Page 31 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2017

RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS 31

The Class of 1997 in the Refectory

THE 2017 REUNION DINNER

SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2017 Lee Buckby (97), Warren Birchall (97) & Mark Snutch (97)

With the sun still shining, the Old Ratcliffians met on the then as President. Kevin also updated the ORs on some of the
Headmasters’ Lawn for an early evening drinks reception. Gary changes that have recently taken place at Ratcliffe, including
Higham and Nick Walsh, current teachers at Ratcliffe, kindly took the installation of a second Astroturf, a new running track, and
some of the OR guests on a tour of the School; some ORs had new computer suites. He also mentioned other highlights, such
actually been taught by Mr Higham and Mr Walsh, which caught as the School being in the top 5% for examination results, and
them by surprise! Many of the guests said that the tour brought achieving national success in hockey, netball and cricket. He
back memories of the School and that they were amazed to see added that this was not the end of the improvements planned
just how much had changed since they left. for the School, as they are now investing in the Drama facilities
and a new Fitness Suite.
At 8pm, the ORs made their way down to the Refectory for
dinner. The venue looked splendid, thanks to Dave Ricks’ (07) The final toast was made by Michael Heath (56). He began by
superb lighting! Fr Ted Mullen (60) welcomed the guests and sharing his revelation that he had been asked to do the toast
said grace before dinner. The meal was excellent, and there was because he was the oldest OR in attendance, having left the
a great atmosphere in the Refectory - the same place where the School in 1956. After he said a few words, he made a toast to
ORs had eaten their lunches for many years. absent friends. The speeches were then followed by a raffle.
The winners included Nick Walsh, who went home with a bottle
After dessert, the toasts began, and the first was made by Sam of red wine, Dave Ricks (07), who won a bottle of Champagne,
Bird (98), President of the Ratcliffian Association. He reflected and Giuliana Bird (née De Rienzo) (98), who won a ticket to the
on the role and described some of his favourite moments from London Dinner. At the end of the night, whilst there was a silent
his time as President. Sam said that welcoming the Year 13s into disco available, many of the ORs chose to sit and catch up with
the Association with a Mass and a gift was a particular highlight their friends at the tables and reminisce about old times.
for him, as this did not happen when he was at Ratcliffe, and
he felt that it was a very positive focus for the Association. He The next Reunion Weekend will be on June 29th - July 1st 2018
also thanked everyone who had worked so hard to organise the
Reunion Dinner. Special thanks were given to Alex Slack (née
Gamble) (03), who put the event together (despite breaking her
leg!), and Sarah Kerridge (12), who has been a massive support
to the Association, currently covering a maternity leave post
for the Foundation Department. Sam concluded his speech by
toasting the School.

Kevin Ryce, the Deputy Head, responded on the School’s
behalf. He said that it was a pleasure to welcome back ‘Old
Rats’ from various generations. He thanked Sam for his last two
years of work, firstly as the Association’s Vice President and The Class of 2007

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