Page 53 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

OR NEWS

OLD RATCLIFFIANS: GIVING BACK TO THE SCHOOL

Charlie Easmon (79) returned to Ratcliffe on 9th May 2019 to Rob’s offer of summer placements and apprenticeships within his
deliver a talk on mental health to the Year 8 and 9 students, as own group of businesses cemented his commitment to mentoring
part of their PSHCE programme. His talk was entitled ‘Positive the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Indeed, it reaffi rms
Psychology and the Science of Happiness’. Charlie is a doctor the value of the supportive network that we have between ORs
and the owner of Your Excellent Health Service (YEHS), a private and current students. The Association and Sixth Form would like
medical practice on Harley Street in London. He said: “I was to extend their thanks to Rob for his time and support of Ratcliffe
delighted to be invited back to Ratcliffe, and it was an honour to and its students.
speak to the students – they were very engaged with what I had
to say. My time as a student at Ratcliffe was a great period of mind
development, surrounded by a fantastic group of interesting and
varied personalities.” Head of Careers, Tiffany Spencer, added:
“Charlie was a great speaker, and he really connected with the
students, talking knowledgably about mental health.” Charlie
is a keen supporter of the Ratcliffi an Association and an avid
member of the Class of 1979 who, this year, celebrated 40 years
since leaving Ratcliffe, with many of them attending the Reunion
Luncheon to mark this signifi cant anniversary (see pages 34-35).

Rob Williams (95) came to Ratcliffe to speak to the Sixth Form
students on 9th October 2019, guiding them through his
fascinating career as a technology entrepreneur, which began
with selling computers while he was still taking his A Levels at
Ratcliffe! Many sidelines, successes, and even some not-so- Former Ratcliffi an Association President Louise Marsden
successful business ventures later, he formed Williams Commerce, (née Bullen) (91) has been appointed Chair of Governors for the
the group that now encompasses four successful creative and College, taking over from Louis Massarella (92) in September
tech businesses, and continues to grow. Building on the principles 2019. She said: “It is an honour and a privilege to accept this role
instilled at Ratcliffe, Rob was a great inspiration to the students, and to support the Rosminian Community, my fellow governors
encouraging them to be creative, to forge their own paths, and, and the Senior Leadership Team, to fulfi l the strategic aims of
if they have an idea, to go for it! He also spoke to the students the College. As a former student of Ratcliffe, and now a parent of
about the importance of gaining experience within a large two children in the Senior School, I am dedicated to the continued
company, in order to discover what they are good at, what they success of this wonderful school, and I am looking forward to
enjoy, and to learn their trade. Finally, he highlighted the countless working alongside the Headmaster, Jon Reddin, the Senior
opportunities that the tech industry presents for the younger Leadership Team and the Board of Governors in the coming months
generation, who have grown up in a tech-savvy world and hold to help our wonderful students achieve their greatest potential,
more knowledge and insight than they realise, simply through underpinned by the School’s vision: Strength of Mind, Strength
the way they communicate, shop and socialise. The students were of Values, Strength of Purpose.” Sam Bird (98), Sam Spillane (née
left with some invaluable tips and insights into what is clearly a Murphy) (91), Jo Linnett (née O’Connor) (91), Simon Burns (83)
growing industry, as well as practical and relevant advice which and Teresa Gamble (Associate Member) all joined Louise as new
will, no doubt, provide food for thought as they make important governors in September 2019.
decisions about their futures over the coming year. In addition,

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