Page 26 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

26 RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS

THE GRAND LUNCHEON

The Marquee in the Square

The Grand Luncheon was held in a huge marquee in the Square, Following the speeches, an auction was held; items included an
which looked stunning, carrying the colours of the Association original Old Ratcliffian blazer, donated by Celia Sharman, widow
in the bunting and flower arrangements. As the guests entered of the late John Sharman (80); a china coffee set from the 150th
the marquee, they were serenaded by a quartet comprising of Anniversary of the College in 1997, donated by the late Monica
Angharad Lloyd (15), Headmaster Gareth Lloyd, Lissi Walker, a Marriott; a signed Tigers rugby shirt, donated by the Jelly family
teacher from the College, and Eric Chan (15). As it was Father’s (parents at Ratcliffe); and a ticket for six for dinner and drinks at
Day, families were also invited. Whilst the adults were treated to a local restaurant and comedy club, donated by Past President
a delicious meal of melon and Parma ham, salmon parcels with Louise Marsden (née Bullen) (91). Ed Gamble (95) stepped
dill sauce, and lemon tarts with raspberry sorbet, the children up to the plate, after much persuasion by his mother, Jackie
enjoyed bangers, mash and beans, and ice creams. Bennett, and acted as auctioneer for the day; he caused hilarity
by trying to don the size 36” blazer on his rather large torso! The
Once again, Bishop John Arnold said grace, and the proceedings auction raised £800, which, added to the raffles on Saturday
started off with a rendition of ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here and Sunday, made just over £2000; this helped to lessen the
Again’ by Alex Beason (15), granddaughter of Past President, deficit on the running costs of the weekend sustained by the
Michael Heath (56). After the main course, Angharad Lloyd, Association, much to the delight of the Treasurer, Paul Carter!
daughter of Gareth, played the First Movement of the Sonata in
E Major by Handel on her violin. After the auction, Gareth and Mike both cut the 150th
Anniversary cake, and as it was Father’s Day, a final toast was
After the children had consumed their ice creams, the made by Past President Michael Heath (56) to all fathers!
Toastmaster called them to attention, and they were led off to a
magic show provided by Paul Marsden, a children’s entertainer,
especially brought in for the day.

Once the children had departed, it was time for the serious part Simon Burns (83), front left, with John Plumb (53)
of the day - the speeches. Gareth Lloyd spoke once again in in his OR blazer, amongst others
some detail about the School and its position today, and Mike
Meredith’s speech, outlining his plans for the future of the
Association, was spoken from the heart. Mike’s whole family
was present, including his mother, Mary, having celebrated her
seventieth birthday earlier that weekend up in Yorkshire. All
of his brothers also attended, including Paddy (91) and Eddie
(93), who had travelled over from Singapore and New Zealand
respectively. Gareth ended his speech with a forceful rendition of
‘Love Changes Everything’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber, enforcing
the theme of his speech, ‘Legis Plenitudo Charitas’ - ‘Love is the
Fulfilment of the Law’.

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