Tribute to much-loved former Headmaster
Rydal Penrhos was deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of much-loved former Headmaster Peter Watkinson, aged 89.
Mr Watkinson held the position as Head of Rydal School from 1968-91 and was responsible for many positive changes across the site during his tenure.
He oversaw the transition from an all-boys school, introducing more female pupils from 1970 before becoming fully co-educational with the opening of two girls’ boarding houses.
Edenfield opened its doors in 1977 and Heathfield followed shortly after in 1980. This was a landmark change for Rydal, which had been male-only since 1885, and Mr Watkinson’s forward-thinking played a leading role in this.
Mr Watkinson’s passion to make the school a better place was evident throughout the entirety of his time as Head. The Art Studio was officially completed from 1969-70, and two squash courts were also constructed around the same period.
In 1984, Mr Watkinson oversaw the construction of Rydal’s Technology Centre that houses the school’s Design Technology department, and a Music School was also completed during this time period.
Debbie McCluskey, a former pupil and current staff member, said: “As my headmaster I found Mr Watkinson to be one of the most quietly influential people in my life.
“He made me raise my expectations of myself and encouraged me to achieve more than I thought I could achieve.
“Looking back this is what gave me the confidence to do what I have in life and is really the best gift an educator can give any child.”
Mr Watkinson had the honour of being Headmaster for Rydal’s centenary in 1985, at which time there were more than 500 boys and girls in the Senior and Prep Schools combined.
He stepped down from his post in 1991 and was replaced by Nigel Thorne, but Mr Watkinson’s legacy at Rydal Penrhos will live on forevermore.
In recognition of his exceptional dedication to the school, the Watkinson Library was named in his honour, which is now home to the Business department.
Mr Watkinson kept a keen interest in all things related to the school in his role as an honorary member and life vice-president of the Rydal Penrhos Society.
Lucy Davies, former pupil and Head of Prep School, said: “Peter Watkinson or ‘Chiz’ (on account of his very chiselled profile) as he was known to all pupils, was equally revered and loved by all pupils.
“I never heard a bad word spoken about him. He was my sixth form Headmaster at Rydal and, as a prefect, we would be given instructions as to what he wanted doing in regards to all areas of pupil school life, including quad duties, chapel behaviour and how loud the singing should be which accompanied home rugby matches at New Field on a Saturday afternoon.
“I sometimes felt that I was being educated in a school for boys but I think Chiz was the Headmaster who really removed that notion; he genuinely wanted the girls’ voices to be heard and treated equally and he never treated us in any sort of tokenistic way, indeed he did not distinguish us from the boys.
“I remember once saying that it was difficult for a girl prefect to lead singing practice in the quad (this happened before a home match and was led without masters present and with several hundred younger pupils, 80% of whom were boys). He replied, “Why?”. I explained that I couldn’t sing baritone and felt conspicuous singing alto with so many lower voices. He replied, without a moment’s hesitation, “Well Vera Lynn did it, didn’t she?” I couldn’t think of a reply to this, so stepped out in front of the throng and just got on with it!
“Peter Watkinson was a Headmaster who led by example, who inspired both pupils and staff, and was missed by all after his retirement in 1991. He was a strong family man and my thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”
Head of Art Mark Sherrington, added: “As former pupils, Karen and I are very, very saddened to hear of the passing of Peter. He very much set the tone and ethos of the place during the 70’s and 80’s with his memorable sermons on a Sunday morning and Chapel every day.
“A man of considerable intellect but also seen as kind and fair by the pupils. He steered a thriving and vibrant school, which seemed to us almost effortless but clearly with great skill.
“In those days to find yourself in the Headmaster’s study was a rare and potentially frightening thing- you had to have done something truly terrible to be stood in front of his desk. He would sit, almost horizontal, listening carefully but always with deep Methodist compassion and wisdom.
“I saw him recently on a couple of visits to the school, frail but with the same razor-sharp wit and humour. We listened to him speak brilliantly (and without notes) at John Darlington’s memorial service. He returned again a couple of years ago. We sat in his former study as he delivered a couple of diamond one-liners at my expense and I remember thinking then how remarkable he was and how he hadn’t changed.
“His Christmas letter, that my parents received every year, was always full of that characteristic self-deprecating humour and warmth that seemed to run through everyone’s encounters with him.
“But my abiding memory of PFW will be patrolling the far touchline at New Field with the whole school watching, on a wet Saturday afternoon cheering on and encouraging his team, sometimes with irritation but always with passion and volume.”
Other tributes from the RP Family
From Ron (Jonathan) Green (RS 1969-78)
“Mr Watkinson, who I was introduced to, by father, on entering the senior school, holds very many fond memories and was treasured by our family. I remember the good times and the praise I received as well as the discipline when rules were broken and the penalties that had to be paid. Mr Watkinson was always fair and in my experience with a rye sense of humour."
From Helen Roberts, worked in school (1973 to 2005)
“I was so sorry to hear the sad news of the loss of Peter he was a lovely man he will be greatly missed. I worked in Rydal for 32 years in the catering department from March 1973 till March 2005 I was there for the Centenary party and it was fantastic how everyone pulled their weight and made it a Memorable occasion Peter was brilliant with everything his speech was a class on its own. I was made an Old Rydalian before I left which to me was a great honour I helped plant a tree for Rick Maple who I was great friends with from when he was a pupil I visited him in hospital just before he passed away and I still think about him he was greatly missed also."
From Alan Harrison (RS 1955-63)
“Thank you for sending the very nice piece about Peter Watkinson. I left the school in 1963 and only met him a couple of times. The first at a fundraising session (in the 1980s) held at my house in Harrogate, North Yorkshire where I lived at that time. He was always a gentleman and, in my mind, compared well to Donald Hughes the wonderful, much-admired headmaster during my time at Rydal.”
From Anthony J Robins (RS 1949-53)
“I was sorry to hear of the death of Peter Watkinson who was headmaster of Rydal School from 1968 to 1991 and contributed so much to the school for many years. With my sympathy and gratitude to Peter Watkinson for his years of service to Rydal School.
From James Potter (RS 1973-81)
“Thank you for notifying me about this sad news. Mr Watkinson proved to be a superb headmaster for my five years in senior school. He was a kind and patient man; a leader and a true gentleman. I never knew he taught until my A levels when he took us for 'The Weimar Republic and the rise of Hitler'. He made the whole period come alive and left us engrossed - and as a bit of an academic dosser that is saying something for me. It encouraged me to go to Liverpool University and read History. Whenever I have thought of him in the passing years it has been with fondness and respect. My sincere condolences to his family."
