Page 67 - The Old Ratcliffian 2013
P. 67
The Old Ratclifan 2013 | IntroductionThe Old Ratclifan 2013 | Nostalgia
Memories Day
On Friday 7th December 2012, eleven Old Ratcliffians Clifford Della Porta (43) (RIP): “In freezing weather, the
returned to the School to share their memories of life at cold water froze. Nevertheless we had to be ready and down
Ratcliffe. Those in attendance were Clifford Della Porta at Mass – it was compulsory. We didn’t mind, because there
(43), Tony Daly (47), Tony Blackham (48), Pat Jolliffe was a blackout on. The Father who was saying the Mass
(53), Adrian Weston (53), Tony Jewell (54), Nicholas (which was Fr Claude Leetham mainly) had little shrouds
Tomlinson (56), Brian Coe (60), Tim McConnell (63), over the candles because of the blackout, so of course, we
Donal Heffernan (75) and Peter Tetlow (78). could have a little sleep down there if the prefects didn’t see
us! That was pretty good!”
After a brief meeting with the Headmaster and Ratcliffe’s
Father President, Fr Ted Mullen (60), the Old Ratcliffians Tim McConnell (75): “It was not very pleasant at all, the
were taken on a tour of the School, led by students from a food, when I was here! There were certain foods that were
range of year groups. During this time, they were able to inedible. You had to eat it – whatever was put in front of
share their experiences with the current students and see you, you had to eat. So we used to have what we called
for themselves just how much the School had changed. ‘liver bags’ – a bag you could stuff your piece of liver in
Later, the ORs were divided into two groups for a question (because that was the worst, the liver), and you would
and answer session about their time at Ratcliffe. Since all quietly put it in your pocket and take it out and flush it
these ORs left Ratcliffe between thirty and seventy years down the toilet. That was the only way of getting rid of
ago, there was a lot to reminisce about! The session, some of the more disgusting food that we were served with!”
which was full of many heartfelt and often amusing
anecdotes, was recorded and transcribed for the Ratcliffian All the Ratcliffians, both past and present, thoroughly
Association (available to view on our website, www. enjoyed the event.
ratcliffianassociation.co.uk). The following are taken from Gemma Rumbold (01)
the recording session, describing life at Ratcliffe: Development Assistant
Old Ratcliffans with Jackie Bennett on Memories Day
67
Register o 67
Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk
Memories Day
On Friday 7th December 2012, eleven Old Ratcliffians Clifford Della Porta (43) (RIP): “In freezing weather, the
returned to the School to share their memories of life at cold water froze. Nevertheless we had to be ready and down
Ratcliffe. Those in attendance were Clifford Della Porta at Mass – it was compulsory. We didn’t mind, because there
(43), Tony Daly (47), Tony Blackham (48), Pat Jolliffe was a blackout on. The Father who was saying the Mass
(53), Adrian Weston (53), Tony Jewell (54), Nicholas (which was Fr Claude Leetham mainly) had little shrouds
Tomlinson (56), Brian Coe (60), Tim McConnell (63), over the candles because of the blackout, so of course, we
Donal Heffernan (75) and Peter Tetlow (78). could have a little sleep down there if the prefects didn’t see
us! That was pretty good!”
After a brief meeting with the Headmaster and Ratcliffe’s
Father President, Fr Ted Mullen (60), the Old Ratcliffians Tim McConnell (75): “It was not very pleasant at all, the
were taken on a tour of the School, led by students from a food, when I was here! There were certain foods that were
range of year groups. During this time, they were able to inedible. You had to eat it – whatever was put in front of
share their experiences with the current students and see you, you had to eat. So we used to have what we called
for themselves just how much the School had changed. ‘liver bags’ – a bag you could stuff your piece of liver in
Later, the ORs were divided into two groups for a question (because that was the worst, the liver), and you would
and answer session about their time at Ratcliffe. Since all quietly put it in your pocket and take it out and flush it
these ORs left Ratcliffe between thirty and seventy years down the toilet. That was the only way of getting rid of
ago, there was a lot to reminisce about! The session, some of the more disgusting food that we were served with!”
which was full of many heartfelt and often amusing
anecdotes, was recorded and transcribed for the Ratcliffian All the Ratcliffians, both past and present, thoroughly
Association (available to view on our website, www. enjoyed the event.
ratcliffianassociation.co.uk). The following are taken from Gemma Rumbold (01)
the recording session, describing life at Ratcliffe: Development Assistant
Old Ratcliffans with Jackie Bennett on Memories Day
67
Register o 67
Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk
