Ystradgynlais & District

W. Ernest Rees was Headmaster of Maesydderwen School from 1917 to 1937. He was appointed in June 1917 after beating five other men to the job.

From the Llais 2nd June 1917:-

The short list in connection with the appointment of a headmaster at Maesydderwen County School in succession to Mr J Walter Jones B.A., was made on Friday; when the following were decided upon as being presented for the final:- Messrs. W Ernest Rees B. Sc., Ystradgynlais; A A Harries, M.A., Glynneath; D. J. Lloyd, M.A., Liverpool; A Freeman. M.A., L.L.D., Cornwall; and J Evans, B.Sc., Llandilo. The final result will be published on Friday.

From the Llais 9th June 1917:-

Satisfaction was universal on Friday at Ystradgynlais when it was announced that Mr W Ernest Rees, B.Sc., had been appointed to the headship of the Maesydderwen County School. Mr Rees is a son of Mr and Mrs Morgan Rees, Abertillery Road Blaina Monmouthshire but was born ta Ystalyfera, where a number of his relatives still reside. He has occupied the position of assistant master and science master at the Ystradgynlais County School since it was first opened and the excellence of his examination results prove his unquestionable ability as a teacher. Apart from his tutorial powers, Mr Rees has always been popular with the pupils and has also been held in high esteem by the parents.

He is also popular in the sporting side of the school's activities and has always trained the Maesydderwen teams until they have become a force to be reckoned with. Mr Rees will commence his duties in September.

The Labour Voice newspaper of 28th January 1922 records the death of the mother of Ernest Rees:-

DEATH OF MRS MORGAN REES BLAINA MON

On Saturday last the mortal remains of the late Mrs Sarah Rees were laid to rest at Godre'Rhos. She was the wife of Mr Morgan Rees 136 Abertillery Road Blaina Monmouthshire and the mother of Mr A R Rees Compton House Ammanford and Mr W Ernest Rees BSc the County School Ystradgynlais. Her only daughter, Mrs E G Carpenter had died but a week previously. Although a native of Ystalyfera, the late Mrs Rees had not lived there for some 33 years.
The mourners were: Mr Morgan Rees husband; Mr A R Rees son; Mr and Mrs W Ernest Rees son and daughter-in-law; Mr E Carpenter son-in-law; Mr and Mrs J hunt Ystalyfera; Mr and Mrs D Walters Abercrave; Mr and Mrs T Rees Ystalyfera; Mr H Davies Ystalyfera; Mr G J Rees Ystradgynlais brothers and sisters in law as well as many other relatives and friends.
The funeral service was conducted by the Rev Harold Davies Blaina who was assisted by the Rev R M Rhys Sardis, D J Davies Ainon and E T Evans Wern.
There were many beautiful floral tributes including wreaths from husband, Albert, Gladys and Alstan, Ernest and Phoebe, Ernie Carpenter, Lizzie and Jack, Sally and Dan; Staff of Maesydderwen County School; Pupils of Maesydderwen County School.

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