News from former pupils
Elysia Gilman, who left the school in 2018, produced a sensational painting that captures the moment Ben Stokes hit the winning runs in England’s extraordinary third test triumph over Australia at Headingley this summer.
With England heading to defeat, Stokes stepped up to produce arguably the finest innings’ in English cricket history, hitting 135 not out to seal a narrow one-wicket victory.
Elysia was asked to paint a portrait of the incredible moment by brother and Year 8 pupil James, who is a very keen cricketer and has spent the season representing Mochdre Cricket Club’s second and third teams at senior level.
The painting has had a hugely positive reaction on social media, which prompted Elysia to make prints of the painting that are now being sold. For every print bought, the former Prefect is donating 25 per cent of the proceeds to Mochdre Cricket Club.
Elysia enjoyed a hugely successful time at Rydal Penrhos and is now studying Art at the University of Loughborough after some impressive A Level results last summer.
She also managed to claim a prestigious national completion run by the Machyntheth Arts Festival, which also saw the aspiring artist win the public vote prize from the subsequent exhibition.
Rydal Penrhos School was very sad to learn of the death of Anne Perrin, matron of Costain in the 1970s and 80s.
Mark Sherrington, Head of Art and a former boarder, paid a glowing tribute to the popular figure who played a huge part during her time at the school.
He said: “Pupils at Rydal will remember Miss Perrin as a force of nature. For perhaps three decades she cared for boys and girls in the Prep School as a matron.
“But of course like many support staff of the 70’s ,80’s and 90’s she was far more than just a matron. Boys from the 70’s and 80’s will remember “Ma Pez” with her bright red lipstick, immaculate hair and infectious smile with enormous affection.
“She was like a second mother to us, hundreds of miles from home, with no contact other than letters from our parents for months at a time. It was a time when there was only one phone in the Prep school, in Mr Underwood’s flat (the Headmaster), which we could use on our birthday only. “Her partnership with Mr Arthur Pitman, the housemaster of Costain House was legendary and together they ran a tight ship where humour was never far from the surface.
“Even as an adult and long after her retirement one might run into Miss Perrin walking along the prom in Rhos (she walked everywhere and stayed fit long into her retirement) and she seemed not to have changed a jot. Her interest in you was genuine and her memory incredible.
“I am sure I speak on behalf of many old boys and girls when I say we feel lucky and grateful to have fallen under her care. Her infectious humour, interest and understanding made all our time at school fun. RIP Ma Pez.”
Rydal Penrhos pupils past and present gathered for one of the most long-standing social events on the school calendar.
The annual Rydal Penrhos Society North Wales Dinner was held at the Sixth Form Ferguson Centre on Saturday, September 14, which saw a large number of Alumni travel the length and breadth of the country to catch up with old friends and return to the school once again.
This was the first time that the event had been held within a school facility and it proved to be another tremendous success.
In addition to a lavish meal produced by Rydal Penrhos’ dedicated staff team from Holroyd Howe, Upper Sixth Form pupil Amy Yue entertained those in attendance with a stunning acapella vocal performance.
The multi-talented boarder recently scored an incredible 95 out of a possible 100 in her Grade 8 London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art Gold assessment, and she also featured on national television in her native country during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Newly appointed Head Boy Ioan Peake-Jones and Head Girl Millie Collins also gave addresses on the rich history of the school and the exciting plans for Rydal Penrhos, with temporary President Graham Knowles also talking about his fond memories to round off another thoroughly entertaining evening.
The dinner was held as part of the Founders’ Weekend celebrations, which also saw the Society’s Annual General Meeting take place.