Grango was my secondary modern school and I later returned to teach there. My first connection with Grango was my father, who died recently. He attended Grango School. He often talked about how the uniform was a red tie with a grey cap with a red hexagon in the centre. It was not compulsory because of the poverty in the area. Boys and girls had separate lessons. He would have gone first to Grango in about 1930. He often used to say how, because of the poverty, children used to go and, if they were children who couldn't attend school because they didn't have shoes, other children used to carry them on their backs so that they could achieve 100 percent attendance. If they got three weeks of 100 percent attendance, the final Friday was a half day!
I think a lot of the lessons at that time were very skills orientated. He did a lot of wood work. I still use his rolling pin, which he made at Grango School on the lathe, even today. He made a pipe rack too. They also did some gardening. During September/ October some of the boys were excluded from school for potato picking.
My brother attended Grango School too, from 1957 to 1960. He was the first of the immediate family to go there. Then my eldest sister attended from 1959 to 1962, and I first went to Grango in September 1962. Why did we go? Because we failed the 11 plus, though my brother wasn't even allowed to try. Mary failed it, and I did, and I went to Grango. The head teacher did ask if I'd consider re-sitting the exam 12 months later, but my dad said 'No' because he didn't want me to go 12 months behind my peers.
I was very, very happy in Grango. The first day we entered Grango School we went into a hall and sat at a desk and did tests. We had English, maths and Welsh. That determined which stream and group you were put in to. If your Welsh results were very good, you went into 2A Welsh. If you were more predominantly English, you went into the English section. There were two streams, A and B. I went into 2A Welsh, Graham (my brother) went into 2A Welsh, and Mary went into 2A English, although we are an English family because my mother's from East Anglia.
Being in 2A Welsh meant that all my lessons were through the medium of Welsh, including geography, R.E., cookery and needlework. The only exceptions were science and biology because the teachers were not Welsh speaking. I enjoyed school, I loved school, and I was in the Welsh stream right up until I sat my CSE examinations.
During the final year, we were allowed, as prefects, to wear a red jumper, rather than a navy blue one. The uniform was navy blue, red and white, and you were lined up outside the school every morning for a uniform check, before you filed in for assembly. If you were out of uniform, you were sent home. Even if the colour ribbon in your hair was wrong, you were sent home. It was a very disciplined environment. You had rules for walking around the hall, because all the classrooms were around the hall. You kept on the left. But the teachers were very fair- very strict, but very nice. 
your comments
Valerie Bradshaw
I attended Grango from 1958 to '62. I too remember Mr Frank Jones. He was the only teacher ever to give me 100 lines. However when my brother Mike started there 5 years later Mr Jones told him if he's half as good as his sister he'll do. I believe Mrs Pat Jones started same year as me, I liked her. I see quite a few of my classmates now and chat about where the years disappeared to. I still have reason to go to Grango on occasion because my granddaughter now goes there. It's changed so much: there's no queue outside the head's office waiting for the cane, no ink stains on the uniform because we couldn't use biros, no two hours writing homework just a print off the PC. I don't know if the changes are good or bad. However without her teaching me how to use a PC I would not be sending this message now.
Mon Nov 24 10:15:33 2008
Carl Roberts, Rhos
Left Grango in 1996 - best years with all my old mates. I have lost touch with most of them, they were: Karl Hughes also known as Beaver, Mr Marsland the PE teacher gave him that nickname, Michael Hughes of Penycae, Mark Hughes also of Penycae, David Davies of Penycae, Stephen Bullock of Wern Las, Rhos, still see him a lot, Phil Davies of Penycae now lives in Cefn very good mate of mine, most of us used to be in Lizzie Jones' class (Welsh) we used to sit at the back with a tape machine listening to music and making a right noise ha ha. Good days, wish I could go back and re-live them. Would like to get in touch with old mates if anyone remembers me - I still live in Rhos. I have a very big family. I'm 28 now. I have 2 sisters, Claire Roberts and Serena Roberts. I used to live on Stryt Las, I have a few cousins that live in Rhos - Craig Roberts (some people know him as HOTDOG), Lee Roberts, Kelly (Hobs) Roberts, Sam Roberts and Becky Roberts, if you think you know me and we were mates in Grango get in touch.
Tue Oct 21 10:07:15 2008
Sharon Hope, Liverpool
I left Grango in 1984 and have many fond memories oh what we would give to go back to those days. Pity we never listened when people said they were the best days of our lives...
Mon Oct 20 08:26:39 2008
Win, currently in Nuuk, Greenland
I attended Grango in the 1970s for a couple of years before moving on to Ruabon, as was the way back then. It was certainly a shock moving up from the relatively sheltered world of Wern School to the 'Big School' where discipline was much more rigorously enforced - from being made to stand outside the classroom door for the rest of the lesson, through the ever-present threat of being sent to Frankie (Frank Jones) for the cane, to actually getting a swipe across the palm from the man himself! Or even being made to pick up the litter off the school yard for an hour (you tell the kids today and they won't believe you). I remember there was a good mix of teachers from time-served to the naturally gifted - a combination that, I think, worked well. Who could forget the likes of Miss Brenda Edrid Jones (We-know) with her life-long devotion to raising money for Christian Aid and the poor of the world. Bill Ash (Physics) with his ability to explain physical concepts at a level appropriate to any child's understanding. Frank Jones (Frankie, the Headmaster) who taught a few of us Latin (some were given the choice between doing R.E. or Latin - making paper bags or learning a defunct language. What a choice!). Tin Man the Metalwork teacher who'd been there so long he was probably on the school's inventory. Pat Jones (Biology and Geography) who taught generations of kids to say "excuse me" when walking in front of someone else and, curiously, when entering a classroom. And, of course, Mr Pritchard (History and Welsh) with his acidly sarcastic way of talking to the kids he disliked (who perhaps disliked him more).
Mon Oct 6 08:18:38 2008
Matthew Griffiths( AKA Squeak) Royal Air Force Akr
Having been the places I have been with my career and having seen some of the things, I look back at my time in Grango and think of what fun it would be to go back to there now and be with everyone again as we were, care free no worries about life. It was an easy life, and after coasting through school, I now understand how lucky people in school are, but I bet if I said that to the pupils now they would completely disagree, but I would swap to go back to school now with any of them, after doing a tour of service in Iraq working 16hr days 7 days a week for 4 months. Going to school Mon-Fri 9-3.30pm, God would I take that. All in all I loved my time in Grango looking back at it now, and would love to have just one more day there!
Sat Sep 27 09:28:12 2008
Mark Bala Cyprus
Hated school when I was there but looking back now I'd love to go back! What was that science teacher called? Ah that's it Mr Wilkinson ha ha mad he was. I left there in 1998 and it's mad when I go and pick my neice up from school when I'm back home always go and have a look at the photos in reception, ha ha, sad.
Mon Jul 28 10:21:38 2008
Angie Hammons, Rhos.
Miss Jones, you were my absolute favourite teacher at Grango School. I had you for needlework and Welsh. You kept recommending I moved to first language Welsh because my grades were good each exam, but no way, Mr Pritchard was much much scarier than you! And anyway, I loved the crowd I was with. We used to eat "chewing nuts" bought from Broad Street shop all through the lesson. I think you knew but you didn't mind as it kept us chatterboxes quiet. I can remember Miss Brenda Edryd Jones (or "WE-Know" as we all called her) talking about Gwladys Aylwood's visit often. It became something of a legend in the school, but never as much of a legend as Miss BE Jones herself! Our year were the last to study in the old halls, before the new school was built and the last to go on to Ysgol Rhiwabon to complete our high school education. Unfortunately for us, the little sweet shop in Ruabon village never sold chewing nuts, and sherbet lemons were the best we could get.
Tue Jul 22 08:19:38 2008
Gwyn Jones, Marford
Hi, Ken Smith and David Thomas from Canada. It was nice to hear your comments on teachers from Grango school. I remember Miss Ceri Dodd very well. She really was a lovelylady and a good teacher.
Fri Jul 11 09:29:49 2008
Raymond Griffiths
To Ken Smith, ex Johnstown. Hello Ken, so good to hear from you and a mention of David Thomas. You may remeber me in your classes throughout our school days at Grango. I was informed of your visit to the UK in 2007 by Hazel, Malcom Hughes' wife. I think Hazel may be related to you or David. Unfortunatly I was taken with an illness over this time and was unable to make any contact with you and David, I am now hopefully recovered. To jog your memory as to who I am I was friendly with David Schleisening, Grayham Evans and Ken Griffiths, all of Penycae origins. I to had favourite teachers namely Mr Gilpin, science; Mr Thomas (Jumbo), geography; and Mr Phillips, English. Delwyn Griffiths (early geography forms) used to amaze us all with his ability to throw the disc to the ends of the earth. Do you remember the school aquiring Cae Dwr as a playing field and our efforts to change the old air raid shelter into a changing room also our trips down to Ashtons yard in Ponciau to collect saw dust for marking out the football pitch. Mr Sellars from Eyton Gyfelia was in charge of gardening at this time. I could go on and on about these memories. Nice to hear from you Ken after such a long time. Do you have any old school photos? Just one more thing do you remeber Ned Yorkies shop and row in Johnstown where we could buy sweets without ration coupons. Regards. Ray (Raymond), yes time has changed my name.
Thu Jun 26 07:57:02 2008
Richard Platt, Shropshire
Having just found this site it brings back very fond memories of Ysgol y Grango. I remember Miss Jones initially as my needlework tutor then as my religous education tutor. All my memories of you Miss Jones gives a glow of happiness, you helped me with your no nonsense approach. You may not remember me but I will always remember you for advice you gave to me, that helped me a great deal, which I now still use for my own chidren.
Mon May 12 08:14:20 2008
Sian Davies, Penycae. (1997-2002)
Firstly, I'm arranging a school reunion, anyone in my year, join my group on Facebook to keep up to date with the plans. Ah, and secondly, I really enjoyed Grango too. Of course there is bullying in every school, but on the whole, if you respected people, they respected you back. I felt the differences in wealth and social standing never mattered, and pupils integrated with each other well as they came up from their different junior schools. I particularly liked my classes, (7G-11G), as we basically had the same people in my set all through the years. So although admittedly I didn't know everyone well in my year, I tended to know my set very well.
Mon Apr 28 10:24:38 2008
Ken Smith, Jonstown
I attended Grango school from 1952-1956, nice to read these comments. My favourite teacher had to be Miss Dodd, but for the most of it, they all did a pretty good job. I immigrated to Canada in 1957 and have been here ever since. My friend also immigrated to Canada two years after I did, he also attened Grango his name is David Thomas, by the way we ended up marrying sisters. We were over on vacation 2007 and went to look at Grango school, sure brought back some good memories.
Mon Mar 31 10:21:31 2008
Mandy
Hi Sammjo. Hope uni is good. Jamie and Charmaine say hello. How are Lee and Shaun? I hope your mam and dad are OK. Try to keep in touch. Work hard, Mandy x x x
Tue Mar 25 11:10:12 2008
Nev Roberts, Shrewsbury
To Gerallt Smith - Rossett. Truly amazing news, how wonderful that your father is also well. We used to love the banter between Smithy and Bob Savage as to which subject was best, woodwork or metalwork, both were adamant that it was their own subject. Both men were good teachers, and both were strong disciplinarians who did not suffer fools gladly. They gave each of us the chance to gain skills that would stay with us all our lives. I do hope that he remembers me (1961-1965).
Tue Feb 26 09:19:50 2008
Gerallt Smith, Rossett
Hello. Maybe of interest to your contributors that Mr Smith, metalwork teacher at Grango in the '60s, now in his 97th year and reasonably well. He and my mother, who is 91, only left their own home in Mountain Street, Rhos, in June 2007. They miss it. Both he and my mother have truly remarkable memories, if anyone has a question about the school in those days, or in fact Rhos in those days, I would ask them. We speak every day on the telephone and I see them twice most weeks. Tom has some very interesting recollections, having lived through the great war. He was 7 in 1918, the depression 1927, was a young man at the Gresford mining disaster, was at El Alamain during the second world war, it goes on, I never tire of listening.
Mon Feb 25 08:31:02 2008
Ron Williams from Chester
Let's have some real history of Grango School! From the Forties!
Mon Jan 28 08:59:19 2008
John Jarvis, Crewe, Cheshire
Attended 61/65 - memories of school life, playing for school football team, house games, form teachers, Miss Taylor, 2a, Mr Frank Jones, 3a, Miss B Jones, 4a, Mr Phillips, 5a. I often wonder where my fellow classmates are.
Wed Jan 16 08:29:57 2008
Sarah Jones, Ponciau
As most people say school is the best day of ur life and you don't realise they are telling the truth until you leave school. A fo ben bid bont.
Wed Jan 2 16:47:50 2008
Kirsty
The new headmaster is really good because she does not tolerate bulling and does not tolerate misbehaviour.
Sun Dec 2 16:37:16 2007
Nicola, Rhos
I attended Grango but wasn't into history at all but school are the best days of your life. I loved some of the teachers especially Miss Lizzie Jones, she was the best teacher in my eyes. We did used to have a laugh in her lessons - it wasn't like scool at all. I will always remember you. x
Thu Nov 29 08:50:35 2007
Sammy-Jo Archer, Aberystwyth Uni
Hello, good to see so many people with nice things to say. Hi Heulwen - my dad is fine thank you - just work and the usual. Hello Aunty Mandy, if you ever read this again just wanted to say that I hope that all the family are well, especially Jamie and Charmaine and would love to see you all again. Don't want to lose touch with my family. Love Sammy-Jo xx PS. Hope everyone at Grango is good. I'm studying law at Aber Uni - it's great! Bye x
Thu Nov 15 08:37:04 2007
Linda Davies nee Trusswell, Johnstown
Nice to read all the happy memories from our school days. I was in the same year as Bernard Lloyd, and am now working in the school, and am still in touch with Elizabeth. PS. thank you Elizabeth for doing my Welsh exam paper all those years ago. XX
Fri Oct 5 08:06:23 2007
Karl Thomas, Rhos
I left Grango in 93. Although I didn't realise it at the time I did have a very enjoyable 5 years. To look back on all the memorable occasions had during my schooling days brings a smile to my face every time and many a story could be told, probably taking a whole week to tell every tale. Wouldn't change a thing-PE in the freezing cold with Marsland and Phillips barking the orders to Mrs Benny constantly calling me 'lightning' which to this day I think could of meant either way (I prefer the intelligent of the two). To this day due to her geography class and thorough enjoyment gained I have a keen interest in all geograhic matters-big thank you to you. The most endering and one I repected above all was my tutor Mrs Groom. She was a modern day saint. Never a bad word to say, always ready to go out of her way to aid in any way shape or form, a lending ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on (not that I did ever cry). A plethora of graditude to you Mrs Groom. I hope you are healthy and well, as I do for all the teachers from my time at Grango. Much appreciated for the time effort and occasional patience for seeing the potential in me.
Fri Sep 28 11:27:14 2007
Rob Jones (butcher)
To Bernard Lloyd, what happened to Ian Hughes (Bo Bo ) & David Coshott ?.
Wed Sep 19 09:06:59 2007
Vicky
Hi, everyone at Ysgol-y-Grango. Hope your having a good time. I went to Grango and left in 2007 and most of my time there was great. But just like anywhere else I had my down sides, lol. I'm now at ruabon studying health and social care. Having a good time but will never forget Grango. Mrs Evans was the best ever as we always had a laugh with her. My best tescher was Nrs Harris coz she always made you smile (a right laugh). I hope to see you all soon. Good lukk, especially to the teachers.
Tue Sep 18 14:31:07 2007
John Phillips, Penycae
Really good times at Grango. I attended in 1975 then on to Ruabon but Grango was the best by far made. Many friends there including the caretaker. He was a spot on a true gent. Got in to trouble once with making a square key in metal work which fitted most of the locks on the classroom doors. Pat Jones - she give me 82% for some work I handed in. Most of the pictures were stuck down by jam! Good times, eh? All the best to everyone
Mon Sep 17 08:48:47 2007
Rhian Williams, Rhostyllen (formally Johstown)
I went to Grango 1994 - 1999 and had a great 4 years there. The teachers for the most part were lovely, although I wasn't the easiest of students. Best parts for me were: trips to France and seeing Mr Powell and Mr Rossar drunk in yrs 8 and 10, and of course Mrs Evans with her Perrier (you were great Miss best teacher I ever had). Going strawberry picking with Mrs Evans and Mrs Williams and of course organising Stars in their Eyes with all my mates ooh and the dance we did in year 10 come on 'Elite!' hahaha best times ever.
Wed Aug 22 15:10:25 2007
Jason Whitcombe (Wikam)
Although I was not in school much I have to say Miss Elizebeth Jones was one of the best teachers there, although the people we bothered around with when I was there werent liked by many teachers but Miss Jones. We all liked her very much. She had a laugh with us and we respected her for that. I can't do much but I can sew quite well - thanks Miss Jones.
Wed Aug 1 07:49:12 2007
Heulwen Hughes, Johnstown
I went to Grango school in 1971. I can remeber only wanting to go there because you got to wear an uniform and could learn to speak French, which I later learned to love and picked up very quickly. Back then the uniform was bottle green and red! PS - Sammy Jo - how's your dad?
Mon Jul 30 08:29:51 2007
Maureen Jones, Pen-y-Cae
I attended Grango in 1959 and I think Mary was in my class 2A English. I can still remember the teacher Frank Jones, Miss Pat Jones (Biol) Shaky and Jumbo (Geog), good days.
Thu Jul 5 07:56:00 2007
Mandy Archer , Burton upon Trent
This is Sammy Joe's aunty. I attended Grango in the 80s but had poor attendance due to looking after horses with my dad. My sister Sharon loved it and never missed a day. Some teachers were very stricked but Mr Powell and Mr Ralfs were a laugh.
Fri Jun 22 15:17:58 2007
Bernard Lloyd
I spent some of the best 4 years at Grango. I remember you Elizabeth as a pupil. They bring back teachers like Frank Jones, Mr Smith (metalwork), Shaky, Miss Dodd and, of course, Mr Jones, headmaster - oh, and Mr Dodd (PT). Elizabeth, I knew one day you would turn out a good teacher - fond memories. Bernie, 5a lower 1962-1966.
Tue Jun 5 08:18:59 2007
Sammy-Jo Archer
Hello Miss Jones and everyone who attended Grango! Hope everyone is well. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Jones for all her support throughout my time at Grango, I really miss your company and all the break times I spent in your room - probably mithering tou to death! I'd also like to say thank you to all of my teachers and the staff who taught me - thank you for the help and for the memories. Best wishes. Hope to speak to you soon. Sammy-Jo xx
Thu May 10 14:32:17 2007
Nicola Jones
Hello Miss Jones. It's Graham Twisty's daughter. Nice to hear your story about Grango. Sorry to hear about your Dad. I miss school but most of all I miss the best teachers which areyou and Mrs Harris. Hope to see you soon. Nicola x
Fri Mar 23 08:47:17 2007
Craig Austin, Rhos
Miss Jones was the best teacher and will be missed.
Thu Mar 22 15:31:27 2007
Zoe
Hey Miss. Nice to see you on the Grango site as you done so much for us and you still do.
Mon Mar 12 15:26:16 2007
Maggzz, Rhos
Still at Grango. Made some good mates and you can't give the teachers a bad time when all they're doing is there job.
Tue Mar 6 08:41:04 2007
Bobby, Penycae
I used to look under the table at Miss Jones's legs. Got caught once. Called me a dirty little boy and gave me the stick - never got caught again. Loved Grango.
Fri Mar 2 12:21:19 2007
christopher riley rhos
hiya miss jones what a surprise to see ur history in grango!
Fri Feb 9 11:05:30 2007
Claire Beavis, Cardiff/Wrexham
I found it very interesting to learn more about the school. Despite attending (nearly) every day for five years I know very little about its history! There weren't many major changes to the school while I was there, but I did watch the old mobile classrooms being removed. My dad was caretaker at the time so I would spend many a Sunday helping to put out chairs ready for the assemblies on Monday morning! It's a shame the way the school is now. It would be a much better place if the pupils had a better attitude. Best wishes to you Miss Jones and thank you for all the hard work you do!
Thu Feb 1 08:10:41 2007
Lee Sharpe, Rhos
Thanks to a lovely lady, Miss Jones, at 37 I can still sew better than my wife who unlike myself went to Ruabon. Fond memories.
Wed Jan 3 09:39:33 2007
Thomas, Germany
To Peter, Wales. You should have liked the teachers and then maybe you would have learnt not to use words like "cuz i". By the way it's "because I".
Thu Dec 14 14:52:52 2006
Jay Matthews
Grango was the best school I ever went to. I liked all the teachers and Miss Elizibeth Jones because we used to talk about Last of the Summer Wine and Eastenders.
Tue Dec 5 15:33:15 2006
Peter, Wales
I attended Grango but never liked it cuz i never liked the teachers.
Tue Dec 5 10:26:16 2006
Richard Loe, Norrtalje, Sweden
Ah, Miss Elizabeth Jones! I came to Grango as an 11 year old in 1977, and left 2 years later. Miss Elizabeth Jones taught me Needlework and History. Her classroom was in a modern hut down by the tennis courts, behind the not-quite-so-modern hut containing the science lab and metalwork room. She drove a green Mini van, in which she was reputed to carry hay bales when at home on the family farm. Miss Brenda Edryd Jones taught us RE up in the old building, but retired the year I left. Retirement is perhaps the wrong word, because Miss Brenda Edryd Jones went on to study for a degree. By the time I got there Grango was part of the local comprehensive system which meant that we spent two years there before going to what had been Ruabon Grammar for the rest of our time at school. We wore the Ruabon uniform (boys: grey trousers, white or grey shirt, tie, bottle green jumper, bottle green blazer; girls: bottle green skirt, white blouse, tie, bottle green jumper or cardigan) and were divided into the four Ruabon school houses. Our year was the last to go on to Ruabon, later years stayed at Grango. Whilst we were there the first phase of the new school was built, if memory serves by local builders Gittins. And yes, the coal seam really is only 9 inches below the ground as was apparent when they dug the foundations for the new building. We were also the first year to enjoy the full attention of Mr Owen Hughes, a headmaster with clear views on what the school should be. Respected (and feared) by pupils, Mr Hughes believed in clear rules and firm discipline, and as part of this introduced morning inspection before assembly. Turning up with an unbuttoned top collar, dirty shoes (or worse, trainers) was most inadvisable. To be fair, Mr Hughes also had high academic standards and was a firm believer in schools providing equal opportunities for pupils of all social backgrounds and abilities. However, he also expected everyone to work hard and do their best - the school was there to give us the opportunities, but we were expected to work for it.
Tue Nov 21 10:57:47 2006
Alun Salisbury Cardiff - formerly Cefn Mawr
Thomas Hamburg. Your reference to Gladys Aylward brought back pleasant memories of a 1991 family ski trip to Mammoth Mountain, USA. Acclimatising to the altitude, we decided to investigate further a field and made our way to Lake Mary and Pokonobe Lodge and Marine at over 11,000ft. Exhausted we welcomed the Cider tea served on the terrace overlooking the frozen lake. Being the only visitors at this time, we were invited in to the proprietor's home, Louise Furlow Barrett. During conversation, Ms Barrett described her life's travels during which she became a personal friend of Gladys Aylward, who she held in high esteem. Offering her right hand to me, she said, 'I want you to shake that hand for that hand has shaken the hand of Gladys Aylward.' Before leaving, she presented us with a photograph of Lake Mary taken in summer time. The photograph adorns a wall of our home, which reminds us of Louise and Gladys Aylward.
Mon Nov 6 09:12:17 2006
Thomas, Hamburg
How nice to read your story. I left Grango in the summer of 62 and probably knew your brother and sister. Yes I also failed the 11 plus "and would probably fail it again today". I remember the uniform and I was one of the kids who didn't have one and enjoyed the freedom of it not being compulsory, although I did wear the tie. If I am right the school badge was a bridge crossing a river with the motto "AFO BEN BYD BONT" I dont know if I have spellt it correctly but then I was never good at Spelllliinng and started my time at the school in 2B welsh "or not to be Welsh we would say" then to 3B welsh but finished my schooling in 4A Welsh And 5A Welsh. I was also a prefect in my last year.
I remember Miss Brenda Jones teaching us about Gladys Aylward. Wasn't she known to the Chinese children as "here I go with my spelling again" it sounded like "a-wa-day"?
I remember the film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" very well and thought of Miss Brenda Jones, teaching us about "a-wa-day" a very nice lady.
I would like to talk about the other teachers but maybe next time.
Wed Nov 1 16:37:51 2006
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