Page 10 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | events The Ratcliffian Association London Dinner Friday 12th February 2010, The Crypt, St Etheldreda’s, Ely Place, London This year’s dinner was yet another outstanding success, with excellent food and wine, and was enjoyed by over 70 guests in the beautiful surroundings of the medieval Crypt of St Etheldreda’s in Ely Place. The Class of ’79 was well represented again as was the Class of ’61. This year a group of more recent leavers, mostly from the Class of ‘05 attended. Jonjo Henry (05) decided that he would address the guests with an interesting speech on his impressions of Ratcliffe. A great time was had by all. From left to right: Peter Maddon (05), Chris Lutterodt (05), Chiara Raine (05), Jessica Armitage (05), Gareth Lloyd, Mary-Anne Pilkington (79) with Peter Tetlow (78) Jonjo Henry (05) & Jack Harty (05) The Ratcliffian Association Reunion Weekend Saturday 26th June and Sunday 27th June Association’s adopted minibus driver, to take them in to Loughborough to dance the night away. This was Gareth’s first Reunion Class of ‘72: Nigel Cave, Simon Fox, Weekend which he marked in his own Charlie Weidner, Marcus Langer inimitable way by agreeing to sing the Old Ratcliffian song with Paul Carter outside for lunch which, for the first (60) whilst being accompanied by his time, was a delicious hog roast with Class of ‘60: JT Curran, Fr Louis, wife, Katharine, on the piano. This was salads followed by fresh strawberries Brendan Corrigan, Paul Carter, Pat de a truly rousing rendition which got and homemade ice-cream. Tables and Burca, Fr Simon Giles everyone singing at the tops of chairs were set up outside the Old their voices. Ratcliffians’ Bar and everyone settled Peter Astill (71), in his year as President down to a relaxing afternoon watching of the Association, was blessed with The food was excellent once again; the cricket in the Grand Match, whilst glorious weather for the weekend. in particular the duck with cranberry chatting and sipping their drinks. sauce, produced by Ratcliffe’s The evening started with a champagne excellent catering team and the Tartes To add to the excitement, Robert reception on the front lawn and a aux Pommes, made by Old Ratcliffian, Forstner (72) turned up in his state piano accompaniment by two of the Dominic North (85), whose patisserie of the art Lamborghini which he school’s students. This year was the in Rothley is famous nationwide. proudly showed to anyone who was 10th Anniversary for the Class of ‘00 interested. The Executive Secretary of who put in a good attendance. They On Sunday, the day began as usual the Association was even treated to a really enjoyed the atmosphere. This with Mass in the Chapel. This was ‘burn’ up the A46. was down to the persistent hard work concelebrated by Frs David Tobin Jackie Bennett of Dominic Howkins (00) who, fired (59), Louis Beasley-Suffolk (60), Editor by his ‘hole in one’ in the Reynard Simon Giles (60) and Tony Furlong. Golf Trophy the night before, came As always, this mass was offered for well prepared to get everyone in the the repose of the souls of all the Old mood. They retired after dinner to Ratcliffians who had died during watch their own Leavers’ Video in the year. The list was read out the Conference Room. There were solemnly by Peter Astill (71), more than a few very embarrassed the outgoing President. giggles from some of the girls who After Mass, members of Council and were filmed whilst being unaware that other members of the Association there was a camera nearby. After a few met for the Annual General Meeting of more drinks in the Old Ratcliffians’ the Association. The formal business Class of 2000 bar, they persuaded Shaun Walker, the having been completed, everyone went 10