ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É

Stuart was born in Tredegar, and the socialist and radical fervour of Aneurin Bevan was in his blood. He was a student in ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É for a number of years, with his research on First World War memorials in Wales leading to a number of publications by him in local history journals. Dr Leona Huey, Lecturer in Heritage, noted that she worked with Stuart as an editor when he published in the Transactions of the Anglesey Antiquarians, and that he was 'so pleased' to see his work in print, sending a lovely message to thank her for all the help.  This kindness was corroborated by Mrs Tracy Williams, School Manager, who described Stuart as a 'lovely gentleman' who always stopped for a chat with her on his visits to ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É. 

Dr Mari Wiliam was Stuart's MPhil research supervisor for a number of years, and for her Stuart was a once in a lifetime student: "so passionate about his studies, about Wales, the Welsh language, ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, trade unionism and sport, and all of this from his home in Leeds." Mari said she was always "surprised by Stuart’s energy and enthusiasm: one week he’d be observing war memorials in Newport, and the following week he’d be visiting villages in Anglesey, enjoying revealing conversations with local people and filming his historical wanderings."  

Mari found herself reflecting about Stuart in a recent yoga class: a class held in a memorial hall for the First World War, knowing that Stuart would have been so captivated by the building and, more significantly, passionate about  remembering the local men who were killed in the War: "Stuart made such a contribution to underlining the experiences of Welsh communities and their war losses, ensuring that they will be a perpetual part of the historical record." 

For Professor Peter Shapely, Head of the School of History, Law and Social Sciences, "My abiding memory of Stuart was seeing him at the MPhil graduation ceremony more or less dancing to get his degree. It was lovely to see him take so much pride in his achievement." Following this Stuart was given the title of Honorary Research Associate, which meant that he continued his association with the University until his death. 

There will be so many fond memories of Stuart at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É: such a fascinating person who was truly unique.