Page 9 - The Old Ratcliffian 2010

The Old Ratcliffan 2010 | events eVenTs ANZOR Old Ratcliffian Dinner 2009, Sydney, Australia It was that time of year again, when delicacies were appreciatively downed old school anecdotes for conversation. a random group of people, all of at some speed. Dick was apparently We talked about our children, our whom at one time attended the same on a diet and had a personal trainer parents, whether Deb would ever school on the other side of the world, on his back – so he just watched the get her boots back on, the NRMA got together to celebrate this curious food and chose to appreciate the (equivalent to the RAC) and how fact. It was decided this time that variety of Indian wines on offer. Piers exorbitant their fees were – Piers there was nothing more traditional nor recalled how, when he was first sent subscribes to a dodgy outfit which more English than a good curry, so the to Australia by his company at the charges him just $50 per year, and renowned ‘Nilgiri’s’ was the venue and ripe old age of 24, he was offered by now I imagine he is still waiting this year, our only competition was a variety of Australian wine on the for them to respond to his call. We Simon & Garfunkel which lost us flight. Travel fatigue, jet lag and the laughed, we drank, we added a Phil Lim (81). joys of discovering a new country were few more names to the Australian all put on hold whilst he spent the database and split the bill (‘Treat Dick In our own private dining room, first couple of days recovering from a and me as a couple,’ said Peter!) and at a very low table (one of those sky high hangover! Someone recalled all said we’d do it again next year. where your legs are actually in the sunken floor), it was touch and go that at Ratcliffe, there were many Rachel Boaler (81) overseas students who were unused for one guest who had recently had to a Western boarding school diet and Attendees: Deb and Peter Brown (74), a hip operation and was dubious exploded with acne by the end of the Jill and Piers Brogan (64), about being able to sit down at all. first term! Dick (Richard) Parnell (81), Peter However, all boots and shoes came off, exposing some interestingly worn We all felt we knew each other well Tarimo (84), Rachel Boaler (81) and socks. Wholesome curries and Indian enough by now, not to have to rely on Jonathan Anderson (63). Past Presidents’ Annual Dinner, 23rd October 2009 By kind permission of the school, the Past Presidents of This year we were privileged to welcome Ratcliffe’s new the Ratcliffian Association met once again at Ratcliffe on Headmaster Gareth Lloyd, his wife Katharine and Ratcliffe’s Friday, 23rd October 2009 for their Annual Dinner. new President Fr David Tobin to the dinner. Current President Peter Astill (71) offered the Association’s The evening commenced with Mass in the Chapel, congratulations and full support to Gareth and Fr David on concelebrated this year by Fr Simon Giles (60), the Vice their recent appointments. Gareth Lloyd, who had cut short President of the Association for 2009/10 and Fr Tobin a family holiday to attend the event, replied and outlined (59). Prayers were said for George Plowman (38) who, his vision for the wider Ratcliffian community in which past unbeknown at the time, was to die the following day. pupils and the Ratcliffian Association will have a key role. After Mass, the Past Presidents enjoyed a champagne After a long and enjoyable evening sharing information on reception in the Old Library, followed by an excellent dinner current events and past reminiscences, all present retired prepared and served to a high standard by the College to bed apart from one unfortunate Past President who catering staff. Paul Carter (60) was delayed by mislaid the key code to his bedroom and had to be rescued a puncture en-route and sadly missed the dinner. early the following morning! Michael Heath (56) Present were: Fr David Tobin (59), Ratcliffe’s new Father President, Ratcliffe’s Headmaster, Mr Gareth Lloyd and his wife Katharine, the Association President, Peter Astill (71), Association Vice President, Fr Simon Giles (60), Association Secretary, Jackie Bennett. Past Presidents: Paul Rudd (60), Michael Coker (52), Michael Heath (56), Patrick Jolliffe (53), Sir Anthony Holland (56), Richard Gamble (64), Phillip Jones (59), David Jolliffe (64), Peter Casartelli (56), Jonty Myles (57), Dick Cunningham (58), Michael Heath (56). Register online www.ratcliffanassociation.co.uk