I found this thread after googling local surnames had led me to this truly excellent website abt the DANCE and COPE families. The site also includes a detailed history of the Scowles School including fine old photos and detailed School Registers from 1883-1939, AND a great deal of history abt the Scowles village itself, with more photos and old maps. The website is owned by Tom Bint who provided the information on the previous post, I congratulate him on his marvellous site, hihgly recommended reading.

http://www.dance-family.com/scowles%20school.htm
http://www.dance-family.com/register.htm

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but I have been researching my father-in-law's ancestors and relatives for him. My father-in-law is Ron Powell, from Berry Hill, living in Kihikihi, New Zealand.

What I have found is here:
http://www.rellyseeker.net/POWELL-DIX/powlcont.html

If anyone wishes to make any contributions, I will be delighted to hear from her/him.

Thank you
Jan Powell
(a Kiwi moving home from Ireland)

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?id=31497

(the collars on the boys should give an approx date) re: the School Register list
My Dad was born in 1906 - and I have a photo of him (age around 7/8 years) with the same type of collar with a noticeable 'bow tied' effect + wearing breeches/hob nail boots.

1911 Census, Scowles, Monmouthshire, Coleford
living in 7 rooms

COPE

Alfred - 58 - married, Head Teacher Elementary School, born Glos. Berkeley
Sophia Martha - 54 - married 29 years - 8 children born alive, 7 living, one dead, born Middx. Uxbridge
Eleanor Louisa - daughter - 24 - Assistant Teacher Elementary School, born Glos. Coleford ***
Charles Egbert - son - 18 - same occupation..... (is he the larger boy - centre of pic - aged around 15 years???)
Marian Ethel - daughter - 15 - Student Teacher ***
Grace Eveline - daughter - 11 - School

possibly the girls on the c1906 onwards..... photo?

1901 Glos. Coleford
Scowles
next to the Chapel of Ease

COPE

Alfred - 48 - Schoolmaster
Sophia - 44
Selwyn Arthur - 16 - born Uxbridge
Beatrice Mary - 14 - ditto
Eleanor Louisa - 11 - Coleford
Charles Egbert - 8 Coleford
Marion Ethel - 5 - Coleford
Grace Evelyn - 1

------

Cope Tree:

http://www.copefamilyhistory.uwclub.net/OtherCopeBranches_Rev.1.pdf

including photo of Albert/Sophia and their family

---

1881 Census, Glos Newland

Schoolhouse Scowles

FITZGERALD

George - 42 - Teacher of Elementary School - born Bristol
Emma - 38 - born Coleford
William Edw - 11 - born Newland
Charles Robt - 4 - born Scowles
Nigel Stanley - 8 months
Sarah Ann COOMBS - 16 - Servant -

Horace POWELL married Flora Flo DIX - 17 March 1923 - Monmouth

? have you spotted this

Forest of Dean Inquests

An inquisition taken this 25 day of February 1931 at The King's Head Berry Hill in the parish of West Dean on view the body of Thomas DIX aged 76 years: Hauler: Retired:

The following Jury were Sworn:

No Jury:

Witnessess:

Flora POWELL of Berry Hill
Edward Wharmby Battle of Coleford (Registered Medical Practiioner)

Verdict:

Date of Death: 23 February 1931

Place: Oakview Berry Hill

Cause : Apoplexy due to a rupture of an arteri sclerotic artery of the brain

Payments:

Surgeon: 11.11.6
Use of use : 2.6
________

Total 1.14.0

----

DIX family mentioned in this FROWEN link (1911 census) Thomas dix and family living in 4 rooms - married 33 years, 12 children born alive, 9 living, 3 dead

http://www.forum.forest-of-dean.net/index.php?mode=thread&id=35583

----

Scowles Schools Admissions 1883-1939

children of Thomas DIX

No. 151, Fanny (1885) - born 29 September 1872
No. 325, Cecil (1890) - born 13 January 1881
No. 355, Leonard - (1891) - born 28 November1882

May be on the photo;.......

http://www.dance-family.com/register.htm (with picture of school and pupils)

1891 Census, West Dean
Berry Hill

DIS (transcribed as)

Thomas - 36 - Haulier
Elizabeth - 34
Cicel -10
Lenard - 8
Harris - 6
Kitty - 2
Fanny - 4
Besey - 6 months

Freda and jack Powell mentioned...

possibles :-

Name: Ronald T Powell
Mother's Maiden Surname: Dix
Date of Registration: Oct-Nov-Dec 1927
Registration district: Monmouth
Inferred County: Glamorganshire
Volume Number: 11a
Page Number: 41

Name: Ronald E Powell
Mother's Maiden Surname: Browning
Date of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep 1927
Registration district: Ross
Inferred County: Shropshire
Volume Number: 6a
Page Number: 677

My father-in-law Ron Powell (born 1927 at Berry Hill) has written his memoirs. His intention is to publish them for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They are a good read. IMHO.

I'm compiling the memoirs and think it would be good to have a few photos of the Forest when he was younger. Particularly I'd like photos of Christchurch Infant Primary School and Five Acres Elementary School from around 1930s and early 1940s. Any of Berry Hill would be great, too. A big ask. Can anyone point me in the right direction to try to find any photos?

Kind wishes,
Jan Powell