News from former pupils
Flt Lt Nathan Jones, who left the school in 2001, was part of the Great Britain side competing at the Invictus Games.
After suffering a dramatic final corner clash when leading the cycling event, Nathan went straight from his hospital bed to the pool, where he heroically achieved a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke for his efforts.
The Colwyn Bay resident, said: “It feels great to get a medal, 48 hours ago I was on a spinal board in hospital so I am pretty pleased.
“I was in pole position in the cycling and I felt like I had a good sprint in me, but unfortunately I took the wrong line and crashed into a barrier.
“My back is pretty sore but I always felt that the backstroke was going to be my strongest event so I am delighted to get a medal.”
The former international skier and rugby player was involved in a flying accident while serving as a Royal Force Air Force pilot at Camp Bastion, which resulted in a broken back.
After extensive rehabilitation, Flt Lt Jones has been left with nerve damage and partial paralysis of his calves.
Although he is now unable to take part in his specialised sports of rugby and skiing due to their high impact nature, the son of ex-teacher, Ken Jones, won a series of competitive skiing titles after competing for six months following the injury.
The former pilot is currently still in full time rehabilitation in the hope of returning to the front line in the future.
Old Rydalian Andrew Fenby, aged 30, a member of the London Irish squad this season, has decided to call it a day in order to “pursue a new opportunity”.
The qualified chartered accountant, said: “Can't believe this day has finally arrived. Incredibly fortunate to have played professionally for two great clubs, made many great friends and memories that will last a lifetime.
“I have really enjoyed my time with London Irish and it's with a heavy heart I've come to make this decision and pursue a new opportunity.
“Thank you all for your support.”
The winger scored two Premiership tries this term, in addition to a hat-trick against Edinburgh in the European Challenge Cup pool stage.
He began his career playing for the school sides as well as turning out for Llandudno Rugby Club.
Mr Boyd, said: “Everyone at the school followed Andrew’s career with great interest and we would like to congratulate him on a wonderful career.
“He is someone that our aspiring players have looked up to, so they can see just how far you can go if you work hard and reach your potential."
Dr Mark Baker, who left the school in 2003, has led a group of volunteers intent on fixing the historic Gwrych Castle, which overlooks Abergele and can be seen from the A55 expressway.
The Grade I listed site was left to rot for decades, but the Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust, which comprises 65 volunteers and was formed in 1997, has restored the impressive Gardener’s Tower and they lit the stove and main fireplace for the first time in 100 years at their Open Day on Saturday, May 7.
Dr Baker, who is Chairman of the Trust, said: “Basically, the tower was just four crumbling walls. It had no roof, no windows and no floors.
"We had to clear out five feet of rubble, abandoned birds nests and foliage and allow the building to 'dry out'. Then local builders and chimney sweeps helped us to rebuild and restore.
"The stove in the basement room is a kind donation by Ceri Leeder to the trust as the original was stolen.
"The fireplace that we will be lighting is in the room where the Countess of Dundonald, Winifred Bamford-Heskth, used to use as a writing room."
"The next significant development of the site was the formal garden. In the 1970s the garden was used for jousting."
Rob Hall and his band Catfish and the Bottlemen have finally released their long awaited second album.
The Llandudno rockers brought out “The Ride” – which is the follow-up to 2014’s ‘The Balcony’ – on Friday, May 27 at midnight on Island Records.
Drummer Rob, who left Rydal Penrhos in 2011, and the band have also disclosed the full 11-song tracklist, which includes recent single ‘Soundcheck’.
A post on the band’s Facebook page, said: “Alongside selling out shows, this album is by far the proudest we’ve ever been about anything us four have ever done together.
“It’s just mad and we’ll be grafting all year to ensure things keep growing and these new gigs and new albums keep coming rapidly and in their droves.”
Anyone wishing to purchase the album can do so by visiting their official site at http://www.catfishandthebottlemen.com/
Suzy Drane, aged 29, is the current Welsh captain and earned her 75th cap at the Netball Europe Open Championships in Newcastle.
The inspirational athlete has represented her country at two World Cups, two Commonwealth Games and at a number of European Championships.
She currently plays club netball for Celtic Dragons in the Vitality Superleague, and lectures in Sport Development and Performance Sport at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Suzy said: “It’s a huge milestone.
I’m pleased and ecstatic that I’ve made it this far, but I still get the exact same feeling as when I received my first cap, my 30th cap and my 74th.
“Playing for your country can’t ever be replicated, but it’s not about counting caps.”
The ex-pupil will be part of the schools coaching staff for a special tour of Greece next October, and Drane recently earned a silver medal at the Netball Europe Open Championships.
Yvie Johnson, mother of Year 8 pupil, Sydney, reached John O’Groats in her ultra-marathon attempt on Thursday, May 19 after making her way through the Scottish Highlands last week.
She has already begun her trek back down to Land’s End in her world-record quest, which the bi polar sufferer is doing to raise funds and awareness for those with mental health issues.
Yvie said: “Getting back to Land’s End is going to be a battle now that my feet are ready to disintegrate - but I will do it come hell or high water.
“I might not be a Royal or a celebrity, but neither are the majority of humanity, and they're the ones who matter and I want to raise as much as possible for them.
“Running in this challenge, I am dealing with plans not just going awry, but positively developing in a way I never expected.
“My anxiety levels peak on the road when dealing with traffic, the stress so great I almost burst with rage.
“With every step, I am showing that not knowing how, or why, or when, can be just as acceptable and rewarding as knowing every detail, and following every plan to the letter.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=FierceMind.