Ystradgynlais & District

Gurnos Infants School was headed by a Headmistress. We have attempted to identify the individuals holding that job through the pages of the Llais.

The Labour Vote newspaper reported in March 1919 on the death of Servia Jones, Headmistress of Gurnos Infants School. From 22nd March 1919:-

MISS SERVIA JONES

It is with deep regret that we report the death of Miss Servia Jones, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs David Jones painter, which took place at her home at Station Road on Wednesday morning. The deceased, who was about 50 years of age, has for many years been an assistant mistress at the Oddfellows Street Schools and later at the Cynlais Schools subsequently to this, she became the headmistress of the Gurnos Council Schools, a position she had occupied for about 10 years. Miss Jones was highly respected in the district and her sudden death came, after only a few days illness. Miss Jones was a member of Tabernacle Chapel and was at her duties as recently as last week.

From 29th March 1919:-

MISS SERVIA JONES

The funeral of the late Miss Servia Jones headmistress of Gurnos Infants School took place last Saturday at Cwmgiedd. There were a large number of relatives and friends from the surrounding district: the deceased being very popular with her fellow teachers and the kindness she invariably showed to the little ones in her care made her very popular with parents also.
The chief mourners were: Mr Harry Jones brother; Messrs D O Jones, John Davies brother in law; Messrs John Morgan, Henry Williams, David Jones, Harry Thomas nephews.

Servia Jones was the daughter of David and Ann Jones. Her mother, Ann, died in July 1916, having been born in 1842, and her funeral was reported in the Llais for 22nd July, where Servia's name is mis-spelt as Sylvia:-

FUNERAL OF AN OLD YSTRADGYNLAIS NATIVE

Amidst manifestations of deep regret, the funeral of Mrs Ann Jones, Station Road, took place at Cwmgiedd on Wednesday afternoon. The large attendance of sympathisers testified to the esteem in which she was held in the locality.
The chief mourners were: Mr and Mrs D O Jones, Misses Sylvia, Gwen and Catherine Jones, Mr and Mrs J Davies, Pte and Mrs Harry Jones, Mr and Mrs Jones Briton Ferry; Misses Nancy and Megan Jones and masters Tudor and Willie Jones and Rev D Jenkins Rhos Cilybebyll.

From the South Wales Voice newspaper of Friday December 18th 1953 comes this report on the retirement of the long-serving head mistress of Gurnos Infants School, Miss Elsie King, after almost 30 years in that position:-

HEADMISTRESS RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS

A presentation of a standard lamp was made to MIss Elsie King, head-mistress of Gurnos Infants School on Friday last at the School Hall. The presentation was made on behalf of the staff and pupils by Mrs Tom Rees in the absence of her husband , to mark Miss King's retirement after 40 years of teaching.

Mr Horace Morgan, M.A., headmaster, Gurnos Secondary Modern School presided and others who spoke were Mr E Morgan, Coun, P.R. Williams, B.A., Mr D.W. Rees, B Sc, and Miss W Llewellyn.

Responding, Miss King thanked the staff and pupils and recalled many incidents in her long teaching career,in particular the 1921 and 1926 strikes when the local teaching staff did such excellent work in feeding the children.

She started her career at Colbren, went to Penrhos, and was appointed head mistress at Abercrave in 1918 where she remained until 1924 when she was appointed head mistress of Gurnos Infants School.

During the last war she was an active worker with the W.V.S. and was in charge of savings which resulted in over £33,000 being collected. In 1945 she attended a garden party for savings workers at Buckingham Palace.

Miss Elsie King retired in 1953 and was succeeded by [IF YOU HAVE THIS INFORMATION PLEASE LET US KNOW]. In June 1959, Miss Dorothy Phillips took over as Headmistress.

From The Voice newspaper, Friday June 5th 1959:-

NEW HEAD

Miss Dorothy Phillips, Brecon Road Ystradgynlais, has been appointed Headmistress of Gurnos Infants School
She was formerly Headmistress of Adelina Patti Hospital School, and was educated at Penrhos, Maesydderwen, and Barry Training College.

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