Page 34 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2017

34 RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS 35

THE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE THE BIRMINGHAM DINNER 1

FRIDAY 21ST – FRIDAY 28TH JULY 2017 FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2017

This year’s Birmingham Dinner took place in our regular haunt,
the Opus Restaurant, where Old Ratcliffians gathered to enjoy a
sparkling wine reception, followed by an excellent three-course
dinner in a cosy private room.

In the words of our President, Sebako Siame (91), who spoke
on the evening, ‘Events like these demonstrate the enduring
strength that is Ratcliffe. If we think about the bonds here, the
conversations that have flowed throughout the evening, the mix 2
of people in the room that span the decades, all enjoying such a
beautiful and lively evening together, this really is what Ratcliffe
is all about.’

The Headmaster, Jon Reddin, followed with an engaging update
on the continued progress and successes of the School, and
he highlighted the significance of the values and heritage that
underpin the sense of spirit and community at Ratcliffe today.

Old Ratcliffians are encouraged to continue to support the
Association to maintain its success, which, by attending the
fabulous events that are organised, is really no hardship at all!
1 L to R: Sam Spillane (91), Sebako Siame (91), Danny Spillane &
Members of the Lourdes HCPT group Sam Spillane (née Murphy) (91) Annabel Wright (16) 2 Jon Reddin with Vicky & Michael Heath (56)
Recently, as I was leaving Ratcliffe after Mothers’ Prayers, one of
the mums asked me how the trip to Lourdes had been. It took me
aback, because I didn’t know how to answer her! Many pictures
and memories of the week came flooding back to mind, and I was
silent, thinking about how to express how wonderful it was. I told
her that it was a taste of heaven to see a group of people who
really didn’t know one another helping each other - in fact, trying
to outdo one another by being kind and helpful. The theme of
the week was ‘Come to The Water’, and God really blessed us
with plenty of rain at the start of our week! We were, however,
also blessed with sunshine for our picnic at the Lac de Lourdes
and our day trip to Gavarnie. After I had finished talking, she said
to me, ‘Well, you’ve sold it to me - can I bring my son next year?!’ A boutique investment management firm that looks after the investment
affairs of private clients, families, trusts, charities, not-for-profit organisations
The Ratcliffe students were outstanding, and they joined a core and the Ratcliffian Association & Cunningham Fund
team of Old Ratcliffians - namely Tom Ackerley (04), Danni
Fairbrother (02), Richard Gamble (64), Katie Gerighty (11),
Donal Heffernan (75), Fr Anthony Meredith (57), Tom Mulligan ‘The Three Wise Men’: Fr Philip Sainter (69), Anthony Harris & Fr To learn more, please contact Christopher Macklin — Partner
Anthony Meredith (57)
(11) and Fr Philip Sainter (69). It was an excellent combination.
Email: cmacklin@jameshambro.com
One of the highlights of the week was the Torchlight Procession Tel: +44 (0)20 3817 3500
on the Sunday evening. Mr Walsh and the students led with our
Group 512 banner, and we were very prominent in our ‘high-vis’
jackets! Later on in the week, at the International Mass, we had www.jameshambro.com
prime position in the Underground Basilica and were able to
participate fully in a beautiful liturgy celebrated by Archbishop
Vincent Nichols. It was a wonderful experience for all.

Teresa Gamble
Group Leader, Governor, Parent & Ex Staff
James Hambro & Partners LLP is an independently owned private asset management partnership and is authorised and regulated by
the Financial Conduct Authority and is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor, registered office at 45 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5JH. The
Any Old Ratcliffians wishing to take part in the Lourdes value of an investment and the income from it can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount invested.
Pilgrimage next year (Friday 27th July - Friday 3rd August 2018)
should contact the Ratcliffian Association Office. Katie Gerighty (11) & Deborah Warburton enjoying the spectacular views

Register online for our new website: www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk Register online for our new website: www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk

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