Saying goodbye to Mr John Boyer
We are very sad to announce the death in January of Mr John Boyer, Head Gardener at Rydal Penrhos for more than forty years. During his time here, Mr Boyer was an integral part of the School and a familiar face around the site.
Back in 2010, the School's Review newsletter published an interview with John conducted by two Year 9 pupils, and we are delighted to reprint it here.
~*~
Have you ever seen the man on the tractor or lawn mower and wondered who he is? He keeps the lawns stripy and neat, which you must agree is a key element of our beautiful school. We were lucky to interview our Secret Gardener, Mr John Boyer:
How long have you been working here? – Almost 40 years, since 1971.
Have you had any previous professions? – I was a farmer in Maghull, Merseyside.
Did you know any teachers when they were younger? – Yes, Mr [Mike] Leach and Mr [Rick] Maple.
Did you have any training to work here? – No, I knew the basics from being a farmer. I also learnt a lot from the Head Gardener at the time.
Do you know the Latin names for plants? – No, I was brought up growing cabbages, sprouts and peas! I'm certainly not a professional like that!
Do you enjoy gardening at home? – Yes, I do. I only have a small garden though.
Why Colwyn Bay? – Well, we came on our honeymoon here and loved it so we moved here.
How did you get the job here? – I came from a Christian Guest House. I needed a job and saw this advertised in a shop window.
What is your favourite plant or flower? – Berberis Darwinii.
What is your earliest memory of working here? – The first day I started at Rydal, a lovely Collie dog named Monty came to meet me. That dog came every day to me for many years. He went from house to house on the tractor trailer. He belonged to Mr and Mrs Grimes who were House parents at Walshaw. When they moved to Upper Colwyn Bay, he still came down every day until he was too old to walk back up the hill, so we took him home by car. One of the saddest days at Rydal was when I received a telephone call to say he had to be put to sleep.
What is your favourite memory of working here? – In the mornings, the students used to cross the quad and walk on the grass for morning prayers. I used to hear the lovely music every morning. Sadly I don't hear it anymore, because they now have chapel in St John's.
Maybe next time you are wandering to a lesson and see the 'Secret Gardener', you will smile and say hello. We should appreciate the man who keeps the grounds so beautiful for us.
Thank you, John. ∎