Hundreds of friends and admirers assembled at Maesyrarian Cemetery, Mountain Ash, on Thursday when Mr John Pennar Williams the famous Welsh bass, was buried.
Watched by Prince Wilhelm of Sweden, Mr T.J. Lewis conducted the crowd in the singing if “Crugybar,” and “Cwm Rhondda.” They were led by the combined Royal Glyndwr Choir, the Duffryn Gleemen and the Bridge Social Male Voice Choir. Later the combined choirs sand “Rest Sad Heart, Rest.”
Among those present were some of the surviving members of the famous Glyndwr Party, Messrs H. Griffiths, M. J. Edwards, David Lewis (all of Mountain Ash); Ben Date (formerly of Nelson, now of Ystrad Mynach): Haydn Adams (Merthyr); Emlyn Burns (Maesteg), and Prof. W.J. Evans (Maesteg) accompanist.
The Rev G.R. Tilsley, M.A. Aberdare, and the Rev T. Huw Griffiths of Barry (nephews) officiated at the graveside. Owing to illness the Rev Greigfryn Jones, Aberdare, a former minister of Bryn Seion Church, Mountain Ash, was unable to take part.
The mourners were: Messrs Towyn Williams (son): Tom Williams (brother); Will Mulcock, Gwyl Morgan, Tal Morgan, Ernest Morgan, Jack Thomas (brothers-in-law): Iorwerth Thomas, Meurig Price. Emrys Price, (nephews); Trevor Harris, Gurnos King, Tom Williams, Jesse Mulcock, Tom Mulcock, Will Morgan, Will Morris, Trevor Morris, Phil Bevan, J.T. Williams, Will Rawlins, George Lovering, Ivor Close, Emlyn Lewis (Cousins).
At the house were: Widow Joyce and baby Barbara Pennar (daughter-in-law and grand-daughter); Maggie (sister); Gwladys, Sarah, Lydia, Naomi (sisters-in-law); Iris, Elunid, Anne (nieces); Aunt Sarah, Aunt Annie, Gertie, Agnes, Lil., Maggie, Maria. Kate, Grace, Diana (cousins), and Madam Bessie Davies, Tonyrefail.
The bearers were: Coun. E.C. Meredith, Messrs G. Davies, E. Ponting, E. Powell, W. Davies, and G. Cobley.
Others present included Mr G.S. Morgan, M.E. area manager N.C.B.: Mr D.J. Davies, Solicitor: Police Insp. Seth Pugh, D.J. Gravell, P. Jones, Fred Cole, J. H. Thomas, W. Thomas, D.L. Richards, David Griffiths, John Davies, T.J. Lewis and D.R. Maddy: T. Evans, D. Jones and E. Jones representing Rhos W.B. Church, and representatives of other organisations in the town.
Floral Tributes
Floral tributes were sent by: Widow Towyn Joyce and Barbara Penna; Tom Williams; Maggie and Will; Gwladys; Tom and Emma; Tal, Gwyl and Tillie; Sal., Anne, Em, and Meurig; Lydia, Jack and Elunid; Aunt Eleanor, Will and Family; Megan and Phil, and family; Iori, Iris and Pat; Emrys, Na and Christine; Mr and Mrs Clode. All at Belle Vue, Hamilton Street; Mrs James and family; Mrs Vizzeard; Royal Glyndwr Party; Social Club; Mrs Morley Jones and Phyllis; Bryn Seion Sisterhood; Iris, Doreen and Brian; Phyllis Simonds; E.N.S.A.