A RADNORSHIRE family has shared the heirlooms passed down by one of the county's football pioneers.

Following a County Times feature on the Jones brothers of Builth Wells who played for Wales during the Victorian era, descendants have shared their memories of their great uncle, Gordon.

Gordon was one of two brothers born in Talgarth who represented Wales and helped the Dragons win their first Home International title in 1907.

Gordon was an international team-mate of the Welsh legend, Billy Meredith.

His caps came on February 23 against Ireland in Belfast and March 24 against Scotland in Wrexham.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) held a banquet to celebrate when each of the 21 players who represented Wales received a gold medal.

The Welsh line-up included many stars of its day, including Manchester City legend Meredith and Stoke City goalkeeper Leigh Roose as well as Montgomeryshire star George Latham and well known Newtown official Evan Rees.

Gordon would enjoy a career with Wellington Town, Wrexham, Shrewsbury Town and Accrington Stanley before serving with the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry in Egypt in the Great War.

Gordon, known in football circles as Gogg, was known to be a 'a very attractive player to watch, fast in his runs and accurate in his centres.'

After retiring he became a referee and followed his father’s profession as a chemist. On Monday April 22nd 1940 Gordon Jones, at the rather surprising late age of 54 years, married Miss Maud Davies, who herself was 45 years of age, at the Rock Baptist Chapel, Crossgates, near Llandrindod Wells.

Great nephew Clive Barrett said: "As a young lad I can remember my grandmother telling me that Uncle Gordon had a chemist shop in Talgarth.

"I also remember that after retiring from the chemist shop, the couple first went to live in a house in Penybont Road, Knighton, later moving to a bungalow in the Montpellier Park area of Llandrindod Wells, before passing away in the spa town in 1977."

Clive's cousins Ray and Ken Price of Penybont, also have fond memories of their great uncle.

County Times: Ken Price of Penybont with heirlooms passed down by his great uncle Gordon Jones.Ken Price of Penybont with heirlooms passed down by his great uncle Gordon Jones.

Ken Price with heirlooms passed down by his great uncle.

After Ken was capped for Wales his great uncle Gordon was adamant that Ken should have his medal from 1907.

Gordon's older brother Albert was also an international player, earning two caps during a career which saw him represent Swindon Town, Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Norwich City before becoming landlord of the Barley Mow and running a gentleman's barber in Builth Wells upon his retirement and death in 1963.