OLD boys from Brecon Grammar School with fond memories of former headmaster Jacob Morgan have contributed towards the cost of cleaning up his headstone in the cemetery near his old school.

Jacob was headmaster at the grammar school in Cradoc Road for 25 years from 1929 to 1954.

A former mathematics and physics student at Oxford University, ‘Jake’ was appointed headmaster at Brecon after serving in Egypt, Palestine and Syria in the First World War and forging a career in teaching at Taunton School in Somerset.

During his spell as headmaster at Brecon Grammar he helped establish a flight of the Air Training Corps (ATC) for senior pupils, many of whom were to become aircrew in the RAF. When the Second World War broke out he made use of his military experience, serving as an officer in the 1st Brecknock Battalion of the Home Guard.

Last year the school Old Boys’ Association launched an appeal to former pupils to help find the cost of refurbishing his headstone which it was noticed stood in a state of some disrepair at Brecon Cemetery.

Secretary and treasurer, Tom Protheroe who raised the sad condition of the headstone to committee members also contacted Mr Morgan’s surviving family, who now live in Canada. They have thanked the association for their concern and contributed £800 towards the costs. Tom said: “Jacob Morgan remains a legend among Brecon Grammar schoolboys. Often referred to as a ‘kindly soul ‘he was an inspiring teacher especially of A Level and Scholarships mathematics and set many Breconshire boys on the road to a successful life.”

Association chairman David Gittins, who was heavily involved in comissioning the refurbishment, has strong memories of ‘Jake’ as an eccentric but kindly headmaster who the boys were careful not to cross. Laying a wreath and bouquet of flowers at the headstone last week, he said: “We all have differing memories of ‘Jake’ – some of his eccentricities such as banning playing shove ha’penny with real coins; others will recall his kindness when illness struck, while some will smile ruefully and mention the day, they got six-of-the-best for a misdemeanour!”

Past president of the Association, Mike Peters – a former Brecon & Radnor Express journalist – said: “It was my privilege to interview Jake on several occasions after he retired. He was an easy subject whose precise language and clear diction made it easy for a young reporter with a developing shorthand note. A great man to whom we Old Silurians owe a great deal.”