The obituary notice of Mansel JAMES

Mansel James was my headmaster at LLangynfelin CP school late 1959 early 196O. Later as Youth Club leader. IWill always be grateful to him for pulling me up by my bootstraps, teaching me calligraphy and expanding my mind to appreciate international culture and giving me confidence to be what I have become today, an International Trade Director representing the UK. When I was invited to 10 Downing St, I thought of him as as I walked up to the black door with No 10 on it. Thank you on behalf of all the children you inspired. May you RIP. Pauline Wade nee Lloyd.

Mansel James was my headteacher at Llancynfelin Primary School from when my family moved to Taliesin in 1967 and I was in the same year as his daughter, Meryl. I have memories of lots of music, reading, school trips, learning to ride a bicycle in the playground and that giant bottle of purple fountain pen ink that never, ever, seemed to run out! Did it ever? We were all desperate to have 'proper' blue - or was it black? - ink in our pens! He will be missed by many.

I have known Meryl James for over 12 years and had often heard her talking about her dad, Mansel with whom she was very close. I only met Mansel for the first time in 2019 when I popped up to check in on Meryl’s parents when she had to make a trip abroad. We quickly formed a bond and it was with great interest I found out that my mother had lived in Ffaldybrenin near Lampeter in Wales, so many connections there. I brought my mum up to meet Mansel and Heulwen one summer and there was much reminiscing about Wales. I was lucky enough to have a visit from the whole family as lockdown eased last year and once again enjoyed Mansel’s company, his fierce intelligence and sharp wit. Although I have not known the James family long, they have made a lasting impression on me, and on my Welsh mother. Mansel will be so very much missed.

I was fortunate enough to have Mansel as my teacher in Llancynfelin school. It must have been 61 years ago the last year of my time at primary school. The day the 11 plus results came out I was working on our mountain farm as it was shearing day. Mansel and Heulwen made the journey of about 2 miles to Gwarcwmbach to give me the results.
They were the kindest couple and Mansel a dedicated teacher. They were very involved with the community and would come back to Wales every year to stay at a caravan in Clarach and visit my parents at Frongoch Tre'rddol and the following day come to me at Bryngwyn Isaf, Dole. We kept our friendship going until our health issues but I will always remember Mansel as a lovely
person.