To mark the annual LGBT History Month, Rydal Penrhos’ special guest speaker for the final Celebration Chapel of the half term on Friday 12 February was Crash Wigley.

These have been held every Friday throughout the spring term so far for keyworker pupils to enjoy on-site, but for the majority of pupils, they view the virtual service from the comfort of their own homes.

The Chapels are put together by the Reverend Nick Sissons, Chaplain of Rydal Penrhos, with contributions from other staff and guests from far and wide.

Crash is a law student at Cardiff University and is training to be a barrister. She has for many years been active in campaigning on behalf of LGBT rights and has formed a music group in Cardiff for trans people which is called the Cardiff Trans Singers.

This week’s speaker has a direct link with Rydal Penrhos through her father Stephen Wigley, who is the Chair of the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church and also a governor of Rydal Penrhos.

Crash was policy and campaigns officer at Stonewall Cymru, where they worked tirelessly to improve trans healthcare in Wales, LGBT+ inclusion in sport, LGBT+ equality in schools and reform of the Gender Recognition Act.

Having learned Welsh as a teenager, Crash has contributed to discussions about trans rights on S4C and at the National Eisteddfod’s Maes ar y Maes events.

They co-founded Cardiff Trans Singers to provide an inclusive and supportive space for trans people to share a love of singing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has continued to meet online, providing mutual support and performing in the LGBTQymru Virtual Pride.

As a current law student, they co-ordinate Cardiff University’s Bail Observation Project, monitoring the fairness of bail hearings for immigration detainees. Crash will be starting pupillage as a trainee barrister at Civitas Chambers in September 2021.

We would like to thank Crash for giving up her time to make a thought-provoking contribution to our Celebration Chapel and to Reverend Sissons for all his sterling work during the half term to provide our Prep and Senior pupils will some semblance of normality in the most unprecedented of times.

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Anyone wishing to enquire about Rydal Penrhos School can do so by calling 01492 530155, email admissions@rydalpenrhos.com or register your interest online here: https://rydalpenrhos.com/admissions/apply-now.