Page 5 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

THE EDITOR’S COLUMN

Dear Old Ratcliffi ans,

The fi rst thing that I would like to say is thank you, to all of those Old Ratcliffi ans whom INTRODUCTION
I have had the pleasure to meet, to those I have spoken with on the telephone or by
email, and to those who support the Association tirelessly behind the scenes. I joined the
Ratcliffi an Association just seven short months ago, but I can honestly say that I already
feel like part of the furniture. On my fi rst day here in May, and indeed before I even set foot
in the Association Offi ce, I was welcomed with open arms by my colleagues, Katherine Lang
(Association Secretary) and Louise Liston (Foundation Manager). They have continued to
be a huge support to me during these early days, as has Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03),
from whom I took the reins as Association Manager.
Alex gave up an inordinate amount of her own time to induct me into the role, passing
on the wealth of knowledge that both she and her mum (Jackie Bennett) before her
had accumulated over the years. I must say that it was a daunting prospect to take the
baton from such committed and highly regarded individuals, whose loyalty to the College
extends well down the family line, particularly as I had no former connections of any kind
to Ratcliffe. I felt extremely honoured to have been chosen for the role, and I carry this
with me as I strive to do my very best for the alumni of Ratcliffe, continuing the traditions
that have become its essence over the past 154 years, as well as developing its current role
within the College.
What has really struck me, since becoming part of the ‘Ratcliffe family’, is how true
this description actually is. Through my work with the Association, I have seen,
fi rst-hand, that the sense of community nurtured within the College extends
way beyond its walls, bringing together ORs of all ages throughout the world. You have something very special here, and as a
non-OR, I’m extremely proud to be a part of it. The passion that ORs have for their alma mater is admirable and contagious,
and I’m keen to ensure that the Association continues to work for those at the heart of it. Therefore, if you have any ideas,
suggestions or requests relating to the events that we run, or to any other aspect of alumni relations, please do get in touch
(sgretton@ratcliffecollege.com or 01509 817054) – I’d love to hear from you.

We’re delighted to have seen so many of you attending Association events this year, not to mention welcoming ORs back, either as
visitors to the School or as speakers for our Sixth Form INSPIRE talks. In 2019, over 400 ORs visited the School in various capacities, or
responded to invites from the Association to some of the 16 functions that we’ve advertised throughout the year. The London Dinner
saw over 80 guests enjoy an evening of fi ne dining, singing, speeches and merriment, whilst our many sporting events have showcased
the talents of ORs in golf, hockey, football and cricket. The annual Reunion saw 117 guests join us for a packed day of Mass, the Ratcliffi an
Association AGM, tours of the School, luncheon and cricket, while the Five Year Reunion brought together 52 members of the Class of
2014 for a social gathering in the brand-new Ratcliffi an Association Bar. 2019 has been a great year for the Association, and you can
read more about all of these fantastic events and our OR visitors later on in the magazine.

Of course, the one thing that makes our events such a success is you, Old Ratcliffi ans, and your families and friends, coming together with
old classmates, current students, Ratcliffe staff and members of the Rosminian Order to celebrate the passing of time, your treasured
memories of Ratcliffe, and your community. So, please continue to support our events, as we strive to increase engagement with the
Association and develop its reach.
In 2019, we also saw the completion of our newly refurbished Ratcliffi an Association Bar. This fabulous space, designed by Louise
Jackson (91) of Louise Jackson Interiors, is a great facility to have at our disposal. Despite the many challenges faced by both Louise and
Alex Slack, who project-managed the refurbishment during her fi nal few months with the Association, the end result is stunning, and
we will be making full use of it in 2020 and beyond.
As we look to the year ahead, Association President Ben Jackson (88) and I are poised to roll up our sleeves and get to work on a few
important objectives: to increase the alumni’s reach by engaging with more ORs through events and opportunities that benefi t them
and their families; to build upon the current careers and mentoring programme for the good of both ORs and current students; and
to maintain the traditions of the Association, whilst ensuring that we remain current and relevant. To help us achieve these objectives,
Ben has kindly agreed to stay in his role as president for two years, whilst Emma Wright (94), last year’s president and this year’s vice
president, will contin ue to support the careers and mentoring work that she began during her presidency.

Finally, I would like to thank Ratcliffe’s Headmaster, Jon Reddin, and the College for supporting our aims and enabling us to continuously
develop the remit of the Association for the benefi t of all.
With the warmest of wishes to you and your families during this festive season.
Sarah Gretton
Ratcliffi an Association Manager

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