Page 10 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | events The Ratcliffian Association Retreat April 29th - May 1st 2011, led by Fr David Tobin, Fr President These issues were to be reflected and The formal Retreat was concluded with talked about throughout the weekend. Benediction in the Chapel of Blessed Antonio Rosmini - the first chapel in Great Saturday Morning: Britain with that name. We started with a morning prayer, which was a PowerPoint presentation highlighting Saturday Evening: the quotations of Blessed Antonio Rosmini. The ever-popular Forum was held after This was illustrated with evocative and supper and went on into the late hours. beautiful pictures of nature and people. Fr The group of Old Ratcliffians included David made the link between this morning two Presidents - Fr David, Fr President of prayer and the first maxim, “to desire only, Ratcliffe College and Fr Simon Giles (60), and without limit, to please God, that is, to President of The Ratcliffian Association be ‘just’.” - and three governors of other schools. A candid dialogue soon developed into After a time of general personal reflection, the dangers and difficulties of sharing we came back together to seek clarification The bell at the Chapel of Blessed and to share our thoughts and feelings education, and teaching the Faith, within Antonia Rosmini designed by Chaz on Rosmini’s use of the word ‘justice’ Catholic schools, having a multicultural Della Porta (80) which, for him, is just as deep as ‘charity’. intake and with particular relevance to We then had Mass in the Blessed other Christian schools. Friday Evening: Sacrament Chapel. Sunday: Fr David Tobin (59) welcomed a small Old Ratcliffians read the Epistles at the group of Old Ratcliffians who were familiar Saturday Afternoon: Sunday Mass which was offered by Fr with the traditional Retreats. These Fr David gave us another prayer to Michael Hill (49) for all Old Ratcliffians. questions were asked: “Why have you meditate upon. The purpose of this was to come?” and, “What are your needs?” This appreciate our own individual relationship Clifford Della Porta (43) started and provoked a profound sharing with God - and to risk trusting the God of many significant issues which were of whom we personally know. Maybe, it is in particular relevance to today’s world. praying that we become conscious of the God whom we know. The Ratcliffian Association Birmingham Dinner Friday 13th May 2011 The Bank Restaurant, Brindley Place, Birmingham This was the first time that the Birmingham Dinner had been held at this venue. It was a good choice by the Birmingham Secretary, Edward Gamble (95), as it was right in the city centre and was very lively with a real buzz of people enjoying a Friday night out on the town. Ed was pleased to have the support of his close classmates, Adrian Farnham (95), John Yates (95) and Gianpaolo Mantini (95). The dinner was held in a private dining area off the main bar area and the food was excellent. There were about 40 guests from all over the West Midlands. Freddie Dyer (54) Andrew Gamble (68), Andrew Yell (82), Jeremy Knight and Joy, always regular supporters of this event, (Freddie Adams (65) & Colin Draycott having been Birmingham Secretary himself for many years) were in attendance once again, as were Jackie (59) and Joe (61) Gallagher with their respective wives. Peter Deeley (58) and Patricia were delighted to meet up with their old friend, Fr David Tobin (59). Andrew Gamble (68) made a rare appearance in support of his son, Edward, and brought along his old friend, Michael Clarke (67). Richard Gamble (64) and Teresa also attended. Richard has recently been appointed as Chair of Governors at Ratcliffe, taking over from Colin Draycott, who was also present at the dinner. Short informal speeches were made by the President, Fr Simon Giles (60), Gareth Lloyd, Headmaster, and by Edward Gamble. Peter (58) & Patricia Deeley, Joe Gallagher (61) & Richard Gamble (64) 10