CRUNWERE CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL
Extracts from the Minute Book commenced 24 Sept 1904.
1906 - Summer Holidays fixed at four weeks from 16th July. School to reopen 13th August. 6 Apr 1906 - complaints had been received from some of the parents that their children had been roughly handled. It was decided that the Head Teacher (Annie May Williams) should be informed that where punishment was necessary, it should be inflicted with care.
1 July 1907 - Head Teacher has given three months notice (she stated that she was unable to find comfortable lodgings).
30 Sept 1907 - Miss Francis Edith Ellen Evans commenced duties as Head Teacher.
27 June 1908 - it was resolved that should the attendance fall off owing to the hay-making being in full swing, to close the school for the usual Summer Holiday.
7 Apr 1909 - the report of the Diocesan Inspector relating to the school was considered highly satisfactory. The General Report is as follows: “very good work has been done in this School and tone and discipline are excellent”.
9 Feb 1910 - the school has been closed owing to so many children being laid up with bad colds, the Medical Officer of Health having given instructions to close the school for a fortnight.
9 Apr 1910 - it was unanimously decided to appeal to the Education Committee for an extra desk for the infants, there being only three desks for 22 children.
27 Apr 1910 - proposal carried that Mrs Emily Davies of Blackheath be appointed school cleaner.
23 Nov 1910 - carried unanimously that Mrs Dunbar be appointed Head Teacher.
15 June 1911 - at the request of the King unanimously carried that the children should have an extra week’s holiday and that the summer holiday should immediately follow (to celebrate the Coronation).
18 Sept 1912 - the architect’s plans for the extension of the school buildings were considered.
13 Mar 1913 - the Educational Medical Officer was closing the school on account of an outbreak of chicken-pox from Monday 10th March, and reopening it on Tuesday 25th March.
15 Jan 1914 - the question of levelling the playground was discussed and it was decided to have the stones ‘digged up’, also that it should be covered with ‘rab’. Mr Glanville kindly gave permission to get the ‘rab’ from Pensylvania (the corner near the parish boundary). He also undertook to drive some over, as did Mr Williams, Trenewydd, Mr J.Williams, Crunwere and Mr Davies, Greenacre.
6 Apr 1915 - the school cleaner, Mrs Emily Davies has sent in her resignation.
22 Sept 1916 - proposed and seconded that the children should have half a day’s holiday on Empire Day.
8 July 1918 - proposed that Mr Abram Hodge be asked to give an estimate for ploughing the piece of ground required for a school garden.
Dec 1918 - owing to the death of Mrs Dunbar, a special meeting of the Managers was held. It was their desire to place on record their sense of the great loss the school had sustained by the death of the Head Teacher (from influenza) and also their high appreciation of the services so faithfully and successfully rendered by her during the eight years she was in charge of the school. The Correspondent was asked to convey to her children their deep sympathy with them in their bereavement. It was explained that the medical order closing the school extends from November 11th up to January 6th 1919 when the school will be re-opened in the charge of a temporary Head Teacher.
10 Apr 1919 - position regarding the school garden - only five children are at present of age to do gardening work and therefore only about one third of the area prepared can be cultivated this year.
31 Jan 1920 - concerning the objection made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to the school garden in the Parish Recreation Ground (now a small park area south of the old school house), the managers were of the opinion that if the present garden cannot be retained, no other plot of ground for a garden convenient to the school is available.
28 Oct 1921 - the suggestion of the Head Teacher that a flower garden be made in the playground was agreed to.
9 Aug 1923 - meeting held to discuss the building of an additional bedroom to the School House. It was pointed out that it would be easily possible to put a third bedroom on top of the outer kitchen with the door to it at the top of the stairs; carried unanimously. It was considered that three tons of coal would be sufficient for the school winter supply.
27 Dec 1923 - the Managers decided to insure the piano for £50, the cost price.
31 Mar 1924 - the school would open during Summer Time from 9.30am to 4pm.
31 July 1925 - extract from letter by Mr E.T.Davies, Director of Education - “the committee approve of Mr F.E.C.Wolff as Head Teacher of Crunwere N.P. School. I have written asking him to commence duties on 7th Sept.”
17 Feb 1926 - it was thought advisable that the repair of the footbridge near to the Cabin should be considered.
25 Feb 1926 - a Managers and Parish Council meeting was called to discuss the repairs and renewal of two footbridges, one near the Cabin, one near Milton Back. The footbridge near the Cabin is needed daily by school children. Attention was also drawn to the need of a rail near Lanteague Crossing (Llanteg crossroads) and the raising of the roadway a foot just beyond the crossing towards the school which after rain is ‘overflooded’. Mr James, Clyngwyn, kindly undertook the repairs of the footbridge near the Cabin. Mr Williams, Whitland, was to have his attention drawn to the repairs needed to put the Milton Back footbridge safe.
4 Feb 1927 - there had been structural repairs made to the School House; the walls of the school ground repaired and ‘jambs’ built for the iron gate to the field, and for the door to the garden; a new range put in, and there was gravel for the yard. For several years the School House was unoccupied, the teacher taking rooms in the village and consequently no rent had been received. Paid £40 9s for mason work as above and £8 for carpenter’s work, leaving about £50. This was considered a very satisfactory balance.
It was decided that a wooden shed, with a galvanised iron roof, sufficiently large to store benches and desks when not in use, as well as the ‘platform’ boards now stored in the Rectory barn, should be built to avoid the cartage after each entertainment held in the school.
The extension of the school room towards the entrance from the main road was discussed. This extension would soon be made compulsory owing to the increase in attendance of scholars. Mr A.James was to be asked to give measurements and an estimated cost. The work, when undertaken, was to be completed during the Summer Holidays (six weeks).
Mr James was also to be asked to kindly give an estimate for an additional bedroom for the School House.
The Treasurer undertook to ascertain the amount of interest annually generated by the Merrilees Charity, and to find out to whom it had been paid in previous years and the amounts paid each year during the last ten years. (Mr James Merrilees, a native of the Scottish lowlands, had lived at Stanwell Villa until his death in March 1896 at the age of 85.)
24 Apr 1927 - the Treasurer received a letter from Barclays Bank. The ‘Merrilees Charity’, which represents 2s 3d quarterly, has accumulated to £1 11s 6d, which was held at the disposal of the Rector.
8 Nov 1927 - the Managers engaged a workman to tidy up the field used by the children as a playground; the hedges were trimmed, the briars cleared away and the field drain and ditch filled in.
11 Jan 1928 - a Valour gas stove was bought for the use of the school, to be near the door. A galvanised iron shed has been put up.
19 June 1928 - a meeting to arrange about the school children going by charabanc to the Missionary Exhibition at Tenby.
20 Jan 1930 - meeting to see about notices to be fixed up warning gypsies they were not to camp near the school.
21 Nov 1930 - presented the schoolchildren with a football.
20 Dec 1934 - the disposal of the Purser Fund (a charity fund) was discussed and finally decided that the money should not be given to the children this Christmas as in the past, but that it should be retained and utilised for taking the children for an educational tour during the summer months (36 seater bus £4 5s. May 15th, children and others to meet at school at 9.30am to visit St. David’s).
1 May 1935 - Head Teacher’s Report - he also complained of gypsies camping on the lane running alongside the school, leaving old tins and refuse about, and asked whether something could not be done to prevent them camping there.
23 Dec 1935 - in his report the Head Teacher pointed out that the number of scholars attending the school had dropped from 39 to 27.
22 Apr 1936 - the children’s educational trip will be via Llangwm, Rosemarket etc. to Milford Haven for lunch, returning to Haverfordwest for tea. It was decided that a sum not exceeding £5 be drawn from the school fund to augment the Purser Charity Fund. This sum to be repaid early in the autumn, the Head Teacher promising to get up a whist drive to do so. The trip was to be on 5th June. Leaving Llanteg Cross at 9.30am, The Folly 9.40am, Milford Haven 3.30pm (lunch at 1pm), and Haverfordwest at 8.30pm for home. The charge for outsiders to be 2/6 each with 1/- for lunch. Mr W.B.Davies proposed that a ready-cooked ham be bought and taken on the trip, together with bread, butter and tea.
8 June 1936 - much appreciation was expressed at the arrangements for the Children’s Outing, but it was felt that the number which went for the trip was enormous and thus the trip had gone beyond what it was intended for at the start - viz. an educational tour for the children. It was proposed that in future all trips arranged for the children should be confined to the children, staff and any Manager with his wife who would care to join. Carried unanimously.
21 June 1937 - it was proposed that for this year the amount of money from the Purser Charity be divided equally among the scholars. In the Head Teacher’s Report he stated that Master Noel Davies, Bryn Ely, had won a scholaship to Narberth County School at the early age of 10 years.
4 Oct 1937 - the Rector pointed out that during the following week (Tuesday 12th October), the new extension to the churchyard would be consecrated by the Lord Bishop of St. David’s and that as the school room would be required for tea after the service he asked the Managers to allow a holiday for that day - granted.
27 Nov 1937 - the Rector gave the conditions governing the Purser Charity which is “that the sum of £100 in trust was left to the Rector of Crunwere (in perpetuity), the interest therein to be given annually to the most deserving in Crunwere School”.
26 July 1938 - Rev. Morgan congratulated Mr Wolff the Head Teacher upon the good attendance attained during 1937, and also on the successes attained by the school at the sports held at Milford Haven on the previous Saturday.
A letter from the County Architect was then read out dealing with the playground, lavatories and drinking water. There was a unanimous decision that although the Managers were in full accord with the points raised, yet they did not feel justified in spending a large sum of money on improvements unless the Local Education Authority gave a guarantee that the school would not be closed for at least another seven years.
A water standard was to be erected in the very near future just outside the school premises.
EXTRACTS FROM CRUNWERE SCHOOL LOG BOOK 1935 - 1946
1 April 1935 - school closed for the afternoon on account of funeral of Verdi James, formally a scholar, who was killed in a collision between his motor cycle and a motor lorry on Wednesday March 27th. The school and staff subscribed towards a large wreath and the Upper School attended the funeral service. 18 May 1935 - Day School outing to St Davids. An educational outing of scholars, staff, managers and about 26 parents. They went via Haverfordwest and were shown around the Cathedral - then on to Fishguard and back to Haverfordwest. They visited the new cinema and saw the King’s Jubilee Procession in London on film. The Rector promised a prize for the best essay on “A Visit to St Davids” by the senior pupils.
7 June 1935 - the Rector presented prizes for the St Davids essay competition. The first prize of a shilling went to Herbert James while the second prize of nine pennies each went to Connie Allen and Dora Mortimer. The Rector stated that the standard of English was very good and that he would be sending the best five or six to the Dean of St Davids for his perusal.
21 June 1935 - 1 case of measles and 2 of whooping cough.
27 June 1935 - attendance at low ebb.
28 June 1935 - Glyn James and Margaret Glanville - measles.
3 July 1935 - 10 measles, 2 whooping cough.
11 July 1935 - 4 more measles.
14 November 1935 - very wet morning - time table adjusted owing to children arriving wet and having to dry clothes before beginning work.
27 November 1935 - visit of educational film -Fry’s Cocoa.
11 February 1936 - frozen roads too slippery for most children to attend, only six in morning and eight in afternoon.
6 April 1936 - two fresh cases of mumps - there are only two children who are so far immune.
24 April 1936 - Mrs Pickrill gave a lecture on “alcohol as a poison”.
2 May 1936 - people using the county library service - 25 adults and five children.
23 July 1936 - very wet morning - roads flooded in places - only four children in this morning.
9 September 1938 - received phone message from the Director granting me leave on Monday and Tuesday to visit my wife (Mrs Wolff), whose condition is hopeless, in Middlesex hospital.
22 November 1938 - school closed all day - funeral of Mrs Wolff.
24 November 1938 - Head Teacher resumed duties (Mr Wolff).
17 May 1939 - at 3.15pm eight of the older children came with me into School House to hear the broadcast of the arrival of the King and Queen.
17 November 1939 - absent all day after extraction of teeth (Mr Wolff).
EXTRACTS FROM CRUNWERE SCHOOL LOG BOOK
1 Oct 1906 - Miss Ann Marie Williams commenced as Headmistress with 46 children present. 2 Oct 1906 - no school on account of wet weather - only seven came in morning and were sent home as they were wet. Not one child came in afternoon.
21 Nov 1906 - administered corporal punishment - stroke on the hand to five boys for taking things from the school cupboard:- J.Mortimer, W.Callen, Harold Jones, Seymour Jones and Geoffrey Jones. The Rector spoke to them about it the next day.
23 Jan 1907 - children sent home this morning as the room was full of smoke.
21 Mar 1907 - children taken to see a ship wrecked at Ragwen Point during the storm last Saturday. We started from school 2.30 and returned about 6 o’clock.
15 Apr 1907 - York Glanville left to attend Whitland County School.
13 May 1907 - Headteacher returned to school after being away a fortnight on account of illness - the Rector took charge of school during absence.
3 June 1907 - one child admitted, Florence Phillips aged five.
17 June 1907 - first lesson in afternoon the children taken to see the sheep being washed and shorn.
16 Aug 1907 - holiday on account of Temperance Fete at Amroth.
18 Sept 1907 - lower classes taken out for their observation lesson.
27 Sept 1907 - holiday on account of Fair at Whitland.
3 Oct 1907 - poor attendance, Fair at Narberth.
17 Feb 1908 - the Rector called to distribute money left by Mrs Purser to boys and girls. Each one receiving according to their attendance and the amount to be deposited in the bank books if their parents wished.
17 Mar 1908 - Tommy Phillips absent from school as he dislocated his arm when returning from school.
30 Apr 1908 - attendance low owing to sickness. There is one case of ringworm.
22 May 1908 - annual holiday for Monday 25th to celebrate ‘Empire Day’.
24 June 1908 - holiday given yesterday for the Parish Treat.
19 Oct 1908 - three new children - Leslie Phillips, Mary Hodge and Mabel Davies. 49 on books.
17 Nov 1908 - length of room 27ft. 3inches, width 16ft. 7inches.
23 Feb 1909 - corporal punishment administered - strokes on the hand with cane to three boys for spoiling the school gardens - J.Mortimer, W.James and H.James.
24 Feb 1909 - school closed, Annual Tea and Entertainment.
2 Mar 1909 - only 31 present owing to snow.
3 Mar 1909 - only six owing to snow. At 10am 20 had arrived.
18 June 1909 - time devoted to singing each week is now 75 minutes.
8 Sept 1909 - a silver clasp was awarded to Winifred Glanville for two years perfect attendance.
10 Sept 1909 - received new wall map of Pembrokeshire.
22 Oct 1909 - Gladys Phillips left school this morning having reached the age limit.
10 Dec 1909 - corporal punishment administered to Reggie Glanville for being impudent - two strokes on the hand with the cane.
Winifred Glanville (photo Mollie and Hugh James)
8 July 1910 - Rector presented bronze clasp for one year’s perfect attendance to Winifred Glanville. (Winifred Glanville completed three years’ full attendance at school and was a healthy child. Unfortunately at about the age of thirteen she went on a school trip to Pendine and came home feeling unwell. The Doctor was called and it was thought that she had rheumatic fever and would probably not live beyond sixteen years of age. However this proved incorrect, for although disabled and forced to use a wheelchair until her early twenties, Winifred lived to the ripe old age of 76. She had very bad knees and was only able to carry cups and so forth on the backs of her hands. It seems more likely now that she had contracted a form of polio.)
5 Dec 1910 - take charge of school, C. Dunbar (Mrs Charlotte Dunbar).
15 Dec 1910 - went to London to bring my two boys (Donald and Arthur Dunbar) to Crunwere.
7 Apr 1911 - caned three boys, W.Allen, B.James and T.Phillips, for wantonly disfiguring three books with ink.
25 Apr 1911 - the Hodge family were away with scabies.
17 May 1911 - caned for sliding down the girls’ WCs:- W.Allen, C.Allen, B.James, W.Davies, T.Hughes, T.Jones, G.Jones and V.Davies.
3 June 1911 - caned Charles Allen for insolence.
3 Aug 1911- caned Wlm. Allen for striking A.George on forehead with stone.
14 Aug 1911 - caned C.Allen, W.Phillips and T.Phillips for throwing stones, one of which lamed my dog. This was after having forbidden stone throwing the week before.
1 Sept 1911 - caned M.Phillips for disobedience.
9 Nov 1911 - caned Martha Reynolds for continued insolence.
16 Nov 1911 - caned Olwen Hodge for interference with school discipline and for impertinence. Caned Florence Howells for telling untruths.
21 Nov 1911 - caned C.Allen and T.Phillips three time on each hand for wantonly tearing W.Phillips’s leggings.
23 Nov 1911 - caned H.Davies for indecent behaviour in playground.
27 Feb 1912 - caned B.James for disobedience and for insulting me.
27 June 1912 - note from Glasgow - dual desks shipped. Inkwells in post.
9 Dec 1912 -children who have suffered from measles during the recent epidemic are not to be admitted until after Christmas.
3 Mar 1913 - attendance very low owing to chickenpox.
10 Mar 1913 - school closed because of an outbreak of chickenpox.
11 Apr 1913 - Millie Phillips, Florence Phillips and Leslie Phillips away owing to measles.
2 May 1913 - have caned Millie Phillips and Marjorie Phillips for disobedience. A portion of the dividing wall has been knocked down by a see-saw, which I forbad them to use.
19 May 1913 - attendance very low, many cases of measles.
26 May 1913 - school to close for a fortnight due to measles.
20 June 1913 - school closed for Parish Outing.
30 June 1914 - sent Martha Morris home because she came too late to be marked. Drastic measures necessary because of her unpunctuality.
9 July 1914 - caned Leslie Phillips and Bertie Morris for beating Pattie Phillips after school hours. Could hear her cries from the school and from the end of the field could see boys striking her.
16 Nov 1914 - caned M.Phillips, M.Hodge, I.Mortimer and M.James for being on the School House premises at playtime.
26 Apr 1915 - Leslie Phillips caned for insolence to Miss Knowles. There have been acts of insolence from this boy repeatedly.
27 Apr 1915 - caned Leslie Phillips once on each hand for contradicting me when I corrected a child in the pronunciation of ‘chute’.
5 May 1915 - caned Leslie Phillips, Brinley Davies and Mary Hodge for forcing Mildred John and Frank Simlett to kiss. Have warned the older children to avoid exciting the last named boy as he is subject to fits.
19 May 1915 - gave Victor Davies four stripes with the cane for making a gross remark.
30 Aug 1915 - school reopens after summer holidays. Many children away with skin complaints. Allens, Oriels and Williamses affected.
3 Sept 1915 - three familes away with impetigo - contagious.
22 Sept 1915 - caned Thomas Hodge twice on the hand and once across his arm when he refused to put his hand out for further punishment. He absented himself to attend a sale in the neighbourhood.
24 Sept 1915 - a holiday for Whitland Fair.
12 Jan 1916 - cleaner has not been at school this morning. Room very untidy and fire not lighted. I have allowed all delicate children to wear their coats.
26 Jan 1916 - caned Thomas Hodge for lingering on the road and being late at school. He struck me and called me a vile name and was very insolent. I caned him several times across arms and back.
30 Jan 1916 - Thomas Hodge, Annie Hodge and Ceinwen Hodge entered school at 9.45 - caned. Amy Hodge entered at 10 - roll had been called so I sent her home.
23 Mar 1916 - gave Leslie Phillips and Brindley Davies three stripes with the cane for catching girls by the leg to throw them. Have excluded six of the Simletts owing to the fact that Cyril, a brother, is in bed ill with red spots on body, legs and head.
4 Apr 1916 - Simlett family away owing to chickenpox.
10 Apr 1916 - Mrs Dundar absent through sickness.
1 May 1916 - Mrs Dunbar resumed work.
3 May 1916 - caned Leslie Phillips for continued insolence.
24 May 1916 - caned Leslie Phillips for tearing grass which he rubbed into …’s (name illegible) face making his nose bleed. Also caned T.Hodge, G.Mathias and R.Davies for tearing grass.
7 July 1916 - Leslie Phillips very troublesome Tuesday afternoon (4th). He is constantly interfering with children in the school. I saw him try to strike A.George because he looked at him. Told him he was a nuisance. There was peace when he was absent. Leslie Phillips has not been seen since.
28 July 1916 - Caned L.Phillips, B.Davies, R.Davies and T.Hodge for throwing stones, one missed my head by inches. T.Hodge seems to have been the instigator.
30 July 1916 - Bobby Davies, Brinley Davies and Leslie Phillips crossed the School House grounds and forced their way through hedges which have been filled in by men employed by the Managers. Have told these boys they are to fill in the space they have made.
29 Sept 1916 – School closed for Whitland Fair.
19 Oct 1916 – Caned Leslie Phillips for striking May Oriel when in school and in school time. I find this boy most trying. (Leslie Phillips left Crunwere School the following day to transfer to Tavernspite School).
.27 Jan 1917 – Caned T.Hodge and B.Davies for throwing stones at school ventilator. Children have been warned that damage done wilfully to premises will have to be paid for by parents.
5 Feb 1917 – Miss Knowles away with ‘boils’. Snow 1½ins deep.
23 Mar 1917 – The Davies and Mathias families absent from school owing to the death of Mr Mathias.
2 Apr 1917 – Very rough day – snow several inches deep in drifts. 1 child present in morning, 2 in afternoon.
16 Apr 1917 – Sent Robert Davies from school owing to ringworm.
7 May 1917 – I return to school after being away with ‘flu, cold and ulcerated throat.
29 May 1917 – Mrs Dunbar away with severe cold.
7 Aug 1917 – School reopens, a poor attendance owing to the hay harvest.
5 Oct 1917 – 3 Oriel girls, 3 Hodge girls and 2 Davies girls entered school at 9.45am. These children all have trouble in this respect.
18 Jan 1918 – Caned Wilfred Davies for being vulgar.
25 Jan 1918 – Miss Knowles ill with measles.
29 Jan 1918 – Caned George Mathias for vulgarity.
5 Feb 1918 – Gave John Oriel 3 cuts with the cane for indecent behaviour. Have had trouble with this boy in this respect.
4 Mar 1918 – Mumps in Phillips family (Crafty?). George Phillips sent home.
12 Apr 1918 – Most of the older school have spent 1 hour each morning in the school garden this week. The garden has not been planted for two or more years and grass had to be taken up before they could dig.
23 Apr 1918 – 4 Davies children, Milton, and 3 Davies children, Sparrows Nest, are away with mumps.
19 June 1918 – Visited school garden and found everything neat and tidy. The potato crop is promising. The garden is situated too far from the school, land near the school would be much more suitable.
29 Oct 1918 – Caned half the children of the school for unpunctuality. Caned all boys in upper division, with the exception of J.Oriel and C.James, for insolence, shouting in the classroom.
6 Nov 1918 – Caned 6 boys for teasing my dog. I have warned them of the danger.
10 Feb 1919 – Mary E.Thomas commenced as Head Mistress.
28 Feb 1919 – Friday – holiday given as St David’s Day is on Saturday. In the afternoon a tea was given for the schoolchildren by Mr and Mrs Wheeler of Llanteglos. This was followed by a Magic Lantern entertainment and each scholar received a useful present and a book from Mr and Mrs Wheeler.
15 May 1919 – Muriel Hodge was taken to Narberth to meet the dentist, who extracted her teeth.
8 Sept 1919 – School reopened after 6 weeks holiday. The sixth week was given in honour of the signing of Peace, it being the King’s wish. Miss Rowena Lewis commenced duties as supplementary teacher today.
27 Oct 1919 – The Head Teacher divided the potatoes which were grown in the school garden amongst the scholars who had worked in the garden.
11 Nov 1919 – The school celebrated the anniversary of the signing of Armistice by standing still for 2 minutes in accordance with the King’s wish.
5 Oct 1920 – Very wet, 7 pupils present this afternoon and it was necessary to send them home, their clothes being wet. There is no coal on the premises to light the fire.
11 Oct 1920 – Mary Jane Phillips (Oxford) admitted today.
17 Nov 1920 – A load of coal was delivered from Kilgetty. The senior girls have begun knitting woollen jumpers, caps and bedroom slippers.
2 Dec 1920 – Muriel Hodge has left for Tavernspite School, as having gone to ‘The Roses’ to live and the distance to school is too far. to send them home, their clothes being wet. There is no coal on the premises
to light the fire.
11 Oct 1920 – Mary Jane Phillips (Oxford) admitted today.
17 Nov 1920 – A load of coal was delivered from Kilgetty. The senior girls have begun knitting woollen jumpers, caps and bedroom slippers.
2 Dec 1920 – Muriel Hodge has left for Tavernspite School, as having gone to ‘The Roses’ to live and the distance to school is too far.
Crunwere School finally closed in December 1946.
