The Ties That Bind

Welco

me Welcome

From the PresidentIt is with great pleasure and pride that I take over as the eleventh President of the Rydal PenrhosSociety. My great-grandmother was one of the first 12 girls to attend Penrhos College in 1880and three generations of my family have attended since then. So, naturally, it is a delight to seethat former pupils of both Penrhos, Rydal and Rydal Penrhos are still meeting up together,attending Society events around the country and abroad, organising reunions and stayingconnected to their alma mater after 130 years.

The Rydal Penrhos Society has undergone radical changes during the past year. Firstly, thanksmust be expressed to Guy Watson and Heidi York, the Society Secretaries for the past threeyears, for all their hard work in keeping the Society going under successive Presidents. In Augustthe School appointed Sarah Ritchie, herself an Old Penrhosian, as the full-time Alumni and

Development Director, who will incorporate acting as the new Secretary, and will bring a fresh and dynamic look to theSociety. On behalf of the Society I welcome Sarah to her new role, look forward to working with her and wish her well forthe future. She is your point of contact and will be delighted to hear from you with news, views and suggestions. Secondly,we marked the retirement of both Dorothy Marriott in the Society office, together with Frank Richards in producing theissues of the Society Newsletter. We thank them for their service and in particular are pleased to mark Frank’s longcommitment to the Society by electing him to become a Life Vice-President.

I am delighted to report that we are planning several events and dinners over the next year to include Manchester, Cambridge,Germany, Hong Kong, Dubai, London and North Wales. Further details are given in this newsletter and also posted on theSociety website (www.alumni.rydalpenrhos.com); so if you have access to it, please check regularly. I look forward to meetingmany of you during the year at some of these occasions, in particular the new venue of Jesus College in Cambridge on the12th May, which I have personally organised together with a guided tour of Cambridge before the dinner.

Finally, I would like to thank Philip Reid for his hard work as President and in overseeing the changes during the last year;also all the Officers and Committee members of the Society for their dedication. Please do your best to support us byattending some of the events and make sure that we have your email address so that we can keep you informed about yourold school society and keep you in touch for the next 130 years!

Diana (Wildblood) Smith, PC 61-67

From the HeadmasterThe new school year started in September with a respectable increase in numbers compared tolast year (very respectable in the light of the current straitened economic climate), and theimproved number of boarders was particularly encouraging. Our public exam results, especiallythe A-levels, were very strong, and there is a confident and optimistic mood across the school.

We have returned to a model of ‘vertical’ boarding houses with pupils across the age range asmembers of the same house, and I am planning to introduce a pastoral structure for September2012 that complements this with the alignment of the boarding and competitive houses aspastoral units and for inter-house competitions. We are more than half way through aprogramme of external and internal decoration and improvements in the boarding houses, andNetherton, Walshaw and Edwards are now in very good condition – we are planning work onBeecholme in the spring and over the summer holidays, and Hathaway will be moving intoAshcroft (formerly New House) in September 2012. This will give us greater flexibility with

regard to the different age groups in the house, and create more capacity than the current Hathaway building allows, and itwill also create a more compact boarding campus.

I really enjoyed attending the revived London dinner last June; the expansion of the social calendar with events in Cambridgeand Manchester in 2012 is a welcome sign of interest in the Society, and I am looking forward to meeting members of theSociety when I am in Dubai and Hong Kong in February. I hope that Society members of all vintages will feel encouragedto join any of the gatherings already organised, or indeed to arrange one of their own and let Sarah Ritchie know. Sarah hasmade an excellent start in her new role, and the prospects for the development of the Society into the future are reallyexciting.

Patrick Lee-Browne

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From the Alumni & Development DirectorAs I am writing this the rain ispouring down and the wind isrustling the leaves of the treeoutside my window. I amimmediately taken back to myschool days at Penrhos College,where our hearts would sink at thesight of rain and the knowledgethat we would have to trek acrossthe hockey pitch from ourboarding house to breakfast in themorning! I was at Penrhos whenthe two schools merged, and wasin the final U6 year to leave the oldsite in 1999. After school I studiedDesign Management at Staffordshire University before moving toSomerset where I worked in marketing. After taking time off tohave my two children, I returned to a marketing role at SidcotSchool. It was here that I developed an interest in alumnirelations and development, taking on this position at the school.I enjoyed the work immensely – meeting new people, organisingevents, putting people in touch with long lost friends, andlistening to people sharing fond memories of their time at school.This was my perfect job, however there was always somethingmissing. I soon realised that what I really wanted was to do thisjob back at my own school. I wanted to return to Colwyn Bay.

When the opportunity arose for me to apply for the position ofAlumni & Development Director at Rydal Penrhos I didn’t haveto think about it for long, and in August 2011 I arrived in ColwynBay with my husband, two little boys, a huge removal van, and anervous excitement in my stomach. There was no need fornerves however, as everyone has been so welcoming, from thestaff and students at the school to the hundreds of formerstudents who I have been in contact with since my arrival. I haveloved getting to know you all, and I hope to be able to meet asmany of you as possible in the future.

There are exciting times ahead, and I am looking forward toworking with our President, Diana Smith, to make sure that theSociety is delivering the service that you want.

Lots of things have changed since I left school, not least the factthat the Penrhos site is no longer, however I truly feel that I havebeen welcomed home by Rydal Penrhos. And as I walk throughthe rain to the dining hall for my lunch I am reminded that somethings will never change.

Sarah (Somerville) Ritchie PC 92-99

ContentsWelcome 2-3Reunion News 4OPA Branch News 5Sport News 6-7On the Crest of a Wave 8Where in the World? 9A Match made in... 10-11Newsflash 12Notices 13School News 14Obituaries 15

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A full list of Society events is available on theback cover.Please contact us if you would like moreinformation or if you would like to book.Places at the dinners are limited so please bookearly to avoid disappointment.

The next newsletter will be published in July 2012.Please submit any copy for entry into the July issueby 1 June.

ContactSarah Ritchie, Alumni & Development DirectorRydal Penrhos Society, 45 Pwllycrochan Avenue,Colwyn Bay, Conwy, LL29 7BWTel: 01492 539736Email: SJRitchie@rydal-penrhos.com

Do you have an email address?

Please help us to keep in touch with you inthe most cost effective way, and do our bitfor the environment. Email Sarah atSJRitchie@rydal-penrhos.com with yourdetails.

You will then have the option to receiveeither a hard copy or electronic version ofthe newsletter.

It’s all in the name!Can you help us to name the newly designedSociety newsletter? We are looking for an excitingand innovative name for this publication andwould love your input! Please contact the SocietyOffice with your suggestions.

January 2012 (Issue 19)

Reunion NewsLife-long friendships are a huge part of the Rydal Penrhos experience. Many of youhave been sharing your reunion news with us...

Penrhos Class of ’82In November 2010, ten Old Penrhosians met up in Fortes, Rhos-on-Sea, before having atour of Rydal Penrhos. Memories came flooding back as they viewed the stained glasswindows from the Penrhos Chapel, school photographs, and other Penrhos memorabilia.The day ended with a meal and drinks, and a good old catch up!

Rydal Penrhos German ReunionFormer students of Rydal Penrhos met up in Frankfurt last August for the first of manyannual German reunions. The reunion began in the apple wine restaurant, ApfelweinWagner, where 25 former students caught up with each other over dinner before movingon to a club.

Rydal Class of ’91On Sunday 21 August, a group of former Rydal students from the class of 1991 met upfor a picnic in Hyde Park, London. The group included Az Hakeem, Fiona Robson,Richard Clements, Chris Edwards, Lisa Oatham, Tim Williams and Robert Pearson, andtheir assorted partners and children, who enjoyed relaxing in the London sunshine whilstreminiscing about their time in Colwyn Bay!

Rydal Penrhos London Dinner 2011On Saturday 13 June a group of Old Rydal Penrhosians attended the London dinner, heldat the East India Club, St. James’ Square. The event was a great success, and was attendedby over 50 guests from various year groups. Thanks must go to James Duckenfield fororganising the event. The meal was followed by speeches from Society President, PhilipReid, and Headmaster, Patrick Lee-Browne.

Penrhos Class of ’95Penrhosians from the class of 95 had an enjoyable day at Chatsworth House inSeptember 2011.

Penrhos Class of ’93On Saturday 15th October 2011, 23 Old Penrhosians (born 74/75) had their first ‘official’reunion in North Wales. The event organised by Ella Davies, Helen Wright and EmmaWilliams was long over due, however the power of Facebook made it possible to contactso many and to give them the excuse to travel back to Colwyn Bay for the first time, forsome since leaving. Special mentions should be made to Emma Grant travelling all the wayfrom Seattle and Becky Moss (Flower) coming from the Netherlands. A great meal washad at Amelie’s Restaurant in Conwy (the staff coping well with all the shrieks and screamscoming from everyone as people came through the door) and then it was on to the oldhaunts in Llandudno such as the Queen Vic, to reminisce more about the ‘good old days’.

Rydal Penrhos NorthWales Dinner 2011The Rydal Penrhos Society AGM took place on Friday 18 November at the Royal OakHotel, Betws-y-Coed. At this meeting, Philip Reid handed over the Presidency of theSociety to Diana (Wildblood) Smith. Diana attended Penrhos College from 1961-67 andhas a long family history with the school.

The AGM was followed by the North Wales Dinner, where over 50 people enjoyed awonderful five-course meal before Christine (Gething) Brown PC 43-50 proposed thetoast to the School and the Society. Diana replied on behalf of the Society, andHeadmaster, Patrick Lee-Browne replied on behalf of the School, with Head Boy, ThomasWarrington, speaking about life at Rydal Penrhos today. Ray Pye RS 51-61 then entertainedthe room with two beautiful songs. Thanks must go to Rachael (Hughes) Evans whoorganised the dinner.

Penrhos Class of ’82

German Reunin

Rydal Class of ’91

London Dinner

Penrhos Class of ’95

Penrhos Class of ’93

Reu

nion

s

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NorthWales Dinner 2011

Bristol and SW Nine attended an enjoyable meeting at the Courts Garden near Trowbridge in May 2011. Our meetingin 2012 is planned for 12 noon on Thursday 9th May at Athelhampton House near Dorchester. Please advise if you can attendno later than 1st May to Christine (Gething) Brown 43-50, Tel 01202 422848 orMuriel (Crowther) Hackett 44-50, Tel01453 8836l2. We are sorry to hear of the death of Faye (Toft-Smith) Louwerse 41-42, who was a valuable member ofour branch.

Sheffield We continue to meet three times a year in each other’s homes, usually holding a lunch meeting in the summerand these are always well attended. In March 2009, Jane (Moore) Stone 56-62 and her husband, Frank, visited Poland tomark the 65th anniversary of the stalaf Luft III breakout. Frank had been a POW there and had helped dig the tunnels forescape. Zillah (Wallis) Stevenson 50-59 visited Sheila (Lancashire) Owen-Smith 54-61 in South Africa in March 2009.Sheila and Christine (McLoed) Littlepage from Barbados also went to stay with Zillah that year. Libby (Lord) Hirschman47-53, Ann (Sadler) Hawker 47-53 andNancy (Braddock) Slater 47-53 attended a service of thanksgiving on 28 January2010 for Anne (Phillips) Meyer 47-53 at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Anne passed away in November 2009 whilst visitingher family in South Africa.

Manchester Our summer meeting was held in the Swan hotel, Bucklow Hill, Mere. Cynthia (Poole) Hindley 49-58,Chairman, had a super holiday in Vietnam with Sue (Ross) Billington 49-56 and her husband in January 2011. We met againon 31st October at Woodford Park Garden Centre, Woodford, Cheshire. Unfortunately Pam Jackson 34-38 and Ann(Lipkin) Mindelsohn 40-48 were not well enough to attend and Mary (Tighe) Shaw 37-43 was also not able to attend.Elizabeth Hessey 32-39 has just celebrated her ninetieth birthday. AnnMindelsohn sent a cutting about Ann Reid O.B.E.47-51 the actress who appeared in many TV productions including Coronation Street (Valerie Tatlock), Upstairs Downstairs (MrsThackery), The Mother, Ladies of Letters and many more. She loved her time at Penrhos and made it her home as she only sawher parents, who were abroad, once a year in the summer holidays. Deryn (Stewart) Merry 54-58 is a frequent visitor toSydney and Brisbane in Australia to see her sisters, Gail (Stewart) Harris 56-60 and Helen (Stewart) Graham, two sonsand four grandchildren. She is also adept at using Skype!

Preston In August 2011 members and their husbands and friends enjoyed a very rewarding visit to Arley Hall and Gardens,near Northwich, Cheshire. Elizabeth (Stansfield) Lomax 47-54 has been in contact with several OPs. She regularly contactsHazel (Adams) Crookes 45-54. Elizabeth keeps in regular contact with Ellen (Pritchard-Jones) Cockburn and a littlewhile ago visited her home near Hay-on-Wye. In 2010 Elizabeth and her husband travelled to Thailand, Vietnam andCambodia and a week on the Mekong river. She found thatMolly (Hancock) McColgan 48-53 and a friend were surprisecompanions on the trip. Elizabeth meets regularly with Edwina (Bamber) Fletcher 36-40 who lives in Chorley. Mary(Heald) Harris ?-66, over from New Zealand in May 2010, visited Elizabeth before meeting up with her sister Patricia(Heald) Tavener and travelling in Europe with their husbands. This year Mary was in Christchurch when the earthquakestruck and went under a table in a restaurant. Her house was fine but her son had to have his house demolished. Elizabethis in regular contact with Jane (Baxendale) Rimmer 63-71 who is her goddaughter. In 2011 Elizabeth met up again withHazel (Adams) Crookes and Ellen (Pritchard-Jones) Cockburn in Wales. Margaret (Bee) Hodge 37-40 has been inhospital recently and is making a slow recovery. Her friend, Kay Robinson, has also been hospitalised, a sign of old age forboth. Pamela Jackson 34-38 had a fall after Christmas and is making slow progress, not being able to get out and aboutand drive again. Kathleen (Ley) Speight 39-46 had a bad fall at home in May 2011, broke her femur and had a partial hipreplacement.

OPA Branch News

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More photographs from the North Wales Dinner can beviewed at http://www.photoboxgallery.com/society

Rydal Penrhos Society GolfSilcock Salver, 28-29April 2011We were blessed with sunshine on both days for this 36-hole competition, played at Maesdu and Conwy golfcourses. 30 golfers played at Maesdu on the Fridaymorning. 34 sat down to the usual excellent meal at theEsplanade, where most of us stayed the night. We onceagain thank John McDonald for his warm welcome andhospitality. The leading scores were – 1st Peter Brethertonwith 37 + 36 = 73 pts. 2nd Richard Watson with 34 + 34= 70 pts. Over the two days £450 was raised for StDavid’s Hospice in Llandudno in memory of WinstonBunker who died whilst under their care in February.

MarsdenTrophy, 19 May 2011Following a very successful day at Brocton Hall last yearwe decided to return this year thanks to Tim and AnneWilliams who are members of the Club. Ten golfersplayed and we had another memorable day. UnfortunatelyTim Williams could not play as he was still recoveringfrom an altercation with one of his cows in April. Theleading scores were 1st Steve Garge, 82-20 = 62. 2ndRichard Watson, 76-7 = 69. 3rd Phil Arrowsmith, 90-21= 69. 4th Guy Watson, 75-6 = 69Tony Parrott a local member and our guest also scored anamazing net 62 on this par 69 course. Anne and Timpresented steaks to the winners and it was good to get anew name on the salver which has been played for since1932. Steve deserved it with his remarkable score.

Sport NewsSp

orts

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Golf Diary 2012Silcock Salver: 19-20 April at Maes Du Golf Club andConwy Golf Club

Marsden Trophy: 18 May at Brocton Hall Golf Club

Pochin Trophy: 21 September at Delamere Forest Golf Club

Welsh Public Schools Tournament: October, date TBC

For further details of these events, please contact Society GolfSecretary, Guy Watson RS 57-66 at guy.watson6@yahoo.co.ukor 01492 532230.

PochinTrophy, 19 September 2011We had an excellent turnout of 24 golfers at Sandiway (themost we have ever had) and those lucky enough to playenjoyed this beautiful Cheshire course. The leading scoreswere: 1st Ian Murray, 34 pts. 2nd Steve Garge, 33 pts. 3=Guy Watson, Richard Woos and Mike Wood, 32 pts. Manythanks to John Millington, Captain of Sandiway GC, forhelping to make the day so successful and possible. PhilipReid, President of the Society, and David Ainsbury joinedus for supper at the club afterwards and Philip presentedthe trophy to Jim Morris, to pass on to the winner who,unfortunately was unable to stay for the meal. We hope tohold the Pochin Trophy in 2012 at Delamere Forest GC onFriday 21 September on a similar basis as this year andanticipate another good turnout.

Edward HarrisTrophy, 7 October 2011It was the turn of Christ College, Brecon to host the WelshPublic Schools event this year. It was held at RoyalPorthcawl Golf Club in South Wales and, as in previousyears, some English Public Schools were invited to play. Wewere blessed with a fine but very windy day on thischampionship links course which proved a great test to allcompetitors. We finished equal sixth with Cheltenham outof 14 teams, with 99 points for our three best scores. Ruthinwon with 106 points and Dean Close were runners up with105. Our team scores were: John Millington & Steve Garge,35 points. David Weller & Dale Bulmer, 33 points. GuyWatson & Richard Watson, 31 points. John Hollinshead &Phil Arrowsmith, 24 points. In 2012 this competition willbe hosted by Llandovery at Southerndown GC on Friday 5October.

Guy Watson

Vikings

Dolphins

Despite the disappointment of the fixturespostponement on 21st December thegame went ahead on January 2nd atColwyn Bay RFC, and the Vikings wouldlike to thank the club for their first-ratehospitality once again.

With RGC having some 40 players at theirdisposal the task may have seemedominous for the Vikings, however thescratch make up of Old Boys and some

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On Saturday 17 September 2011 a group of former students returned forthe annual Founders’ Weekend Old Girls v Rydal Penrhos hockey andnetball matches.

The day began with the hockey match, which was lively, exciting and,thanks to the North Wales weather, wet! It was always going to be hardfor the 1st XI team to take on a team that included Old Girl FionaJamison – a former Welsh International player and last year’s Player ofthe Year at Sydney University. After two stunning saves by Fiona, it wasAnnabelle Harrison who finally found a way through to equalise with the Old Girls, resultingin a final score of 1-1.After taking a break to enjoy a buffet lunch in the Ferguson Centre, the girls went on to play the 1st VII netball team.Rydal Penrhos got off to a strong start with some excellent shooting skills from Chloe Farrell. The Old Girls alsodemonstrated some excellent netball, with shooter Catherine Goodson rarely missing a shot. This did not deter Rydal Penrhoshowever, who took the opportunity to learn from their opponents. The final score was 26-11 to the Old Girls.

Hockey & Netball

Dolphins Week once again took its placein the Rydal Penrhos calendar, signing offthe summer term with its customary blendof fine cricket, gentle banter and goodwillto all men. It is the oldest, continuousfixture in the alumni schedule with acolourful, by turns illustrious andoccasionally ignominious history. Thisyear, in keeping with recent times, wascovered in glory for the most part.Dolphins played five matches, won three,drew one and lost one to a strong sidefrom Bury CC.

While a side - led on successive days byGareth Goodson, Matt Bennett, AdamCampion, Rhys Williams and Rob Stewart- acquitted themselves admirably with thebat and ball, the undoubted star of the

week was the new kit. For this the clubthanks Matt Bennett for sourcing andChris Spillane of Spillane & Co forstumping up the sponsorship cash. If onlyChris could have matched his financialcontribution with something moresubstantial out in the middle, Dolphinsmight have made it five wins out of five.

Still, we looked good in our slim fittingshirts (more snug on some than others!!)and baggy black caps, embroidered withthe year in which each player became aDolphin.

Following the revival of the Old Boys'match against the school in 2010 (theschool edged the 2011 edition), anothertradition resurrected this summer is the

enlistment of the school's more promisingcricketers to take part in Dolphins week.Gautam Murgai and Joe Maguire madesparkling debuts and we look forward tohaving them back next summer.

Thanks also to Colwyn Bay CC, Bury CC,Denbighsire Colts, Mochdre CC and oldboy Ben Griffin for providing theopposition and the following for playing(apologies for any omissions - we'vemislaid the teamsheets): Alex Fowler,Charlie Fowler, Matt Bennett, GarethGoodson, Rob Stewart, Rhys Williams,Dan Parry, Mike Kitchen, Dave Gale, TimWilliams, Jonny Davies, Adam Campion,Will Evans, Joe Chaplin, Gautam Murgai,Joe Maguire, Chris Spillane, Chris Jones,Patrick Leach, Josh Leach, Ben Griffin.

very welcome guests produced thespectacle all had hoped for. The traditionalrefusal to kick for goal cost the Vikings 12early points which was then compoundedby the floundering attempt at a tackle bythe OAP full back. RGC took the lead.The Vikings responded with a try of theirown and looked good throughout thegame playing the type of rugby spectatorscome to watch. The physicality wasimpressive across the park with big hits

frequently being made. Despite thecreation of numerous opportunities thelast pass failed on too many occasions as isoften the case with scratch teams. Sadly theVikings were not to cross the line again.Defeat is always a bitter pill and so thesurrender of the Bleddyn Williams Trophyonce again was tempered by a final scoreof 22-5. Against a side that trains and playsregularly this was no disgrace.

Rhys Williams

Matthew Bennett

Maya Plass RS 1990-96 developed an interest in the coast at an early age,exploring rock pools with her biology-teaching mother. This interest was furtherdeveloped during her time at Rydal, where she was taught biology by the late MrsBorzykowski. “She was a great teacher and I was very sad to hear her passing. She wasalso my tutor and was always very understanding and supportive.”

At that time, Maya was told that she “lived in a dream world” wanting to domarine biology and “would never get a job... it's not all swimming with dolphins...”For some time she postponed her degree in Marine Biology. She soon realised,however, that this was what she was passionate about, eventually returning to heruniversity choice of Marine Biology. “I’ve had many of my questions answeredbut also found lots of new questions there's so much to know! I’ve swum withdolphins, worked in Argentina, met some wonderful people and am now evenwriting a book. It has been an incredible journey.”

Maya says that her Careers Advisor was not wrong to warn her of the difficultiesof employment in marine sciences, but wants to emphasise to pupils today thatthey must follow their dreams. “If you work hard, follow your passion and nevergive up - anything is possible!"

Maya’s interest in the sea is not limited to her career. A modern-day mermaid,Maya’s life revolves around the daily ebbs and flows, and the water sportsassociated with them. When she is not working by the sea she will inevitably befound kayaking, fishing, surfing, snorkelling, hunter-gathering, or simplyswimming in the sea with her family. When not in Devon, she’ll be somewherenear her beloved British coastline in a self-converted camper van – the means toexplore other coastal locations around the UK. Maya has recently been taken onby David Foster Management (Chris Packham’s agent) and so you may well seeher on the TV “talking ocean” some more...

WaveOn the Crest of a

Johara Sykes-Davies PC/RPS 95-2000 has always loved the outdoorsand has been skiing and sailing since the age of five. She was able to pursue herinterest in the outdoors during her time at school, under the expert guidance ofActivities Co-ordinator, Martin Fenn.

Johara went on to study Maritime Leisure Management at Southampton University,where she managed to teach sailing alongside her studies. It was during a trip toCanada in 2005 that Johara discovered kite surfing, and she was hooked from thebeginning, going on to compete around the world. In 2007 she became the BritishKite Ladies Freestyle Champion, was 5th overall in the 2009 PKRA World Tour infreestyle, and was the Vice European Freestyle Champion 2010.

You have probably seen Johara in action without realising it, as she regularly makesan appearance between BBC programmes flying a red kite in the BBC ‘Kite’ ident.

Johara has travelled the globe, however still says thatLlandudno’s West Shore is the best place in the world tokite surf, and takes to the water there whenever she can.So next time you are in the area, why not keep an eye outfor this exceptionally talented young lady.

Features

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WWhheerree iinn tthhee WWoorrlldd??

CAN YOU HELP?There are many more former students of Penrhos, Rydal, and Rydal Penrhosscattered all over the globe who we are not in touch with. Can you help us find them? Please encourage those who you are in touch with tocontact us with their details!

Angie (Craig) Ward PC 49-54 and Pam (Webb) Booth PC 49-54 recently went on a cruise around the Black Sea togetherwith their husbands. They were delighted to find a fellow Penrhosian at their breakfast table in the form of Poppy (Mason)Anderson PC 44-52 .

Bethan Morgan PC 66-73 returned to the UK in October 2011 after spending 15 months living in Chicago. Whilst there,Lord Dafydd Wigley RS 56-61 was in the area to make a documentary for S4C, and was introduced to Bethan as he wastold that she could speak Welsh. It was only through chatting that she discovered that he was an Old Rydalian.

Nigel Holgate RS 75-80 is a pilot with British Airways and recently operated a BA flight to Washington with a pilot that hehadn’t met before. They were chatting across the Atlantic and discovered that they had both attended Rydal. The secondpilot was David Lloyd RS 85-90. Needless to say, they had plenty to talk about during the flight!

Rydal Penrhos is well represented right across the globe. This map shows just some of thecountries where our alumni live, and the number living there!

UK: 4514

Australia: 67

Canada: 60

USA: 73

Austria: 2

China: 9

Czech Republic: 5

Malaysia: 25

France: 16Germany: 162

Hong Kong: 115UAE: 8

Switzerland: 12Spain: 13

Singapore: 5

New Zealand: 26

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Zoe Sorrentino and Yannick Poddschlapp met at Rydal Penrhos in2008, and are still going strong after three years together. This isbecoming a tradition in Zoe’s family, as her parents, Susan (Craven)Sorrentino RS 79-81 and Neville Sorrentino RS 74-81 met at Rydal.They were married from 1988 to 2004, and both still live on the

Caribbean British Virgin Island of Tortola. Zoe’s uncle,Peter Craven RS 77-82 and his wife, Carolyn (Pott)Craven PC 81-83, also met during their time at school,and have been together for 24 years!

Malcolm Fowler RS 58-63met his wife, Jan, during his time atRydal, whist taking part in a jointperformance of the Messiah between Rydal andWirral Grammar School (where Jan was a pupil) at a churchin Port Sunlight in 1963. Malcolm and Jan were sitting in adjacent seatsin the choir stalls. They spoke briefly after the performance however didnot exchange names. After deciding that they would quite like to makecontact with the girls they had seen at the performance, a group of boyswrote a letter to the Headmistress of Wirral Grammar School asking her ifshe could “put them in touch with the girls who were waiting for the blueVauxhall”. This letter was then read out in assembly, the girls got in touch, andMalcolm and Jan married in 1967.

Nikki Ashcroft and Joe Bond RPS 94-2001 firstmet in Year 10 when Nikki moved to Rydal fromPenrhos and became close after doing communityservice for the Duke of Edinburgh award. Theygot together in the lower sixth and were married in2003 in Sheffield, where they now live. Joe runs alandscape gardening company and Nikki iscurrently standing as a councillor for their localward, one step closer along the road to world

domination!

T Åtàv{ Åtwx |ÇFeatures

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Claire Wolley RS 81-83 and Rod Matthews RS 79-83 met in the lower sixth in1981 when Claire joined from St Winifreds. The first date was a romantic gettogether in the KFC by the station, engineered by caring friends. Having got awaywith KFC on the first date this set a standard that Rod maintained for many years.It might, of course, explain why it took Rod 11 years to persuade Claire to marryhim. Whilst Rydal was the spark, the galvaniser was Rod’s cunning ploy to fluff hisA-levels, thereby following Claire to Hull rather than going to his first-choiceuniversity.

Claire and Rod finally got married in 1992, near Ruthin. Rod’s inability to bedecisive is reflected in his need to have three best men, Old Rydalians MarkHilton, Gareth Wyn Jones and Rhys Williams. The day after the weddingClaire and Rod fled the recession by moving to Munich where Rod hadgot a job. Once Claire had learnt German, they upped sticks and movedto Norway where they lived until Claire had learnt Norwegian. In all fiveyears were spent as expats before returning to the UK in 1997. A bit ofbreeding followed and Manon was born in 1998, with Toby followingclose behind in 1999.

Claire, Rod Manon and Toby now live a rural idyll in the Cotswolds with threecats and eleven chickens. After a portfolio career Claire retrained as a language

teacher, finally seeing some benefit from the languages she had learnt, though the needfor Norwegian remains elusive. Rod works as a Finance Director for a food company inBristol. The influence of Rydal is still strong and they still see more than is good forthem of Rhys Williams, Gareth Wyn Jones and Janet (Welsh) Chambers.

Karen Acheson RS 81-86 and Mark Sherrington RS 75-86 (thoughknown as Paddy and Shez) first met when Karen joined Rydal SeniorSchool in 1981. They formed an instant dislike of each other, but over timetheir relationship warmed up and they starting going out in the 5th form.They stayed together through University and Art School,married in 1993 and now some 28 years later live in Brightonwith their two children and Welsh Terrier. Karen worked inHR for many years at the National Trust and Jaeger and nowis at home until the children are a bit older. Mark is an ArtTeacher at Caterham School where Rob Davey (who taughtthem both) was Headmaster for many years.

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School RulesIt wasn’t always easy to meet your future spouse duringthe school years, and there were strict rules regardingsocialising between the Rydal boys and Penrhos girls. (Ian) Val Lishman RS 42-48 talks about life in 1946...“A committee of both school prefects was called and we discussed ways and means ofsocializing with each other within the bounds of the new school rules. A notice was posted on the notice boards ofeach school that sixth form boys and girls would be allowed to walk together on Saturday and Sunday afternoons ingroups of no less than four and no more than eight, along certain proscribed routes. The Prefects’ committee wascommissioned by the Heads to draw up a map of reasonable places and routes where this social mingling could takeplace with due reference to respectability and decorum. The length of the Colwyn Bay promenade merging into Rhos-on-Sea at the west end was the obvious place for a gentle saunter and conversation. It would pass various restaurantswhere tea and scones could be partaken and also was near to the local cinema. To provide an ambulatory circuit a routewas drawn through the Pwyllycrochan woods and across the golf course. Surprisingly, these recommendations wereapproved from above no doubt accompanied by some prayers to the Almighty for safe deliverance from all evil. Sundaybest dress was to be promulgated.”

NEWSFLASHAndrew Paul Sherrington RS 74-83 is married to Denise.They have two sons and he runs an accountancy businessin Basingstoke. His two brothers, Mark and Tim alsoattended Rydal. Mark RS 75-86 is married to Karen(Acheson) RS 81-86. They have a son and a daughter. Markteaches Art at Caterham. Tim RS 77-86 lives inFarnborough with his wife, Kath. They have two sons andTim works in IT.

Adam Hemuss RS 86-91 is kept busy combining his artwith television work. His web-site is www.hemussArt.com

Jill (Currie) Black PC 65-70 was called to the Bar at InnerTemple in 1976 and appointed a QC in 1994. In 1999 shewas appointed a Recorder, and later a Justice of the HighCourt, assigned to the Family Division. She served asFamily Liaison Judge for the Northern Circuit from 2000to 2004. Jill was Chairman of the Family Committee ofthe Judicial Studies Board from 2004 until she joined theJAC in 2008.

Jack Coates RPS 2002-09 attended Oxford AviationAcademy with a view to becoming a commercial airlinepilot. Within only a few months of his 20th birthday hehas gained his licence (even before he had passed hisdriving test!) and started flying with RyanAir in November.Jack thoroughly enjoyed the course – it was even betterthan he had expected – and is rightly very proud of hisachievement. Listen out for his name when you next boarda RyanAir jet!

Ben Briscoe RPS 94-2001 has reached the final stage ofthe UK PGA Tour qualifying school after his performancein the second qualifying stage at Southern Hills Plantationclub at Brooksville in Florida. Ben shot a six under par, 72-hole total of 282 to finish in a share of 14th place. With thetop 21 and ties making it through, Ben was outside the top30 going into the final round over the 7,557-yard, par 72course on one under par, but then posted a closing 67 toensure his place in the final stage. “It was a very specialday”, said Ben. “There was a tough wind out there and Iknew I had to play really really well. It was nice to do it inwhat was the most important round of my life. It is a bigleap to make it to final qualifying.”

Chris Gibbons RPS 96-2002 completed his PhD in HealthScience at the Walton Centre for Neurology, in Liverpool,and at Liverpool University. Chris was sponsored by theMotor Neurone Disease Association and conducted hisresearch in relation to Quality of Life in patients withMND. He has built up quite a reputation with the MNDAand has been given the opportunity to represent them atnational and international conferences where he haspresented his papers, several of which have now beenpublished.

John Sefton RS 48-58 continued his education at Christ’sCollege, Cambridge where he read Natural Sciences. Hethen joined ICI and over the next 30 years held a numberof senior positions in the UK and Belgium. John chairedthe Stockton City Challenge project, as well as the TeessideTEC which became one of the top training enterprises. Itwas at this time that he was honoured to receive an OBE.On retirement, John returned to Christ’s and studied foran MPhil in Modern History and has since been involvedwith further charity work and sport.

Joy Hendry PC 55-66 retired from 30 years as professorof social anthropology at Oxford Brookes University in2010, and was made Professor Emerita. She spent 2011 asan invited fellow/lecturer at Melbourne University inAustralia and Otago University in New Zealand, as well asvisiting Japan for three months. She is still writing, and iscurrently working on a book about indigenous science. Joywould be delighted to hear from any Penrhosians aroundthe world who would like to make contact.

Christopher Underwood RS 58-64 recently retired after16 years as Head of Department of Vocal Performance atwhat was the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama(now The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland). He continuesto teach there in his role as the Ena Mitchell Professor ofSinging, an honour conferred on him in 2010, as well asgiving masterclasses throughout the UK and abroad.

Geoff Essery RS 46-51 was honoured to be awarded anOBE in the New Year 2004 list for services to health andsafety in the chemical industry.

David Barnes RS 50-59 obtained a HND in BusinessAdministration before leaving the UK in 1970 to live inCanada where he worked until 2008 and is now retired andliving on the pacific coast in Mexico. He has two boys byhis first marriage, aged 38 and 36. He married again in2006 and has a 3½ year old daughter.

Joy Winder PC 51-60 recently visited Colwyn Bay with herfamily, and went to Harlequin Puppet Theatre in Rhos-on-Sea. She was surprised to find that the show still uses ascript that she wrote with her friend whist at Penrhos!

Solomon Parker RS 84-89 has been awarded the title ofAgent of the Year at the Live UK Music Business Awards.Take That, Jessie J, The Prodigy and Lady Gaga are justsome of the artists that Solomon represents. “I am in themost exciting job in the world,” he says. “Music excites meas much today as when I was 20”.

Grace Hill-Bailey PC 50-54 visited Rydal Penrhos for asurprise trip organised by her family for her 75th birthday.She enjoyed looking at uniform from the ’50s after a tourof the school.

New

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NOTICESBirthsTo Jane (Hayes) Matthews RS 83-86 and Alex Hutton a daughter,Bridget Louisa, born September 2010.To Victoria (Price) Voice PC 81-92 and her husband Todd, adaughter, Allegra Jessica born May 2010, a sister for William andSophia.To Richard Mawdsley RS 85-87 and his wide Naomi, a son, Josephborn April 2011.To Josie (Jawzi) Williams PC 88-90 and her husband, a daughter,Sophie Jayne Hartley March 2011.To Natasha (Thomas) Coates PC 90-97 and her husband Graeme, adaughter, Abigail Rose, born September 2010.To Benjamin Siu RS 83-88 and his wife, twin boys, Xavier andTheodore, born April 2010.To Kathy (Frazer) Rankin RS 92-96, a son, Dylan Patrick, born July2011.To Clare (Craig) Poynton-Craig PC 88-99 and her husband, Neil, ason, Xavier James, born September 2010.To Lucy (Heath) Bonham PC 92-99 and her husband, Anthony, aboy, Jack Christopher, born October 2011.

MarriagesHeidi Nash-Smith PC 92-99 married Alex Smith on 11 June 2011 inFiji.

DeathsNotification has been received of the following deaths since Issue 18 of RydalPenrhos Society News. Hon = Honorary Member of Rydal Penrhos Society. CR = Common Room. G = Governor.Name School School Dates Death DateGofton, Norman Allan RS 1961-65 April 2007Sykes, Dr Peter RS 1935-41 2008Whittaker, Ian Grantham RS 1938-41 May 2008Parker, Brian RS 1936-40 June 2009(Phillips) Meyer, Anne PC 1948-54 Nov 2009(Toft-Smith) Louwerse, Faye PC 1941-42 Jan 2010Bunker, W P RS 1961-66 Feb 2010(Everitt) Steward, Margaret PC 1943-47 March 2010Tollington, John Rodney RS 1952-57 April 2010Shaw, A R RS 1947-52 Dec 2010(Batty) Thomas, Margaret PC 1944-49 2011(Ward) Southern, Alison PC 1930-44 Jan 2011 Jeacock, Dr Marjorie PC 1941-53 Jan 2011 (Harris) Doyle, Gillian PC 1958-64 April 2011(Lloyd-Jones) Gladwell, Violet Rita PC 1920-26 April 2011 Godber, John D RS 1950-53 May 2011 (Parkinson) Pennington, Beryl PC 1932-40 May 2011 Boydell, John Herbert (Jock) RS 1934-40 August 2011 Lewis, Brian RS 1953-62 August 2011 Gorst, Myra PC 1927-28 August 2011Dunning, Helen PC 1930-39 November 2011 Noreen Edwards (Hon, Gov) RS December 2011

Congratulations to Adrian Greenwood RS 51-55 and hiswife, Lesley, who celebrated their Golden WeddingAnniversary on 26 August 2011.Simon Hughes RS 69-74 is now living in Devon, and wouldbe interested in meeting up with anyone who is also in theSouth West area. Please contact the Society office to be putin touch with Simon.

Janet (Jones) Hedgecock PC 52-61 would like to findChristine (Feather) O’Donnell PC 56-62. She lived inLeeds and later moved to Wetherby. If you can help, pleasecontact the Society office.

Nikele van Putten RS 70-75 is an architect who is currentlysenior sales person for the firm I Have My Own Energy,which has its core business in the renewable energy branch.He is active in the Netherlands and Belgium, however wouldlike to establish a foothold in the UK. If you are in thebusiness of renewable energy, and would like to speak toNikele, please contact the Society office for his details.Diana (James) Klein PC 54-58 would like to know if thereare any Penrhosians or Rydalians in Geneva. She has beenliving there since 1968 and would be happy to organise areunion if there is anyone nearby!

Old Penrhosian Provident Fund (Charity no. 1092283)

The objects of the Old Penrhosian Provident FundTrust are “to provide help and financial assistance byway of gift or loan or in any other manner to anyformer student or member of staff of the schoolknown as Penrhos College situated in Llannerch Road,Colwyn Bay, North Wales who in the absolutediscretion of the Trustees shall be in necessitouscircumstances”. As a result of notices about thisFund, more Penrhosians have approached us.However, if you know of anyone who may not beaware of the Fund and might require assistance, pleaselet us know. Help can be offered in the form of eithera grant or a loan. If you, or anyone you know couldbenefit from the help of the OP Provident Fund,please contact:Lesley Baker, Chairman, 6 Private Road, Sherwood,Nottingham NG5 4DB (0115 9609572)Vera Male, Acting Secretary, Pretty Penny, Moat Green,Sherbourne, Warwick, CV35 8AJ (01926 624773)Anne Whitby, Treasurer, 13 Belvedere House, 130Grosvenor Road, London SW1V 3JY (020 7821 0980)Anne Barker, 0118 966 2621, Felicity Bryson, (no number at present) Janet McGill, 01636 636529

New Trustee needed for the Old Penrhosian Provident FundThe OPPF is looking for a new trustee. We meet once or twice a year face to face, with some additional ‘email’ meetings as required.Since the Fund is specific to pupils and Staff of the old Penrhos College, you need to have been at the Llannerch Road site during atleast part of your time at the school. Currently the Trustees include 4 who left in 1964/67, 1 who left in 1948 and 1 who left in 1996.We would therefore prefer to appoint someone who would have left later than 1980 to improve our coverage of different ages ofPenrhosians. We receive requests from OPs of all ages, including those who left the school after 1990. If you would like to help administerthis Fund, and feel that you satisfy the above criteria, please contact Lesley Baker: jlesley193@btinternet.com, Vera Male:Veramale@aol.com, or Anne Whitby: anne.whitby@btinternet.com, giving your years at Penrhos and any relevant details about yourself.

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School NewsScho

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2011 saw the school’s best A-levelresults since the current A-levelcurriculum was introduced ten yearsago, and it is significant that all bar fourof the candidates secured at least oneB grade, showing the breadth of theirsuccess. 85% of pupils achieved A*-C,64% scored grades A*-B, and out of25 A-level candidates, 37% wereawarded A* and A grades.

The A-level results reinforce theschool’s success in the InternationalBaccalaureate; those results werepublished in July, and the 28 IBcandidates achieved an average scoreof 31.5 points. On the tariff used byUCAS for university admissions, the

Excellent Exam Results in 2011

On 4 November 2011, Rydal Penrhos Preparatory School officiallylaunched its Forest School, opened by Mrs Pat Jones, PC 48-54, a formergovernor of the school, and Mrs Kelly Elson, RS 73-75 who is the Head ofthe Pre-Prep department and the newly-appointed Forest Leader.Introduced by the Headmaster, Mr Roger McDuff, the Forest School makesuse of the unique woodland setting while encouraging an innovativeapproach to outdoor learning. This is just one of the new ideas that MrMcDuff has brought to the Prep school. You can find our about all thedevelopments at the Prep school and follow pupils’ progress on theHeadmaster’s blog published weekly on the school website.

Forest School Launch

Maximising our AssetsIn September the school saw a changein the weekly routine and a revisedtimetable for the new academic year.Both these changes were introducedto make the best use of opportunitiesfor learning in the classroom andbeyond. All academic lessons are nowconcentrated early in the day while theafternoons are given over to sport,outdoor education, cultural andenrichment activities, which carry oninto the early evening as well as theweekends.

Sport has always been at the heart ofthe school, whether it be throughteam sports or individualperformance. Team sports have gonefrom strength to strength in the pastyear, with notable successes includingwinning the boys’ National Hockeychampionships at U18 & U12, the 1stXV representing Wales in the

average IB score of 398 UCAS pointsis equivalent to 2 A*s and an A - a trulyoutstanding achievement. Whencombined with the A-level results, theschool’s average points score is 356UCAS points, equivalent to everyleaver achieving 3 A grades.

In GCSE 91% of candidates scoredA*-C grades – the standard measurefor success at GCSE - and 46% ofthose were A* and A grades. The yeargroup scored an average of 9 A*-Cpasses. Three candidates scored all A*and A grades: Annabel Large, HenrySalisbury and Sarah Wright amassed 34of the top grades between them, and atotal of 17 pupils achieved at least

seven A* or A grades each. 2012 seesthe exciting introduction of the OCRNationals into the Sixth formcurriculum to provide an additionalprogramme for pupils who wish togain a formal qualification that has A-level equivalence but with a morevocational slant.

We are delighted that in the currentHead Boy, Thomas Warrington, hasbeen offered a place to readEngineering at Emmanuel College,Cambridge, and Stephen Brown, wholeft last summer, has been awarded apost-results place to studyMathematics at Churchill College,Cambridge.

inaugural Six Nations Rugby Festival,and an unbeaten U12 Cricket team.All three girls’ hockey age groups arestill on course to reach the NationalFinals, as are the senior Netball teamin the Presidents’ Cup. The 1st XVnarrowly lost to Crawshays andEllesmere but had good wins againstStonyhurst (previously unbeaten) andKing’s School, Macclesfield.

In outdoor education pupils areenjoying the increased time andopportunity to discover all aspects ofthe programme. The school continuesto enjoy a fine reputation with sailing.The Duke of Edinburgh programmeis growing in popularity, with threetraining weekends already organisedthis term. There are regular white-water and sea-kayaking weekends, aswell as climbing and mountain-walking trips. We were indebted to acurrent parent for a generous

donation to support the department.

The new school routine has enabled avery wide number of enrichmentclubs to run: 137 different activitiesfrom Archives to Zumba ensure thatpupils continue to experience a widerange of academic, creative andpractical activities, complementing theschool’s desire to nurture all-roundabilities in all our pupils.

Dyson Wilson RS 39-44Dyson Stayt Wilson died this year aged 84. He was a man ofmany parts: a rugby international, fisher, farmer, writer andraconteur. Known as “Tug” Wilson, he played eight games forEngland at wing forward and was a member of the 1955 BritishLions squad on its tour of South Africa. He was admired forhis highly tactical approach to the game.

Dyson was born in South Africa and moved to Britain with hisfamily when he was a child. He relocated to Salisbury (nowHarare), then in Rhodesia, in the late 1950s. Among manyadventures there, he ran two popular restaurants. In 1969, heand his second wife, Diana and their two young sons, Mark andHugh, moved to west Cornwall, where Dyson had familyconnections and where their daughter, Senara, was born. Dysonpart-owned and worked as a deckhand aboard the vessel HeatherArmorel. One Atlantic voyage with Diana and a friend, whenDyson was 73, nearly ended in disaster. Two weeks out ofBrazil, on course for South Africa, they were dismasted andspent 38 days edging slowly south on a tiny jury-rigged sail,aiming with great precision for the island of Tristan da Cunha.They made it and, on the point of being driven ashore, wererescued by the islanders. The Wilsons owned a small farm onthe Lizard peninsula, where they lived by their beliefs insustainability and humanist values. Dyson was buried in idyllicwoodland on the farm. On his gravestone is inscribed thephrase that summed up his belief in what life could be like, ifonly humankind could get it right: “Heaven on Earth”.

Norman Evans RS 38-41On exchange trips abroad, Norman Evans always instructedteachers to take only hand luggage as waiting for suitcases justwasted valuable learning time. This, in fact, was the academic’sapproach to life as a whole: everything was a resource,everything was a learning experience, and nothing should bewasted. Norman Harland Evans was born in north London inAugust 1923. Growing up, he attended Rydal School in ColwynBay, where he was made Head Boy.

Norman read history at Christ`s College, Cambridge beforebecoming a teacher and later, Headmaster. He later becameDirector of Derby’s Bighop Londsdale College of Educationand then Senior Fellow of Cambridge University’s Policy StudiesInstitute. Norman played piano and cello and was an activegymnast and sportsman. In later years, however, such activitiesbecame increasingly difficult. Norman Evans died on 22November 2010 aged 87.

Brian Lewis RS 53-62Brian passed away in August 2011, following a long illness. Akeen sportsman, he later became Captain and President ofNorthern C.C. He joined the club in 1964 and captained the 1stXI from 1978 to 1980 and was President of the club in its 125thanniversary year of 1984. A past Captain of Formby Golf Cluband an active supporter of both Waterloo Rugby Club and theLiverpool Ramblers AFC, he was also a member of the MCC.His health had not been good for some months but his passingstill came as a shock to his many friends. He was also a memberof Northern Nomads CC and the club's President, Nomad'ssecretary, Steve Gardner described Brian as “a relaxed laid backcricketer and always a great pleasure to play with and against”

ObituariesHelen Dunning PC 30-39 (student), 47-82 (staff)Helen was a student at PenrhosCollege between 1930 and 1939before taking a job in the taxoffice. However she was notfully satisfied in this career, andso returned to Penrhos in 1947as teacher of Drama andElocution. Penrhos was a hugepart of Helen’s life, and shestayed there until her retirementin 1982.

Helen was a much loved teacher and colleague, who touchedmany people with her kindness both in and out of school.Helen passed away on Wednesday 2 November 2011, aged 89years.

Marjorie K Jeacock PC 41-53Marjorie, known to all her friends as Midge, had just returnedfrom an Asian Cruise on the Spirit of Adventure the night beforeshe died. She had long wanted to visit India and wasoverwhelmed by her experiences. In fact, she narrowly avoidedanother, since shortly after leaving the ship in Mauritius to flyhome, it was in the uncomfortably close company of Somalipirates for some little time. To the end, Midge never led a dulllife. She died in her sleep at her much loved Berkshire house,where her family found a host of memorabilia and other relicswhich stretched back to her earliest years.

At her well attended funeral near Thatcham there were four OldPenrhosians who had been contemporary with Midge at theSchool, viz Christine (Gething) Brown, Jenny (Platt) Covell,Ann (Glossop) Franklyn and Valerie (Francis) Andrews-Jones.

Midge had a distinguished academic career; on leaving Penrhos(1941-1953) as Head Girl, with the School’s Rosa HoveyLeaving Scholarship she went to Girton College, Cambridge,on an Open Scholarship and studied Biological Sciences. Oncoming down from the University, Midge’s research career tookher initially to Charing Cross Hospital and later to ReadingUniversity where she became a Lecturer. In that capacity shewas able to share with her students her passion for sheep andtheir characteristics, spending many a night on lambing duties atthe University Farm.

It may be of particular interest to readers to know that in May1959 she received a letter – inevitably found in pristinecondition – from Constance (Connie) Smith, the then Headmistress of Penrhos College, offering her a position on theSchool Staff. The letter is itself a more than interesting relic. Itwent into great detail on both academic and financial matters.The letter is thoughtful, detailed, long, interesting and handwritten. Those were the days!

Whilst the offer may have tempted Midge, and although she didnot accept it, she retained her affection for and affiliation to theSchool until, literally, the last day of her life; it was particularlyfitting that in its later period, she served on the Committeeresponsible for the formation and early activities of the RydalPenrhos Society.

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Event Booking Form

Merchandise Order Form

Event(s) .....................................................................................................................................................................................

I would like to have ................. place(s).

Please find enclosed cheque for £................. made payable to the Rydal Penrhos Society.

Name (block capitals)..........................................................................................................................................................

Address ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode ......................................................

Tel No ..................................................................... Email ................................................................................................

Any special dietary requirements ..........................................................

Years at school .......................................... (Rydal / Penrhos / Rydal Penrhos) circle as appropriate

I would like to sit with ........................................................................................................................................................

Signed .......................................................................

Please return to Sarah Ritchie, Alumni & Development Director, Rydal Penrhos School, Pwllycrochan Avenue, ColwynBay, LL29 7BTFor further information or additional booking forms contact Sarah Ritchie at 01492 539736 or SJRitchie@rydal-penrhos.com

1) Item code & description ............................................................................................................... Quantity .............2) Item code & description ............................................................................................................... Quantity .............3) Item code & description ............................................................................................................... Quantity .............4) Item code & description ............................................................................................................... Quantity .............5) Item code & description ............................................................................................................... Quantity .............

Please find enclosed cheque for £................. made payable to the Rydal Penrhos Society.

Name (block capitals)..........................................................................................................................................................

Address ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Postcode ......................................................

Tel No ..................................................................... Email ................................................................................................

Signed .......................................................................

Please return to Sarah Ritchie, Alumni & Development Director, Rydal Penrhos School, Pwllycrochan Avenue, ColwynBay, LL29 7BTFor further information please contact Sarah Ritchie at 01492 539736 or SJRitchie@rydal-penrhos.com

Treat Yourself..

Limited edition watercolour print by David Birtwhistle.Image size 11”x18.5”. Paper size 16.5”x24”.

Code: RPS01 Price: £30 Rydal Penrhos desk calendarCode: RPS02 Price: £4.95

Rydal Penrhos Hymn BookCode: RPS03 Price: £15

The Osborns and RydalMount School 1885-1915

by Peter WatkinsonCode: RPS04 Price: £10

Donald Hughes,Headmaster

A selection of his writingswith a personal portrait by

Percy Haywood andforeword by Sir Desmond

LeeCode: RPS05 Price: £5

Poles get Closer by Nick Pochin RS 53-59

Code: RPS06 Price: £12

Rydal Penrhos SocietyScarf

Code: RPS08 Price: £12

Vikings Tie (left)Rydal Penrhos Society Tie (right)

Code: RPS08 (Vikings)Code RPS09 (Society)

Price: £12

Photobox GalleryWe have a selection of images available to view and purchase at http://www.photoboxgallery.com/societyThese images can be purchased as prints as well as gifts such as mouse mats, jigsaws and mugs. We also have a selectionof photographs from events such as the North Wales Dinner 2011 and Summer Ball 2010.If you do not have internet access and would like to see examples of these images, please contact Sarah Ritchie in theSociety Office.

Rydal Penrhos SocietyPin Badge

Code: RPS07 Price: £5

And there’s more.....School Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 14,15,16,17 March 2012, 7.30pm Dolphins Week 25 June 2012German Reunion August 2012 London Reunion Dinner TBC North Wales Dinner & AGM 9 November 2012 Golf Events Please see page 6 for our full list of golf events.Please complete the attached booking form and return to: The Rydal Penrhos Society, Rydal Penrhos, Pwllycrochan Avenue, Colwyn Bay, LL29 7BW

Leavers of the ’50s Lunch15 April 2012, Rydal Penrhos SchoolDid you leave Rydal School or Penrhos College between1950-1959? We are holding a Sunday Lunch Reunionespecially for you! Join us for a tour of the site followed bya traditional 3 course Sunday lunch in our dining hall. Thetour will include old and new parts of the campus, as wellas a visit through both the Penrhos and Rydal archivescollection. The cost for this will be £20 per head.

There will also be the opportunity for a round of golf atConwy on Saturday, which will be organised by John SeftonRS 48-58. Please contact the Society office for details.

Leaver’s and Alumni Ball2 June 2012, New Field, Rydal Penrhos SchoolYou are invited to join us as our U6 students celebrate the endof their school life, and welcome them into the Society. Heldin a marquee on New Field, this is a great chance to return toschool for a very special event. Why not get a group of yourfriends together, book a table, and get your glad rags on!Tickets are £45 per person or £420 for a table of 10. Thisincludes a 3 course meal, coffee and entertainment.

Photos from the 2010 ball can be viewed athttp://www.photoboxgallery.com/society

Rydal Penrhos Regatta23 – 24 June 2012Sailing has always been a feature at both Rydal and Penrhos,and continues to thrive today. The Rydal Penrhos Regattais your chance to come back and take to the sea! Whetheryou are taking part or are a spectator this promises to be afantastic event.

Founder’s Weekend22-23 September 2012, Rydal Penrhos SchoolCelebrating the founders of Rydal School and Penrhos College(Thomas Osborn and Rev. Frederick Payne), this annual eventis a highlight of our calendar. If you are organising a reunionof your own, why not arrange it to coincide with Founder’sWeekend? With a special service at St John’s Church, tours ofthe school, Vikings rugby, Old Girls’ hockey and netball, displaysof memorabilia from Rydal and Penrhos, and much more, thisis an event not to be missed!

More details and a full programme of events will be availablesoon.

Reunion DinnersDubai 16 February 2012, Venue tbcHong Kong 22 February 2012, Hong Kong Club, 1 Jackson Road, Central, Hong Kong, HK$400Includes 3 course meal, coffee / tea, pre dinner drink and half bottle of wine.Manchester 17 March 2012, The Rose Room, Room Restaurant, 81 King Street, Manchester, £35 per personIncludes a 3 course meal.Cambridge 12 May 2012, Jesus College, Cambridge, £50 per person.Includes a reception drink, 3 course meal, wines, coffee and truffles. There is also an optional 2 hour professionally guided tourof Cambridge and Colleges departing from the Guildhall in Market Square. The cost of the tour is £5 per person.

Hathaway Drinks Reception1 June 2012We will be holding a drinks party and tour of Hathaway foranyone who wishes to relive their boarding days. This is tocelebrate 100 years of this impressive building which holdsstrong memories for so many former students.

Events