lloyd, 406.Standard V. William A. Evans, 415; John Roberts, 401;Standard IV. Alexander Cameron, 439; John Jones, 428; Thomas E. Lloyd, 425;

John E. Griffiths, 425; John Kelly, 420; William H. Edwards, 414; Parry Griffiths, 403; William Hughes, 400.

Standard III. Francis Carrington, 426; James B. Evans, 415; Robert Cadwaladr, 412; Seth John Parry, 409; Ernest Harrison, 407; Caleb Hughes, 401; Thomas Henry Davies, 401.

Standard II. William Gittins, 433; Jonathan Thomas, 432; Edward Williams, 427; David Richards, 413; George Roberts, 413; William Henry Miles, 408.

Standard I. Joseph Warburton, 415.

GIRLSStandard V. Elizabeth E. Wilcoxon, 425Standard IV. Margaret J. Taylor, 431; Eliza J. Roberts, 416.Standard III. Catherine M. Jones, 425; Annie Belton, 422; Eliza Jones, 416;

Susannah Rogers, 415; Louisa Smith, 410; Mary Edwards, 403.Standard II. Annie E. Price, 424; Charlotte E. Edwards, 418.

INFANTS

Thomas Charles Evans, 419; John Edward Jones, 414; Daniel Ellis, 412; Isaac Roberts, 400; Ptolemy Evans, 409; John Edward Taylor, 433; Arthur Jones, 413; John Belton, 415;John Bellis, 411; Mary E. Taylor, 409; Jane Edwards, 402; Annie Warburton, 407; Dorothy Jones, 401; Dorcas Smith, 417; Maggie Cameron, 430.

The Board hope that the awarding of these prizes and certificates will be a stimulus to other scholars to follow the example of those now successful, and that the parents of children attending the schools under the Board will do all they can to assist and encourage their children in their efforts to obtain a prize.

This is Daniel Ellis.In 1911 he married Annie Wilcoxon the daughter of Joseph Wilcoxon.

The photograph is taken from Roll of Honour of Salem Chapel members who served in the First World War.

Page 48: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

FEBRUARY

The concert on Monday evening turned out a very successful one. The receipts will amount to about £24. The prizes were distributed on Wednesday by Mrs Burton. The following took part in the distribution. Mr & Mrs Burton, The Rev Wm Brown, Mr Hugh Jones Chairman of the school, Mr Gibbons, Mr Rogers, Mr Harrison. Next Monday the Concert will be repeated.

The cold weather greatly affects the attendance. The sum receive from the children’s two concerts is close upon £30. School fees low. We have had to today send out a large number of bills which I trust will bring a round sum next week.

Attendance just the same but a large number of children were sent home because they came without their fees. The receipts in my Department this week was upwards of £5 the best for many months. The children are giving a concert at Moss, Brymbo next Monday for the benefit of a local church.

MARCH

Progress fair. Weather very severe. Mr Roden had the result of the Certificate Exam. He has succeeded in obtaining 2nd Class. 2nd Year. He is now fully qualified. He has also a drawing certificate and four Science certificates.

Attendance very fair. School fees very low. No pay at the works. The school fees fluctuate considerably in this neighbourhood. Notice of PTs Examination. It is to take place APRIL 21st 1888 at the Wrexham N.S. The examination will begin at 9 a.m.

The lowest attendance during the term, only 186 or 73.5 per cent. Broke up for the usual Easter Holidays. School reopens on Monday April 9th. “ Dydd Llan Pawb”

APRIL

Monday April 9th Visited Boys School. Attendance rather small owing to Pleasure fair at Wrexham. “Dydd

Llan Pawb” Found staff all present, three classes working at Composition and Dictation. Two at Arithmetic and one at Reading.Thomas Bury, Clerk

Attendance very unsatisfactory this week owing to pleasure fair at Wrexham It would have been better policy to take the Easter Holidays this week and not at Easter.

Weather very cold again causing the attendance to go down. Progress fair. Standard two very slow. There is a large percentage of dull children in this class. There is more work with them than any other class in the school.

MAY

Owing to bad weather and sickness the attendance is nearly 5 per cent less than last week. The exams today proved very fair work on the part of the classes. The regular boys are doing remarkably well.

Sent for Arthur Owen Jones, monitor to school, as he has been absent for many weeks. He had at first Scarlet Fever but has now been convalescent for some time. I was informed by message that by Doctors orders he was not to return to school till after the Midsummer holidays - the result will be that he will find it difficult to scratch through the exam in October next.

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JUNE

Examination held today. The result was not at all satisfactory. The weakest subject throughout the whole school was dictation and composition. The spelling in all the classes was very unsatisfactory, though a great deal of time is devoted to it. Every dictated piece is written on the blackboard before it is read out, besides the classes have frequent spelling lessons.

JULY

Though it is almost now Midsummer, the weather is anything but satisfactory. It is cold and wet and it greatly affects the attendance. School fees £2-8-4. It is very difficult to get the fees in. Colliers and miners have pretty regular work but the pay is exceedingly small and as a result they cannot pay their fees. Result of the quarterly exam not yet to hand though it is daily expected

AUGUST

Attendance very small as is usual after the re-opening. School fees very low. No one seemed during this week in much humour for work.

We have now got nicely into the swing of the work. All the classes are making very fair progress. The result of the weekly exams are much better then for the corresponding period last year. School visited by Dr Gibbons and examined the registers and found them correct. Broke up today for a weeks holiday during the Eisteddfod.

SEPTEMBER

Attendance greatly reduced owing to the Eisteddfod holiday last week. A large number of boys away from school. One boy from Standard six punished for truant playing. The result of the weekly exam held today was far from satisfactory. The Upper Standards did very poor work indeed and could not do much worse even if they tried. Composition and Arithmetic thoroughly unsatisfactory.

Held a general exam today and the results showed improvement in all the standards. Attendance not equal to what it was last year, a large number being detained at home owing to the late harvest. Boys and girls go out with their mothers to glean. Harvest being very late this year affects the school.

OCTOBER

Attendance a little better. Working with a will. The boys are much better prepared than they were last year. Last year my absence had greatly affected the school.

Progress very satisfactory. The attendance of a fair number of the boys is still very unsatisfactory. Some boys in standards five and six are kept at home a great deal too often with to all appearance. Results of exam were very satisfactory. Excellent work. The papers were neat and tidy.

Our last test was held today on all the standards with very good results. Compared with the corresponding exam last year it showed much better results and we therefore face next week’s ordeal with a feeling that we have all done our duty.

The Government Examination took place this week beginning in the Infant School on Monday and finished in the Boys School. Every thing passed of very nicely. The Boys had plenty of time and every chance to do good work. Whatever will be the result we cannot complain on the sense of not having every fair play. It was really a pleasure to see how nicely things were going on. We had everything ready to meet HMI and we had so arranged matters that it was almost next to impossibility that any hitch should take place.

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As so much depends on the result of the examinations teachers should do all they can to make things run smoothly and I believe that at Penygelli we succeed in doing this year after year with the result that we always have HMI in the best of humours and his annual visit is to all of us a source of pleasure.

NOVEMBER

This week has been a very broken week. Very little work could be done as the schedules have not come to hand. Mr Morgan Owen called as he passed from examining the Minera N. Schools.

Schedules to hand, results very satisfactory. We are now again on the way for another years work, the school has been arranged accordingly to the work shown on the schedules. Standard one from the Infant school did very poor work Only 12 passed in all subjects. The greater number who come seem simply to know nothing.

I find that there will be very great work with the boys who come down from the Infants school. They are indeed very much behind, very little work has been done with them. They will get plenty of work during the coming year. Their teacher complains fearfully.

Ordinary progress, all working with a will. Attendance not at all satisfactory. I hear that the report for the Bersham School has come to hand and that it was discharged at the monthly meeting of the Board yesterday. The boys have done very well. Mr Bristow getting the “Excellent”

1888 Summary of H.M.I’s Report

Boy’s School.-“The work done in this Department - Standard, Class and Specific Subjects, also Singing - is of an admirable character, and reflects credit upon all connected with it. I would suggest more attention to the writing and Reading of the first and second Standards, and the prefixes in the top Standards. The tone was excellent.”Girl’s School.- “In consequence of the number of weak passes in Writing and Reading (55 & 41 respectively), I have hesitation in recommending this department for the Good Merit Grant. The Grammar was from moderately fair to very good. The Poetry was uniformly creditable. The Arithmetic vivâ voce was from moderate (in the 3rd stand.) to good (in the first & second standards). The tone was excellent, Singing & Registration very good and Needlework good.”Infant’s School.- “Out of 45 in the 1st stand, only 13 knew their work properly. The babies need more care with writing and objects; the second class with writing, Arith. on slates &objects; some of the first class with Reading, writing letters from memory and all of them with subs, vivâ voce and the seasons. The rest of the work done by this department on the examination days was from fair to very good. The work of the Pupil Teachers in each department needs anxious care.”

W.J. Jones and A.L. Jones have passed fairly but W.J. Jones should attend to History and Geography. A.L. Jones should be informed that she is now qualified under Art 50 but not under Art 52; and M.E. Jones (whose Spelling, Grammar, History, and teaching need attention) and M.J. Jones that they are not qualified by this examination under Art 50 or 52. They can be qualified for Art 50 only by passing the examination specified in Art 46. M.J. Jones has again passed so bad an examination My Lords have been unable to consider her as part of the school staff for the past year (articles 83 and 115(2))E.G. Griffiths Spelling and MathematicsJ. Jones Geography and MathematicsS. Edwards Grammar, Composition, Geography, History & teaching. She must improve.I am to request that Mr Roden’s Certificate be forwarded to this department for endorsement in the second class.M.C. Jones must improve very much or she will fail to pass next year.Mr Thomas will receive his Certificate in due course.

Page 51: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

School StaffHeadmaster Mr G.J. JonesAssistants Teachers David Thomas, Edw Roden, Phillip JonesPupil Teachers Edw G. Griffiths, John Jones, Wm J. JonesPaid Monitors Wm P. Williams, Arthur O. Jones

Thomas Bury, Clerk.

DECEMBER

The report is to hand which is of a most pleasing character. It is really a pleasure to work when one receives such an encouraging report from Her Majesty’s Inspectors. Kind words such as are contained in our report compel us to redouble our efforts to perform good work. We have always tried to do all we can to give satisfaction to the managers and HMI and we feel that our efforts are rewarded when we receive our annual reports. We hope to do equally as well net year gain.

Progress very satisfactory. We are now working very hard for our annual entertainment. The children among other pieces intend singing “ Farewell i Gymru” by Dr Joseph Parry and the “ Hallelujah Chorus”. This means very heavy work.

Broke up today for the usual Christmas holidays. We reopen a week on Monday. The school is used next week for a Bazaar or rather a kind of Christmas-tide sale of work. The attendance is very unsatisfactory if anything less than it has been for many years in proportion to the numbers on the registers. Where the fault lies we cannot say. All times it is not at our doors as we send regularly for absentees. Progress since the examination has been very satisfactory throughout the whole school.

1889 JANUARY

Attendance better, New Years Day coming on a Tuesday greatly affected the school. The classes were mere skeletons all last week. School fees better and progress satisfactory. The County Council Election seems to slightly affect the homework of the boys.

This week has again been a broken week owing to the rooms being used for polling on Wednesday. It is a thousand pities that other places for polling could not be found. The candidates for the County Council were Mr Isaac Rogers an old school board member and Mr William Lester a local gentleman. This was the first election for C.C.

Absent from school myself during the greater part of the week owing to a severe cold and sore throat.

FEBRUARY

All spare time after school given to prepare for our annual concert which promises to be a grand occurrence. The Boys and Girls throw their whole souls into the work.

Yesterday the school was again closed for another County Council Election. This time the candidates were Mr Tudor Rogers and C J Gibbons. Mr Gibbons was the successful candidate.

We are no sooner out of the troubles of the C.C. elections than we are plunged into a contested School Board election and this it appears will be quite as fierce as any. These elections greatly disturb our schoolwork and I see no reason why they should not be arranged amicably.

Outside school we hear of nothing but the sound of war. There are 13 candidates for seven seats. All are working to win.

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MARCH

Very little progress during the week owing to the disturbing influences of as many as three contested elections in almost as many weeks. Yesterday a half-day holiday. School Board election. Four old members were elected and three new ones A new member Mr Jesse Roberts, Berse, a large farmer headed the poll.

Today we have had one of the largest snowstorms during the year. Snow fell heavily all day and by night it averaged in the neighbourhood fully a foot deep and had it not been for the thaw it would have been much deeper. Should it continue all night it will be almost impossible to travel tomorrow. We have the P Ts quarterly exam tomorrow in Wrexham, It is to be hoped that the storm will not keep the teachers home.

By Monday the snow had almost cleared away, a large number of boys were sent home for their school fees. Attendance low. Notice of Pupil Teachers Government Exam to hand this morning. It is to take place on Saturday April 13th at National Schools Wrexham. 9.45 am

Attendance very unsatisfactory. School fees very low. Yesterday evening a committee of the whole board attended at the Girls school to enquire into the absentee cases and also into the cases of arrears

APRIL

Attendance not so very good. School fees improving As a result of the General Com. on Wednesday and the Board on Thursday I hope to see a better attendance and better school fees in future. Progress in Welsh is most wonderful. The purely English boys are really doing most excellent work. Cameron be especially mentioned. It will certainly be a better paying subject than Euclid has been, though as regards the failure of the boys it will not be so good as Euclid. I found Euclid to be a splendid preparation for boys for future life especially as teachers.

Progress good. All the teachers are working with a will. Pupil Teachers exam takes place tomorrow, some young PT`s are very well prepared and ought to do well, two of them are prize-winners at the Pupil Teachers annual scheme.

Broke up today for the usual Easter Holidays. We reopen again on Monday April 29th

MAY

School visited today by Mr Joseph Wilcoxon, Chairman of Bersham School Board and Mr Jesse Roberts member. Mr Wilcoxon takes a great deal of interest in the schools. He has made a gallant effort during the six years he has been on the Board. Visiting the schools regularly and showing himself quite an enthusiast in the work. Mr Roberts will I believe make a very good member. He is one of the largest ratepayers in the township. He is a new man. The present Board are all very active men.

Attendance not so good today owing to the tea parties and chapel anniversaries. It is a great pity that all these things can’t take place during the school holidays. From now until the end of September it will be nothing but tea parties and preaching meetings and as a result poor attendance.

JUNE

School fees and attendance unsatisfactory. The two youngest pupil teachers are doing very good work all round. They are doing well also in their extra subject French

Owing to a holiday on Monday the attendance was very low this week. The weather has been beautiful. On Monday (being Bank holiday) one local choir “ The Maelor Choral Society” entered for competition at the Cilcen Eisteddfodd on “ Worthy is the Lamb”. Six choirs competed and we came out best.

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All are working very satisfactory. Edward Gordon Griffiths is now hard at work preparing for Scholarship. If he had worked during the whole of his apprenticeship as he has worked the last few weeks he would have done very well. He will I am afraid be very low in Scripture

Working very hard with Edward Gordon Griffiths, Pupil Teacher. He continues to do very well and I trust that he at best secures a position for an entrance to the Training College. He tries for entrance to Chester.

JULY

Broke up on Wednesday for the usual midsummer holidays. School to reopen Tuesday after Bank Holiday in August. On Monday the Teachers had a picnic at Llangollen. They drove through Llandegla home.

AUGUST

Opened school. Attendance very miserable, school fees very low. In no humour for work. A very bad week. Tea parties still in the air. Boys are at home, was able to do but very little work.

Busy preparing for the Queens visit. Teaching Boys, Girls and Infants to sing the national Anthem “ God Save the Queen” am also training the local choir to take part in the Choral singing. The visit of Her Majesty has a very great influence on the schools. The children seem to be quite unsettled for work. Tomorrow Her Majesty visits Wrexham. Shall be very glad to see the whole affair over so as to be able more earnestly to work. Have had no exam this or last week. The visit of her Majesty has greatly hindered schoolwork. The minds of the children being quite unsettled.

SEPTEMBER

Attendance greatly improving. Very good work is being done by all the classes. Paper work in some very neatly done. An attendance Committee held on Wednesday, about a dozen parents were called before the Committee. I don’t expect much improvement as when the parents are summoned they are hardly ever compelled to pay the fine imposed.

Attendance very satisfactory. Four boys punished for truant playing. Board met yesterday. They have decided to employ an additional monitor in order to give more time for studying to the Pupil Teachers. This a very excellent idea as the PT`s at present are very much overworked, 6 hours in school teaching and after 4 or 5 hours night studying is very trying to growing children and many of them not over strong. I am very much pleased that the Board have adopted this scheme.

Queen Victoria came to Ruabon by train and arrived on 24 August. The Queen then travelled to Wrexham and on to Acton Park where a concert was held in her honour. A choir accompanied by more than 10.000 Sunday school children sang the National AnthemThe Mayor of Wrexham, Mr Evan Morris was later knighted by the Queen for his efforts

Page 54: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

The following copy of a letter received from T Morgan Owen Esq. was handed to me by Mr Davies of Bwlchgwyn in reply to one sent by himself on behalf of the Teachers Association.

“ I shall meet your association between now and Christmas. Meanwhile act upon my advice as given by me at Wrexham 24th August1889.1 Test children 4 weeks before exam: present or withhold accordingly.2 No child is excused in Standard two, as a child not fit for Standard two should be in Standard one.3 As a rule children eligible or not eligible and those who failed in two or three subjects at last exam should be kept in same standard.

Just finished examining the exam papers. Result not flourishing. My own class did very poor arithmetic papers. The card given must have been very difficult, as we have been doing all along about 95 and even 100 per cent when using 1a exam papers. The set I laid my hand on must have been very hard.

Copy of letter from J Bury Esq. Clerk of School Board, re School Staff.Wrexham 30th Sept 1889Dear Sir.The Board has resolved that as from this date the staff of the Department at Penygelli to be increased by the appointment of an additional monitor to each department on the usual terms of remuneration and conditions of engagement. I trouble you to enter this communication in the Log Books and let me have the names of the Monitors provisionally selected by the Head teachers to act?Yours truly Thomas Bury.

OCTOBER

The attendance is not at all satisfactory. It could be greatly improved if we had an energetic attendance officer. Officers do very little good unless the Teachers themselves work. We systematically send for an absentee and unless we did so we would have a very poor attendance indeed. Result of exams very fair.

Those who came from the Infant school last year without knowing their letters are in a very backward state. Our Infant school is a great drawback. They are not at all well taught and this makes our work so much the harder. I certainly think that no child should be sent down here unless they are able to do a little reading.

The great majority of them who came down last year could do very little indeed. With the staff they have at their command they should be able to do as well as any Infant school in this district.

Have been very ill now for nearly a fortnight with a very severe cold on the chest. I have been forbidden by the doctor to do any work but as the exam is so close I am bound to go to school. I feel thoroughly ill and quite unable to attend to my work as usual though I come to school every day. I never had a worse cold nor have I been ever working under such difficulties. I ought to have been in bed. My cold went worse after attending the Pupil Teachers writing exam last Saturday at Wrexham. I attended through the fog and when I came home I was much worse.

At the weekly exam held today the classes have done remarkably well. Mr Roden`s class Standard four was the best, they did excellent work in every subject. He is taking every child whether to be examined or not. My own class did very good in arithmetic and composition and the grammar was simply perfect.

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Standard one and two did excellent work. The percentage of passages was very high. Owing to a very bad cold I was unable to complete the examination of the paperwork in the other classes but hope to do it tomorrow and Monday. I am still suffering and it greatly hinders my will to work. I feel quite prostrate and I am extremely nervous. If I am not better I must call another doctor in.

Received notice today, Oct 24th of H.M.I`s annual inspection. Copies of letters from Mr Bury.

26th Sept 1889.Your application for the use of the Boys school for a concert on Monday nest on behalf of the C.M. Sunday school has been granted on the terms settled by the Board today as applicable for the use of that room for concerts, entertainments and similar gatherings (but exclusive of political and election meetings, none of which are to be held in the Boys or Girls rooms)

For use of the Boys school room 10s 6dFor use of school organ (if used) 10s 6dFee to teachers for stage platform 5s 0dApplication for the use of the room to be made to the Vice Chairman when time does not amit of same being dealt with by the Board.Yours truly Thomas Bury.

Wrexham 31st Oct 1889Dear SirI reply to you letter the Board have acted on your recommendation and approved of the appointment of Alexander Cameron as Monitor on the usual terms are from the commence of next quarter. I am writing to Mr Burton with expression of the thanks of the Board to Mrs Burton for the pictures and you are at liberty to have same suitably framed. The application for school books is referred to the visiting members-the Chairman and Mr Jesse Roberts to report upon.Yours trulyThomas Bury.

NOVEMBER

Attendance very small. Potato raising and reaction after Examination. No school on Thursday and Friday this week, the school being used for a local “Bazaar”

Schedules to hand, results of exam in Boys school most satisfactory. The passes average 96 percent. The grant per head this year will in this department be one of the highest ever received.Very good attendance today. Boys have assembled to hear results of examinations, which came to hand last week Today was occupied with making our new arrangements according to the New Standards.

Board meeting today when Bersham report was read and a resolution proposed congratulating Mr Burton and Messrs Plant also on the results of the examination. Our attendance is very good and the numbers on the roll is higher than on any previous year. Since the Infants and Standard one were transferred to the Infant department school pence is not coming in as they should do. We are obliged to send a great many children home weekly for the school pence and many of the do not return but stay at home to play or run errands.

Report of inspection.22 Nov 1889

Having examined the Registers and compared same with members present we certify as to their correction.

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The Staff were all present (excepting Mr Roden who is absent through serious illness) and were very attentive to their duties. The children were very clean and orderly. Everything appeared to be most satisfactory.Joseph Wilcoxon, Chairman.Jesse Roberts, Member of the Boards.

DECEMBER

Report to hand today, which is as far as the Boys school is concerned, is highly satisfactory and the results of the specific subjects most satisfactory.

Algebra 93 percent. Welsh 71 percent. The total results 95.5 percent.Total Grant for Boys school £209-10-6 Grant per head £2-2-9

Attendance has greatly improved on what it was though it is far from being what it should. Our school is better than the Girls and the Infants. Indeed it is a wonder that they do as well as they do when the irregularity of the children attending school is taken into account. The Girls are fearfully irregular and the Infants are simply as bad as they possibly can be.

A very rough day attendance very bad. Morning was 156, afternoon was 200.This attendance will ruin the whole week and a few days like Monday would ruin the whole year.

Mr Roden continues very ill and I miss him very much at his work. His class is taken by W Jas. Jones and W Pryce Williams alternately. I am very badly staffed now. Arthur Owen Jones monitor is home, his mother having died. I understand that this monitor intends leaving at Christmas. He would make a very good teacher but a very poor student. He dislikes books and does not do his lessons at all well.

My Pupil Teachers are at home every other day studying according to an arrangement with the Board. They ought to do well at the Quarterly Examination and also at the Annual exam. They are both very good boys and make good students.

Attendance this morning gone down. It is exceedingly cold. Received result of writing examination from Mr Morgan Owen H.M.I . Several of the Penygelli teachers are to receive prizes. One, Mr Edward Gordon Griffiths receives the silver medal offered to best writer amongst the District Pupil teachers.

Out of eight Pupil teachers sent from the schools to the competition seven are mentioned by HM Inspector among the 24 best writers and six out of the seven take the prizes offered. This is certainly a feather in the already well known reputation of the school.

Today school was closed for the usual Christmas holidays. Progress fair. Mr Roden is still absent and does not seem likely to come to school for some time, it is a great loss after him, not only with the work of his own class but with that of the whole school.

Summary of H.M. Inspector’s Report

Boy’s School.- “The tone of this school is excellent and the character of its work, in the main, richly deserves the highest praise. Some of it was simply excellent in all respects. I would recommend more attention to some of the vivâ voce work in the top standards: more intelligence as regards meaning of words etc could be imported into the Reading. Steps could be taken to improve the ventilation; this should be seen to at once.”Girl’s School.- “The grammar of the fourth Standard, and the work of the second standard generally were poor, the arithmetic of the fifth and sixth standards was weak. The rest of the school work was from fair to good. The tone was excellent. This Department is not doing as well as it should do, and I do not see why the girls do not do as well as their brothers.”

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Infant’s School.- “The Arithmetic of the first and second classes needs more care (mechanical aids for this subject are not advisable) some of the writing in these classes could be improved. The rest of the work was from fair to very good. Blinds are needed for the windows. The average attendance is not satisfactory.”

W.J. Jones, W.P. Williams, M.G. Jones & S. Edwards have passed fairly; but W. J. Jones should attend to method, and Edwards to history and geography.E.G. Griffiths MathematicsJ. Jones Arithmetic, Grammar, History and MathematicsM.E. Jones Grammar, History and Geography. She, Griffiths and J. Jones should be informed that they are now qualified under Art.50, but can only qualify themselves under Art.52, by passing satisfactorily the examination specified under Art.46.A.O. Jones ArithmeticM.C. Jones Geography, History, Teaching & Method.C.E. Jones FailureE.E. Wilcoxon is too young for recognition under Article 40.A.L. Jones is recognized in this school under Article 50.

School StaffHeadmaster G.J. JonesAssist. Teachers D. Thomas, E. Roden, P. JonesPupil Teachers E. G. Griffiths, J. Jones, W. J. Jones, W. P. Williams, Monitor A. O. JonesThomas Bury, Clerk.

1890 JANUARY

School closed on Wednesday being New Years Day. Attendance fair. Not much work done during the week. School Board meeting on Thursday. Visitors did not call this month according to the Boards arrangements.

FEBRUARY

Attendance very bad, owing to a great deal of sickness amongst the children. Working very hard for our annual concert, though under very great difficulties owing to the miserable attendance. The concert should have been over before now but owing to outside work I have been unable to attend to it. I have had singing meetings outside of school, which has greatly hindered my schoolwork.

Attendance lower than ever. Never have I seen such sickness amongst the children. Last week the attendance in my own class was only 61 percent. The attendance in the three departments taken as a whole is about 41 percent.

School closed owing to sickness on February 21st Ditto, February 28th

End of Boys school log.

Page 58: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

Entry dated May 1887

This refers to the collision, in fog, between the White Star steamers Britannic and Celtic on Thursday 19th May 1887, 350 miles from Sandy Hook. Five steerage passengers were killed on the Britannic. There is a report in the Wrexham Advertiser, which confirms that Griffith J Jones and his family were aboard the Celtic, which had sailed for New York from Liverpool on Wednesday 4th May 1887.

Cut By The Celtic's BowThe Britannic Nearly Sunk By Collision

New York Times, May 23, 1887Twelve Steerage Passengers Killed And Many Injured

A collision between the great steamers the Britannic and the Celtic, both of the White Star Line, occurred about 350 miles east of Sandy Hook in a thick fog Thursday afternoon about 5:25 o'clock. The Celtic was coming to New-York and the Britannic was on the second day of her journey to Liverpool. The Celtic struck the Britannic three times on the side, cutting a big hole in her beneath the water line and inflicting other serious damage to both vessels

The Collision.

The Celtic had about 870 cabin and steerage passengers on board. The Britannic carried some 450 passengers. The weather was foggy at the time and the sea calm. The Britannic's fog bell had been kept ringing all the afternoon, but her speed had been kept at a high rate. The Celtic was not sighted until the moment before the collision, although her bell had been heard. The Britannic, under command of Capt. Hamilton Perry, was kept straight on in her course. The Celtic appeared on the port side of the Britannic and when she saw her, reversed her engines, but it was too late.

The prow of the Celtic crashed through the railing, breaking into the cabin and cutting a hole in the Britannic below the water line. Her nose entered the Britannic's side fully 10 feet. The steerage passengers were gathered there, and six of them were killed outright by the crash of the Celtic's prow and by falling pieces of iron. Twelve were seriously injured.

Page 59: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

Every one thought the Britannic was sinking, and Capt. Perry ordered the boats lowered. Some of the men tried to enter the lifeboats, and a party of 15 firemen got in a launch and started for the Celtic. The Captain drew his pistol and threatened to shoot any of the crew who would repeat the act. Some of the women and children were then transferred to the Celtic, and when it was discovered that there was no immediate danger, the panic was allayed and the vessels lay to.

The Captains of the two steamers consulted together, and, lying motionless about five hours, the weather cleared a little, and in company the two disabled steamers journeyed slowly toward New-York.

Before the sun rose the next morning the solemn service for the burial of the dead at sea was read, and the six killed passengers were dropped overboard to their graves at the bottom of the ocean. The steamships Marengo, of the Wilson Line, and the British Queen, both bound for this port, overtook the Celtic and Britannic Friday, the day after the accident, and accompanied them toward Sandy Hook.

The Rev. Dr. William H. DePuy, who was one of the passengers on the Britannic gave the following account of the experience of the passengers on the two steamships:

"The Britannic left her wharf in New-York at exactly her scheduled time Wednesday, and passed Sandy Hook at about 4 P.M. She had made at noon of the following day a distance of 280 miles. All went well, notwithstanding the prevalence of a fog of considerable density from 11 P.M. of Wednesday, making the use of the fog horn necessary during the whole time. The rate of speed and this state of things generally continued until 5:45 on Thursday, when suddenly the fog lifted a little, revealing the steamship Celtic at a distance of possibly an eighth of a mile coming from the north-northeast toward us on her return trip from Liverpool. The danger signals were instantly sounded by both ships.

"But on came the Celtic, bearing down upon and apparently threatening to strike us amidships and at nearly right angles to our course like a great ship of war determined to run down and sink her enemy. There was a screech of the steamers' whistles, a cry of horror from the witnessing passengers, a sharp crash, and two great iron consort ships of the White Star Line were in partial wreck, with the screams of agony from dying and wounded and of horror from the imperilled crowds of passengers. Fortunately for all concerned, the blow, instead of being perpendicular to the line of the Britannic was at an angle of about 25, thus not cutting the vessel in two, and instead of being amidships the crash began on a line in the rear of the engine and wheel house. Thus the instantaneous and utter disabling and sinking of the tow ships was avoided. As it was the loss of life and property were small in comparison with the alarming peril.

"After personal inquiry made on both of the succeeding days in the steerage department, where all the casualties occurred, I believe the list of death embraces not more than 12 persons, including two children, and the list of wounded less than 20, and most of the wounds were not severe. The two children and one woman were horribly mangled, and must have died instantly. Several men were knocked into the water, one of whom was rescued, and six were said to be still missing yesterday afternoon, and were believed by their associates in the steerage to have been drowned. Among the few severely wounded was an old man who lost both legs, a woman who lost a limb, and a man an eye. All the casualties were confined to the Britannic.”

Page 60: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

THE STAFF AT BERSHAM AND ADWY SCHOOLS.

THE HEAD MASTERS

Richard Morris.

The Principal Teacher at Penygelli from when the School opened in April 1868 was Richard Morris of Llangerniew born about 1846 He came from a family of weavers and was the son of John Morris, and Gwen Hughes who were married at Sion Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Llanwrst on 1st June 1844.Richard married Anne Maria James on 22nd January 1865. At that time he was working as a schoolmaster in Carno.Before coming to Coedpoeth, Richard was a Pupil Teacher at Llangerniew and when he left Penygelli School in December 1871 he moved on to take charge of Taliesin School Board.From census records it is found that Richard and his wife Anne Maria moved to Llancynfelin, Cardiganshire where he became a Calvinistic Methodist Preacher, but by 1891 he had moved again to Ystradyfodwg, Glamorgan and was once again `schoolmaster certified`Richard died 4th April 1919 aged 73; Anne Maria died 25th December 1926 aged 82

Griffith Joseph Jones

Griffith Joseph Jones was the next Head Teacher of the school. He was born around 1845 in the Tallyllyn area of Merionethshire and was the son of a quarry man also named Griffith.Griffith married Jane Hannan on Aug 12 1869 at St Saerons church, Llanynys. Jane was the daughter of John Hannan a blacksmith from Llanynys.He was then the schoolmaster at The British School, Gellifor, Llangynhafal, Denbighshire. Griffith stayed at Penygelli, for many years, raising a family and settling into the community.In the logs, Griffith mentions that he is going to America to visit his family. During their voyage there was a collision, between the White Star steamers Britannic and Celtic on Thursday 19 th May 1887, 350 miles from Sandy Hook. Five steerage passengers were killed on the Britannic. There is a report in the Wrexham Advertiser, which confirms that Griffith J Jones and his family were aboard the Celtic, which had sailed for New York from Liverpool on Wednesday 4th May 1887.Jane died aged 41 in March 1914, Griffith died aged 78 and was buried with his wife on 2 nd March 1923 at Coedpoeth Cemetery

Boys School Teachers

John Brookes

John was born in Bersham about 1854; his parents were John Brooks a stonemason who was born in Llanasa and Caroline nee Thomas who was born in Bersham.In 1878 he married Mary Anne Rogers and by 1881 he was a schoolteacher at Penyfordd, by 1901 he is the Head teacher in the Board School, still living at Penyfordd. His son John J Brookes born in 1879 is an Assistant teacher.

Page 61: Bersham and Adwy School Diaries,  Boys School Book 2, 1880- 1890

William Davies

William was born about 1854, he was the son of Edward Davies, a tailor of Bersham and Harriet who was born Bangor, Flints.By 1881 William had moved to the Board School House Llanrhaiadr Ym Mochnant Montgomeryshire where he is now a Certificated Elementary Teacher and has married Sarah Ann, who was born in Birmingham.In 1891 William is back in his home area, and is now a Certificated Teacher at Bwlchgwyn Board School, in 1901 he is still there along with wife and four children, one of whom is Reginald Trevor also a Pupil Teacher at the age of 13.

Peter C Evans

Peter Christmas Evans was born in Wrexham on the 25th December 1854, his parents were Peter Evans, a mason and Rebecca who was born in Cilcaen. When Peter C leaves the school in 1872 “ to go away” that’s the last we hear of him in the logs.Fortunately he is mentioned in the book “Coedpoeth Past” and this solves the mystery of where he went. (Re Penygelli School) G.J. Jones assisted by Peter Christmas Evans, son of Peter Evans, stonemason. He later became Mayor of one of the States Of America, three times.Peter married Louisa Kent at West Derby, Liverpool in 1879,

Census 12th Jun 1900 Syracuse, New York Peter C. Evans Head, white, male, b.Dec 1855 England, 44yrs, married 20yrs, parents b.Wales, emigrated 1880, grocer, owner of a mortgaged house.Louisa Evans wife, white, female, b.Feb 185(9) England, parents b. England, emigrated 1880.They had four children all born in New York.Edwin H son born Nov 1870, Charles S born Jan 1872, George H. born Dec 1874 and Reginald S. born Feb 1891 United States Census, 1920Precinct 94, Los Angeles, CaliforniaPeter C Evans Married b.1855 Wales, 65yrsLouisa Evans Wife b.1860, 60yrs, b.EnglandBoyd's Duplex Directory of Syracuse, New York 1899-1900. Peter C. Evans, 18th Ward, AldermanPeter died on the 23rd February 1947 in Los Angeles

Eli Baddily

Eli certainly moved around the country quite a lot.Eli was born in Staffordshire about 1852. In 1871 he is living in Dewsbury, Yorkshire and was already a Schoolmaster. He didn’t stay at Penygelli for very long, and in 1881 he turns up in Irby In March, Lincoln. He married Elizabeth Fanny Harman at Greenwich in 1872; Her parents were George who was a gamekeeper and Martha, Elizabeth Fanny was born about 1853 in Amport, Hampshire. 1891 sees the family living at Steyton, Pembrokeshire and by 1901 at Milford.Eli Baddily died aged 65 in 1918 at Leek, Staffordshire so after all his travels still ended up where he originally came from.

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Edward Roden

Edward was born in Adwy, Bersham about 1860, the son of Edward a boot and shoemaker who was born in Welshhampton, his mother Mary was from Wrexham. In 1881 Edward is living at New Road, Adwy, with his family and is described as a Teacher. Edward was a member of Bethlehem Chapel and appears in the members list in the Chapel Registers. He also signed the “Pledge”

Edward Roden, married 24, Adwy`r Clawdd, Teacher. Joined July 6 1884Entry in the register dated 23/2/1886 Edward Roden 25 Adwy. Date of Pledge taken 1/2/71I PROMISE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING DRINKS AS BEVERAGES

In 1885 Edward married Letitia Jones who was born at Tipton, Shropshire, and in 1891 he is still occupied as a Schoolmaster.Edward died on Nov 26 and was buried on Nov 30 1895 In 1901 Letitia is living in Chorlton Cum Hardy,and `lets out apartments` but by 1911 she is back in Smithy Road, Penygelli with Violet, aged 14 who is described as `adopted daughter`Letitia died in 1924 and is buried with Edward in Coedpoeth Cemetery.

James Pritchard Shelby

James was born in Ruthin in 1863, the son of John Shelby a lead miner from Ysbywty Ystwyth, Cardiganshire and Sarah who was born in Dwyran, Montgomershire. By 1871 the family had moved to Penygelli and were still there in 1881. By 1891 James had moved to Mold, and was employed as a Schoolmaster. His whereabouts in 1901 are unknown but James married in 1905 at Forden to Sarah Elizabeth Rogers.

George Bristow

George was born about 1861 in Aston, Birmingham. His parents were Francis, a timber merchant’s agent and Harriet. In 1874 George married Eliza Marion Hart at Wrexham, Eliza was born in Wolverhampton. By 1881 and 1891 they are living at the School House in Bersham Village where he is an Elementary School Teacher.George died in 1900 and Eliza died in 1925, they are both buried in Ruabon Road Cemetery in Wrexham