JOHN EVANS - John y Gwas. (1878 – 1958)
‘John y Gwas’ oedd yr hanesydd lleol gorau a welodd ardal Drefach Felindre hyd at canol yr 20ed ganrif. Gwr bychan a braidd yn dew o gorffolaeth a’i wallt cyn wynned a’r eira ac yn gwisgo wasgod a siwt bob amser oedd John y Gwas. Os gwelech ef yn gwisgo bowler ar ei ben byddai hynny’n golygu bod ganddo gyfarfod neu ddigwyddiad i fynd iddo.
Bydd y mwyafrif ohonom yn ei gofio yn rhedeg y dafarn ‘New Shop Inn’ yng nghanol pentref Felindre gyda’i wraig Leisa. Mewn amser ar ôl ei farwolaeth fe newidiwyd enw’r dafarn i ‘Tafarn John y Gwas’ yn arbennig i gofio am y gwr arbennig hwn.
Mae dau ddarlun yn sefyll yn y cof amdano.
Yn gyntaf, byddai’n sefyll tu allan i ddrws ei dafarn bob dydd Calan yn aros i’r plant ddod yn eu tro i ganu ac i ddymuno ‘Blwyddyn Newydd Dda’ iddo. Yna, byddai’n tynnu allan o’i wasgod bishin tair gloyw a newydd sbon, gyda dyddiad y flwyddyn newydd arno, a’i rhoi i ni.
Rhyfeddem at y ffaith ei fod e’n medru rhoi darn o arian i ni ar fore cyntaf y flwyddyn newydd a dyddiad y flwyddyn honno arno.
Roedd ‘John y Gwas’ yn enwog fel beirniad adrodd ac arweinydd eisteddfodau. Fe wnaeth Dan Lynn James drefnu ‘Ymryson y Beirdd’ yn neuadd Henllan ym 1958 rhwng timau beirdd de Ceredigion (Bois y Cilie, T Llew Jones, Tydfor Jones, Dic Jones ac eraill).
Cofiaf yn dda mai John y Gwas oedd yn arwain y noson ac mai Isfoel oedd y Meuryn.
Y dasg a osodwyd ar gyfer yr englyn ar y pryd oedd ‘John y Gwas’.
Cofiaf yr esgyll yn unig o waith Dic Jones:
‘Ei wallt neis sydd fel eisin,
Hwn yw’r jawch a ranna’r jin.’
Roedd John y Gwas yn un a wasanaethodd ei fro fel Cynghorydd Sir ac fel un a fu’n adrodd am ei ardal yn wythnosol yn y Carmarthen Journal mewn colofn o dan y teitl ‘Dwy Ochr Teifi’.
Pan fu farw John y Gwas ar Tachwedd 15ed 1958 ac fe’i claddwyd ym Mynwent Eglwys Penboyr ar Tachwedd 19eg 1958. Ymddangosodd adroddiad yn y ‘Carmarthen Journal’ sy’n rhoi darlun llawn (yn Saesneg) o fywyd y gwr arbennig hwn yn ogystal a phwy fynychodd ei angladd luosog yn Eglwys Penboyr.
Wele gopi o’r adroddiad ar y wefan Casgliad y Werin.
Ar 31.1.2015 fe euthum i (Peter Hughes Griffiths) i’r Llyfrgell Genedlaethol yn Aberystwyth gan i ffrind i mi Richard Hughes (cyn aelod o’r staff yno) ddweud wrtha i fod dau focs o ddeunydd John Evans (John y Gwas) yn y Llyfrgell. Ar y dyddiad uchod fe ofynnais am weld y ddau focs sydd yno o dan y teitl:
MANUSCRIPTS and PAPERS
John William Evans (John y Gwas)
Donation – MAI 1961 gan Mrs Irene Williams (Black Oak, Capel Iwan) per D L Baker Jones (May 1964).
Treuliais ddau ddiwrnod yn mynd trwy’r casgliad sydd yn y Llyfrgell Genedlaethol. Nid oedd y ddau focs o ddeunydd John y Gwas wedi ei agor ers ei gyflwyno i’r Llyfrgell yn 1964. Fi oedd y cyntaf i wneud hynny ac anogaf unrhywun sydd a diddordeb yn hanes lleol ardal Penboyr a Llangeler i ymweld a’r Llyfrgell ac i ddarllen y casgliad helaeth o ddeunydd a oedd yn eiddo i John Evans – John y Gwas. (Bydd rhaid cysylltu ymlaenllaw i ofyn am gael gweld y ddau focs yn ol rheolau’r Llyfyrgell).
DYMA AMLINELLIAD O GYNNWYS ‘DEUNYDD JOHN EVANS – JOHN Y GWAS’ SYDD YN Y DDAU FOCS YN Y LLYFRGELL GENEDLAETHOL YN ABERYSTWYTH.
DYDDIADURON JOHN EVANS.
Mae John y Gwas wedi cofnodi mewn 12 gwahanol ‘copy book’ ei hanes wythnosol.
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Born at Tyhwnt, Henllan (Aberbanc). November 1st 1877. Pupil Teacher at felindre National School with Mr Daniel Jenkins. 1899 Pupil Teacher at Hendy.
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Diary of John Evans, Ivy House, Drefach. Assistant Teacher at Aberbanc October 26th 1912
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Januaru 24th 1917 until December 3rd 1922. Continuation of Diary kept by John Evans, Geler View, Drefach.
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November 18th 1924 - October 3rd 1929.
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Diary of John Rvans (John y Gwas) New Shop Inn, October 6th 1929 to April 5th 1931
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April 5th 1931 to April 11th 1937. John Evans, New Shop Inn. (Yn Seasneg)
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Ebrill 13eg 1937 - Ebrill 1945 (Yn y Gymraeg o hyn allan)
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Ebrill 1945 - Mehefin 1947
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Mehefin 1947 - Awst 1950.
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Awst 1950 - 31 Rhagfyr 1952
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Ionawr 1af 1952 - Hydref 13eg 1954
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Hydref 1954 - Tachwedd 9ed 1958 oedd y dydd olaf iddo lenwi ei ddyddiadur.
Bu farw ar Tachwedd 15ed 1958.
FY HUNANGOFIANT
Mewn Inverneil Excercise Book glaslwyd ei liw mae’r teitl:
FY HUNANGOFIANT gan Mr J Evans, Ivy House, Drefach (John y Gwas).
Ganwyd yn Tyhwnt, Aberbanc ar y 1af o Dachwedd 1877. Mae’n nodi ei fod yn 35 oed yn ysgrifennu hwn (1912 felly). Annie Jones oedd ei fam a John Evans ei dad a oedd yn fab i Margaret Evans, Penrallt Fach, Penboyr. Ei dad, John Evans oedd y cyntaf i gael ei gladdu yn rhan newydd mynwent Penboyr yn 1910.
Bu’r teulu yn byw yn Penrallt Fach ac fe aeth John y Gwas i Ysgol Penboyr. Aeth i weithio i ffatri wlan Pantglas, Coedmor a’i hyfforddi fel gwehydd – ond daeth streic y gwehyddion. Ail ddechreuodd fel ‘pupil teacher’ gyda Mr Daniel Jenkins yn Ysgol Penboyr a phasio y ‘Queens Scholarship’ cyn mynd i Ysgol Hendy, Pontarddulais ac i Brynmawr, Brycheiliog ba dod nol wedyn fel ‘assistant teacher’ i Ysgol Aberbanc, Henllan.
Roedd ynddo ysfa gystadleuol ac roedd e wrth ei fodd yn cystadlu mewn eisteddfodau ar farddoniaeth a thraethodau. Mae’n cynnwys rhestr hir o’i wobrau ac yn nodi ei erthyglau yn Yr Haul yn 1903 ar Castellnewydd Emlyn. Bu’n gohebun i’r Llan fel John y Gwas a hefyd i’r Welsh Gazette, Carmarthen Journal a’r Tivy Side. Mae’n cynnwys rhestri hir o deitlau ei erthyglau i’r papurau. Yn 1912 cyhoeddodd Hanes yr Achos yn Soar Penboyr Fe oedd yr awdur a enillodd yn Eisteddfod Soar 1911.
Yn 1912 enillodd Gadair Eisteddfod Llandisilio go go Ceredigion.
Ionawr 1af 1913 Cadair Eisteddfod Velindre. 1911 Beirniadu Eisateddfod Rhydcymerau ac Eisteddfod Hermon, Cynwyl Elfed. Mae ganddo resrt hir o’r eisteddfodau y bu’n beirniadu.
Ysgrifennodd am Offeiriaid Enwog Sir Aberteifi.
DAW’R HUNANGOFIANT I BEN YN SYDYN. Pam tybed ac yntau ond yn 35 oed?
Nodaf yn fras gynnwys y ddau focs sydd yn y Llyfrgell Genedlaethol – nid mewn unrhyw drefn. Mae’r cynnwys i gyd mewn gwahanol gopy books. Nodaf yn fras gynnwys pob un.
Pad Ysgrifennu Bychan: Ei feirniadaethau mewn eisteddfodau e.e. Cadair Sant Barnabas 4ydd Ionawr 1935. Pryddest Goffa i Mr Jonnie Jones, Ty Gwyn (6 pryddest). Buddugol: ‘Eco Gan’ – DR Richards, Delfryn, Beulah.
Rhaglen Cyngerdd henllan Chwefror 3ydd 1936 – Cpt Lewes Llysnewydd in the Chair, Rev. E J Davies Conductor – yna rhestr o’r artistiaid a’r rhaglen.
Llyfr Nodiadau Glas: Llangeler & Penboyr Unionists – December 5th 1922. Chair: C Yeomans, Treas: I Jones, Coedstre, Sec: H Evans.
Llyfr Glas : (Llyfr Cownt) – Drefach- Felindre a’r Cylch, Apel “Taer erfyn am gyfrannu sylweddol at gael SIREN i rybyddio’r ardal mewn adeg o berygl...... 2il Awst 1940
Collectors: Mr W Jones, Ogof, Mr L James, Peter’s Well. Yna, rhestr cyfrannwyr. Cadeirydd Parch T E Jones, Soar. Trys: J R Jones, Glanywmor, Ysg: J Evans, New Shop Inn (John y Gwas).
Principality Notr Book: Clwb Thomas by John Evans, Penpit – 1900 dechrau casglu ar vLlun Mawrth 10ed. Rhestr ob gyfrannwyr.
Llyfr Bach Coch: Beirniadu Adrodd mewn Eisteddfodau – nodiadau cyffredinol.
Llyfr Piws: Eisteddfod Brongest 28 Tachwedd 1922. Llenyddiaetrh – Englyn, Brawddeg, Can, Telyneg.
Dwy Daflen: Teitl ‘Cefn’ ac ysgrif ar bentref Cefn Saron gyda disgrifiad. Mae’n enwi’r rhiw sy’n dod o Drefach i Gefn Saron – Rhiw Pen-moel-y-cynydd. Ceir hanes yn egluro hyn.
Excercise Book(Lliw llwyd-felyn): Hanes Plwyf Cylrhedyn. Hanes y Ffatrioedd Gwlan. Llanllwni.
Tudalennau Rhydd: “Dau bentref bellach wedi tyfu’n un yw Felindre a Drefach yn Sir Gaerfyrddin....” e.e. Y ffatri gyntaf oedd yn Cwmpengraig ac cyn 1820 cafwyd ffatri Dolwyon.
Son am yr enwog Dr Harris Jonesw, Penbanc (cofgolofn tu allan i Gapel Closygraig)
Excercise Book llwyd: Erthygl – “Application of Cultural Gifts.”
Copy Book heb glawr: Copi o ddarlith gan John y Gwas yn Neuadd y Ddraig Goch. Yn y gadair – Mary evans, Panteg. (Darlith am y plwyf)
Cynnwys y Ddarlith – Son am bobl yn derbyn ‘Tal Plwyf’. Yna’r ffatrioedd – “daeth y mule cyntaf i Lwynbedw a mawr oedd y tyrru yno i weld y peiriant newydd”. Yn 1850 roedd 11 o ffatrioedd gwlan. Son am John Adams Dolwyon gan i un o’r teulu ddod yn lywydd America.
Aon am Addysg yn 1913 gan gyfeirio at Ysgol gyntaf ym mhlwyf Penboyr.
Hanes Griffith Jones a’i ysgolion yn y plwyf – Cyfrifon Medi 1739 tan Awst 1740 ceir ysgol o ddynion a phlant fel a ganlyn : Penboyr – nifer 55. O 1749 tan b1750 ysgol yn Ffynnondudur – 64 o blant. Penrhiw 51 a Ty Hen, Pemboyr 55. 1752 tan 1753 – Dangribyn, Capel Drindod (Capel Bach yn y pentref) 50. 1753 – 1754 Rhydfoyr 55. 1755 – 56 Closygraig 52. 1759 – 1760 Closygraig 40.
Cymeriadau amlwg yn rhan o’r ddarlith e.e. Dr Havard Blaengwthan yn feddyg yr holl ardal. Ganed 1791. Bu ym mrwydr fawr Waterloo 1815. Bu farw Ionawr 16, 1840. Ei fabbyn feddyg ond cafodd ei ladd yn Rhyfel y Crimea yn 24 oed.
John Lloyd Cryngae (Cwn Hela) a Hanes Cryngae.
Elizabeth Jones, Panteg Drefelin: Wedi ei chladdu yn Cemerey Brompton – “In memory of Elizabeth Jones who died May 1st 1881. For 14 years she was a faithfull servant and friend of Alexandra, Princess of Wales bu ehom this monument is erected.” Mwy o hanes Teulu Panteg, Drefelin a John Harris Jones (Ioan Geler)
Copy Book Glas: Casgliad o englynion gan wahanol bobl.
Llyfr Bach Du: Casgliad o’r hyn sydd ar gerrig beddau – Saesneg yn fwyaf – gan enwi’r mynwentydd gyda englynion ayb fel beddroddau. 271 o ddarnau yn y casgliad.
Copy Book Coch: Penboyr& Llangeler YFC Sports and Races Sept. 9th 1944. Rhaglen digwyddiad yn Llysnewydd Meadow (Dolbrenin) – Horse Races, Sports and Show.
Taflenni Rhydd: Cofnodion no ‘Gwyl Calan Hen’ 1893 Eglwys Llandysul gan John y Gwas.
Excercise Book Max Val: (llwyd wyrdd) Darlith/Pregeth – ‘Llyfrau’r Beibl’
Excercise Book Coch Tywyll: Rhestr o wahanol hanesion y plwyf. Casglu a Thalu o 1749 ymlaen.
Excercise Book Glas Ysgafn Plain: Hanes Methodistiaeth Closygraig a mwy gyda hanes y cymeriad ‘John Lon’.
Excercise Book Oren: Enwau tai sydd wedi diflannu yn yr ardal ac yn ardal Cwmhiraeth a Maenllegwaun.
Pad Aladin Bond Coch: Anerchiad (hanes lleol) i Gymdeithas Mudiad y Merched.
Bridgo Services Excercise Book (coch tywyll): Rhestr o wybodaeth allan o ‘Llangeler Vestry Book – Tal i’r Tlawd (Rhestrau)
Copy Book Glas Plain: (Fel yr uchod)
Acme Excercise Book Oren: Nodiadau i John Evans allan o wahanol gyhoeddiadau- e.e. origin of pancakes etc.
Copy Book Pinc patrymog: Darlith/Anerchiad i Gymdeithas Ddiwylliadol Closygraig.
Persons present at the funeral of Albert Evans.
Excercise Book Glas: beirniadaeth Eisteddfod. Pryddest Eisteddfod Drefach, Llun y Paeg 1912. Tesun – ‘Ing’.
BWNDEL 2
6 Llyfr Bach Coch: Cyfrifon y Dafarn.
Llyfr Harri L Jones, Glasgoed: ‘Cuttings from Daily Chronicle about London 1926.’
BWNDEL 3
Taflenni Angladdol: Parch E J Davies, Bangor Teifi (Cymeriad enwog iawn yn ei ddydd), Dr Thomas Jones jenkins Henllan, Mai 20ed 1954. (meddyg yr holl ardal am flynyddoedd maith a chymeriad arbennig iawn gyda llawer iawn o hanesion amdano). Rhaglen Eisteddfod Llun y Pasg 1937. Rhaglen Eisateddfod Gadeiriol St Barnabas Ionawr 4ydd 1936 gyda John y Gwas yn beirniadu’r adrodd a llenyddiaeth.
BWNDEL 4
Copy Book Bach Coch: Extract from a Diary by John Evans 1913-16. 1937-38.
1939 : February -‘Closygraig Party performed the operetta ‘Gwenno’ at Red Dragon Hall – Mr Albert Evans conducted. February 24th – ‘San Marino’ at Red Dragon Hall –conductor Mr William Davies Milford House (Wil Penlon)
1940 – 12 August, Foundation of Pilbox at Sgwar y Gat. October 10, 1940 – Siren onstalled at former ‘Reading Room’
Copi Ysgrifenedig: Beirniadaeth ‘Berw’ o Awdl y Gadair. Eisteddfod Gadeiriol a Choronog Dyfed, Drefach Felindre 1897. Teitl ‘Y Tair Gardd’ Roedd 7 awdl yn y gystadleuaeth. Hanes yr enillydd a’r gadair yn yr Amgueddfa Wlan Genedlaethol mewn arddangosfa yn 2014-15.
BWNDEL 5
Darnau barddoniaeth ar bapur
BWNDEL 6
Dyddiadur 1888 – dim byd ynddo.
Llond Amlen o Dorriadau papurau newydd: Ewyllys Lt. Col. William Price Llewellyn Lewes, Llysnewydd. Carmarthen Journal Feb. 11th 1910.
Llun Dec. 4th 1943 Bargod Teifi Male Octete (gyda Albert Evans a Bronwen Jones yn y cefn)
Western Mail – Llun Diaconiaid Closygraig a’r Parch Michael L Thomas yn y dathliad 1954.
Ymryson y Beirdd yn Neuadd Penrhiwllan Mawrth 19 1954. Llun cyflwyno i T Edgar Davies gan y Llywodraethwyr ar ei ymddeoliad – Westrern Mail Gorffennaf 20ed 1957.
Amlen Arall: Torriadau papurau newydd 1901 ymlaen.
Englyn Eisteddfod Velindre Mawrth 1af 1914:
Madarch
Un sy’n bod yn dlysni byw – a un ...........
Mewn eisiau’n ddigyfryw;
Gyda y wawr un gwyd yw,
Didwyll foreubryd ydyw.
BOCS 2
Copy Book gyda ymyl werdd: rhai tudalennau cyntaf wedi gwlychu. Tudalen yr un i hanes FICERIAID dros Gymru gyfan e.e Evan Evans 1835 – 1905 – rhai cannoedd ohonyn nhw hyd at 1920.
Bwndel arall o 5 Copy Book ac un trwchus: Hanes FICERIAID hyd at 1932. Mae hwn yn gasgliad arbennig iawn. Gwaith manwl ac anferth o gamp.
DYDDIADURON JOHN EVANS - Wedi eu nodi yn gynt.
BWNDEL ARALL
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Copy Book Bach Coch - a Copy Book Bach Du : Index i ficeriaid. * Mae’n amlwg fod diddordeb mawr ganddo mewn ficeriaid.
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Torrwyf Gat felindre 15 Mehefin 1843.
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Llyfr llawn lanylion am ffeiradon a phregethwyr.
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Mwy eto am ffeiradon a phregethwyr.
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Llyfr trwchus cover caled : ‘This compiling of brief biographies of Carmarthenshire men by John Evans (John y Gwas)’. Casgliad anferth arall.
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Carmarthenshire Parsons continued by John Evans 1932. Yn ‘Y Llan’ Medi 6ed 1957 John y Gwas yn nodi bod 69 o offeiriaid o blwyf Llangeler ac yn eu rhestri i gyd.
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Eminent Welshmen by John y Gwas
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Eminent Welshmen by John y Gwas.
Mae dros 1000 yn y casgliad i gyd.
Mae’r ddau focs sydd yn y Llyfrgell genedlaethol o bapurau JOHN EVANS (John y Gwas), New Shop Inn, Felindre, Llandysul yn adnodd pwysig i unrhywun sydd am ysgrifennu am hanes yr ardal a hanes Johny Gwas ei hun.
Hyd y gwn i (PHG) nid oes casgliad arall tebyg wedi ei gadw gan neb.
Ysgol Aberbanc ALLAN O DDYDDIADURON ‘JOHN Y GWAS’ (sydd yn y Llyfrgell Genedlaethol yn Aberystwyth) gan Mr John Jenkins 15, Maes y fallen, Bow Street Ceredigion SY24 5BL
Manuscripts and papers of John [William] Evans, ‘John y Gwas’. Donated May 1961 Mrs Irene Williams per D.L. Baker-Jones (uncatalogued).
Born Tyhwnt in the parish of Henllan on November 1 1877. Baptised by Rev D Oliver (Methodist) Twrgwyn. Confirmed by the Bishop of Swansea at Newcastle Emlyn. Served Pupil Teacher Apprenticeship at Velindre National School under Mr D Jenkins - engaged as Assistant Master at Hendy National School till end of September 1899 unfer Mr JC Knowles and Mr. IJ Hill.
Diary 4 February 1900 - November 12 1900:
12 April went to Aberbank and had inteview with Mr. W Griffiths.
30 “ commenced duties at Aberbank - had the infants and St. I under my charge.
10 May very few in school today owing to a great fair being at Newcastle Emlyn.
11 “ Took St.II in mental arithmetic while the Master took my classes in singing.
18 “ Prepared children for the Religious exam next Thursday.
2 June 44 pupils in the afternoon.
9 November The school was examined by Mr D James HM Sub Inspector.
2 August 1904 Mr Davies Headmaster commenced duties. Dim dyddiaduron 1901 - 1912.
Diary 26 October 1913 - 12 January 1917:
3 November 1913 School inspected by the Rev JT Davies MA Diocesan Inspector of Schools. In my class all the children were present.
12 January 1914 Went to Aberbank school, being my first start this year.
27 (Tues) “ Tomorrow and next day the school was closed owing to annual festival of Church Sunday Schools at Aberbank and Thursday owing to Trebedw fair.
4 June 1914 Heard of the death of Miss Alice Davies, Gilwen Castle. She was a school teacher at Velindre School and had been for some years at Aberbank school.
18 June Schoolchildren from Aberbank were marched up as far as Bronwydd Lodge.
27 October This afternoon the sad intelligence was received of the death of Lt. Kemeys Lloyd, the only son and heir of the Bronwydd Estate [Nodyn: ‘Probably false luckily’].
16 November School closed for the week by Medical order.
24 “ No school this week again.
27 “ Johnny Davies, schoolhouse Henllan and William Evans Penrhywaber left Henllan station to rejoin their regiments.
7 December Went over to Aberbank school. Very few children turned up so the doctor told us to close the school for a week.
18 January 1915 School closed this week owing to Scarlet Fever.
21 January Received today a circular from the Department of Education that my salary is increased to £50 a year.
28 January Trebedw fair.
24 February Mr J Bancroft, HMI, visited the school.
26 April School closed for a week owing to Scarlet Fever.
3 May School re-opened today.
1 September Heard that Mr Willie Evans, Penrhywaber Aberbanc, has been wounded - a bulet in the thigh - in the Dardanelles.
6 December Heard today of the death of corporal Llew Evans, Railway Terrace Henllan, killed in action 20 November in the Dardanells. He was with the Welsh Horse.
13 March 1916 Notified today that I am to be called up to the Colours at Carmarthen on the 24th to fulfil my attestation pledge.
22 March Finished at school today in order to enlist. Received £1 - 4s - 2d from the children.
24 March I was examined by the Medical Board at Carmarthen and certified only fit for home service. I was not allowed to join the home military corps as instructions from Board of Education were to send me back to school.
27 March At school21 May The Summer Time Bill came in force. Clocks put on one hour.
31 July Went to Carmarthen and was informed that it was a mistake to call me up.
11 September School opened after seven weeks holiday.
29 “ Capt Lloyd Bronwydd was kia lately.
Diary 24 January 1917 - 5 December 1922 [Dim dyddiadur am 1921]
24 January The Church Sunday School festival was held at Aberbank schoolroom.
31 “ This week several boys from the locality have had to join the Colours.
10 February Received £8 salary, £4 being war bonus.
8 April All clocks and watches were put on one hour this morning.
23 “ Closed school this week owing to whooping cough.
2 May The attendance was so low this week that we sent the children home today until next Monday.
4 May Learnt today that Lt Rhys Beynon Davies, Llwyngwern Henllan, has been killed in France on 2nd May. I had taught him at school at Aberbank when he was a little boy. His mother is a cousin of my late father.
11 May Yesterday about seven boys joined the Colours from here.
1 June Lt TJ Davies BA, Aberbank schoolhouse, came home on ten days leave.
5 “ Carmarthen - called to be examined by the Army Medical board. I was placed in C1. The Doctor pronounced me fit for service but on account of age 39 and greyhair I was so placed.
19 June D Thomas HMI of Schools visited this morning and was very nice to the teachers and children.
20 June Several of the local boys went away today to join the Colours.
30 July Met Private Evan George (a former assistant at Aberbank school) this afternoon. He is having a few days leave prior to his going out.
22 September Unveiling of War Shrine at Aberbank school by Sir Marteine Lloyd.
22 February 1918 Jumble sale at Aberbank school - the school stall brouht in about £32.
10 May No school - May fair at Newcastle Emlyn.
13 May Had notice calling me before the Medical Board at Carmarthen.
14 “ Medical examination - was put in Grade 2.
24 June Went to Carmarthen with my brother-in-law who was up for re-examination by the Medical Board. It seems surprising to see the number of people examined daily for Army service.
2 August Broke school for six weeks holidays.
23 August News received that Lt TJ Davies, Aberbank schoolhouse, had been admitted into the Red Cross Hospital Rouen, suffering from severe multiple gunshot wounds in back, arms and legs.
20 September Ffair Medi. No school this afternoon.
10 October No school today.
1 November News received of death in action of Private Willie Davies, Aberbank schoolhouse, on 23rd October.
11 November Great rejoicing today at signing of Armistice.
22 December Memorial service was held to the signaller EW Davies, Aberbank schoolhouse.
19 July 1919 Today is the official date for the celebration of peace.
27 October No school this week - being the extra holiday week in memory of peace.
11 November First anniversary of Armistice Day. At 11 a.m. In school the children and staff stood in revered silence out of respect to the memory of fallen heroes. The ground was white with snow.
21 November All the children attending Aberbank school had a shilling each, gift of Lady Lloyd Bronwydd - as a memento of Armistice Day 1919.
6 December Called at Bronwydd and saw Lady Lloyd re account of the coming unveiling ceremony [window in memory of her son at Llangynllo Parish Church 10th December).
14 January 1920 Mr D Thomas, HMI, visited the school.
30 “ Diocesan Inspector Rev JT Davies examined our school this afternoon.
13 November Lady Lloyd Bronwydd gave a treat to our schoolchildren. In the afternoon they were conveyed to Newcastle Emlyn in a lorry and treated to the Cinema.
19 May 1922 Lady Lloyd attended a meeting at Aberbank school to arrange for a jumble sale in aid of the school.
31 October Mr D Thomas HMI visited the school.
John Evans married 11 October 1924. Dim dyddiaduron 1923 a 1924.
Diary 1 January 1925 - 5 April 1931:
1 January Received silver ink stand from the staff and pupils of Aberbank school on the occasion of my recent marriage
19 January Miss Rowlands addressed the children this afternoon in hygiene.
24 April No school today. Many of the children are going to the Calvinistic Methodist exhibition at Aberayron.
23 June Rev EJ Davies BA, Rector of Bangor Teifi and Henllan examined our school in Religious Instruction.
30 June A very nice day. Lady Lloyd Bronwydd gave a trip in two charabancs to the staff and pupils to New Quay. A very enjoyable day was spent. We returned to Henllan about 9 p.m.
22 July Funeral of Sgt David Howell Rees [1893 - 1925], Bridgend, at Gwernllwyn [chapel] today. Deceased was one of myold pupils at Aberbank school
1926: dim byd o bwys
18 November 1927 Today I acted as clerk at the sale of Mrs DL (?) Jones, Welden Cottage, a former teacher at Aberbank school. She is leaving with her husband tomorrow and both of them intend to sail the next week for New Zealand.
6 November 1928 Golden wedding of Sir Marteine and Lady Lloyd was celebrated at Bronwydd today. I accompanied the schoolchildren to Bonwydd where we were entertained by Sir Marteine and Lady Lloyd.
Nawr yn sillafu Aberbanc, yn lle Aberbank
9 January 1929 I believe I have completed thirty years as uncertificated assistant teacher at the elementary schools (Church schools) Hendy Pontardulais, St Mary’s Brynmawr and Aberbanc, Henllan - Ebenezer Davies Master of Aberbanc.
25 June 1930 No school today, a Temperance Festival being held at Bwlchygroes.
1 August Scripture examination at school, conducted by the Rev EJ Davies.
5 November Yesterday a lady addressed the children on consumption, and today one addressed them on alcohol.
18 November Attended the funertal of Mr William Griffiths CM, Welfa Henllan, a former Headmaster of Aberbanc school. He was buried at Llangunllo, aged 82.
1931: dim byd o bwys
Diary 5 April 1931 - 11 April 1937:
18 April Attended Champney’s Circus and Zoo. Lady Lloyd treated the children to this circus at Newcastle Emlyn.
20 April The body of Master Tommy Jones, Railway View Llandyfriog, was found in the river Teifi by the Railway Bridge. He was a bright little boy who had left our school last Summer
3 June Dr Ernest Jones examined several of our schoolchildren today.
17 June No school today - Temperance Festival at Horeb.
24 June Instructions to close the school for a week or two owing to the prevalence of measles among the children.
31 July Rev EJ Davies examined the school in Religious Instruction.
29 September Mr E Davies, headmaster, told me today that he has sent in his notice of resignation.
26 October At a meeting of Aberbanc school managers Mr David Llewellyn Jenkins CM headmaster of Brongest Council School was appointed headmaster of Aberbanc school. Mr Jenkins was an old pupil of mine.
27 October No school today - General Election.
30 “ Whist Drive at Aberbanc school, the funds being towards school need.
3 November The school was abandoned - it was very wet and stormy.
5 “ HJ Lewis Director of Education visited us.
7 “ My salary is now £174-4s-0d, or £14-17s per month.
13 “ Attended meeting at Aberbanc schoolroom where it was unanimously decided to make a public testimonial to Mr E Davies, the headmaster, on his retirement. Sir Marteine Lloyd presided.
18 December Broke up for Christmas holidays. Mr Ebenezer Davies retired after being headmaster for 27 years since last August. Morris Davies provided tea and presents for all the pupils. The children sang songs under the leadership of Misses ML Jenkins and MH Jones, assistant teachers - solos and recitations were also given. I, as senior assistant, presented Mr Davies with a valuable Timepiece and oak candlesticks. Mrs Davies was presented with a cakestand
2January 1932 Tonight at Aberbanc school I attended a presentation to my former headteacher Mr Eben Davies. Sir Marteine Lloyd presented cheques to over £40 to Mr & Mrs Davies from the managers, staff, pupils and parents. Several addresses were delivered.
4 January Mr D Ll Jenkins CM the new headmaster commenced duties.
22 “ Mr Grey Owen attended our school and spoke to the children on “Urdd Gobaith Cymru”. Several of the children joined.
19 February Photos taken at school.
22 & 26 February Mr DT Davies Inspector of Welsh visited the school.
2 June Capt T Owen HMI visited the school.
16 September Three pupils secured admission to Llandyssul County School.
20 “ No school - Pleasure Fair at Newcastle Emlyn.
24 February 1933 No school today owing to a heavy fall of snow.
28 “ School today, though the attendance is very low - the thaw continues.
4 April Sir Marteine Lloyd Bronwydd passed away, aged 82.
8 “ Funeral of Sir Marteine Lloyd at Llangunllo Church. We marched the school to the funeral.
13 April Rev Canon Thomas, Vicar of Lampeter, examined the schoolk in Religiouys Instruction.
9 August Received news that Mr Harold Rees Davies, son of my old schoolmaster Eben Davies, was drowned at Gwbert Cardigan last night, about 21 years of age.
8 January 1934. School re-opened. Mr Robert Havard was in charge owing to Mr Jenkins being unable to attend. His little daughter having had a mild attack of Scarlet Fever.
30 January Photos taken at school.
28 March. Eisteddfod yr Urdd Llandyssul. The school secured twelve prizes.
12 April Dentist at the schol.
23 “ Canon DW Thomas held a Scripture exam at the school.
17 September Capt Owen HMI visited the school.
29 November No school - Royal wedding.
1 March 1935 Grace Davies Henllys, a pupil won a consolation prize of £1 in the ‘Western Mail’ Essay competition in Welsh.
27 March Cylch Urdd Eisteddfod Llandyssul. The school took fifty prizes.
15 May Fanny Evans Chapel House, Cledwyn Jones Penlongwrws, and David Lyn Mackenzie Thomas, three pupils, have a scholarship of free places to Llandyssul County School. Four other pupils have qualified for entrance to the school: Grace Davies Henllys, Morwen Rees Dolfelin, Betty Jenkins Railway Terrace and Enid Jones Pencnwcau.
17 May Good fall of snow.
22 May Dr Ernest Jones, the school Medical Officer, visited and examined the school.
31 May 0945 my wife Mrs Evans passed away aged 74. She was born 28 November 1860. Her maiden name was Mary Jane Davies.
4 June Burial of my wife in Penboyr Churchyard. The staff and pupils sent a most beautiful wreath.
17 June I commenced duties at school after a fortnight’s interval since the death of my wife.
20 June Canon DW Thomas examined the school in Religious Instruction.
30 August Miss ML Jenkins school assistant undrwent a successful operation in Cardigan for appendix.
14 September Presentation by the Ovaltine Company were made to several of the schoolchildren for drawing and essays.
6 November Holiday - Royal wedding.
8 December £5-10s-0d sent to Urdd Gobaith Cymru fund from Adran Aberbanc.
18 March 1936 In today’s “Western Mail” Lady Lloyd writes adieu to the Old Home [Bronwydd].
1 April Our school won over fifty prizes at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd at Llandyssul.
15 “ I visited a Martin Jones Bryngwyn, a pupil of mine, in Carmarthen Infirmary.
19 May Dr Ernest Jones examined our children and found them in good health.
23 July Rev E Jeffrey John Vicar of Golden Grove examined the pupils in Scripture.
27 October Attended a Sinema Lafar (Talkies) by the Urdd at Aberbanc schoolroom.
28 “ Half holiday at school on account of 92% attendance for September.
4 December Russell ReesHMI of Physical Exercises visited this morning.
2 January 1937 Visited Rev E J Davies Rector of Bangor Teifi and tendered him my resignation as uncertificated Assistant Teacher at Aberbanc school.
19 January This is my last day in school after a service of 36 years and nine months. This afternoon I was handed my Testimonial by the headmaster.It was a wallet of £22-11s subscribed by the staff, managers, pupils and old pupils. Miss MA Evans CM Maesmynach Cribyn, has been appointed to succeed me at the school.
15 March I received £2, a further amount of my school Testimonial making a total of £24-11s.
At the end of March the death occurred of Lady Lloyd Bronwydd. She was buried in Llangunllo.
Second marriage: 23 May 1937, Trinity Sunday, 0800 St Teilo’s Parish Church, Trelech ar Bettws, to Miss Elizabeth Davies, Trelech.
25 May 1937 Death of Owen Dyfed Williams [1916 - 1937], son of the Rev & Mrs RH Williams Maesgwyn, Beaufort Road Tredegar, formerly of Woodville, Gwernllwyn Henllan. Pupil at Aberbanc school. Had nearly completed his first year at the University and intended to proceed to Brecon College to prepare for work under the London Missionary Society.
24 July 1946 By invitation I attended Aberbanc school, the occasion being the presentation of a cheque to Mrs ME Morgan Penrhiwllan Post Office on her relinquishing the post of Infant Mistress for a very long period at the school. I handed over the presentation.
29 November 1955 Death of Lewis John Lewis, Arydon New Quay, at Aberystwyth Hospital. It was said that on his mother’s side he was a descendant of Twm o’r Nant, the Welsh Shakespeare. He was a pupil of mine at Aberbanc school.
Hefyd: Mary Hannah Jones, died 9 June 1974 Ty Hwnt Aberbanc. Angladd 13 Mehefin.
Llyfryddiaeth: The wolf and the boar: the Lloyds of Bronwydd, Cardiganshire / Leslie Baker Jones. Quatrefoil, 2008.
RJ Colyer, “The Gentry and the County in nineteenth century Cardiganshire”, Welsh History Review 10 (1981).
The lost houses of Wales / Thomas Lloyd.
Grand declines - Welsh ruins and Welsh ruined mansions 1989 - 2016.
http://derelictmisc.org.uk/bronwydd.html
www.greatwarbritishofficers.com
http://griffiths123.com/b19.htm - teulu Keith Warren, h.y. Hannah Ada Jenkins, mam Keith; Mary Elizabeth Jenkins (chwaer), mam Andrew Morgan; David Llewelyn Jenkins 1895 - 1976 (brawd)
Coeliwch neu beidio / Roy Davies [ - Rhagfyr 2008]. Llandysul: Gwasg Gomer, 2007. Atgofion o ysgol fach Aberbanc.
I GOFIO JOHN Y GWAS
Yn ei gyfrol o farddoniaeth ‘SŴN Y MALU’ mae’r prifardd Y LLEW JONES wedi ysgrifennu cywydd i gofio amdano pan fu farw.
I GOFIO
(John y Gwas, sef John Evans, cyn-athro, beirniad ac arweinydd eisteddfod, hanesydd, newyddiadurwr a thafarnwr.)
Mae’r stori? Mae’r gwmnïaeth?
Mae’r hen ffrind mor heini a ffraeth?
Mae’r gwr a’r di-gymar go’?
Mae’r hanes Cymru heno?
Mae’r ‘Gwas’ – yr hen Gymro gwiw ?
Is ceuddor y cwsg heddiw.
Ow’r golled, daeth awr ‘gollwn’
Ac awr hoe, ymhen draw’r grwn,
Awr huno ‘rôl hir einioes,
Awr rhoi’r ern i’r Meistr a’i rhoes.
Sir Gar ti gollais arwr
Dy was da na chadwai stŵr,
Rhannodd o’i ddirfawr ynni
Ddiwyd oes i’th goledd di.
Di-sylwedd fydd eisteddfod
A’i syn dorf, heb ‘Was’ yn dod,
Pwy ar lwyfan mor annwyl?
Heb lais y ‘Gwas’ ba les gŵyl?
Daw heno wrth gofio’r ‘Gwas’
Go mynych am gymwynas;
Gwr mwynaidd na ddaliai ddig,
Yn ei dafarn pendefig.
Chwithig fydd troi i’w drigias,
Ba les bir heb gwmni’r ‘Gwas’?
T LLEW JONES.
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