Howell Griffiths Court at Ty Dan-y-Wal, Abertillery

Howell Griffiths Court.
Royal British Housing Scheme at Ty Dan-y-Wal, Abertillery. During the late 1970’s, the Royal British Legion proposed to build a new housing complex to be constructed at Ty- Dan-y-Wal in connection with the a sheltered housing scheme. It was a part of the Royal British Legion’s Housing Association building plans to provide homes for ex-servicemen and their families at Abertillery, Tredegar and Beaufort.

Howell Griffiths Court at Ty Dan-y-Wal, Abertillery.
On Thursday 28th of December 1978, the Gwent Gazette reported on the new sheltered housing scheme to be built by the Royal British Legion at Ty Dan-y-Wal and it was announced that it will be called “Howell Griffiths Court”, named in honour of Mr David Howell Griffiths (as seen left seated).

The Blaenau Gwent Borough Council’s Director of Engineering and Planning, Mr John Davies, told the Development Services Sub Committee last week – “The Royal British Legion have a proposal which is nearing commencement at Ty Dan-y-Wal, Abertillery to erect a sheltered housing scheme. The proposal is to name the scheme “Howell Griffiths Court”.

Warden.
On Thursday 29th of March 1984, the Gwent Gazette printed an application for a female warden at Howell Griffiths Court, Ty-Dan-Y-Wal Road, Abertillery. The Court consists of 32 self-contained flats for elderly people capable of looking after themselves. Applicants should preferably be between the age of 35 and 50 years of age whose husbands retain outside employment.

A two bedroom flat, free of rent, rates, heating and lighting charges, plus a salary, are offered in return for light duties as Warden. Nursing and/or Welfare experience useful but not essential. Apply in writing, not later than 11th of May, 1984. Application forms from – Mrs Cook, Secretary, Howell Griffiths Court.

The Official Opening of Howell Griffiths Court.
On Friday 13th of September 1985, Howell Griffiths Court was officially opened. Eight British Legion standards, held by six men and two women, flanked the entrance of Howell Griffiths Court for its official opening. Prior to the opening ceremony, a Service of Dedication was held and conducted by Rev Brian Favell, vicar of St Pauls Church, Cwmtillery.

Performing the opening ceremony and unveiling the plaque was Col. R. Hanbury Tenison, a patron of the British Legion. Those who attended were as follows – Mr John Roden (Councillor); The Mayor, Mr Roy Edmonds (Councillor) Mrs Edmonds; Mr Norman Jones (Councillor); Rev Paul Davies and Mr C. Hardman (British Legion Housing Association):

Music was provided throughout the ceremony by the Abertillery Youth Band, under their musical director Mr John Evans.

Mr David Howell Griffiths.
Below is the story of Mr David Howell Griffiths. Beginning with his parents – Mr Edwin Griffiths and Mrs Fanny Griffiths nee Mead, his teaching profession, his wife Ethel and life in Blaina. Also a timeline of his achievements within the British Legion and public life.

Mr Edwin Griffiths (1858-1937).
Mr Edwin Griffith, the son of Mr William Dyke Griffiths and Miss Jane Griffiths nee Howell, was born in 1858 at Clydach-on-Tawe, Swansea. In his youth he worked at Gilberton’s Tinworks, Pontardawe and later came to Blaina and worked as a tin shearer in the Blaina Tinworks. He was a Conservative and had worked to establish the Conservative Clubs at Blaina and Abertillery. He became active in trades unionism after moving to Blaina and was treasurer of the Blaina Branch of the South Wales and Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire Tinplate Workers Union.

Mr Griffiths also served on the Nantyglo and Blaina Urban District Council and on the old Bedwellty Board of Guardians. He was the secretary of the Blaina Branch of the Ancient Britons, the Grand United Order of Oddfellows, treasurer of various benefit clubs and a sidesman at St Peters Church, Blaina.

Mrs Fanny Griffiths nee Mead (1861-1934).
Mrs Fanny Griffiths nee Mead was born in 1861 at Inkerman Row, West Side, Blaina. In her youth, Fanny and her brother were taken by her parents Mr and Mrs G. Mead, to Trowbridge, Wilthshire, where she received her early education. In 1872 the family returned to Blaina where her father found employment as an engineer at the blast furnaces. From that year Fanny came under the influence of Mr J. Pope and Miss L. Harris, who were Headmaster and Mistress at the British School, which was situated where the Stones Houses are today.

At the Blaina British School, Fanny Mead was apprenticed as a teacher and after serving six years probationship was given credentials by the headmistress which qualified her to teach. The first years salary, Miss Mead received £5, and for her sixth year it had risen to £18 for a full years work.

In 1879, Miss Fanny Mead was offered a post at Llangwm, Pembrokeshire and for three years taught at the Church School, returning to Blaina in 1882. The population of Blaina increased and a number of students were transferred to to the Church Institute and Miss Mead was appointed to accompany them, later when the Central Board Schools were built she became one of its first teachers.

The Marriage of Mr Edwin Griffiths and Mrs Fanny Mead.
In 1884, Mr Edwin Griffiths married Miss Fanny Mead. They had two known children, Miss Winifred Griffiths, born in 1891 and Master David Howell Griffiths, born in 1893.

On the 1891 census, Mr Edwin Griffiths and His wife Mrs Fanny Griffiths were living at 1 Clock Row, West Side, Blaina.

The McKinley Tariff Act.
After the passing of the McKinley Tariff Act of 1890, an Act that put a high tariff on imported goods into America, including tin-plate, as a consequence of the act, a number of tinplate works in South Wales were closed down. In 1895, Mr Griffith, with Mr Eli Chivers and other Blaina men, crossed the Atlantic and became pioneers of the tinplate industry in America.

By the end of the 1890’s, Mr Edwin Griffiths had returned to Blaina.

The 1901 census shows the Griffiths family living at 1 & 2 Clock Row, West Side Blaina, Mr Griffith was listed as being a draper and grocer.

During the 1920’s, Mr Griffiths worked as a tinplate shearer at the Abertillery Tin Works until 1928 and was proud of the fact that he was included among the old workmen who received a Jubilee gift.

Mr David Howell Griffiths (1893-1972).
Mr David Howell Griffiths the son of Edwin and Fanny Griffiths nee Mead (as seen above) was born in 1893 at Blaina. He was educated at West Side School, Blaina and the Abertillery County School.

1911 Census.
On the 1911 census, Mr David Howell Griffiths was listed as a student living with his parents Edwin and Fanny at No1 Clock Row, Blaina. He later became a teacher at the West Side School.

Carmarthen College.
In October 1913, Mr David Howell Griffiths left the West Side School at Blaina to teach at Carmarthen College.

Enlisted in the Army.
On the 1st of November 1913, Mr David Howell Griffiths enlisted in the army.

The Gallipoli Campaign.
On Friday 14th of January 1916, the South Wales Gazette reported Mr Griffiths who served as a signaller in the Welsh 4th Regiment during the Great War (1914-1918) had been wounded in action in the Dardenelles at Gallipoli and had been sent home to Blaina to convalesce.

Presentation of a Walking Stick.
On Friday 21st of January 1916, the South Wales Gazette reported on a smoking concert at the Belle Vue Inn, Blaina held in honour of Mr David Howell Griffiths the previous Saturday. Mr Griffiths was presented with a walking stick.

Discharged from the Army.
On the 2nd of May 1917 Mr Griffiths was discharged from the army. He took the position as assistant headmaster at the West Side School in this year.

Miss Ethel May Russell (1896-1972).
In 1919, David Howell Griffiths married Miss Ethel May Russell of Ystradgynlais, Breconshire, at Brynamman, Carmarthenshire. The couple lived at No1 Clock Row, West Side, Blaina, the Griffiths family home. Miss Ethel May Russell was the daughter of Alfred and Catherine Russell of Ystradgynlais, Breconshire.

Founder of the Blaina Branch of the Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Federation.
Mr David Howell Griffiths was the founder of the Blaina Branch of the Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Federation.

On Friday 19th of December 1919, the South Wales Gazette reported on a meeting of the Blaina Branch of the Discharged Soldiers and Sailors Federation at the Band Room, West Side, Blaina on the previous Sunday. Mr David Howell Griffiths, presided. Officer elected were as follows – Mr David Howell Griffiths (Chairman); Mr J. Turvey (Vice-Chairman); Mr J, Maidment (Treasurer); Mr J. D. Stephens (Secretary) and Mr I. Beynon (Assistant Secretary):

The Combining of the Various Associations.
On Wednesday 9th of June 1920, The Western Mail reported on – A Meeting of the Cardiff Branch of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers Federation on Tuesday 8th, previous day, to a recommendation from the executive urging approval of the Shrewsbury Conference Scheme to amalgamate the various ex-soldiers associations in Wales into a new body to be called The Welsh Legion of Ex-Servicemen. This new association will come into being on the 1st of August 1920.

The Welsh Legion Meeting at Blaina.
On Friday 24th of December 1920, the South Wales Gazette reported on the annual meeting of the Blaina Branch of the Welsh Legion of Ex-Servicemen that was held on the previous Sunday 19th of December at the Forge Hammer Hotel, Blaina. Mr David Howell Griffiths presided over the meeting in which the following attended – Mr J. Chard (President); Mr D. Howell Griffiths (Chairman); Mr H. Oakey (Vice-Chairman); Mr J. Maidment (Treasurer); Mr J. D. Stevens (General Secretary); Mr W. Tucker (Assistant Secretary) and Messrs Chard and B. Slocombe (Auditors):

Blaina District Council.
On Friday 31st of March 1922, the South Wales Gazette reported that Mr David Howell Griffiths of Blaina, had ran for and had been elected councillor for the Blaina District Council.

Norman Mead Griffiths (1924-2014).
In August 1924, Norman Mead Griffiths, the son of David Howell and Ethel Griffiths was born.

Wales Area Council of the British Legion.
In 1926, Mr David Howell Griffiths was elected to the Wales Area Council of the British Legion.

Monmouthshire County Branch Treasurer.
In 1927, Mr David Howell Griffiths was treasurer to the Monmouthshire County Branch and was vice-chairman of the National Pensions Committee.

The Legion’s National Executive Council.
In 1929, Mr David Howell Griffiths was elected to serve on the Legion’s National Executive Council.

Monmouthshire War Pensions Committee.
On Monday 10th of August 1931, the Western Mail reported that Mr David Howell Griffiths, Financial Secretary to the Blaina Branch of the British Legion and Hon Treasurer to the County Committee of the British Legion has been appointed a member of the Monmouthshire War Pensions Committee for a period of three years.

Nantyglo Mixed School.
In 1934 Mr David Howell Griffiths was transferred from the West Side School, Blaina to teach at Nantyglo Mixed School.

The Death of Mrs Fanny Griffiths.
On Friday 10th of August 1934, Mrs Fanny Griffith, the mother of David Howell Griffith, passed away.

The Wales Area Treasurer.
In 1936, Mr David Howell Griffiths was the Wales Area Treasurer for the British Legion.

Coronation Medal Awards.
On Friday 21st of May 1937, the South Wales Gazette reported on the local awards, Mr David Howell Griffiths of Blaina , a member of the National Executive of the British Legion was a recipient of the Coronation Medal Awards in association with the British Legion.

The British Empire Service League.
On Tuesday 25th of May 1937, the Western Mail reported – Mr David Howell Griffiths was appointed to represent Wales at the eighth biennial conference of the British Empire Service League.

The Death of Mr Edwin Griffiths.
In March 1937, Mr Edwin Griffiths, the father of David Howell Griffiths, passed away.

Champion of Ex-Servicemen.
On Friday 25th of February 1938, the South Wales Gazette stated that Mr David Howell Griffiths was a “Champion of Ex-Servicemen”, Mr D. H. Griffiths was congratulated on his re-election for the twelfth time in succession, to the National Executive Council of the British Legion. At the time of printing, Mr Griffiths was a member of staff at the Nantyglo Council School.

Glanyrafon School.
In 1938, Mr David Howell Griffiths left Nantyglo Mixed School and was appointed assistant headmaster at Glanyrafon School. At this time he and his wife, Mrs Ethel May Griffiths were living at No7 Alexandra Street, Blaina. Mr Griffiths was listed as a billeting officer.

The Nantyglo and Blaina Comforts Fund Committee.
Between 1941 and 1948 Mr D. H. Griffiths was treasurer to the Nantyglo and Blaina Comforts Fund Committee. The committee’s work resulted in over £6,000 being raised to provide gifts for men and women in the forces.

Justice of the Peace.
On Wednesday 14th of April 1943, the Western Mail reported – Mr David Howell Griffiths had been appointed Magistrate for the County of Monmouth.

Devauden Council School, Monmouthshire.
In 1943, Mr David Howell Griffiths was appointed headmaster at Devauden Council School, Monmouthshire.

Nantyglo School.
In 1948, Mr David Howell Griffiths came back to Nantyglo School in the position of headmaster.

O.B.E. Award.
On Friday 2nd of July 1948, the South Wales Gazette reported on the King’s Birthday Honours List with Mr David Howell Griffiths, J.P., Blaina County Treasurer and Member of the National Executive being awarded an O.B.E. for services in the British Legion.

The Meads House.
In 1948, David Howell Griffiths and his wife Ethel Griffiths moved from No7 Alexandra Street, Blaina to their new home the Meads on Cwmcelyn Road Blaina. It was more than probably renamed “The Meads” taking the name of his mother’s maiden name.

West Side School, Blaina.
In 1953 it was reported that Mr David Howell Griffiths was appointed headmaster at West Side School, Blaina.

Coronation Medal.
On Saturday 20th of June 1953, the Merthyr Express reported that Mr David Howell Griffiths O.B.E., J.P., the British Legion chairman of Blaina and a member of the National Executive was awarded a Coronation Medal for outstanding work in the British Legion.

Resignation from the National Executive Council of the British Legion.
On Friday 30th of July 1965, the South Wales Gazette reported on the Mr David Howell Griffith’s resignation from the National Executive Council of the British Legion. Mr Griffiths had served for 35 years with only one break in 1958-1959. He had been a member of the committee dealing with war pensions, central relief and finance

Retirement from the Bench.
In 1968, Mr David Howell Griffiths retired from the bench as a magistrate.

The Death of Mrs Ethel May Griffiths.
On 8th of January 1972, Mrs Ethel May Griffiths, wife of David Howell Griffiths Passed away.

The Death of Mr David Howell Griffiths.
On 6th of March 1972, David Howell Griffiths passed away after a short illness at 78 years of age. Mr Griffiths was living at the Meads, Cwmcelyn Road, Blaina.

 

Points of Interest –
The South Wales and Monmouthshire Discharged and Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers Federation, formed in 1919 became the Welsh Legion in 1920, which in turn became the British Legion in 1921, which later became the Royal British Legion after a Royal Charter was granted in 1925.