Page 5 - OR-2014

T The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionhe Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introduction The Old R The Old Ratclifan 2014 | Introductionatclifan 2014 | News from the College The Editor’s Column NEWS FROm THE COLLEgE This is the eighth edition of the Old Five Years On! Ratcliffian which I have had the pleasure of editing. This is by far Dear Old Ratcliffians, the most interesting and exciting It is extraordinary how quickly time flies task which I have to perform in my when living and working within such a role as Secretary of the Ratcliffian productive community as Ratcliffe. Yet Association. Reading all the news here we are again, sharing with you, items, the birth and marriage former students, our reflections upon announcements and all the obituaries the past year. makes me realise what a wonderfully talented and diverse group the Old The School has continued to grow, Ratcliffians are. both in stature and number. Following outstanding A Level and GCSE results, It has been yet another very busy year we find ourselves in the top 10% of all for the Association, with an ever- schools in the United Kingdom in terms increasing number of Old Ratcliffian of the academic value that we have events. In terms of sport, there were added to each student’s education two new fixtures - a rugby match – a priceless gift in preparation for played at Ratcliffe against the Old life after Ratcliffe. It has once again Princethorpians and a cricket fixture been deeply gratifying to see the vast L to R: Liberty Godfrey, Jess Gray, Lucinda Skinner, Chris Clowes, Gareth Lloyd, against the Old Tridents at Trent majority of our leavers secure their Robert Bourne, Alice Gilbert & Hattie Philpott (all from the Class of 2014) College. Our players really enjoyed the first choice university, with the elite challenge of playing other schools and Outgoing President, Louise Marsden (née Bullen) (91) presenting a bouquet to Russell Group of universities making committed support staff, is by far the enjoy state-of-the-art Science, Food both fixtures are likely to be replayed Jackie Bennett (right) the lion’s share. Complementing such largest in the history of our beautiful Science and Technology areas, as well in 2015. Reports of these and all high levels of academic attainment school. Yet size has not deflected from as a beautifully-designed open-plan other Old Ratcliffian sporting fixtures have a look at the video which James Assistant to Andrew Yell. Gemma has have been outstanding successes in the core purpose of that which we Library, a dedicated Music Room with are available in the Sports section of Della Porta (82) has made of Fr not left us, however, but now works the areas of Sport, Music, Drama and do: to educate each individual child adjacent practice facilities, and at the this magazine. I would like to take Ted at the 149th Reunion Weekend solely on maintaining and updating community work, whether in teams to attain their best and be the best heart of the new building, a beautiful, this opportunity to thank our Sports this July in the News section of the the Old Ratcliffian database. Gemma or as individuals. Indeed, several person possible, within the values of serene courtyard, bathed in natural Captains, who all generously give up Ratcliffian Association website. also helps me with the proofreading of students have distinguished themselves the Gospel. Our students continue to light and a perfect environment to their time to help in the organisation this publication. She has a First Class at regional, national and even global work hard, play hard and look after nurture reflection and calm in our ever- of our fixtures. Another interesting and enjoyable Honours Degree in Linguistics, so not one another; our staff continue to frenetic lives. In time, we hope to add part of my job is getting to know levels. Off the sports field, the ‘Thirsty the current students, as well as the much escapes her eagle eye for flaws Our ever-increasing stature as one inspire happiness at its deepest level, an entire Sports complex immediately Thursdays’ in London have proved past ones. Last year’s cohort took a in punctuation and use of English! of Britain’s leading co-educational, both inside and outside the classroom; adjacent to the Preparatory School. very popular. These are the brainchild great interest in the Association and Next year is the 150th Anniversary of Roman Catholic boarding and day sacramental life and living our lives I am immensely proud of my teaching of Andrew Yell (82). Fr Ted Mullen ten of them attended the Reunion the Ratcliffian Association which was schools has inevitably attracted according to Christian values remain and support staff and, of course, all of (60) has accompanied Andrew on Dinner as guests of the Association. founded in 1865. The Association will much attention. Thus, our School integral to the ethos of our – your – our students, and I thank them, along these outings which have proved to The feedback was excellent. We are celebrate this in great style on June roll of 780 students, inspired by 142 remarkable school. with the wider school community, for hoping to see more of them at the 20th and 21st. Full details will be dedicated teaching staff, and assisted Of course, since the last edition of their unstinting support in upholding London Dinner in February this year. sent out early next year, but please admirably by a veritable army of deeply the Old Ratcliffian Magazine, we our School motto, ‘Charity is the The Ratcliffian Association Council make sure that you save these dates have opened Fulfilment of the Law’. has asked that we invite some in your diary! our stunning Finally, I would like to thank you, Old younger ORs to join the Council. It Ratcliffe College and the Ratcliffian new Preparatory Ratcliffians, for your continued support is our aim, therefore, to invite the Association are very much part of School, with Fr of Ratcliffe College. It is always an incumbent Head Boy and Head Girl to the same team, working together for Christopher at honour both to attend Old Ratcliffian join, and possibly also the Ratcliffian the benefit of the current and past the helm of an events elsewhere and to host Old Association Prefects, as they leave students. This is due in no small part exceptional team Ratcliffian events here at Ratcliffe – school. The reason behind this is to to the inspirational leadership of our of staff. this year’s Reunion Dinner being just encourage our younger members to Headmaster, Gareth Lloyd, and also The new facility one such fine example. become more involved in the many to the commitment of our Ratcliffian includes a events which the Association puts Association President, Mike Meredith multi-purpose May you and your family be blessed on throughout the year and to create (89), who will be at the helm, not Main Hall that with good health and happiness in the some new ones with a wider appeal only during the 150th Anniversary of allows us to year ahead; I do hope that I shall have to the younger members. Watch this the Association, but also until July accommodate the pleasure of meeting you at Old space! 2016. whole-school Ratcliffian events. Our team here at Ratcliffe is Floreat Ratcliffia! assemblies and God bless, increasing, year in, year out, with celebrations With warmest wishes, Jackie Bennett presents the ‘Man of the be a great favourite of many of the the appointment this year of Louise Jackie Bennett across the entire Match’ award to James Taylor (04), Old Old Ratcliffians whom he taught in Liston, who takes over from Gemma Executive Secretary of the Fr Christopher Cann, Headmaster of the age range. The Gareth Lloyd Ratcliffan Hockey Captain the 70s and 80s. If you get a chance, Rumbold (01) as the Development Ratcliffian Association Preparatory School, with Gareth Lloyd children now Headmaster Register o 4 4 Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 5 5