Penrhos College Colwyn Bay

PENRHOS COLLEGE FOR GIRLS, COLWYN BAY. ADDITION OF A NEW WING. One of the most notable events of the month at Colwyn Bay was the completion of the splendid addition to the Penrhos College for Girls, an institution which is yearly increasing its fame and influence as one of the finest centres of education in the kingdom. Leaving aside the educational history of the college, let us turn our attention to the magnificent pile of buildings which forms a most attractive feature in a town noted for the beauty of its architecture. The history of the Penrhos College property is somewhat interesting. Those of our readers who have had a sufficiently long connection with Colwyn Bay will remember that the original block of buildings was erected as a hydropathic establishment by the late genial Dr Thomas Shaw, who had a practice in the town and resided at Bronderw. Unfortunately for many people, this enterprise did not prove a financial success, and it was taken by a company of local gentlemen, who were somewhat more successful, but not sufficiently so to induce them to hold on to the property, which ultimately reverted to the original owners, the Colwyn Bay Estate Company. At this time, the Penrhos College was being carried on in a small building on the West Promenade, erected by Mr Robert Heyworth, one of the pioneers of building in this town. The proprietors of the school were the North West Wesleyan College School Association Limited, who saw the advisability of acquiring the hydropathic for the purposes of a ladies' college. From the date of the transfer to the present time, the fortunes of the college have increased at a rapid rate, and the period has been marked by important developments. The first step in this direction was to build a sanatorium for the treatment of any sickness that might arise, but, fortunately, this hospital has never had a patient - striking evidence of the salubrious climate in which the girls are brought up, and to the careful attention which they receive. Two years ago another important addition was made. This was a large detached building consisting of a completely fitted gymnasium, class rooms, bedrooms and the necessary lavatory and other conveniences Yet such has been the increase in the number of pupils that even this capacious addition has proved quite inadequate. A few months ago, the directors therefore decided to add another building, and this extension speaks volumes for the enterprising spirit by which they are animated, as well as for the great success with which the college is conducted by the lady principal, Miss Hovey, B.A. The dining-room has been extended to the dimensions of 50 feet long and 25 feet wide, and over it have been built three heights, each containing seven bedrooms, making twenty-one bedrooms in all. In addition, there has been provided a large range of cloak-rooms and offices, floors and walls being tiled and the whole fitted up with the most recent sanitary appliances. As a rule, additions to a building rather detract from its appearance, but in this case the latest addition, forming a very agreeable facade, has served to give an air of harmony and completeness to the whole. The contract for this extensive addition was entrusted to Mr John Berth Jones, and although the work entailed an outlay of over £3°00, it was completed in the remarkably short period of-three months, and just a few hours before the return of the young ladies from their summer vacation. We believe we are right in saying that Mr J. Berth Jones has achieved a record for fast building with this addition, whilst at the same time the work has been carried out with that thoroughness and completeness which are always associated with his name. It is very pleasing to note that the architects associated with the original building—Messrs Booth, Chad- wick and Porter-have been the experts called in to advise upon all the extensions, and from an architectural point of view the present Penrhos College does them immense credit. It is very satisfactory to note that the Directors, in putting on these additions, are not sacrificing their air- space and ground. The pupils will in no way suffer from this encroachment upon their playgrounds, as the Company have recently purchased from the Cayley Estate three acres of land for recreation purposes.

Dinner to the Workmen. So thoroughly satisfied were the Directors with the manner in which the work had been carried out, that on Friday evening they entertained the contractor's employees to a dinner at Hotel Metropole. …… The after proceedings were of a convivial character, and, as usual, Mr Richard Booth was the life and soul of the affair, his humorous sketches creating hearty laughter. [The Weekly News and Visitors’ Chronicle for Colwyn Bay 19 October 1900 page 8]

Reference     The Weekly News and Visitors’ Chronicle for Colwyn Bay 19 October 1900 page 8