News from former pupils
The class of 1967 took part in a two-day reunion event on June 8 and 9, which saw them reminisce about their time at Rydal School and pay tribute to a much-loved former pupil who recently had a bench at New Field named in his honour.
Mike Trinder attended Rydal School from 1963-67 and had a massive influence during his time as a pupil, securing a Prefect position and also representing the school’s senior rugby and cricket sides.
The bench, which was visited by the alumni in attendance, is located at Rydal Penrhos’ picturesque New Field site.
Among those that were also present throughout the weekend was Chair of Governors Julian Barnes, Governors Anne and Guy Watson, in addition to Executive Principal Mr Waszek.
Another notable attendee was Duncan Kenworthy OBE, one of the most famous faces to emerge from the school.
He is a leading film producer and BAFTA Award winner, and he has a room named in his honour at the Sixth Form Ferguson Centre after contributing a large sum to the pupil-led fundraising campaign to renovate the facility.
Mr Kenworthy also got the opportunity to see the room for the very first time.
The reunion came a decade after the first such event involving this particular group of departed pupils, who still hold close relationships and hold the school in very high regard.
The reunion consisted of a special meal at the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, before taking a ytour of Rydal Penrhos before lunch the following day, which consisted of a barbecue on New Field.
Mr Barnes, said: “Ten years after our first reunion, we repeated the fun as we are all 70 this year.
“In many ways, such close friends do not really change. Plenty of reminiscing, plenty of laughter and a few serious speeches. We decided we would repeat in five years’ time.
“Many of us are also signing up to the Donald Hughes Memorial Fund."
Sam Jones, who left the school in 2015, has ended a long association with RGC to sign for triple Indigo Premiership champions Merthyr, which sees the dynamic back move closer to home after notching 19 tries for the Gogs’ last term.
The pacey winger recovered from his recent injury problems to produce a series of exceptional displays for the Stadiwm Zip World based side over the course of the campaign, with the player also securing the Principality Premiership Try of the Week Award on multiple occasions.
Jones came through the Academy ranks at RGC at Rydal Penrhos School and Bangor University, where he obtained a sports science degree, and the player issued an emotional statement via the RGC website when the move was confirmed.
He said: “RGC has been a big part of my life from when I left home at 16 to join the Academy, study at Rydal Penrhos School and following on from that studying at Bangor University.
“But after graduating it has become increasing difficult with the travelling from my home in Llanidloes to Colwyn Bay with a four-hour round trip to training and home games.
“It’s been a privilege to play for RGC senior team over the past four seasons and three years’ previous to that in the age grade setup. “There have been many highs and lows throughout my time in North Wales including promotion to the Premiership, winning the National Cup as well as playing against the Welsh national squad.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, all the players and all the coaches and staff that have helped me in my development as a player.
“Also, a big thanks to all the RGC fans who travel up and down the country to support us on a weekly basis.
“I am looking forward to see what the next chapter holds for myself and I wish all the RGC boys the best for the upcoming season and the future.”