Ysgol Uwchradd Tywyn is 125 years old and the school celebrated the occasion with a variety of performances, writes Julie McNicholls Vale.

A play set in St Trinian’s, guest speakers, a recitation, the Year 7 choir, a duet, a singing group, instrumentals and a very special birthday cake marked the 125th anniversary of the school in style.

Tickets for the concert had sold out, but an extra seat was found for one elderly gentleman who travelled from the Midlands to attend.

He had been a boarder back in the day when Brynarfor existed, a building especially built as a boarding school in 1894, donated by the late J Corbett Esq, JP DL of Droitwich and Ynysymaengwyn.

Brynarfor’s history was told in photographs capturing the life and times of the school across the years, also detailing sports, activities, staff and achievements.

The audience had the opportunity to join in a memory walk in the old school hall, to explore classrooms and the amazing collection of photographs and memorabilia from the past.

Memorabilia included items such as the original plans of the school, a collection of wonderfully old sports balls (rugby, football and cricket) original cricket scorecards, items of school uniform from the past and many original letters dating back to the 1890s.

The birthday cakes, with candles alight, were also on display and the obligatory Happy birthday song sung in both Welsh and English.

The main hall was merry and bright, complete with a decorated grand piano and harp, and an amazing lighting system on loan from Neuadd Dyfi’s Des George.

The atmosphere was charged too, with pupils endeavouring to give their best performances and the audience very appreciative.

“If you were to choose one word to best describe the atmosphere – it would be ‘pride’,” a spokesperson for the school said.

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