Welsh Journals

YSGOL DEWI SANT, RHYL, 1949 A PIONEERING STEP IN THE GROWTH OF POST-WAR WELSH-MEDIUM EDUCATION* By W. GARETH EVANS I The opening ofYsgol Dewi Sant, January 1949 Tuesday, 4 January 1949, was a cold day at Rhyl. Indeed, Britain was in the grip of winter. However, despite heavy snowfall, eleven pupils, aged between four years and six years old, arrived at a spacious annexe of the Women's Convalescent Home at Morfa Hall, Church Street, Rhyl, to attend 'the first all-Welsh school in the town' The annexe had been leased by Flintshire Education Authority. The pupils enrolled were John Williams, Glyn Jones, David Nicholas, Hywel Williams, Geraint Williams, Gillian Betts, Ieuan Evans, Carl Jones, Peter Watkins, Roger Pownall and Margaret Vaughan Jones.2 Their teacher was Mrs Dilys Bateman, formerly of Bodelwyddan and Ffynnongroyw primary schools. On the occasion of the school's fiftieth anniversary it was gratifying to hear that Mrs Bateman still resides at Rhyl. In overall charge of the school was Mr A. T. Williams, headteacher of Christ Church School. He was described as 'a prominent Welshman who was previously head of Mostyn school, where under his guidance the language flourished." The novelty and educational significance of the event was highlighted at the time. The Liverpool Daily Post had a picture and caption: 'Rhyl's First All Welsh School No other language other than Welsh will be used in this school'.4 It was the day for 'pioneers' at Rhyl. The Rhyl Leader noted that, though it was intended primarily for the children of Welsh-speaking parents, English parents were also 'invited to send the names of children under 7 years.'5 It was claimed that the A lecture for the Flintshire Historical Society, delivered at Ysgol Dewi Sant, Rhyl, on 21 November 1998. 1. Rhyl Journal, 6 January 1949. 2. Flintshire Observer and News. 6 January 1949. 3. Ibid. 4. Liverpool Daily Post. 5 January 1949. 5. Rhyl Leader. 1 January 1949.