Mary was accompanied by two of her cousins Diana, Jane and members of The Samuel Ryder Foundation. Mary a former student, was given an extensive guided tour of the campus by the management of the college. Afternoon tea was served in the boardroom.
On leaving the college, Mary visited the Hatfield Road cemetery where she paid her respects at Samuel’s grave.
Prior to their arrival at the college, the party had walked The Samuel Ryder Trail. They visited The Old Town Hall and court room, where Samuel Ryder held office as mayor and magistrate. She sat in the same chair her grandfather used as chief magistrate in 1905.
The day finished at The Comfort Hotel (Samuel Ryder’s head office building ). Samuel’ office is still very much as he left it, the original fireplace, has Samuel’s initials carved on it.
Mary said “ The whole day was emotional and heart warming, walking in the footsteps of my grandfather, whose Cup will be competed for at Celtic Manor in seven weeks time”.