Page 40 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

After winning the public vote in Channel Kate Adlington (née Rumbold) (97) is
4’s The Circle last year, Tim Wilson (79) based at the University of Birmingham,
was already aware of how it felt to live in where she’s recently been working on a
lockdown, and he refers to his time in The collaboration with the National Literacy
OR NEWS WHYTT Magazine, where he is interviewed ‘Birmingham Stories’ — to help promote
Circle as just that. In an article featured in
Trust to set up a regional hub — called
reading and boost literacy levels in the
by the editor-in-chief, Florence Bailey,
city. She said: “One of my favourite parts
about being an artist and animator, Tim
talks about his time working in animation
and education, with him fi nding time of this project has been working with
adult learners and helping to build their
during lockdown to draw and be creative. confi dence when reading unfamiliar
He said: “Indeed, since coming out of The Having left the College 25 years ago, texts. They bring so much motivation
Circle, I have had a blast of creative energy, Ed Gamble (95) and Adrian Farnham and life experience to the classroom, and
and I hope that the fruits of this will be (95) recently returned to the school, I’m learning a lot from them. I work part-
seen shortly!” The article mentions how accompanying their daughters, Cora and time, and I was fortunate to be able to
big a character Tim is, and how his work in Sage, as they began their Ratcliffe journey continue to do so through lockdown,
animation is something that he has always in the Swans class. They’re pictured here while also spending lots of time with my
drawn on throughout his life. He spoke on the girls’ fi rst day. young family – a real bonus before Michael,
about his illustration work for the Radio now four, started school this autumn.
Times in the mid-1990s as something Meanwhile, my sister, Gemma Thomas
that he thoroughly enjoyed, due to its Nicholas Tomlinson (56) celebrated (née Rumbold) (01), has been very busy
quick turnaround. We hope to be able his 90th birthday this year. With a little at The White Horse Inn in Seagrave,
to welcome Tim back to the College very help from the Ratcliffi an Association, providing takeaway food and drink, and
soon, to enable him to share his talents he was delighted to receive a visit from grocery deliveries, to the local community
and wisdom with our current students. throughout lockdown – amazing work!”
Fr David Tobin (59) and former Association
Secretary Jackie Bennett, who visited
him together at his home in Market
Harborough. Jackie baked him a cake,
and Fr David took him communion. Jackie
said that Nicholas was thrilled to see them
both. She added that she was pleased to
be back in touch with him, as she used
to enjoy her long conversations with him
whilst she was Association Secretary, and
Image credit ©rodleon
Image credit ©rodleon she will be visiting him again.

There have been several articles printed the lead-up to the negotiations was as an
in the press and online about how the engineering manager, responsible for the
British Army has secured funding from integration of mission systems, which are
the government for 500 new armoured all the ‘gizmos and gadgets’ that go onto
vehicles. Old Ratcliffi an Will Higham (10) the vehicle, such as the communications
has been infl uential in bringing these equipment. Typically, these gadgets Sam Spillane (née Murphy) (91) has run
machines, known as Boxers, to the British tend to be worth more than the vehicles her own event management business,
Army – an achievement of which he should themselves! Following the success of these SJ Events, since 2005. However, with
be immensely proud. Will said: “I was the negotiations, I have been promoted to lead this being on hold due to the pandemic,
lead technical negotiator in the negotiation engineer on another multi-billion-pound she has now launched a suite of business
team that secured the fi nal deal for the defence project.” services for those who need ad hoc
Ministry of Defence. My day-to-day role in support with their communications,
including press releases, presentations,
websites, sales collateral, social media
posts, and proofreading. Sam continues to
offer support to LOROS, and she has been
instrumental in facilitating their annual
golf event, ensuring that the operation
and logistics conform to all governmental
guidance and safety measures. Sam is also
an active governor at Ratcliffe, supporting
her long-term friend and classmate Louise
Marsden (née Bullen) (91) in her role as
chairwoman. As ever, Sam has been keen
to keep the spirit of Ratcliffe alive, despite
the current challenges, and she recently
organised a surprise virtual birthday party
40 The Old Ratcliffi an 2020