Page 4 - The Old Ratcliffian 2011

The Old Ratcliffan 2011 | Introductionhe Old Ratcliffan 2011 | Introduction T The Editor’s Column Life here at Ratcliffe continue to be a link continues at a pace between them and the fuelled by the enormous school years after they energy of our headmaster, have left. Louise told them whose appetite for work is how she would never have endless. This enthusiasm dreamed that she would be is infectious and is proving standing in front of a group to be an inspiration to all of 18 year olds telling them around him. how important school had been to her. She admitted We have regular meetings to to being a rebel whilst at discuss ways in which Old Ratcliffe. Louise is now Ratcliffians’ expertise and a parent with children at enthusiasm for their alma Grace Dieu and is soon to mater can be transferred become a governor to the students. The at Ratcliffe. Culture Club meetings on Wednesday evenings in the My role as Association Sixth Form Centre are one Secretary continues to such platform for this, as develop, this year more than are work placements for ever with the appointment our students across the of Old Ratcliffian, Andrew various professions and Yell (82), as Development industries. Old Ratcliffian Director and his assistant, Louise Marsden (91) Old Ratcliffian, Gemma came in to school in May Rumbold (01). Now that the Jackie Bennett pictured with Fr Simon Giles (60), President to address the Year 13 Governors have placed the of the Association, at the London Dinner Leavers at an event put on future development of the by the Association. The College at the top of the This has been a busy year, I would also like to purpose of her visit was to agenda, the link between with events taking place thank Abe Mee (92) for talk to the students about the Association and the across the world, from agreeing to become his the Ratcliffian Association College becomes even more Washington to Birmingham. Vice President. Abe is a and its ethos and how it crucial. I now form part The Ratcliffian Association’s partner in a Leicester law can give them the same of their team and, whilst I fundraising committee firm and also has a very sense of belonging which am still responsible for the organised a Sports Dinner young family. Abe has being a pupil from Ratcliffe same tasks as before, there in February which raised devoted a huge amount of can give, not only whilst is without doubt a greater nearly £5000 for the time to the Association as at school, but throughout sense of urgency and Association. Next year, Golf Captain, organising one’s life. She spoke about importance to the other dinners are planned in at least three golf events the importance of the role of the alumni in this North America, Hong Kong, this season. He is also on friendships made at school overall plan. Yorkshire and Rome as the Ratcliffian Association which, for the most part, well as the annual London Social Committee which has Dinner. Andrew also has also taken up quite a bit of plans for various other his valuable time this year. events which will raise the The Association is most profile of the College and fortunate to have engaged some well-needed funds for the services of these two the developments planned extremely busy individuals. in the future. Further details will be available in 2012. It is an exciting time to be involved in Ratcliffe College. I would also like to take this I feel very privileged to work opportunity of thanking alongside such a dedicated Bishop John Arnold (71) and professional team of for giving up his time to staff and students. become President of the I feel sure that Ratcliffe is Association. He has a well equipped to weather punishing work schedule whatever financial and which allows him little time economic storms are for other activities, but blown this way in these he has chosen to put the uncertain times. Association at the top of his Ratcliffian Association Vice President, Abe Mee (92) & Ben agenda, for which we are Jackie Bennett Heath (87), having completed the Century Cycle Challenge most grateful. Executive Secretary 4