Page 3 - The Old Ratcliffian 2015 Magazine

CONTENTS P3
P6
INTRODUCTION P19
NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE P21
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION COUNCIL P33
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION EVENTS P37
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION SPORTS EVENTS P48
OLD RATCLIFFIAN NEWS P50
MARRIAGES P52
BIRTHS P64
OBITUARIES BC
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
DIARY DATES FOR 2016

FROM YOUR PRESIDENT

included in the magazine. The ideas generated will be integrated
into the plans for 2016 and beyond.

THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY APPEAL

Many of you very kindly contributed to the Association’s appeal
to help the College fund a new all-weather pitch. On behalf of
the Ratcliffian Association, I would like to thank all of you who
made a contribution. We shall be making a significant donation
to the College in the near future.

President, Mike Meredith (89) As we look forward to 2016, we wish a very happy retirement to
Dear Old Ratcliffians, Jackie Bennett, upon whom so much of the recent success of the
Association has rested. On behalf of everyone in the Association,
Jackie, I cannot thank you enough for the work you have done for
us. You have an incredible knack for making everyone feel special
and welcome.

No, it’s not a printing error – I’m in the seat for another year! In her stead, however, we welcome Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03)
as the new Executive Manager of the Association, who will carry
I am delighted to serve the Association again. As our 150th on the best of Jackie’s work, as well as bringing her own skills
Anniversary year comes to a close, I am left with a host of great and enthusiasm to the role. We also welcome Sam Bird (98) to
memories, as, I am sure, are many Old Ratcliffians. From an the role of Vice President; he will assume the presidency in the
events perspective, the weekend of celebrations in June was, summer and be the youngest ever President of the Ratcliffian
in the opinion of many, the best event that the Association has Association. With the help of Alex and Sam, I hope that this year
ever put on. The College was looking beautiful, the weather will focus particularly on new activities which engage with the
was perfect, and we had about 350 alumni, friends and family younger alumni.
celebrating the special ‘bond of unity’ which links us all. Later
in the magazine, you can read many kind comments (and see Have a happy and peaceful Christmas, and I wish a successful
numerous pictures) which exist as a legacy of the weekend. Many 2016 for you and your families.
of you were also very kind to contribute in other ways to this year
of celebration: Make this the year that you reconnect with that old school friend
you’ve been meaning to!
THE OLD RATCLIFFIAN SURVEY
Mike Meredith (89)
Through a survey of all old members, we gathered a great range of President of the Ratcliffian Association
memories of the College, as well as ideas of how the Association
could better serve its alumni and the School; the memories are all

Register online at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk