Reunion ‘try-umph’ for pupils’ rugby coach, 94
A RETIRED PE teacher aged 94 was left speechless when a rugby team he founded 60 years ago travelled from around the country to wish him happy birthday.
Bryn Evans set up the side in 1964 after moving to Chace Boys School and being shocked to find there wasn’t one.
The pupils – who were then aged 10 to 12 and are now 70 to 72 – never forgot their head of PE or the fun they had.
So when one of them, Tom Hardy, 71, discovered Bryn was living at a care home close to the former school site in Enfield, north London, he tracked down as many of the players as he could via social media and organised the surprise.
He said: “Bryn, or Mr Evans, was one of the most amazing teachers. He was always understanding and an inspiration to us – and still is today!”
A shocked Bryn said: “My teaching days were the best time of my life – especially when out on the pitch.
“The boys were, and still are, simply the best. It was a pleasure to be able to teach them, and to be back with them all these years later has made me one very happy old man!” Six of the team travelled to Elizabeth Lodge care home, including Arthur Edwards, Barry Hall, Paul DeFelice, David Overfield and Mike Theodoulou, who lives in Wales.
They sang happy birthday and carried a cake into the home’s dining area, where thrilled Bryn was sitting with his friends and family.
Michelle Sampang, manager of the home, said: “Bryn often shares wonderful stories from his time spent teaching.”
She added: “We’d like to say thank you to the team for visiting and helping to celebrate Bryn’s special day – he hasn’t stopped smiling!”