Page 11 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | events The Ratcliffian Association Reunion Weekend Friday 1st July – Sunday 3rd July 2011 After Mass, the business part of the weekend for the members of the Association started, with a Council meeting for Council members only, followed by the AGM for all members of the Association. The second meeting was a lively one with a lengthy discussion on the recent television programme concerning child abuse in two Rosminian schools, Soni, Tanzania and Grace Dieu. Andrew Pepper (71), John McGlashan (71) & John Heaps (71) This year’s reunion was all about the Class of ‘71. Martin Foulds was determined to gather as many of his year together to celebrate John Arnold’s Presidency of the Bishop John Arnold (71) & Stephen Fraser (71) Ratcliffian Association and forty years since they all left Ratcliffe. They travelled to Ratcliffe from all parts of the After this, the bar was opened and a hog roast was served globe. John McGlashan came from South Africa, Stephen outside whilst the annual Grand Match took place on the Fraser from Dubai and Alan Shepherd from Germany. beautiful sunlit cricket pitch. There were 28 of them in total. Celebrating fifty years since leaving school were the Class of ‘61 with Joe Gallagher, Richard Ovington, Richard Hopkins, Richard Wain and Kevin Collins. Retired Teachers Dennis Haines & John Orton Two very well-known and much-revered ex-teachers made a guest appearance at the cricket – John Orton and Dennis The Class of ‘71 Haines. Both of these taught sport in the 60s and 70s and were remembered with huge respect and fondness by all those The sun shone for the second consecutive year which enabled students whom they taught at Ratcliffe. the guests to assemble on the front lawn by the fountain in front of the College for a champagne reception before going into the Refectory for an excellent dinner provided once more by Graham Studd and his professional catering team. Mass was concelebrated on the Sunday morning by Bishop John Arnold, Fr David Tobin (59) and Fr Simon Giles (60). Pierre Bouvet (71) with Habib Kattan (71) They both enjoyed their day sitting outside having a pint and watching the match whilst reminiscing with their former pupils about the ‘good old days’! Jackie Bennett The Class of ‘61 with Fr Simon Giles (60) and others Editor Register online at www.ratcliffanassociation.co.uk 11