Page 11 - The Old Ratcliffian 2012

The Old R The Old Ratclifan 2012 | Introductionatclifan 2012 | News from the College Drama Continues to Thrive at Ratcliffe This year, Ratcliffe’s Drama Department has gone from (and whose performance of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales strength to strength. With productions ranging from Year raised many a laugh…and an eyebrow!). Congratulations 10’s hilarious play, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, to Year to the Drama Department, in particular Claudette Caven- 13’s gruesome modern fairy tale, RED, audiences have Henrys (Director of Drama), Megan Stephens (01) (Theatre enjoyed a wide range of captivating performances from Design), Gemma Rumbold (01) (Make Up and Backstage students throughout the School. Particular mention must Coordinator), Dave Ricks (07) (Sound and Light Design) go to Year 11, whose production of Kindertransport earned and current student Henry Thomas (Lighting Assistant), for all its students an A or A* for their GCSE examination their efforts in creating another wonderfully dramatic year! Year 11 in The Wife of Bath’s Tale from Canterbury Tales Year 10 performing Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations Richard ‘Hughesie’ Hughes Retires after 23 Years’ Teaching at Ratcliffe Richard was one of the first people we met when Anne and of questions and, I started work at Ratcliffe some twenty-three years ago. He when Richard asked, was a young, confident (some might say opinionated) PE “Will I be able to teacher and obviously we had a lot in common through our play the piano?” he love of sport. Richard has been a close friend of mine and my was pleased to be family from that day onwards. A knowledgeable PE teacher, able to answer him Richard was happy teaching a variety of sports and always positively. Richard’s set high standards. This said, he was just as comfortable response was “Good, working with elite cricketers and rugby players as he was because I never introducing the waves of Bondi to confused Year 7 and 8 could before.” students. Richard has always What many of the more recent Ratcliffe students may not (well, nearly be aware of is that, before he was struck down with his always) been held cruel illness, Richard was a talented sportsman; he was an in high esteem by Richard Hughes excellent wicket-keeper/batsman (don’t let him convince you students, parents that he was a frightening fast bowler), a ‘cat-like’ football and colleagues alike. There is no better measure of this than goalkeeper, a workman-like second row rugby forward, a at the recent Richard Hughes Testimonial Cricket Match dazzling basketball player and a low-handicap golfer (even held at Ratcliffe. The number of very talented cricketers (plus if his club did go further than the ball on the rare occasions several less so) who turned out on that damp, miserable day that he played a bad shot). Most importantly, Richard loved is testament to his skills as a coach and the fondness with sport and wanted others to enjoy their opportunities as much which he is remembered. Memories were exchanged, laughs as he had. Even in recent years, when his multiple sclerosis were had and Richard was teased mercilessly. As always, he prevented him from leading by example, Richard continued took it all in his stride. to teach from his wheelchair, passing on his knowledge and Due to his illness, Richard has finally had to accept early enthusiasm. retirement. However, I am pleased to report that we have not Times spent enjoying playing sport with Richard were all too seen the last of Mr Hughes – far from it. Knowing him as I short (although we could both still bore you with many tales), do, retirement will not involve him slowing down in any way. but my best memories of Richard will always be the way that Richard is still able to enjoy sport as a spectator, passing on he has conducted himself since being diagnosed. No one his knowledge and expertise to anyone who will listen – and knows the demons that he has faced in private, but Richard’s through his new love of photography. Be aware: his lens may ‘public face’ has always been positive, making the best of well be pointing at you! everything that has been thrown at him. The consultant who Mr Nigel Taylor had to break the sad news to him was faced with a barrage Head of Year 12 11 Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 11 Register o