Page 33 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

THE LONDON DINNER

FRIDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2019

The London Dinner was, once again, held in the magical
and medieval Crypt, adjoining the Bleeding Heart Yard at
St Etheldreda’s Ely Place, on a very cold Friday in February. EVENTS
With a few guests unable to attend at the last minute due to
‘snow on the lines’ and -3 on the temperature gauge, the 80
guests that were in attendance were delighted with the warm
welcome they received from the Ratcliffi an Association.

With Association President Emma Wright (94) and Vice
President Ben Jackson (88) both attending, it was a great
opportunity for ORs to dine together, reminisce about their
days spent at Ratcliffe, and to hear from the Headmaster, Jon
Reddin, directly during his after-dinner speech.
To begin the evening, Mass was held in St Etheldreda’s (the
oldest Roman Catholic church in England), concelebrated by Fr Philip Sainter (69), Fr David Myers (59) and Fr Tom Deidun (62). The
guests then enjoyed a prosecco reception and canapés in the Crypt before taking their seats for dinner. Master of Ceremonies for
the evening was Past President Paul Carter (60). Georgina Meredith (96) then introduced Emma Wright, speaking of her work with
the Association at the INSPIRE careers event and the current refurbishment of the Association Bar. She also thanked Alex Slack (née
Gamble) (03) for her work as the Association Manager, as she had announced her resignation to the Council prior to the event.
After dessert was served, a raffl e took place, with the proceeds being put towards the production costs of the Old Ratcliffi an magazine.
A total of £445 was raised, with prizes being donated by generous OR attendees, including Charlie Easmon (79), Tony Sweeney (56), Ian
Potts (62), Jon Rigby (80), Bob Woodwards (72), Nick Plumb (79) and Frank Nieuwenhuys (68). Port and brandy were served, courtesy
of the London Club, after coffee. Then, as is tradition at this event, a full rendition of ‘The Old Ratcliffi an Song’ was performed, led by
Paul Carter, with many of the guests joining in for a verse or two.

Past President Mike Meredith (89) refl ected on the event: “It was the usual awesome setting in the Crypt at St Etheldreda’s, made all
the more amazing by meeting up with an old friend who I’d not seen since I left Ratcliffe 30 years ago. Such is the inestimable value of
an event like the London Dinner. Thank you, again, to the London Club for sponsoring the event and to the Association for organising
it.” Frank Nieuwenhuys added: “Well done on yet another resounding success! The occasion was, once again, memorable, embodying all
that is the best of Ratcliffe and the Ratcliffi an Association. It was a terrifi c night - great venue, superb food and excellent conversation
from start to fi nish. Well done!”
The 2020 London Dinner will be held on
Friday 7th February. Buy your tickets now
THE SIXTH FORM SOCIAL at www.ratcliffi anassociation.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019

The Ratcliffi an Association hosted another successful Sixth Form Social, welcoming
The Ratcliffi an Association hosted another successful Sixth Form Social, welcoming
back a number of Old Ratcliffi ans from the Class of 1998, as well as our current
back a number of Old Ratcliffi ans from the Class of 1998, as well as our current
Year 12 and 13 students and several members of staff. The event also saw the
Year 12 and 13 students and several members of staff. The event also saw the
return of retired teachers Nigel and Anne Taylor and Graham Sharpe. The evening
return of retired teachers Nigel and Anne Taylor and Graham Sharpe. The evening
provided a great opportunity for the current students to talk to ORs about the
provided a great opportunity for the current students to talk to ORs about the
various paths they had taken after leaving Ratcliffe, as well as hearing their stories
various paths they had taken after leaving Ratcliffe, as well as hearing their stories
and memories of their time at school.
At the start of the evening, a local fi sh and chip van provided us with a delicious
At the start of the evening, a local fi sh and chip van provided us with a delicious
supper, which proved hugely popular all round. Soon afterwards, Mike Sleath took
supper, which proved hugely popular all round. Soon afterwards, Mike Sleath took
to the fl oor to deliver his now widely renowned quiz. The competitive nature of
to the fl oor to deliver his now widely renowned quiz. The competitive nature of
Ratcliffe’s students and staff, both past and present, really showed as the quiz
went on. Finally, the Year 13 boys’ team nudged their way to victory, scoring an
impressive 39 points out of a possible 40!
It was such a fun evening, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. In
particular, it was really inspiring and motivating to meet ORs who had returned
as such successful and happy individuals, and hearing their fond memories of
the College. Their experiences made me excited to see what opportunities and
adventures await me after leaving Ratcliffe. Having seen the success of events
like this one, I will be sure to come back as an OR and keep closely in touch with the
Association to see what they’ re planning throughout the year.
Register for the 2020 Sixth Form Social
Isobel Coombs (19) at www.ratcliffi anassociation.co.uk
Ratcliffi an Ambassador 2018-19

The Old Ratcliffi an 2019 33