Page 24 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

24 RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS

THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION

SATURDAY 20TH - SUNDAY 21ST JUNE 2015

After months of planning, the 150th Anniversary weekend finally dawned, with the College looking resplendent, bedecked with
bunting and balloons in the livery of the Ratcliffian Association. It was practically 150 years to the day that the first group of Old
Ratcliffians convened to form the Association, under the chair of H J Prendergast, on 11th July 1865. This small group of ORs formed
an organisation with the purpose of meeting once a year to ‘foster in Old Ratcliffians a spirit of loyalty to their Alma Mater and to
encourage practical interest in her welfare, and to provide a link of union and sympathy between all generations of Old Ratcliffians.’ If
the enthusiasm and the smiling faces of all the ORs on the 20th and 21st of June 2015 are anything to go by, this sense of belonging
to the ‘Alma Mater’ is as strong in the 21st century as it was back in 1865, with both the Reunion Dinner and the Grand Luncheon being
‘sell out’ events.

THE AGM & REYNARD GOLF TROPHY

On Saturday at 12pm, a small group of ORs met for the AGM of the Mike Meredith (89), winner of the Reynard Golf Trophy, with Golf
Association. After lunch, the annual Reynard Golf Competition Captain, Abe Mee (92)
took place at Rothley Park Golf Club. There was a good turnout,
organised by the Golf Captain, Abe Mee (92), who, even though
he was ‘hors de combat’ due to a knee injury, spurred all the
golfers on and organised the groups of four. Bernard Murphy
(67) was keen to defend his title, as was Ed Gamble (95), who
was looking for a third title! The new Provincial of the Rosminian
Order, Fr Joe O’Reilly, played, being a keen golfer. However,
in the end, much to the delight of everyone concerned, Mike
Meredith (89) was declared as the winner, which was only fitting
in this, his second year as President of the Association. The
presentation was made outside the Clubhouse just before the
start of the Reunion Dinner, where the guests were set to enjoy
a great evening.

THE 2015 REUNION DINNER

Sam Spillane (née Murphy) (91) kindly agreed to help Jackie
Bennett with the organisation of the Reunion Dinner, held at
Rothley Park Golf Club. Sam has her own very successful events
company, S J Events, so this was no problem for her. She was a
godsend, leaving Jackie more time to concentrate on setting up
the marquee for the Grand Luncheon the following day.

There were 112 Old Ratcliffians at the Reunion Dinner, which The Class of ‘95
was completely sold out. Well-known Leicestershire chef, Paul The Class of ‘91
Leary, produced a delicious meal of smoked salmon mousse,
beef Wellington and crème brûlée, which everyone agreed was
absolutely splendid!

The newly-elected Bishop of Salford, John Arnold (71), was also
a guest at both the dinner and the lunch, and started off the
proceedings by saying grace. Gareth and Mike (both having
been prompted not to speak for too long!) gave heartfelt and
moving speeches. Gareth spoke with great passion about the
recent successes of the College, including the recent inspection,
in which Ratcliffe was awarded ‘Excellent’ in all categories, being
one of only three schools in the whole country to attain this.
Mike spoke about the Association and how there were plans
to develop the younger membership. He also toasted Jackie
Bennett, and everyone rose to their feet with huge applause,
much to her embarrassment.

Register online at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk