Page 74 - Old Ratcliffian 2020 Edition

RATCLIFFE’S PAST MISSING LETTER TO THE ROSMINIANS

A letter from May 1945 has surfaced within the Rosminian community, written by Old Ratcliffi an Kenneth
Cooper (33), whilst fi ghting as an offi cer in the army in Europe. Sent to Fr John Hickey, it conveys
Kenneth’s thanks to members of the Rosminian Order. He also asks for his letter to be published, so that
it may be read by Old Ratcliffi ans.
Kenneth served in the 25th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, and he is now buried in Bridlington Cemetery
in Yorkshire. Unfortunately, his letter is believed to have been hidden by the Rosminians in Italy, and, as a
result, it was never published. We are pleased to say that the full letter and further details about Kenneth
Cooper can now be found on the Ratcliffi an Association website, www.ratcliffi anassociation.co.uk.

RATCLIFFE’S SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

It was very pleasing to hear about the recent opening of Ratcliffe’s new Fitness Suite – an excellent addition to the school’s superb sports
facilities. As pupils of the early 1950s, we were always proud of our facilities for sport – particularly of the sheer size of the grounds, and
of our cinder running track, as most schools ran on grass. (Although, I do remember, for both high jump and pole vault, we still landed
on sand.)

A short while ago, I read with sadness of the recent loss of Mike Porter (56). Mike at fl y-half was one of the many fl air players who
contributed to an unbeaten 1st XV record in the 1955-56 rugby season. His American-style pass, which spiraled with unerring accuracy,
was sometimes decisive in initiating a blindside try in what was otherwise a very even game.

I remember vividly the other exceptional sportsmen in that team, and their excellence in the variety of activities on offer. They showed
their talents in many areas, not just in rugby. I could mention Michael Day (56), the English Schools high jump champion, and Giorgio
Taborelli (56), the swimming and athletics captain, as well as the Northern Public Schools discus and shotput champion, but there were
many others. It’s great to see these traditions, which offer invaluable opportunities for health and fi tness, still alive and well at Ratcliffe.
Tony Sweeney (56)
Tokyo Olympics 1964 (Judo)

A SNAPSHOT OF RATCLIFFE COLLEGE

Michael Evers (66): “Whilst looking through the archives in our family’s loft last
month, I found a small brochure that my parents had given to me when I was a young
boy. They had put my name down for Ratcliffe College in 1958 and had visited the
school for the fi rst time; I wasn’t with them, so they brought this back for me. They
gave me the small booklet, containing black and white photographs, and I have ve me the small booklet, containing black and white photographs, and I have
ga
kept it carefully ever since. As you can see from these photographs, the school was t it carefully ever since. As you can see from these photographs, the school was t it carefully ever since. As you can see from these photographs, the school was
kep
kep
extensively covered in creepers at the time. The stunner for me is the Old Chapel! The vered in creepers at the time. The stunner for me is the Old Chapel! The
extensively co
high altar at the far end is adjacent to the Colonnade. The impressive arched and altar at the far end is adjacent to the Colonnade. The impressive arched and
high
vaulted ceiling was above the Emery Library in the 1960s, on the top fl oor of the ve the Emery Library in the 1960s, on the top fl oor of the
vaulted ceiling was abo
converted building, with St Richard’s Dormitory (behind the camera) on the same level,
converted building, with St Richard’s Dormitory (behind the camera) on the same level,
housing the Old Chapel’s lovely rose window.”

74 The Old Ratcliffi an 2020