Penrhos College Class of 1982 visit
One thing that sets us apart is the strong connection between Alumni and the school. Being part of the Rydal Penrhos family institutes a life-changing connection, symbolised by lifelong membership of the Rydal Penrhos Society, our alumni association.
While over time our buildings change, the values that sustain Rydal Penrhos remain the same – that our alumni will always continue to feel about us the way they felt about it as pupils – as a second home.
The school was delighted to welcome back the Penrhos College Class of 1982 for their 40th-anniversary reunion on Saturday 16 July, which was an emotional occasion and something that further reflected the close bond generated between pupils that stands the test of time.
Penrhos College began in 1880 with 12 girls in a couple of three-storied houses ‘with basements’ on Colwyn Bay promenade. In 1895, the school moved into the premises of the short-lived but grand ‘Hydropathic Establishment’ purchased from the Pwllycrochan Estate.
The site was a prime location near the beach with fine views. During the next 80 years, a complex of buildings developed around the original Hydropathic building and there was also sufficient space (25 acres) for a sanatorium, gardens, games fields and tennis courts.
There are a plethora of Penrhos College artefacts and important items throughout the Rydal Penrhos site that were integrated as part of the merger with Rydal School. Something that everyone at the school also endeavours to keep alive with strong alumni connections.
The Penrhos College Class of 1982 began their reunion with a welcome glass of fizz and the chance to sample the famous “honey buns” that were served at tea during their time as pupils. They shared a wealth of stories with a fondness that is a testament to how immersed they were as pupils before moving on to the next stage of their respective journeys.
Ahead of their visits, school archivist Christine Bramhall put together a phenomenal archive display centred on Penrhos College, which was situated in the stunning Osborn Hall and featured everything from old newsletters, original building plans, school uniforms and the commemorative blanket produced by pupils to mark the centenary in 1980.
Head girl Lisa Tomlinson gave a rousing speech before the group headed out on a tour of Rydal Penrhos’ exceptional campus, viewing familiar items such as the Penrhos College stained glass, photographs and other important artefacts that quickly revived memories of their school days.
The tour ended in the school’s very own St John’s Church, the home of the Rosa Hovey window and the famous eagle lectern, where the group posed for pictures to round off an amazing day for all involved.
We would like to thank every Class of 1982 member for visiting us here at Rydal Penrhos. It was great to see everyone and hope to welcome you back again soon!
