Page 20 - The Old Ratcliffian 2012

T The Old Ratclifan 2012 | Introductionhe Old Ratclifan 2012 | Events Hong Kong Dinner Saturday 20th October 2012 It was with great excitement that fifteen Old Ratcliffians and I met at The Dynasty Restaurant, Renaissance Harbour View, Hong Kong, on Saturday 20th October 2012 for the second Association Dinner in this extraordinary province of China (the first one being in 1979 with Fr Denis Hare and Clifford Della Porta (43)). There can be no doubt that the province itself has undergone enormous political and social change since returning to Chinese rule in 1997, but it has retained a tangible Old Ratcliffans at the Hong Kong Dinner independence of spirit owing largely to the remarkable nature of its people. you can imagine, there was never do in the name of Ratcliffe! When we Hong Kongese are truly unique in their a dull moment in the conversation, eventually bade each other farewell outlook: proud of their identity yet which was enormously lively and and goodnight, the sentiment was very incredibly welcoming to all visitors and amusing. Old Ratcliffians regaled much one of ‘until we see each other indeed settlers; self-disciplined and each other with tales of mischief, soon’, with entirely new friendships industrious to the utmost point; and punishment (if caught!), and exploits made and established in the spirit of genuinely fun, smiley people who are and successes, of which there were, ‘Floreat Ratcliffe’. so appreciative of life. These qualities and have been ever since, many. They Thanks must go to Mr Andrew mirror uncannily the message which I were shocked to learn that in these Yell (82) (Development Director), ask of Ratcliffe students today – work days of 21st Century enlightenment Mrs Christine Govan (my Personal hard, play hard and look after each (AKA child protection and safe- Assistant), Mr Frank Lum (67) and, other – and this was clearly tangible guarding!), we no longer reprimand in particular, Mr Henry Cheong (66), amongst our guests at the dinner. miscreants by issuing ‘sides’, early for their outstanding organisation morning punishment runs or, God of such a successful event. My visit We were an all-male party; when at forbid, the ‘swish’! From the oldest to to Hong Kong also entailed visits to the last minute one of the two female the youngest, stories flowed (as did various schools, meetings with current Old Ratcliffians had to cancel owing the wine) and memories were shared. and prospective parents, as well as to work commitments, the remaining As the guest of honour, it fell to me Boarding Agents, and copious meals female probably thought better of it, to eat the head of a deep-sea fish: provided by many of my new-found as she cancelled moments later! As eyes, tongue and brains – the things I friends. A wonderful week, frenetically busy but hugely successful and, hopefully, extremely beneficial both to those who attended the Dinner and to future generations of Ratcliffians. Mr Gareth Lloyd Headmaster The menu, signed by all the Old Ratcliffans The fsh head eaten by Gareth! 20 20