your comments
Wil, Wrexham
Hello again Russel, Farragut, Tennessee. I was invited to address a meeting of Wrexham Soroptimists last week on the subject of "Evacuees". With your family being my first hosts I mentioned you and your parents etc. then went on to describe my experience with other families. Imagine my surprise when I was later approached by a lady who knew both yourself and Owain Roberts! She was able to describe your current appearance and tell me that you too had suffered health problems, so she must have been to the U.S. fairly recently, but do you know, I can't remember her name! Very pleasant, rather small, lady she also told me of your current marital status, and that Farragut is Tennessee, not where I had placed it, Texas. Small world, Russel, especially if one lived/lives in Rhos eh! Hwyl, Wil.
Mon Jun 8 10:31:19 2009
Ian McLaren, Downunder
Stuart, I am not a McLaren from Cefn, we lived in Rhosymedre and the lovely girl from Dick's shop is not my wife.
Mon Jun 8 09:59:04 2009
Stuart Gibson, the Cefn originally, now Essex.
Hello Ian. I did 'O' level Geology with Selwyn Matthew back in 1967. I can still recall the lessons about the MOHS hardness scale. Do you remember how he would bring out a pen knife occasionally and always pronounce it as KA-nife. Wasn't he a big fan of hockey? I seem to remember, sadly, he died refereeing a hockey match back in the 80s. Are you the Maclaren from Cefn who married the lovely girl from Dick's shop? Nice to read about the old school.
Thu May 21 09:22:00 2009
John Russel Davies, Farragut,Tennessee
Will, Wrexham. I was sorry to hear about your lorry accident. Also, about your stroke and later your triple by-pass operation. You are very fortunate to have such good hospitals available to you. Rhos and Ruabon Grammar School are still a very important part of my life today. That is where I spent my formative years. I am proud to be a product of their influence. As the sun dial, in the centre of the quad in Ruabon Grammar School was inscribed, TEMPUS FUGIT, I am more aware of it now. Cofion cynnes, Russel.
Mon Apr 27 09:15:12 2009
David Williams
Does anyone remember my father, William John Malvern Williams, or his sisters Edna and Myfanwy? They lived in Bryn Street, Ruabon, around 1920-40. Their father worked at Hafod coal mine (I think) until 1960, also William.
Mon Mar 23 08:24:23 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
For Russel Davies, Farragut, Tennessee. Mr J. T. Jones was the last head of R.G.S. to know and remember each and every boy who passed through the School. Even after he became afflicted to such an extent that he continually looked downwards he could identify and would acknowledge you. A gentleman! The person mentioned in another entry as living in the old woodwork room campaigned, I believe very srongly, against demolition of the boys' school. Recent personal events. 2002, serious road accident in the smallest lorry I ever drove during my career as a heavy goods vehicle driver, and it was my own fault! 2005, suffered a stroke, minor permanent affliction. 2008, heart problem, triple by-pass. Thankful for the facilities available to us all in North Wales at Walton and Broadgreen hospitals, Liverpool. Became a great-grandfather 2 years ago and enjoying every minute of it. Hwyl fawr i ti a dy teulu, Wil.
Mon Mar 9 09:16:17 2009
Gruffudd Jones, Rhosllanerchrugog
I'm J.R.'s son, and reading these comments brought back many memories. When I was a little boy, years before going to Ruabon myself, Dad would often go into the woodwork room on Saturday mornings to prepare material for the following week. He'd take me with him, and he used to rig up a slide for me to play on by clamping the top end of a plank into a vice. He showed me how to whet a chisel and use it, also a spokeshave and plane. Health and Saferty, eh?! He also worked on that Harp and the Sailboat (to a design called the Lady Betty) whilst we were there. He never finished the Harp, but I've still got the boat. Geraint Bowen built a canoe in the woodwork room one summer. I remember the garage (an old barn) on Rogers Farm when we lived opposite the Moreton. I don't have a photo of the Woodwork Room, but I have some informal snaps various teachers (Emyt Boyer, Jack Groves and J.R. amongst them) and I'll dig the out. I was sad when the School was demolished, but reading that someone lives "in" my father's old Woodwork Room who values its history has cheered me up!
Wed Feb 4 10:38:19 2009
John Russel Davies, Farragut ,Tennessee, U.S.A.
Hello Will of Wrexham: I was saddened to hear that your brother Frank had died. I have fond memories of you staying with us at 25A Hall Street, Rhos, during the war. In a way it seems just like yesterday: that is a condition I required after recently turned 80 years, memories become more focused. I was just thinking, the other day, about my old headmaster, Mr JT Jones. When my mother died, Mr Jones was at the funeral at Calfaria Chapel, Rhos, and made a point to come over to me. I was really touched by his kindness. You also Bill remembered walking through the snow with my mother to chapel. I thank you for your memories of time spent with us. Cofion cynnes Bill, oddi wrth Russel.
Mon Oct 27 09:25:32 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Hello again, Russel. Am pleased you have responded. I'm afraid Frank passed away some years ago after what can best be described as an eventful life. I haven't been to choir for some time. Just a little info. for now and will be in contact again, all the best Bill.
Wed Jul 9 11:03:28 2008
John Russel Davies, Farragut,Tennessee
Will of Wrexham: I remember you well, and yes you were a vacuee who stayed at our house at 25A Hall Street, Rhos, with your brother, Frank. I do remember you being in Detroit with the Rhos Choir and talking with you, and being very surprised that you spoke Welsh. I am very pleased to hear from you. Owen Roberts now lives in Wrexham and is coming with his wife, Menna, to stay with us here in Tennessee for the month of September 2008. We have been friends ever since I lived in Rhos.NOS DA, A IECHYD DA, BILL.
Tue Jun 10 08:27:27 2008
Thomas Godfrey Davies
I went to Ruabon Grammar School 1950 to 1954 and cannot remember anyone who was there at the time. I left at the age of fifteen years of age to join the RAF with little or no qualifications.
Tue Jan 8 10:24:29 2008
Richard (Dick) Morris, Caernarfon
Only just come across this site. I was at Ruabon G.S. from 1954 to 1958, leaving in Form 5. The remarks here about the teachers bring about a lot of memories (mostly happy). I have not attended a reunion because I doubt if I would recognise the lads now we are mostly OAPs. Remember Geraint Bowen (Welsh) used to be called The Caveman because of his looks and temper.
Wed Jan 2 09:57:49 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For:- John Russel Davies, Farragut, Tennessee. I drove along Hall Street 27/12/2007 just to make sure. Your house, Owen Roberts' dads shoe repair shop and Merfyn's house are all gone as has, very recently, Capel Calfaria! Remember having two boys billeted with you Sept. 1939? I'm the elder of the two and remember meeting you in Detroit(?) when touring U.S.A. with R.M.V.C. on our first visit there. Lots happened since I walked on top of the frozen snow to Hill Street Chapel with your Mum! Have a good New Year. Bill.
Mon Dec 31 09:11:23 2007
Ian McLaren from Oz
Firstly to Aled Hughes. I think the English Mater you refer to was Derek Owens. Secondly, I did 'O Level' Geology under the tutorledge of Selwyn Matthews. I have just returned from a trip to New Zealand where on a cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound (which is a fjord not a sound) I kept recalling the facts relating to glaciers that he drummed into us in the mid sixties. Across the South Island I saw magnificent examples of cwms, corries or cirques as well as knife edged ridges and pyramidal peaks. The things that come back forty years after the event. Selwyn must have taught us well for those things to stick in the mind.
Mon Dec 24 09:15:04 2007
Dave Evans from Rhos N/Wales
Hi Maggie. Sorry about my first message but I didn't know of the relationship between yourself and David. Read up on the Google. He did good!
Fri Dec 7 15:01:33 2007
Aled Hughes, St Petersburg, Florida
RGS The staff. Just my memory from 1959 1962 (Form IV VI). Dickie Bird, the Head, drove an MG Magnette. RE 'Warble' Davies taught maths (I believe he was a deacon in my fathers chapel in Ruabon, Rhagluniaeth). JR Jones was a really nice gent in the woodwork class. I never took woodwork, but he removed a nail from my hand once (best not to ask why, the guilty party will know). Mr Groves, teaching scripture, a lovely man. Two Welsh teachers Geraint Bowen and Brian M. Davies both won chairs at the National Eisteddfod I believe. Bowyer he used to take the cigarettes off us lads and then smoke them himself! Jim (real name was Geoffrey, I believe) Banks teaching French. I think the senior English master was Derek Barnes and his sidekick John Evans. The latter fancied himself as a soccer player. Mr Barnes drove a Triumph Mayflower. Was the Latin master called Warner? I remember him as Hobble. Brilliant man, fantastic pianist, but couldn't control his class. I don't remember the names of the science teachers. And finally, who can forget Mr Hubert Parry, our History Master. He was history himself he first attended RGS as an 11 year-old in 1909 I believe. A wonderful man if somewhat eccentric.
Wed Dec 5 11:12:22 2007
Maggie, London
Hi Ex-Ruabons, David Warner Ellis died in 2005, but was well known for his fantastic rock and pop photos. He often referred to his days at Ruabon with fondness.
Tue Nov 13 15:11:39 2007
John Russel Davies, Farragut, Tennessee
To Will of Wrexham. Yes I did live at 25a Hall Street, Rhos, until I emigrated to U.S.A. in May, 1947.
Tue Oct 23 08:25:58 2007
Len Salisbury, Acrefair
RE Davies did teach woodwork as John Russell Davies has confirmed but this was mid forties onwards. The younger generation would not know this. Mr Davies had a nickname (I hope that his sons will not be offended) of "Bossy". Maybe the newcomers to the school made a new name for him.
Tue Sep 18 14:31:41 2007
David Parry Evans, Croydon
I was at RGS from 1951 to 1956. If I remember correctly the headmaster was my mother's cousin. My mates were Tudor Fox and David Warner Ellis and the lovely Miss Davenport.
Thu Aug 30 11:52:24 2007
Heather Ashman from Kinver, West Midlands
I'm trying to trace Alan Hughes from Cefn Mawr who went to Ruabon Grammar School in the 1960s. He went to Aber in 1965 to study French and a few of us are trying to organise a reunion at the end of September. Does anyone have any idea where he is now? We think he went into teaching. We would be grateful for any info about him.
Mon Aug 20 16:05:13 2007
John Massey, Birmingham
I was at Ruabon Grammar School 1957 to 1965 and I remember JR well. He lived in a house between the Moreton pub and Stryt Las in Johnstown. Each day, as we walked to school, we would pass him going in the opposite direction to collect his car from Rogers' farm, a half a mile walk, only to drive it back past his house on the way to school. In the three years of woodwork from Form 1 to Form 3 we made just a teapot stand. The choice then at the end of the third year was Woodwork or Latin with Bill Warner, otherwise known as 'Hobble'. Gordon Banks carried a pump in his briefcase and Bill Warner carried the other in his pocket. His lessons totally lacked discipline despite the pump and all we learnt was 'Amo, Amas, Amat'. Happy days!
Tue Aug 14 09:58:51 2007
Wil, Wrexham.
John Russel Davies, Farragut, Tennessee. Did you live in Hall Street, Rhos?
Thu Jun 14 08:06:29 2007
Rachel Bowen, France
RE. Davies nickname was originally 'wobble'. He didn't teach woodwork, J.R. Jones taught woodwork. His brother Dan taught at Acrefair. Mrs Dan Jones (Emma Bellis), taught at the Girls Grammar School. I attended the Girls' Grammar school, and years later, taught at Acrefair when it had become the Junior Comprehensive.
Wed May 30 15:31:46 2007
Merfyn Edwards, Ealing, London
I attended RGS from 1956 - 1962 and well remember woodwork classes by 'JR' in that end block next to the chemistry lab. JR made some beautiful pieces - I remember - a Welsh Harp and a Sailing boat, but I found his lessons frustrating because he kept us listening while talked for ages about good behaviour! The Art teacher then was Maelor Griffiths, and yes I remember R.E. Davies the deputy head who we all called 'Warble'. Outside the woodwork room was the place we had to queue to wait for the bus to Rhos.
Mon Mar 12 08:19:55 2007
Alwyn Hatherall, Wrexham
I attended Ruabon Grammar School from 1960 to 1965, the first building coming down from Penycae was the woodwork room the chemistry lab was adjacent to it bordering the quadrangle and then the physics lab. Teachers I remember from that time were Dickie Bird - headmaster, Warble - deputy head, Jack Groves - scripture, Selwyn Matthews - art, Cadge Bowyer - gym & geography.
Mon Feb 26 09:24:22 2007
Ian, Ruabon
I walk past your house every Friday and Saturday night when going for a pint, as I live just up the road. When I went to the school in the eighties I remembered your home as a physics room. Does anyone else remember it or is my memory fading me.
Fri Feb 16 16:25:00 2007
JB Jones, Vancouver
I remember R E Davies [AKA warble] and a most hilarious occasion when he was teaching us maths and ased the question why stools had three legs. Nobody knew the answer and he said, so it won't wobble. Everybody had to stifle their laughter.
Fri Feb 2 08:05:28 2007
John Bryan Jones, Vancouver, Canada
I went to RGS from 1953 until 58. JR was my favourite teacher also Jack Groves. I remember trying to see the girls doing gym, as they used our gymnasium. Also remember Tom Charles pop
Fri Jan 19 07:43:08 2007
David Williams, Wrexham
David, I have a rather dark picture taken inside the woodwork room. This is a "posed" picture but has the posers appearing to be at work. This picture was taken and processed by JR. If you would like a copy I can send you an electronic version if you send me an email address. When I got to Ruabon (1954) Mr RE Davies was known as 'bossy' but was rechristened soon after as 'warble'.
Wed Oct 4 09:33:31 2006
Aled Hughes, St Petersburg, Florida
I attended RGS from 1959 - 1962. I remember JR well. A very lovely chap. RE Davies - didn't we call him something else? I remember Dickie Bird... mad as a hatter! Sad to see the school gone, but the RGSOBA under Gareth's guidance is going strong.
Tue Aug 15 09:10:38 2006
Huw Owen-Jones, Australia
I still have the coffee table I made in the woodwork room under JR's tuition. JR was one of the best teachers I had. He was full of practical ideas. I often think how he would shudder if he saw the way I ill treat my chisels!
Wed Aug 9 15:58:06 2006
Ian McLaren - Australia
Try the 'Friends Reunited' site there are some photos of the school there. Also try RGSOBA (Ruabon Grammar School Old Boys Association. There was a photo on that which showed part of JR's old woodwork room and the back of the 'Lecture Theatre' nest to the Crush Hall.
Tue Jul 11 10:20:59 2006
David, Llandudno
Mrs Dan Jones taught in the Girls' Grammar School.
Mon May 8 10:23:15 2006
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
Phil - yes of course, Id forgotten about the brothers. Who had the tip of his finger missing?
Sat Mar 11 10:02:59 2006
Kath Jones
Anyone remember my cousin Paul Roberts from the Ruabon Grammar School for Boys?
Fri Mar 3 05:46:03 2006
Len Salisbury now of Acrefair
I too went to the school and was taught woodworking skills by Mr RE Davies also known as "Bossy", as most teachers had a nickname of a sort.
Thu Mar 2 06:20:38 2006
maelor from london
Is the book you refer to Dennis Gilpin's book "Ruabon Boys Grammar School: a collection of pictures" (Bridge Books, Wrexham)? It is the definitive history of the school and the old workshop appears on the front cover. Very few 'informal' photos would have been taken in schools in those days.
J R Jones, from Rhos, was the woodwork teacher who taught in that room and he appears in several photographs in the book. His brother Dan Jones did not teach at Ruabon as far as I am aware.
Tue Feb 28 23:16:40 2006
John Russel Davies,Farragut,Tennessee,U.S.A.
I was a student at Ruabon Grammar School for Boys,1940-1945.Mr.R.E.Davies was the only one I remember who used the old wood working shop and we held the ATC meetings there ,during the War.
Fri Feb 24 21:18:41 2006
Phil Davies - Acrefair
I think it was Dan Jones the brother of J R Jones that taught at Acrefair.
Tue Feb 14 23:55:57 2006
Peter Lawrence, Colwyn Bay
David, sorry I can't help with photos, but you have brought back memories of 'JR', who also taught in Acrefair.
Tue Jan 24 16:11:28 2006
