M.G.Evans (Pop)

Morris Griffith Evans or 'Pop' as he was affectionately called by most of the Ysgol Ardudwy pupils was our headmaster in the years that I attended school from 1960-1967.

When my father speaks of 'Pop' he sighs and reminisces at how 'good' a teacher/headmaster 'Pop' was and just how much everyone liked him. I felt the same way. I always looked forward to one of 'Pop's' lessons.

We both agree that he was an amazing teacher and whenever I took classes with him he had my complete attention because he was so interesting and informative. He had an enthusiasm that was contagious. He taught me mathematics and History of Science and I enjoyed every minute. There were times when I regretted that he was the headmaster because it meant that he had less time for teaching.

'Pop' had two daughters who were at Ysgol Ardudwy when I was there - Mair and Gwen. Gwen and I were in the same classroom for most of the seven years I was at Ysgol Ardudwy and we played opposite each other in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Gwen played 'Titania the Fairy Queen' and I played 'Bottom the weaver'. Gwen, I don't think I'll ever forget it! 

Gwen, who now lives in France with her husband Alan was kind enough to send me the following words about her father:

"My father was born on May 11th, 1907 in Blaenau Ffestiniog. He was the son of a quarry-miner. It was a hard life in those days, and his parents tried their best to give the boy of the family a chance in life and a better lot than they had had. Two of his sisters died in early infancy of the diseases rife at that time, and his sister, Maggie, lived only to the age of twenty-eight, when she succumbed to tuberculosis. My father was a bright youngster who earned a scholarship to the local grammar-school, and from then on, there was no holding him back academically. I can remember various accounts of his school-days! It was a very strict regime, and boys found out on the streets after seven p.m. (when they should have been at home studying) were severely punished the next day, by the masters who patrolled the streets after the 'curfew'. Perhaps this was why my father was always a disciplinarian in his role of teacher and headmaster!

From there, he earned a place in Aberystwyth University, and gained a very creditable degree in Physics (a subject he had never even studied in school). He was always interested in a range of different subjects, astronomy, clock-making, history, to name but a few and used to write articles in various newspapers, often in his native language, which, of
course, was Welsh.

He never forgot his roots and background. His frugal, hard-working, upbringing shaped the way he led his life in later years. He always had time for the under-dog, the child who found it hard to learn either because of financial difficulties or disadvantage. He was never a proud or selfish man.

He also loved the mountains from an early age. As a child, he spent many happy days climbing Manod Mawr and the other peaks round Blaenau. Later, he would go off on climbing holidays to Ireland, Scotland and the Alps. He suffered a lot from asthma and hay-fever, but when he was at the top of a mountain, he was at his happiest! When he died, his ashes were scattered on the summit of Manod Mawr!"

To view all pictures in MG Evans Gallery click here

M.G. Evans ("Pop")
1907-1985

Attended Manod Council School, Blaenau Ffestiniog

1920-1926 - Ffestiniog County School, Blaenau Ffestiniog (Scholarship Holder)

1926 - Gained Keeling Science Scholarship (Open Entrance) to University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, where he studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.

1929 - BSc (Wales), Honours Physics (II,1), with Final Chemistry and Subsid. 'Pure Mathematics; 'the best student in the Department (Physics) throughout his course', according to Professor Gwilym Owen's testimonial.

1930 - University of Wales Teacher's Diploma

1930-1935 - Science (incl. Biology) and Mathematics teacher at the Charles Darbishire Central School, Penmaenmawr (also Welsh, Woodwork and Scripture).

1930-1934 - Also taught Science at evening classes and Technical Drawing and Mathematics in the Day Technical School at Penmaenmawr.

1935 - First Prize at the National Eisteddfod at Caernarfon for an essay on a Scientific Topic (Welsh), entitled 'Posibilrwydd bywyd ar blanedau erill' (The possibility of Life on other planets).

1936 (Jan) - 1945 - Science Master at Barmouth County School, Merioneth: taught Chemistry to School Cert., Higher Cert., and Open scholarship standard; Physics to School Certif.

1936-1945 - Also helped with teaching of Mathematics, Art, Physical Training

1945-1949 - Senior Science Master, teaching Physics to School Certif., Higher Certif., and Open School standard.

1942 - Sixth Form Master. Contributions to School Science Review (Journal of Science Masters Association) and articles in Welsh on scientific topics to 'Y Cymro'. 'Traethodydd', 'Y Rhedegydd' etc.

1949 - Headmaster Barmouth Grammer School

1957 - Headmaster, Ysgol Ardudwy

1969 - Retired

1985 - Died, 5th March, Aberystwyth, Dyfed

The teaching team

At the station