Page 13 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | events The Ratcliffian Association Washington Dinner Saturday July 23rd 2011, The Cosmos Club, Washington DC The first North American Ratcliffian Association Dinner was held on Saturday July 23rd at the Cosmos Club in Washington DC. The event was attended by 14 Old Ratcliffians (plus 5 spouses) covering more than half a century, from John Attley, who left Ratcliffe in 1946 and was named the ‘Dean’ of the gathering, to Kate Rumbold, who left in 1997 and was spending a summer in Washington DC. Gareth Lloyd, the current headmaster, and his wife, Katharine, also attended as part of a three week visit to the United States with their family. The weather outside was almost 100 F (38 C) in what has been the hottest July ever for Washington. o o Michael Lee (73) “It is such a testament to the spirit of Ratcliffe that so many years after leaving the school, many ORs were compelled to travel from near and far to attend the inaugural dinner. Thank you all for braving the Washington summer heat and for allowing me to share a piece of my history with my husband. BACK: L to R: Gareth Lloyd, Ginny and Mike Porter, Peter De Simone, Joe Maskrey, Mark Attley, Peter Daley, Eric Ciambra, Michael Lee, Even though I’d driven Devon Devon Nugent, Hilary Langer, Eugene & Mandy McCarthy. FRONT: L to R: Katherine Lloyd, Kate Rumbold, John Attley, Clare Nugent, Paul Dyson & Mrs Dyson out to the school on one of our visits back home, the The following Old Ratcliffians kindley helped to organise the 2011. The comments from heart of Ratcliffe isn’t in the attended the dinner: dinner at the Cosmos Club. some of those attending admittedly impressive facade, provided a fitting testimony it is in the people.” Clare Mike Porter (56), and wife After beginning the dinner to its success: Nugent (91) Ginny, as well as Joe Maskrey with grace, Gareth Lloyd (60) (all from California); spoke to everybody about the “It was so great to see you Eugene McCarthy (61) John (46) and Mark Attley Ratcliffe of today, a college all at the Washington Dinner. (76) (both from Ottawa, almost unrecognisable for It is a long time since I have Canada); Peter de Simone those who attended before enjoyed an evening so much (71) (Rhode Island), Michael 1980. There were many and I hope that we can make Lee (73) (Connecticut), nostalgic stories told - and this into an annual event.” Peter Daley (56) and Eric questions asked - during the Joe Maskrey (60) Ciambra (79) (both from New dinner, covering all decades Jersey), Hilary Langer (70) of life at Ratcliffe since the “It was wonderful to meet (Philadelphia); Paul Dyson end of the Second World War. everyone – and, in view of the (52) and his wife, Mary, Clare The dinner closed with a toast range of years at Ratcliffe, Nugent (91) and her husband to Ratcliffe and a general it was interesting to note the considerable overlap of Devon, Kate Rumbold (97); consensus for a follow up Eugene McCarthy (61) and event in 2012, the timing and personalities and stories. My Eugene (61) McCarthy with Fr his wife, Mandy (all from location of which would be sense is there would be good Simon Giles (60) & Fr David Washington DC). Eugene decided before the end of support for a 2012 event.” Tobin (59) on his recent visit Century Cycle Challenge – Nevill Holt School To Norfolk Saturday 21st May 2011 A group of Old Ratcliffians, parents and staff took part in the annual 102 mile ride to Norfolk from Leicestershire on Saturday 21st May. There were 350 participants this year including 21 with direct connections to Ratcliffe College past or present. The ride managed to raise a staggering £200,000 for various charities. Ratcliffe Group photo (left to right) are: Ed Wheeler (parent), Walter Yell (Yr 11 pupil), Richard Philpott (parent), Myles Halley (75), Brigg Ferrier (parent), Liz Yell (parent), Andrew Simpson (81), Jon Reddin (Deputy Head), Andrew Bullock (83), Simon Bullock (86), Adrian Walters (parent). Register online at www.ratcliffanassociation.co.uk 13