Sporting achievements
Georgia Wilson, who attended the Rydal Penrhos from 2007 to 2012, won two bronze medals for Team GB in the Para-Dressage in Tokyo this summer. Her medal-winning efforts, in the Grade II Championship Test and Grade II Freestyle Test respectively, represent a sensational follow up to her victory at the 2019 FEI European Championships.
Georgia’s success is remarkable given she was forced to compete with a younger backup horse, and was called up at the last minute to replace eight-time Paralympic gold medalist Sophie Christiansen.
Following her medal-winning performances, Georgia said: 'I’m on top of the world. I didn’t expect to go in there and win bronze. I just want to do this all over again, to show what else I can do and keep building the collection.'
Georgia’s journey to Para-Dressage success traces all the way back to when she started riding at just two years of age, following a physio’s advice that it would help her balance. It is a journey that has been followed eagerly by everyone who has known Georgia, including the communities at Rydal Penrhos and her hometown of Betws-yn-Rhos.
With less than five days’ notice, the people of the town organised a celebration on the local sports field to welcome Georgia home from the Far East.
More than 200 people attended and enjoyed live music and food including a hog roast, fresh salad and cakes.
An open roof vehicle had been arranged by the community to transport Georgia to the event.
Many other members of the community volunteered to help tidy up the sports field, bringing strimmers, paint and other equipment to lend a helping hand.
The afternoon was a roaring success enjoyed by many. The presence of Georgia’s horse, Sakura, or ‘Suki’ as she is affectionately known, was a particular highlight for everyone in attendance.
Among them was Mr Mike Farnell, a longtime member of the Rydal Penrhos teaching staff, currently serving as UCAS and Careers officer.
He said: 'It was amazing to put on this celebration for Georgia. As a mark of her achievements, even villagers who had never met her wanted to be there to help her celebrate.
'Georgia told me how unexpected but very welcome the celebration was. She was more confident than maybe we gave her credit for as she had been performing exceptionally well in European Championships and hopes very much to be able to qualify for Paris 2024.'
Everyone at Rydal Penrhos could not be prouder of Georgia. We are so happy to see the wonderful welcome home, it is a clear reminder of the ability our sportspeople have to bring people together.
By Lloyd Parry-Williams (RPS 2007–2016, Marketing & Admissions Assistant). This article was featured on the school website on 13 September 2021.
After emerging victorious in the Welsh U16 Open Championship in August, winning in both the Boys U16 and Overall U16 categories, Year 12 pupil Charley Simpson has achieved selection to the Welsh national U16 squad.
The squad recently faced England in a special challenge match on 18—19 September.
This is just the start for Charley, who worked hard with online coaches during the lockdowns over the last year to further hone his skills, and is a key member of the School's golf academy.
Since entering Year 12, Charley has combined golf with the responsibility of studying for his A-Levels, and has now signed a contract with Pro Dream USA, which helps young golfers across the world connect with the best sporting universities in the United States.
The first competitive event for our talented young skiers came on Monday 20 September, with Cameron Pye, Louis Hollingsworth and Jack Dougherty travelling to the Chill Factore in Manchester for the British Schools (North) Indoor Ski Championships.
All three raced extremely well in the competition, one that featured some of the brightest young skiers in the country. Year 8 pupil Cameron produced a fantastic effort to finish fourth in the U14 male category, while Jack, in Year 9, came a creditable 11th in the same category and Louis, in Year 9, achieved seventh place in the U16 male category.
The team's outstanding consistency secured them second place overall.
At a high-profile competition, this result represents a significant achievement.
Charley Simpson
The Rydal Penrhos Golf Society has had an exciting year, being joined by more women and younger players.
The Silcock Salver was played in June at Maesdu and Conwy Golf Clubs, having been postponed from the spring. A current pupil, Mr Charley Simpson, won the guest prize, The Johnny Williams Cup, and an Old Penrhosian, Miss Eleanor (Ellie) Evans, won the Silcock Salver – the first lady to do so.
The Silcock Salver was first played for in 1997.
he Marsden Trophy was played at Delamere Forest Golf Club in July, again with a good mix of players and some new faces, including RWO and Mr Charley Simpson as a guest. The winner was Mike Wood.
Eleanor Evans with Richard Watson
The Pochin Cup was played at Sandiway Golf Club on Tuesday 14 September. We had twelve players including a current pupil (Charley Simpson) and two recent leavers (Richard Wolfendale and Adrian Lewis).
Thank you to John Millington for hosting us and organising the green fees and meal.
By Richard Watson, Golf Secretary (RS 1991–2000)
If you are interested in joining any future golfing events, please contact Hannah at hpatrick@rydalpenrhos.com, and she will put you in touch with Richard Watson, Golf Secretary. Richard took over from Guy Watson this year.
Richard Wolfendale, Charley Simpson, and Adrian Lewis at Maesdu
