Page 21 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

COLLEGE NEWS

NEWS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FUNDRAISING DEVELOPMENTS TO DATE
Since September 2015, the Development Offi ce has been seeking support from the wider Ratcliffe community, as part of our fi ve-year
fundraising campaign, Ratcliffe 2020. Thanks to the generous support of alumni, parents, and local grant-funding bodies during the
fi ve-year period, we have raised in excess of £500,000. This has been used to support the development of our sporting facilities,
including the new Fitness Suite, as well as signifi cantly enhancing our bursary support for Ratcliffe families.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS

We would like to thank everyone who has supported Ratcliffe 2020, acknowledging especially those who regularly support our
fundraising efforts on a monthly or annual basis. As we come to the close of Ratcliffe 2020, we will continue to keep our Bursary Fund
as a priority within the College’s future fundraising strategy. Where possible, we shall also continue to look at opportunities to further
enhance the College facilities, for the benefi t of our current students, as well as future generations of Ratcliffi ans.

DONOR WALL IN THE FITNESS SUITE
The recent restrictions around COVID-19 have delayed the creation of our donor recognition wall, near the Ratcliffi an Association
Bar. We are now pleased to announce that, with the generous help of Old Ratcliffi an Ollie Patterson (08), whose family runs a brand
communications and retail design agency (www.mynt.co.uk), we now have our fi nal designs, with the installation due to be completed
by Christmas 2020.

THE GRAND PIANO APPEAL
The Development Offi ce, in conjunction with the Music Department, is now seeking donations towards a new grand piano at Ratcliffe.
Whilst we are lucky to have pianos in each practice room at the school, the Music Department has identifi ed the need for a ‘concert’-
grade grand piano, so that students can develop their ability to play with different tones and dynamics. This will enable the department
to perform recitals, invite musicians into school to run masterclasses, and allow for a musical concert series – all things that they are
unable to facilitate well with their current pianos.

Katy Donegan, Ratcliffe’s Director of Music, said: “As a pianist myself, I know that having a new grand piano will improve our Music
Department dramatically. I’m so passionate about music, and I would love the children that I teach to have the chance to discover just
how beautiful their playing can sound on a good-quality grand piano. It would make a real difference to our Music lessons, and to the
quality of our piano performances.”

If you are interested in supporting this appeal, you can donate via the link, www.justgiving.com/campaign/Ratcliffe-Grand-Piano, or
contact the Development Offi ce by email at foundation@ratcliffecollege.com. Alternatively, you can post cheques (made payable to
‘The Ratcliffe College Foundation’) to the College directly; please indicate that you wish them to go towards the Grand Piano Appeal.
Thank you.
Andrew Yell (82)
Development Director
The Old Ratcliffi an 2020 21