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The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionhe Old Ratclifan 2014 | Ratclifan Association Events The Old Ratclifan 2014 | R T The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionatclifan Association Events The Ratcliffian Association Paris Dinner The 149th Ratcliffian Association Reunion Weekend Saturday 10th May 2014 Saturday 5th – Sunday 6th July 2014 A small group of about twenty Old On the first weekend of July, Old Jolliffe (64) had been instrumental in Ratcliffians were treated to a delicious Ratcliffians from all over the world gathering as many as he could for this dinner in the Brasserie Flottes, just travelled to spend time at their special anniversary, so thanks to him next to the Jardin des Tuileries in alma mater for the 149th Reunion on behalf of the Association. Paris on 10th May. The dinner was Weekend. organised by Iain Whyte (65) and a The Class of ‘84 was particularly well For the first time, the Association had group of ORs who live in the Paris represented, having been bombarded invited a group of this year’s leavers area. as their guests, including the outgoing with emails from Dawn Grundy (née Head Boy and Head Girl, Robert Bayley) (84). Dawn was not prepared Bourne (14) and Alice Gilbert (14). to take ‘no’ for an answer! The emails started last year and continued to The weather, having looked as if gain momentum right up until the it might be inclement during the day of the dinner. Dawn’s powers of afternoon, suddenly improved at Lt Col Nick Keable (84) inspiring persuasion were so strong that 35 teatime and the scene was set for a the youngsters members of the Class of ‘84 actually wonderful evening in the beautiful arrived at Ratcliffe; Peter Tarimo (84) grounds of the College. Glasses of Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd, and his came from Australia, Mike Basoah chilled Prosecco were served on the wife, Katharine, the President, Louise (84) from California, Tommaso South Terrace overlooking the Cricket Marsden (née Bullen) (91) and her Leonetti (84) (an Italian Count, no Square and the newly-refurbished Old husband, Simon, and the outgoing Ratcliffians’ Bar was also open. The Head Boy and Head Girl, Robert Nicola Fougeron, Jackie Bennett & Bourne and Alice Gilbert, were all Alain Fougeron (66) L to R: Etienne de la Bigne (64), Peter Daley (56), Vicky Heath & Michael Heath (56) clapped into the marquee. During dinner, guests were entertained The venue was the perfect size, with students on the roll in both day and by William Rigby (14) on the piano private dining facilities. The menu boarding. He also gave an account and Sally Croysdale, the incoming consisted of starters of fresh asparagus of the development of the new Head Girl, on the clarinet. Dinner was with Comté cheese or a warm salad, Preparatory School and invited all the a buffet which was valiantly served followed by a choice of duck, suckling guests to attend the opening in the by the College’s catering staff, bearing pig or sea bass, all washed down with autumn. in mind the distance between the some excellent French wines. Guests in attendance were Iain Whyte marquee and the kitchens. The Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd, was (65), Gerard Robert, Gareth and Speeches were made by Gareth delighted to be able to share with Katharine Lloyd, Etienne de la Bigne Lloyd and the President, Louise the French ORs the very positive (66), Cristalle de la Bigne, Vivienne L to R: Gerard Robert, Iain Whyte Marsden. Louise decided to hand over news that Ratcliffe is now going from Porisse (80) and her husband, (65), Thérèse Peu Du Vallon & Jacques the presidential ‘baton’ to Michael strength to strength, both in terms Franc, Jacques Peu Du Vallon (64) Michel Peu Du Vallon (64) Meredith (89) in the form of a yellow of its teaching and learning, and the and Therese Peu Du Vallon, Alain jersey, which was very topical, as steady increase in the numbers of Fougeron (66) and Nicola Fougeron, Michael Heath (56) and Vicky Heath, the day of the Reunion Dinner was Fr Simon Giles (60), Peter Daley (56) The Class of ‘84 also the day of the ‘Grand Départ’ of and Jackie Bennett. On Sunday, everyone attended less!) from Tokyo and Paul Jackson Mass at the Eglise Saint-Pierre de (84) flew in from Hong Kong for 48 Montmartre, at which Fr Simon hours! concelebrated. This was followed by lunch in the Porisse family’s Irish pub, There was also a very large group from Corcorans, next to the ‘funiculaire’, the Class of ‘82, of which Andrew just at the bottom of the steps of Yell (82), Ratcliffe’s Development Sacré Coeur. The Porisse family Director, is a member, which may turned out en masse to welcome account for the high turnout. Well everyone, including the twins, Liam done to Andrew! Paul White (82) also (80) and Julian (81) (both celebrated travelled over from Thailand. artists), their older brother, Michel From the Class of ‘64, which was (84), along with their sister, Vivienne a 50th anniversary since leaving (80). Everyone was happy to sit and Ratcliffe, Ronald Ranvaud (64) relax and relate tales of Ratcliffe in surprised everyone by arriving from bygone days. Sao Paolo with his wife Thérèse. Although a small group, the Class of Jackie Bennett ‘La Famille Porisse’ pictured with Fr Simon Giles (60). L to R: Liam (80), Julian (81), Editor ‘64 enjoyed catching up with each Vivienne (80) & Michel (84) other after such a long time. David The Class of ‘64 20 Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 21 21 Register o 20