News from former pupils
Andrew Fenby, Nathan Jones and Marcus Copeland have arranged a Dinner to celebrate the careers of Mike Leach and Phil Mather, who retired last summer from their teaching roles after a combined 64 years of service to the school.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 25 at the Ferguson Centre, with the festivities set to begin at 6pm.
In addition to drinks and a three-course meal, there will also be the chance to catch up with old teammates.
Mr Leach played a significant role in the development of rugby and cricket players during his time at Rydal Penrhos, which saw professionals such as Fenby, Sean Lonsdale, Tom Williams and Pat Leach come through the ranks.
The same can be said of Mr Mather, who also thrived in his Head of Hockey role, was the school’s registered physio and secured a wealth of national championships over the years.
Mr Fenby, who enjoyed a standout playing career at the likes of Newcastle Falcons, Saracens and London Irish, also revealed that an international guest speaker is also set to appear at the dinner, which will be confirmed nearer the event.
Tickets are priced at £60 per person and anyone wishing to book their place should email rydalvikings@outlook.com.
A former pupil officially opened an impressive new facility at a nearby university.
Henry Williams, who left the school in 2016, holds the position of Athletic Union president at the University of Bangor, was on hand to formally open their new 3G surface alongside other dignitaries that were influential in the planning and construction process.
Williams, who is the brother of ex-Head Girl Olivia, said: “This is something the student body is incredibly excited about and I look forward to a full season of fixtures to be played on this new pitch.
“In the past, we’d had to cancel a number of our fixtures due to issues with the old grass pitches but the technology behind this artificial grass means that we can host matches all year round with ease.”
The new pitch replaces two grass sites that were often waterlogged during the rugby and football seasons.
Williams has enjoyed a hugely successful time at the university since leaving Rydal Penrhos, captaining their senior rugby side and become a significant addition to their athletic provision.
Denis Lavin, who held the positions of Head of English and Director of Drama during his time at the school, played a significant role in Rhyl Music Club’s “The Exquisite Heart and Mind”, a musical dialogue on the life and works of Fryderyk Chopin.
Mr Lavin, who was a hugely influential figure in the Performing Arts at Rydal Penrhos during his tenor, spent three months putting together a script for the production, which was performed by pianist Alicja Fiederkiewicz.
The popular Mr Lavin narrated the production impeccably throughout, with ex-Geography teacher Steve Leader responsible for organising the event and all such showcases from the Rhyl Music Club.
Frédéric François was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the Romantic era who wrote primarily for solo piano. He has maintained worldwide renown as a leading musician of his era, one whose "poetic genius was based on a professional technique that was without equal in his generation”.