The Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019
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2019
EDITION XXII
STAY
CONNECTED
INTRODUCTION
3
SPORTS EVENTS
OBITUARIES
58
INTRODUCTION
COLLEGE NEWS
38
RATCLIFFE LINKS
NEWS
68
CLASS OF 2014 REUNION - SEE PAGE 36
44
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
REGISTER ONLINE & JOIN OUR
6,000-STRONG COMMUNITY
OF OLD RATCLIFFIANS
ACROSS THE GLOBE
NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION
OLD RATCLIFFIAN MAGAZINES
VIEW THE IMAGE GALLERY
CAREERS & MENTORING
SHOP FOR MERCHANDISE
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JOIN US
WHY? BECAUSE
COMMUNITY MATTERS
The Ratcliffian Association’s
key aim is to maintain the sense
of belonging that played a
pivotal role in your time at the
College. As an Old Ratcliffian,
staying connected with Ratcliffe
and your peers means not only
having a community to call upon
for friendship, advice and support,
but it also enables you to ‘give
back’, maintaining this legacy for
future generations.
Registering online at
www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk
only takes a few minutes, giving
you access to a whole host of online
resources for Old Ratcliffians.
COUNCIL
EVENTS
6
24
31
BIRTHS
MARRIAGES
WHAT IS THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION?
DIARY DATES
FOR 2019
The Ratcliffian Association is the society of former pupils of Ratcliffe College, known as Old Ratcliffians (ORs). Founded in 1865, when a
group of past pupils met at Ratcliffe and brought the Association to life, its objective is simple: to nurture the relationship between past
pupils, the College and current pupils, for the benefit of both Ratcliffe and its Old Ratcliffians. Upon leaving Ratcliffe, after the Sixth
Form or earlier, all pupils become lifetime members of the Association, joining a 6,000-strong community across the globe. As members,
ORs receive news updates via email, social media, and through this annual magazine. ORs also receive invitations to both Association and
College events, which offer the perfect opportunity to reunite with old friends and to reminisce about times at Ratcliffe. The Association
website, www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk, allows ORs to reconnect with their old classmates, as well as giving them the opportunity to
support current pupils through a careers and mentoring programme.
The Association is governed by the Ratcliffian Association Council, which is made up of 25 to 30 past pupils from all age groups, as well as
representatives of the College and the Association Office. The Council oversees all budgets, expenditure, events and communications,
and it ensures that the Association delivers its objectives for the mutual benefit of Old Ratcliffians and the College. Each year, a president
and vice president are selected, with Council meetings being held twice a year, as well as an AGM at the Association’s Reunion Weekend
in the summer. The Association Office (based at the College) is open four days a week and is managed by Sarah Gretton, who, together
with Katherine Lang as Secretary, oversees the day-to-day running of all Association activities.
If you have a story to tell, news to share, or time available to offer your expertise and experience to current students, please get in touch
with the Association at alumni@ratcliffecollege.com or on 01509 817054.
55
56
70
BC
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
3
INTRODUCTION
FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Dear Old Ratcliffians,
Well, this is unexpected. Writing for The Old Ratcliffian magazine in the role of President of the Association, I mean. I was thrilled to be
asked if I would take on the role a little over a year ago, and with a certain amount of trepidation, I said yes. It’s an extraordinary position
to take up, giving me the opportunity to meet and spend time with ORs from all over the world, and to play a small part in the continuing
life of the Association.
I have to say a huge thank you to Emma Wright (94) for her sterling service as our president last year. She has done so much to make the
Association relevant to recent leavers, working hard to build the mentorship and networking side of the organisation. Emma has very
generously offered to stay on as our vice president, to continue to build on the work that she has already done. Also, my thanks go to Alex
Slack (née Gamble) (03), who has managed the Association so well for so long. Alex leaves us to pursue her business interests; we wish
her well and hope to see her at one of the OR social events soon. Sarah Gretton has taken on Alex’s role as Manager of the Association,
and she has already hit the ground running, with lots planned for the forthcoming year. Finally, thank you to all those who have worked
so hard to create the new Ratcliffian Association Bar, which looks wonderful and is there for you to use – in fact, thank you to my sister,
Louise Jackson (91), for designing it!
At a time when the future of independent education is, once again, being questioned on the national stage, Ratcliffe is in fine health.
The Prep School Sports Hall is well on its way to completion, the Senior School’s Fitness Suite is open and in constant use, the Lockhart
Garden looks wonderful, and the students are happy and contented. In fact, as a father of two children in the School, sitting in my car at
pick-up time hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles, I have quickly realised that, although Ratcliffe might have changed over the
years, its essence remains robustly in place.
The fact is, once I left Ratcliffe, I didn’t come back for years, and even then, it was just to drive through the
campus for old time’s sake. Ratcliffe had done its thing – the thing it’s done for all of us. It had prepared
me for life outside those hallowed grounds. It had given me everything I needed to go on to university,
make new friends, and start a career. What I discovered (and I suspect many of you will have done,
too) is that Ratcliffe is much more than its buildings. It’s something you carry with you. It’s made up
of the friends we made, the lessons learnt, the knocks and bumps, the tears and laughter. It’s a
unique mix, but it does mean that, I think, you can spot an Old Ratcliffian a mile off. They will
often be ploughing their own furrow, doing their own thing, being confident without being
arrogant, caring about other people, and they are usually great fun to be with. I’m proud to
be a Ratcliffian.
Eight years or so ago, my children started their own Ratcliffe journey. And they started it, in many
ways, because of the Association. My son, Kit (Year 13), was having a crummy time at his
old school, so we brought him up here for the Reunion, just to show him what we hoped
would, one day, become his school. We had a lovely afternoon. He loved it. There was one
place available in Year 4. Two weeks later, he was here. It was, without doubt, the best
decision we ever made. And so, Ratcliffe was, once again, front and centre. And guess
what? As I changed from being an Old Boy into a parent, I saw the School working its
magic once more. We made new friends, came to more parties, needed taxis to get
home, and fell in love with the place all over again. So, when I was asked to take on this
role and wear the chain, how could I say no?
Have a wonderful year; I hope to meet up with many of you at one of the events that
we have planned over the next twelve months, and please remember, if you’d like to
have a reunion of old friends, we can help to organise that for you – just get in touch
with the Association at alumni@ratcliffecollege.com.
Ben Jackson (88)
President of the Ratcliffian Association
4 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
THE EDITOR’S COLUMN
Dear Old Ratcliffians,
The first thing that I would like to say is thank you, to all of those Old Ratcliffians whom
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
Ratcliffian Association just seven short months ago, but I can honestly say that I already
feel like part of the furniture. On my first day here in May, and indeed before I even set foot
in the Association Office, 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,
first-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 fine 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 Ratcliffian
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 Ratcliffian 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 Ratcliffians, 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 Ratcliffian 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 final 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 benefit 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 continue 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 benefit of all.
With the warmest of wishes to you and your families during this festive season.
Sarah Gretton
Ratcliffian Association Manager
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
5
INTRODUCTION
NEWS FROM THE COLLEGE
THE HEADMASTER’S INTRODUCTION
Dear Old Ratcliffians and friends of Ratcliffe College,
As a Catholic school with a distinctive Rosminian charism, the teachings of Christ are at the centre of all we do. In my introduction last
year, I highlighted the wonderful positivity and sense of expectation that the children and young people bring to our school each day,
summed up in one word: hope. Twelve months on, that sense of hope is very much alive and well in our community, as the students
have continued to bring unquenchable enthusiasm and kindness to all that they do, to help fulfil our vision statement for the College:
Strength of Mind, Strength of Values, Strength of Purpose.
To help you get a sense of how we continue to achieve our collective vision daily, I will now share with you excerpts from my Exhibition Day
address to the College, as I believe it will enable you to understand more fully how that sense of hope manifests itself at Ratcliffe. This
year, I dedicated my address to the student body for their unstinting generosity of spirit throughout the year. Exhibition Day (or Prize
Day) is, of course, one of the highlights of the academic year, as I am sure it was during your time at Ratcliffe, perhaps only surpassed
by the Immac celebrations. It is a special day when we celebrate the students’ many and varied achievements. (Pictured, above, are the
2019 Exhibition Day Platform Party members: former Head Girl Alicia Boothroyd (19), Michelle Massarella, former Chair of Governors
Louis Massarella (92), Guest of Honour Dr Maureen Glackin, Headmaster Jon Reddin, Jo Reddin, and former Head Boy Toby Snell (19).)
My address focussed on a quote by Pablo Picasso, which suggests qualities that we lose on the road to adulthood: a sense of wonder,
critical thinking, imagination, playfulness, and daring. In various forms, these qualities help to inform our vision of Strength of Mind,
where we encourage students to be truly independent thinkers and to think ‘big’ ideas, using their creative instincts.
At Ratcliffe, we aim to develop a mindset which enables students to believe in themselves, to be undaunted by limitations set on them by
society, circumstance, or birth, and to be daring, resilient, and brave. We aim to empower them to develop resilience, adopting a ‘not yet’,
rather than ‘can’t do’, attitude to their learning and their personal development. We nurture the students’ self-belief through art, music,
singing, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, CCF, volunteering, debating, public speaking, sport, and through culturally
enriching trips and visits, both nationally and internationally.
This year, students have flown two-seater aircraft at RAF Cranwell, and they have been on exercise to fire the cadet rifle, rock climb,
mountain bike, hill walk, kayak and canoe. Over 150 students are currently engaged in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme. On the
sports field, six teams have reached their respective county finals – two reached the regional stages, and our Under 14 Boys’ Hockey
Team qualified for the national finals. Over 70 students have represented Leicestershire in their respective sports. Many students
have also participated in coding, computer science and STEM programmes, including
the Engineering Education Scheme, in partnership with Rolls Royce, and our Year 9
students have participated in the Go4SET scheme – not to mention the fact that many
of them are involved in the unique Ratcliffe Spitfire build. Our Year 12 Design and
Technology students were victorious at the Rotary Technology Tournament, thinking
‘outside the box’ to create a unique solution to the problem set before them. Wherever
you look, there are opportunities for the boys and girls to use their imaginations and to
be inventive, to solve real-life problems and to stimulate creativity.
We were mesmerised by the students’ levels of skill and originality in the FutureChef
and Christmas food competitions. Media students continued to break with convention,
producing work of such flair as to transcend the parameters of the examination itself.
The Year 10 Drama devised pieces, written by the students, challenged the audiences’
thinking on diverse subject matters, including climate change, the detrimental effects
of social media on mental health, women’s suffrage, and the plight of refugees.
Public speaking and debate have also flourished, through our own Public Speaking
Championship and the Catenian Competition. Throughout this academic year, the
students have continued to imagine, to think independently, to create, and to challenge.
We have also continued to nurture the students’ Strength of Values, educating them to
live their lives based on the Gospel values. Conscious of the pressure on young people
through social media, we work hard to develop self-acceptance, to encourage laughter
and kindness, and to build resilience and perseverance. The students have led the
way, giving generously of their time to support initiatives through the student voice,
such as the School Council, Food Committee, Anti-Bullying Committee, Chaplaincy Team, and E-Safety Committee. They have raised
over £20,000 for various charities throughout the year, including Joseph’s Storehouse and The Carpenter’s Arms, CAFOD, Sightbox,
Children in Need, and Cancer Research UK, to name but a few.
Finally, we have educated the boys and girls to have a strong sense of who they are and their purpose in the world, through Strength of
Purpose. Our aim is to nurture their God-given talents, to enable them to go forth and make a positive difference to the communities
in which they live and work. This year, eighteen Year 13 students and two members of staff trained as Ratcliffe Samaritan Listeners.
Twelve Ratcliffe students travelled to Lourdes in France on a pilgrimage, helping those in need and living out our school motto - Charity
is the Fulfilment of the Law. Our St Vincent de Paul students have continued to help the younger children, and our Sixth Form Learning
Leaders have helped Year 10 and 11 students to reach their greatest potential.
Our boys and girls enjoy wonderful opportunities to be audacious in their thinking and brave in their opinions. However, age brings selfconsciousness,
and it can rob us of our spontaneity. So, how can we hang on to this creative attitude as we get older, particularly in the
face of the digital revolution, which seems to render many of our roles redundant? Our response must be to do the one thing that no
computer can manage, which is to use our imaginations. It is by being creative that we are likely to find contentment and purpose in our
digitised age. The act of making and creating is deeply satisfying and rewarding; we feel invigorated and realise how connected we are
to the world around us when creating something for others.
Visitors to Ratcliffe feel the energy, excitement and positivity in the air, and, more importantly, they recognise that we are a community
bound together by a common vision. We live in a world full of urgent problems: climate change, terrorism and poverty, to name but
three. These are challenges that we can help to overcome by using our minds, by being true to our values, and by having a strength of
purpose. If we believe that things can be better in the future, we will have the power to make them happen. So, go and imagine. Go
and make a difference.
Yours sincerely,
Jon Reddin
Headmaster
COLLEGE NEWS
6 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
7
COLLEGE NEWS
VALETE – CLASS OF 2019
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S LEAVERS
Name Destination Course
Ainscough, Harry Nottingham Trent University Product Design
Alipourkarami, Barzin Birmingham University Mathematics & Philosophy
Allsopp, Callum Northumbria University Business Management
Astill, Sarah Newcastle University Linguistics & French
Ball, Charlotte Applying to university in 2020
Bastock, Daniel Keele University Medicine
Baxter, Amy Applying to university in 2020
Bellamy, Joshua Southampton University Oceanography
Beresford, India Nottingham Trent University Graphic Design
Berns, James Edinburgh University Mechanical Engineering
Boothroyd, Alicia Durham University Modern Languages
Bown, Holly
Employment
Bridgwood, Freddie Nottingham Trent University Economics with International Finance & Banking
Buckingham, Finlay Birmingham University Biological Sciences
Buczkowski, Maciej Swansea University Computer Science
Carpenter, Olivia Liverpool University English Literature
Chan, Joanna Kingston University Nutrition
Chapman, Joe De Montfort University Architecture
Chilton, Luke Leeds Beckett University Business & Management
Chmurovicova, Ema Sheffield University Dental Surgery
Chukwueke, Neto Nottingham University Civil Engineering
Clark, Grace Liverpool University Geography
Cook, Sebastian Liverpool University Law & Business Studies
Coombs, Isobel Newcastle University Combined Honours
Cox, Lewis Bath University Mathematical Sciences with Industrial Placement
Creighton, Chantelle Liverpool University Communication & Media
Delargy, Olivia Exeter University English
Dhanjal, Tia De Montfort University Business Management
Dhillon, Harneeka Manchester Metropolitan University Fashion Buying & Merchandising
Ding, Dennis Manchester University Civil Engineering
Dunne, Miles Liverpool Hope University Philosophy, Ethics & Theology
Edwards, Molly Manchester University History & French
Egglenton, Jamie
Gap Year
Fawdington, Elliot Portsmouth University Marine Biology
Foulds, Oliver Cardiff University Marine Geography
Gajebasia, Falak Coventry University Accounting & Finance
Garcia, Matthew Bath University Integrated Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Gilliver, Leo Cardiff University Chemistry
Goodman, Reece
Employment
Grant, Arran Brooksby Melton College Land-Based Engineering
Gupta, Krishan Bath University Economics with Placement
Hanchell, Myles Sussex University Business, Management & Economics
Harris, Charlie Southampton University Economics & Accounting
Hluchan, Josef Gloucestershire University Film Production
Hodds, Luke Southampton University Electronic Engineering with Artificial Intelligence
Honey, Katie Newcastle University Geography & Planning
Hose, Isobel Leeds University Economics & Finance
Jackson, Hebe Applying to university in 2020
Lai, Steven Swansea University Electronic & Electrical Engineering
Leong, Ciaran Leeds University Architectural Engineering
Lindley, Matthew Manchester Metropolitan University Human Biosciences
Lindop, Grace St Andrews University English
Mamujee, Abdutaiyeb De Montfort University Art Foundation
Massarella, Louis University of East Anglia Drama
Modhwadia, Rajan York University Business & Management
Morgan-Jones, George Swansea University Sport & Exercise Science
Murray-Scott, Alfie
Gap Year
Murray-Scott, Dan
Gap Year
Omo, Joshua Nottingham Trent University Mechanical Engineering
Onyia, Ellen Birmingham University Biochemistry
Orsini-Rottner, Emiliano Bristol University Biochemistry
Orsini-Rottner, Isabella Leeds Arts University Filmmaking
Page, Mollie Plymouth University Primary (Special Educational Needs with QTS)
Patel, Megha Leeds University International Business & Marketing
Pearce, Georgina University of the Arts London Animation
Pole, Jenna Leeds Beckett University Sport & Exercise Science
Pullen, Isobel Manchester Metropolitan University Marketing Management
Purcell, Alexander Liverpool University Politics & International Business
Scarborough, Tom Newcastle University Mechanical Engineering
Snell, Toby Durham University Economics
Sommerville, Owen Harper Adams University Bioveterinary Science
Spencer, Nicole Durham University Accounting & Finance
Walsh, Annabel Exeter University Neuroscience
Wetton, Matthew Birmingham University Mechatronic & Robotic Engineering
Williams, Anna Nottingham Trent University International Relations
CLASS OF 2019: A LEVEL RESULTS
Ratcliffe College prides itself on its inclusivity, providing for a wide range of abilities, which makes
this year’s 99% overall pass rate all the more impressive. More than half of the Year 13 students
attained places at Russell Group universities, and the vast majority of the cohort secured a place
at their first-choice university. Ratcliffe is very proud of the A Level results achieved this year,
maintaining its national top 10% placing for value-added. 90% of all grades were A* to C, and
particular congratulations go to those students who were awarded straight A* and A grades.
Headmaster Jon Reddin commented: “I am delighted that the Year 13 students achieved such a
strong overall set of A Level results, which are testament to the dedication and hard work of the
students, their teachers, and the College’s Catholic ethos. It has been a memorable year for this
particular group in terms of their achievements in co-curricular activities, where they have excelled
in sport, music and drama, and I am thrilled that their achievements have now been complemented
by academic success. We are especially pleased for all of our students who have obtained places at
their chosen universities.”
Year 13 student Grace Lindop (19) celebrated outstanding results, achieving A*, A*, A. She will
read English Literature at the University of St Andrews. Daniel Bastock (19) is taking up a place at
Keele University to read Medicine, having obtained A*, A, A. He said: “The teachers and staff have
been amazing. Ratcliffe has such a family feel.” Alicia Boothroyd (19) achieved A*, A, A and has
secured a place at Durham University to read French. She said: “Ratcliffe really has prepared me for
life and given me so much confidence.”
Hebe Jackson (19) also obtained excellent results, achieving A*, A*, A, and she will be taking a
gap year to explore Borneo, India, Cambodia and Marrakesh as part of a Liberal Arts trip. She said:
“Coming into the Sixth Form at Ratcliffe from a state school background, thanks to the Sir Thomas
White Bursary, has really helped me to achieve my potential. I’ve loved my time at Ratcliffe.” Hebe
was also awarded the Ratcliffian Association Gap Year Scholarship of £250 for 2019, and she sets
off on her travels in January. We look forward to hearing all about her adventures in next year’s Old
Ratcliffian magazine.
COLLEGE NEWS
8 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
9
COLLEGE NEWS
YEAR 13 LEAVERS’ DAY
FRIDAY 10TH MAY 2019
The sun was shining and spirits were high for the Year 13 Leavers’ Mass
and Headmaster’s Drinks Reception. Ratcliffian Association Manager
Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03) welcomed us, along with our parents, to
this final service at Ratcliffe, before we left for study leave and then
went on to university, our first jobs, or a gap year.
It was at this point that we became official members of the Ratcliffian
Association. We were welcomed in by President Emma Wright (94),
who presented the boys with an Old Ratcliffian tie and the girls with
a sterling silver charm, to commemorate our time at the School. She
greeted us all in turn, starting with those who had attended Ratcliffe
since entering the Nursery at the age of 3!
Fr Philip Sainter (69) celebrated a wonderful Mass, with hymns
chosen by the Class of 2019, including firm favourites such as
‘Lord of the Dance’ and, of course, ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’. Ratcliffian
Ambassador Isobel Coombs (19) said: “I really enjoyed the assembly. It
made me so emotional to think that it would be the last time that the
whole year group was together!” Fellow Ambassador Mollie Page (19)
added: “I loved the reflection that Miles Dunne (19) read. It perfectly
summed up our time at Ratcliffe.” Having our parents experience this
final service at the College with us was so special, as we finally left the
Ratcliffe ‘bubble’. The superb catering staff provided us with delicious
canapés and champagne during the Headmaster’s Drinks Reception,
which was, perhaps unsurprisingly, very popular with Year 13!
I would like to thank the School for helping us to create a wonderful,
jam-packed last day of fun at Ratcliffe, which included sumo suits and
inflatables, before heading off to enjoy traditional farewell drinks at
The Woodies! Finally, Emi, Mollie, Isobel and I would like to thank Alex
Slack and Katherine Lang for giving us the opportunity and honour of
being Ratcliffian Association Ambassadors. They have been amazing
mentors, and I’m looking forward to staying in touch and joining in
with future OR events.
Katie Honey (19)
RATCLIFFE’S DESIGN
& TECHNOLOGY WIN
In February, Ratcliffe attended the annual Rotary Technology
Tournament, held at Leicester Grammar School. The competition
welcomed 10 schools from across the county and saw over 140
students participating from Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. Ratcliffe
entered three teams, with two participating in the Foundation
Level Competition, and one in the Advanced Task Competition.
After a day of competing, the Year 12 team walked away with first
prize – a fantastic result! In addition to an impressive trophy, they
also won a visit to the premises of the sponsor company, Hodges
and Drake, to see how design applies to the workplace. The
winning team consisted of Kit Jackson, James Howling, Elliot Kelly
and Dominic Baggott (pictured, left).
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE HOSTS CATENIAN PUBLIC
SPEAKING COMPETITION
The Catenian Catholic Schools Public Speaking Competition is an annual
event which has been running for 12 years, and Ratcliffe were proud to host
it for the first time this year. This annual event gives students from Catholic
schools in the East Midlands (Province 15) the opportunity to develop their
public-speaking skills, competing with students from across the region.
On Sunday 24th March, Ratcliffe welcomed a number of Catenians and
local bishops, as well as contestants and their families, to the College. After
enjoying refreshments in the Old Library, the guests moved to the Refectory,
where the competition was to take place. The subjects of the contestants’
talks were varied and broad-ranging. They each had to speak for four
minutes and, after a 30-minute break (during which time the guests enjoyed
the School’s new Lockhart Garden), the judges gave their notes and verdict.
First place went to Erin Broadhurst, from St Thomas More in Nuneaton, with
her discussion of the statement ‘Real love is not the stuff of pop songs’.
Second place went to Ratcliffe student Dalila Watson (Year 12), speaking on
the topic ‘We are born capable; failure is a choice’. Third place went to Sabina
Strug, from St John Fisher in Peterborough, for her presentation on ‘The idea
of peace on earth is naïve’. The certificates for taking part were presented
by National Vice President Phil Brown (pictured, right, with Dalila Watson),
who has organised the national finals of this event for the last 12 years, and
the three prizes were presented by Province 15’s Provincial President Keith
Webb, of Market Harborough.
COLLEGE NEWS
THE RATCLIFFE APP
We are excited to announce the launch of the new ‘Ratcliffe App’ – a new messaging tool which will
greatly simplify communications between the College and current parents. The app has been created
for us by a local technology provider, Weduc, in response to parental feedback, in order to provide more
streamlined school-to-parent information. The new app combines different types of communication,
including letters, emails and student reports.
Benefits of the Ratcliffe App include ‘push notifications’ (direct messages in one place, away from
the clutter of email), clear and visible notices about important College events, online electronic forms
and permission slips, a calendar and newsfeed, and a ‘Parents’ Portal’, providing access to relevant
information about students, regardless of their year group.
The app has been received incredibly well, and feedback from parents has been positive. We are
excited to develop the provision and service offered by technologies such as this one in the future.
10 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
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COLLEGE NEWS
RATCLIFFE’S ANTI-BULLYING AWARD
Ratcliffe is proud to be a safe, loving and respectful
school that does not tolerate bullying in any form,
and this message is promoted extensively through
our PSHCE programme and Anti-Bullying Committee.
We are delighted to have been awarded the Gold
Standard ‘Beyond Bullying Award’ by Leicestershire
County Council in recognition of our
commitment in this area. Sophie Pole, Liam
Hardy-Smith, Rebecca Dias, Samuel Leake
and I attended the award ceremony in
June to receive our certificate. The
event took place at the Morningside
Arena in Leicester, hosted by
County Hall.
Tiffany Spencer
Head of PSHCE & Careers
CHAPLAINCY & CHARITY
Blessed Antonio Rosmini desired that students in the schools that he founded would become seekers of the truth, and it is upon this
that Ratcliffe’s vision is based. The role of Chaplaincy is, therefore, to build within the school community a culture of service to all, to
help inspire the students through an exploration of the Gospel values, and to celebrate the faith of our community in prayer and acts
of worship.
CALLED TO SERVE OTHERS
Our school motto - Charity is the Fulfilment of the Law - is a daily reminder that loving service of others is an integral part of the Christian
identity. With this in mind, money is raised each year to support one of the charities chosen by the school community. Each year group, as
well as the boarding community, sponsors a particular organisation and spends the academic year raising both money and awareness for
their cause. Through the generosity of the Ratcliffe community, we have been able to raise just under £25,000. Alongside the various
charity events, there are a number of community service-based clubs which run throughout the year. These include the St Vincent de
Paul Club, the Mother Teresa Group, and the Voluntary Service Unit, where numerous students contribute their time to helping others.
During Activities Week, our Year 12 students participate in a Community Service Day, helping local organisations and charities. This year,
we were privileged and pleased to be of assistance at the LOROS charity warehouse, the Syston Friendship Group, Bradgate Park, and at
both St Francis and Bishop Ellis Primary Schools. We thank them for the opportunities that they offered to our students.
CALLED TO A LIFE OF PRAYER
At the heart of Ratcliffe College is our Christian identity, and at
the heart of Christian identity is the desire to be close to the will
of God. Because of this, there is a clear dedication to finding
moments each day for prayer. Spending time in quiet reflection,
where both student and staff bodies can come to know who God
is, is central to the life of the College. Each week begins and
ends in the College Chapel in collective worship; feast days are
celebrated with Mass; Remembrance Day (right) and Easter are
marked with special services; and Advent and Lent are signified
by Reconciliation Days. Regular Boarding Community Weekend
Mass and Night Prayer, as well as Tutor Group Prayers, further
contribute to the liturgical life of the College. This year’s Easter
service was said to be particularly moving, with Connor Hodges
(a Year 9 student) delivering a solemn and heartfelt vocal solo
performance. The use of video clips as a narration tool also
helped to bring the Passion of Christ alive.
CALLED TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL
Ratcliffe’s vision is for each student to leave the College having
developed Strength of Mind, Strength of Values, and Strength
of Purpose, but what does this really mean, and how do we relay
this message to the school community? Each week, the Senior
Leadership and Chaplaincy Teams lead or facilitate assemblies
that are designed to engage, develop and inspire those
present, and every other week, individual year group assemblies
further support this. Many students, staff members and guests
have addressed us this year. Particular highlights have been
presented and created by students ranging from Years 8 to 13,
including Miles Dunne, Olivia Delargy and Joanna Chan (all from
Year 13), who spoke about the importance of charity and the
work of CAFOD. Students are also encouraged to develop their
faith outside school, and retreats offer this opportunity. A retreat
experience (as pictured, right) allows time for those attending to
think and build their relationships with God, themselves, and with
others. This year, Years 7, 8 and 9 have all made retreats to various
locations, which were enjoyed by all.
THANK YOU
Finally, I would like to give special thanks to the Chaplaincy and Charities staff and student teams – in particular, Eleanor Waters, who
has given above and beyond this year.
Emma Hall
Lay Chaplain
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COLLEGE NEWS
RATCLIFFE STUDENTS’
SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS
Of the many students at Ratcliffe who show great sporting ability,
special mention must go to the following:
ATHLETICS
Mia Atkinson (Year 13) won a gold medal in the Intermediate Girls’
1500m at the 2019 Leicestershire Schools County Athletics Finals.
Connor Foster (Year 12) also won gold in the Intermediate Boys’
100m at the same event, and both students were selected for
English Schools’ Athletics.
BASKETBALL
The Under 18 Boys’ Basketball Team played for the first time in the
Leicestershire Cup, finishing joint third in the group. Thomas Leite
(Year 12) and Calvin Poon (Year 12) played at England National
League level with the Leicester Dynamite Under 16 Basketball
Club, and Lewis Cox (19) has played for the National League Team
at Under 18 level. The Year 9 Basketball Team also played in the
County Cup competition and finished as runners up in the group.
CRICKET
Last year’s 1st XI cricket captain, Jack Nightingale (18), was
recognised as the 10th best batsman in the country, with
Ratcliffe’s 2019 captain Toby Snell (19) recognised as the 32nd.
The 1st XI as a whole were acknowledged for their outstanding
results in the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, ranking 19th in the
country for their win percentage.
CROSS-COUNTRY
Congratulations to the Under 14 Cross-Country Team, who
came third in the County Championships. Well done, also, to
Mia Atkinson (Year 13), who has had a fantastic season of crosscountry
running, competing in a number of national events and
achieving some excellent top-ten finishes in a number of very
tough competitions.
EQUESTRIANISM
In November, our team qualified for the Easter 2019
Championships. Georgie Daynes (Year 9), Frankie Turner (Year
8), Brooke England (Year 11) and Jade England (Year 13) were the
Leicestershire team champions. In February, they competed in
the Eventers Challenge series. Together, Olivia Crawley (Year 11),
Georgie Daynes and Frankie Turner came second in the 80 Class
and qualified for the Hickstead Championships.
FLY FISHING
Elliot Fawdington (19) is currently captain of the England
Youth Fly Fishing Team, receiving his fourth England cap at the
International, held in Scotland in July.
FOOTBALL
Congratulations to Finley Back (19) (pictured, above), who
has agreed a long-term contract with Nottingham Forest. The
scholarship programme begins after his summer examinations,
followed by a three-year professional contract.
HOCKEY
The Under 13 Girls reached the ISHC quarter-finals, while the
Under 14 Girls were Tier 2 Midlands Zone finalists. The Under 12
Boys played well, becoming county runners up and regional runners
up, while the Under 13 Boys celebrated as county runners up and
regional finalists. Meanwhile, the Under 14 Boys’ impressive play
made them Tier 2 county and regional winners, as well as national
finalists. 48 students (both girls and boys) were selected for the
Leicestershire Academy this year. Aimee Cleminson (Year 12) and
James Turner (Year 12) were awarded Under 16 Player of the Year
for their county teams. Guy Heywood (Year 10) was selected for
the Hockey Performance Centre as a goalkeeper (regional level).
NETBALL
The Under 12s and Under 13s (pictured, below) reached the final
of the Team Leicester Competition, while the 1st team and Under
13A team lost just two matches all season. Eleni Malhan (Year
10), Jayde Patterson (Year 9) and Sophie Walker (Year 9) have all
represented Leicestershire County at Under 15 and Under 13 level.
RUGBY
The Under 14s reached the final of the Leicestershire Schools
County Cup and lost narrowly to Loughborough Grammar. Connor
Foster (Year 12) played for the Leicestershire County Under 16s
and, as a result, has been selected for the Leicester Tigers Under
16 Developing Player Programme. Oliver Welch (Year 13) and Archie
Heaney (Year 12) have played for the Leicestershire County Under
17s, and a number of Under 15s and Under 14s have also been
selected for the Leicester Tigers Developing Player Programme.
SWIMMING
Rosie Dickerson (Year 9) qualified for the 2019 Swim England
National Summer Meet at the beginning of August. She swam in
the 50m backstroke and 200m backstroke, missing out by 0.04
seconds on qualifying for the 50m butterfly.
TRIATHLON
Congratulations to Eleanor Taylor (Year 10) who raced in the East
Midlands Junior Triathlon Series and came fourth overall. She has
been successful in earning a place on the East Midlands Triathlon
Development Squad.
NEWS FROM THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL
This term, we have seen a large number of new children joining
the Prep School in the Nursery, Year 3 and Year 5. Together, we
have been focussing on our Gospel value of community, with
a beautiful Mass to mark the start to the new school year in the
Chapel, and a charity collection of foods to celebrate Harvest and
support our local food bank. There was also much to celebrate last
year in the Prep School. We were delighted by the large number of
awards that Year 6 achieved in the 11+ entrance assessments, with
all students moving on to the Senior School again this year. They
celebrated the end of the year with an amazing performance of
The Wizard of Oz (pictured, below) and a beautiful Leavers’ Mass.
Our Chaplaincy team have worked hard this year, creating a cycle
of prayer and leading assemblies. We have all spent many joyous
times together, celebrating the Harvest Festival, the Nativity,
Carols by Candlelight (pictured, below, right), and preparing for
Easter with the Year 4 Passion Play. Sunday 9th June was also a
great celebration, as 12 children from the Prep School made their
First Holy Communion; it was such a special day for all of them and
their families. We also supported a number of new fundraising
initiatives. Our two charities this year were WaterAid and Dogs
Trust, and each class held cake sales to raise money for them,
which proved to be very popular! We also sent 145 Christmas
presents and over 50 bags of donated clothes to The Carpenter’s
Arms, to be distributed to local children and families in need, and
collections after school events raised money for our whole-school
charity, Sightbox.
There have been many notable sporting achievements during the
year – in particular, from our Under 11 Girls’ Hockey Team, who
were IAPS national finalists for the first time. Our Under 11 Boys’
Rugby Team successfully secured victory in the first ever IAPS
Midlands Rugby Festival, hosted by Ratcliffe College, while our
Under 11 Boys’ Hockey Team narrowly missed out on a place in the
national finals, coming third at the Midlands finals. Meanwhile, the
girls in the Prep School took the exciting step onto the manicured
outfields of Ratcliffe’s cricket pitches for the first time, as cricket
replaced rounders as the girls’ main summer sport; this was a
positive change that all of the girls embraced with enthusiasm and
enjoyment. Two of our Year 6 swimmers also managed to qualify
for the IAPS national finals at the London Aquatics Centre – a
great achievement.
Music in the Prep School has continued to develop rapidly this
year. We have hosted a series of six ‘Babygigs’ concerts, where
professional musicians have wowed us on a variety of instruments.
In the busy run-up to Christmas, the Chapel Choir brought
John Lewis in Leicester to a standstill, performing Christmas
music, including the children’s favourite, ‘Nutcracker Jingles’.
The highlight of the year must be the formation of the Newman
Orchestra. The children should be incredibly proud to be playing
to such a high standard within a year, having opened the Picnic
Concert with a truly professional and memorable performance.
There have been so many musical achievements and memories this
year: the Informal Concert performances, ‘Roll Back the Stone’,
the staff choir singing ‘Love Brought Him Back’, the House Music
Competition and, of course, rounding the year off with a very
rousing and heartfelt performance by all staff and children of ‘The
Circle of Life’ at Exhibition Day.
On behalf of us all, may I take this opportunity to wish our Old
Ratcliffians a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Fr Christopher Cann
Preparatory School Headmaster
COLLEGE NEWS
Amanda Stafford
Director of Sport
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COLLEGE NEWS
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE & LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY
CRICKET PARTNERSHIP
Following the announcement of our new, exciting partnership, on 19th May 2019, we welcomed
Leicestershire County Cricket Club to Ratcliffe for the first of 22 fixtures to be hosted at the
College during the 2019 season.
This inaugural fixture saw Leicestershire Under 14s take on Cambridgeshire Under 14s,
and Leicestershire were victorious. This match led the way for a successful season for
Leicestershire, with Ratcliffe College as their home base.
The campus was alive with visitors during the summer break, and it was a privilege to share
our beautiful grounds and facilities with families, players and coaches from Leicestershire,
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire,
London Schools, Northamptonshire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Wales, Warwickshire,
Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and the England Women’s Academy.
One of the many highlights for the College was being asked by Phillip DeFreitas, former
England and Leicestershire cricketer and now Leicestershire coach, if Sky Sports could
film on campus as part of an Ashes tribute to Ian Botham. Within a short space of time,
the Sky Sports film crew and producer arrived to view our grounds for a suitable location,
and our Lockhart Garden was the ideal venue. Dominic Cork, former England, County and
International cricketer, was the interviewing presenter (pictured, above, right), and there
was a real buzz in the air as filming commenced. Headmaster Jon Reddin welcomed Sky
Sports in what we hope will be the first of many opportunities for the College.
In addition to the 1st XI pitch and the Fitness Suite and Studio, the College has further
developed its facilities for cricket with a new pavilion for the Chapel Pitch (pictured, right).
The Leicestershire Under 13s played the first fixture against Cheshire there on 25th June, and
Leicestershire won the match on a wicket, which made for a competitive game. The new pavilion has
been designed to both blend in with, and complement, its natural surroundings.
Jack Nightingale (18) (right) has supported this partnership by helping to host a number of fixtures,
being an Ambassador for Ratcliffe, and also taking visitors on tours of the College. Jack plays for
Leicestershire County Cricket Club and has recently successfully trialled for the MCCU at Loughborough
University. We wish him well.
The second year of our partnership with Leicestershire Youth Teams has begun, and they train at the
College each week. Ed Woodcock (Head of Cricket) and our PE Department staff are also involved in Coach
Education sessions at the Fischer County Ground, led by Paul Nixon (Head Coach) and Leicestershire’s
Coaching Team. This partnership continues to be an exciting opportunity for Ratcliffe, as, along with
Leicestershire County Cricket Club, we continue to support the development of children’s involvement
in cricket.
If you would like any further information regarding our partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club, please do not hesitate to
contact Tracey Nightingale, Cricket Partnership Manager, at tnightingale@ratcliffecollege.com.
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MOTHERS’ PRAYERS
Mothers’ Prayers is held every Wednesday morning at 8.30am in
the Nursery classroom. This worldwide organisation was formed
for mothers who wished to pray together for their children and
grandchildren, helping them to find the support that they needed
in a non-judgemental and confidential group.
At Ratcliffe, attendance has grown considerably, with 15 to 20
mothers from the Nursery, Prep School and Senior School now
meeting regularly to pray, chat, sing, and have coffee together.
Mothers from all faiths are welcome, including those who do not
have one.
Led by Teresa Gamble, a current parent and governor, all those
present take turns to read prayers from the booklets provided,
singing a hymn together and reading passages from Scripture.
If, as an Old Ratcliffian, you would like to send your child to Ratcliffe
College for the Sixth Form, but have previously considered that the cost
may prove prohibitive, then the College’s Bursary Scheme, supporting
Gifted and Talented students, may be of interest to you.
The College welcomes applications from Old Ratcliffians and those
in sympathy with the Catholic ethos of the School. All bursaries are
subject to meeting the School’s entry requirements and (parental)
means-tested assessments, which may be reviewed annually.
The College would like to recognise the support of the Ratcliffian
Association and Cunningham Fund, and the Peter Daley Foundation,
which regularly contribute to student bursaries at Ratcliffe. In
exceptional cases, the Sir Thomas White Charity may provide a 100%
bursary (day fee) for one strong academic student joining Ratcliffe from
the state sector and living in Leicestershire.
We also offer Academic, Sports and Creative (Music, Drama or Art and
Design) Scholarships, worth up to 50% of the school fee.
SIXTH FORM BURSARIES & SCHOLARSHIPS
50% - 80% GRANTS AVAILABLE
For further details, please contact the Registrar on 01509 817072, email
registrar@ratcliffecollege.com, or visit the Admissions section of the
School’s website.
www.ratcliffecollege.com
After prayer time, all of the mothers are welcome to stay for coffee,
or leave if work or social commitments are pressing.
Pauline O’Sullivan said: “Going along to Mothers’ Prayers was one
of the best decisions I made as the mum of a new Year 7 student.
I met a lovely group of mums, and their advice and support has
been incredibly helpful during our first year at Ratcliffe. On the
social side, I really look forward to, and enjoy, our weekly catch-ups
over tea and biscuits.”
These meetings provide valuable time for some to strengthen their
spirituality through the power of prayer. Members of the group
also meet up regularly outside the meetings for lunch, coffee and
social gatherings – all are welcome to come along.
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COLLEGE NEWS
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COLLEGE NEWS
THE RATCLIFFE SPITFIRE
This year, we have continued to focus on the detailing of the cockpit frames.
This has included adding more rivets, but, most importantly, making the
metal brackets that affix each of the frames together with the longerons
and intercostals (technical jargon for the ‘skeleton’ on the fuselage).
Following the kind purchase by the Parents’ Association of a large 3-in-1
sheet metal brake, we have been exploring its use, and we have begun to
make some of the brackets that, prior to its purchase, were taking quite a
long time for us to manufacture. The group of students currently involved
in the project are truly outstanding; each one of them brings enthusiasm
as well as some technical skills, but most importantly, a true desire to learn,
and the ambition to see the project through.
The biggest news for this year has been my decision to change the build
from a wooden mock-up into an all-metal ‘proper’ Spitfire. This does mean
that some parts will need to be remade, but all of the learning that we have
done to date will inform this progress, rather than being lost or wasted. The
resultant construction, together with a number of original parts included
in it from OR fighter pilot Paul Baillon’s (32) Spitfire, will mean that we at
Ratcliffe College will have the world’s only Spitfire built by school students,
and it will be, to all intents and purposes, a real one.
This year, we also hosted a very special event, when our guest of honour,
‘Rusty’ Waughman DFC, AFC, Legion d’Honneur, came to the College
to give a talk about his experiences as a Lancaster pilot during the
Second World War. Rusty completed a full tour of 30 missions with the
101 Squadron, who had the sad honour of being that with the highest
casualty rate in Bomber Command, due to their role as a special operations
squadron.
The evening was a wonderful occasion. Held up in the new Fitness Suite
studio, the bi-fold doors opened up an entire wall to the glorious warm
sunshine, allowing an uninterrupted view over our immaculate cricket pitch
and the rolling Leicestershire landscape beyond. Rusty is an amazing man,
and more people should hear his story. He represents so much, and so many
other young men. Over 55,000 of his comrades (many aged around 18 and
19) can never tell their stories. They never had the opportunity to live a
full life. Rusty is of a generation whose attitudes, sacrifice and bravery we
should all learn from, and never forget.
Dominic Berry
Head of Art & Design
THE BLESSING OF THE LOCKHART GARDEN
On Sunday 19th May 2019, staff, students, parents, governors and stakeholders gathered for the official blessing of the Lockhart Garden.
It was a wonderful celebration, with music, food and, of course, some welcome sunshine. Formerly known as the Square (pictured, below,
right), the space had undergone an incredible transformation.
Work began on the Lockhart Garden in the summer of 2018. The plan for this unique space was based upon designs by Ashley Lynch, a
current parent and landscape architect. He drew inspiration for the design from Pugin’s mullion windows, which surround the garden. It
was designed as a place dedicated to the emotional health and wellbeing of the College community. It now provides a place of peace and
tranquillity at the heart of the College, where students, staff and visitors can take time out from their busy lives to reflect quietly or say
a prayer by the beautiful fountain (below).
This stunning area is named after Fr William Lockhart, whose mother was one of the original and most generous benefactors of Ratcliffe
College. The Lockhart name has always been closely associated with the College, and for some years, one of the school Houses was
named after him. In 1971, it was decided to return to only four Houses, and the Lockhart name disappeared. We are delighted that it will
now have a prominent place in the College’s history once again.
We are also thrilled to report that the Lockhart Garden recently won the BALI National Landscape Award 2019 in the Community and
Schools Development category. Headmaster Jon Reddin said: “It is an honour for all concerned to have won this award, and Ratcliffe
College is very proud of the beautiful, tranquil space that has been created at the very heart of the College community. I am also indebted
to the generosity of the Parents’ Association for their kind donation to this project over a period of two years, without which, this project
would not have been possible.”
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COLLEGE NEWS
NEWS FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
BACKGROUND
The Ratcliffe College Foundation is a registered charity
(No. 1144450) run by the Development Office. We work alongside
the College and the Ratcliffian Association to maintain strong
links with Old Ratcliffians, parents and friends of the School.
Our mission is to provide fundraising to assist the growth and
development of Ratcliffe College, keeping it at the forefront of
independent Catholic education in the UK.
Ratcliffe is committed to continually investing in its facilities and
resources, in order to enrich and enhance its exceptional teaching
and deliver an outstanding 21st-century education. Furthermore,
central to the ethos of the School is the belief that deserving
pupils should have access to a Ratcliffe education, regardless of
their social background or their families’ financial circumstances.
To preserve this proud tradition, Ratcliffe will continue to provide
means-tested bursary places, both now and well into the future.
Fee income provides for the day-to-day running of the School.
Beyond this, the College continues to benefit from the generosity
of a committed network of alumni, current and former parents and
friends of Ratcliffe.
A DONATION WITH A DIFFERENCE
RATCLIFFE 2020 APPEAL
The Ratcliffe 2020 Appeal began in 2016, and throughout the
first phase of the appeal, we concentrated on raising support
for Sport and Fitness at Ratcliffe.
The Sports Appeal made a significant contribution towards the
building of the now completed Fitness Suite and Studio. Donors
and those who generously assisted with the appeal video were
invited to the opening event of this superb new fitness complex
on Thursday 27th June 2019, which was opened by Olympic
triathlete and current Ratcliffe parent Tim Don, and blessed by
Fr Philip Sainter (69).
We continue to receive support for the Sports Appeal through
ongoing, regular donations, such as monthly standing orders,
and through our annual Golf Days (see page 43 for more
details). Sport and Fitness will be an ongoing area for support,
as we endeavour to build upon our sporting facilities and
nurture our home-grown, talented sporting students.
Old Ratcliffian Tim Livesey (81) visited Ratcliffe recently, with a view to finding a suitable way to remember his late uncle, Joe Massarella
(54), who played a big role in Tim’s life. Joe also played a significant role at Ratcliffe, being part of the 1st XV Rugby Team whilst at the
School. In the late ‘70s and ‘80s, he also refereed many 1st XV matches at the College, always retaining his neutrality (if sometimes with
a wry smile!). Later, he served as President of the Ratcliffian Association, from 1982 to 1983.
After some consideration, Tim chose to have an original Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson chair made and inscribed with Joe’s name and
the dates he was at Ratcliffe. Most importantly, he wanted to donate the chair as a lasting legacy to the rugby captain each year. The new
chair was received by the College in the Autumn term, and it was then announced to the whole school in the Headmaster’s Assembly, in
the presence of the current rugby captain, Alex Bown (Year 13).
The chair will have its place in the Refectory amongst the original ‘Mouseman’ chairs and tables. These were purchased back in 1936,
thanks to an appeal to Old Ratcliffians by Fr Emery (04), who was Father President at the time. Donors were given the opportunity
to have their initials and dates inscribed into the chair backs, and the appeal raised £600 – the equivalent of nearly £39,000
in today’s money.
Tim was delighted with the end product, and he hopes that he can start a trend for other Old Ratcliffians with sporting captaincy history
to do the same for their chosen sports. He said: “I am very grateful to the School for allowing me to donate this chair in memory
of Joe. He was very, very fond of Ratcliffe, and I know that he would be honoured to be
associated with the captain of rugby in the way that he is now. Thank you.”
If you would like more information on this, or any other ways to donate, please
contact Andrew Yell, at ayell@ratcliffecollege.com.
CELEBRATE YOUR PAST AND BE PART
OF OUR FUTURE
APPEAL DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Our latest donor appeal, ‘Make Your Mark’, invites you as an Old Ratcliffian
to make your memories of Ratcliffe last by having your name appear
within the new Fitness Suite complex. The appeal has now been
extended to the end of January 2020, to enable readers of the
Old Ratcliffian magazine to have the chance to be involved.
SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH
BURSARIES
We are now a good way into the second phase of our fundraising
appeal, which aims to provide increased focus and support for our
Bursary Fund.
Ratcliffe has always had a great sense of community, believing
that, where possible, we should help and support those who are
less fortunate than ourselves. This area of funding is at the heart
of our ethos, and we will continue our bursary fundraising as an
ongoing appeal, past 2020 and well into the future, with the aim
of increasing the number of students that we can support in years
to come.
MAKE YOUR MARK APPEAL
For Old Ratcliffians like you who studied here, during that time,
friendships were formed, matches were played, skills were
developed and grades were achieved. But most of all, there were
lifelong memories made.
LEAVING YOUR MARK
Luke Gyesi-Appiah (17), former captain of the 1st XV Rugby Team
As we celebrate the opening of our brand-new Fitness Suite and
the significantly refurbished Ratcliffian Association Bar, we have a
unique opportunity for you to have your name added to our donor
wall, situated inside the new complex, as a permanent reminder of
your time here at Ratcliffe. For a donation of £25, your name will
be included on our large donor wall, alongside other donors who
support Ratcliffe. For a donation of £500, your family name will
be inscribed on a larger individual tile, which will be placed on the
donor wall within the complex.
HELPING FUTURE GENERATIONS
Supporting Ratcliffe College now not only gives you the
opportunity to leave your mark at the School, but it also allows
you to give back to future generations and enable more bright,
enthusiastic young minds to learn and grow at Ratcliffe, with the
help of our Bursary Fund.
MAKING A DONATION
To donate, please visit www.ratcliffecollegefoundation.
com/ratcliffe2020/donorwall, send an email to us at
foundation@ratcliffecollege.com, or telephone Louise Liston,
Foundation Manager, on 01509 817091.
The deadline for this appeal has now been extended, so please
make your donation by the end of January 2020, in order to get
your name inscribed in time.
For more information on this, or any other aspects of
our fundraising, please visit the Foundation website at
www.ratcliffecollegefoundation.com.
Andrew Yell (82)
Development Director
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COLLEGE NEWS
THERE IS
NO GREATER
GIFT
THAN THE
GIFT OF
FITNESS SUITE OPENING
Olympic triathlete and Ratcliffe parent Tim Don was the special guest at the grand opening of our new state-of-the-art Fitness Suite,
as part of the College’s ongoing investment in sports facilities. Headmaster Jon Reddin, donors, governors, parents and staff were all
present for the blessing of the suite by Fr Philip Sainter (69) (pictured, below, right) and the cutting of the ribbon to declare open the
outstanding £1.1 million facility.
This new facility houses an air-conditioned suite on the ground floor, complete with a range of cardiovascular equipment, alongside
resistance training stations. The suite is complemented by a large fitness studio on the first floor, with access directly through it to the
newly refurbished Ratcliffian Association Bar.
Headmaster Jon Reddin (pictured with Tim Don, below) said: “We are incredibly proud of our new facility, which has been built with the
kind support of our alumni and other generous benefactors, supporting our ongoing vision for sport at Ratcliffe College. The Fitness
Suite will enable students of all abilities to realise their greatest potential, whether that be on the sports field or by achieving their own
individual training goals. The equipment is industry-standard performance kit, and it will ensure that our students enjoy the very best
opportunities to improve their fitness levels. It underlines our commitment and continued investment in sport.”
Ratcliffe College has recently seen a number of students excel in their chosen sports, many of whom have competed at a national level.
The College also offers sports scholarships and bursaries to candidates with outstanding achievement and potential in the major games
played at Ratcliffe.
EDUCATION
Legacy
Giving
Ratcliffe College has been shaping the lives of its students since 1847.
With the help of generous benefactors, we continue to improve our buildings and
teaching environment, as well as giving students extra support when they need it,
through much-needed bursaries. By remembering Ratcliffe College in your will, you
can help to give the gift of education to many more deserving students in the future.
Legacies of all sizes play a signifi cant role in the future of our College; with your
help, we can continue to empower our pupils to learn and grow, as you once did, at
Ratcliffe College.
If you would like to leave a gift in your will, please contact Mr Andrew
Yell, Foundation Director, at ayell@ratcliffecollege.com or visit our
website, www.ratcliffecollegefoundation.com, for more information.
22 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Ratcliffe College Foundation is a registered charity, No. 1144450
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION
COUNCIL
COUNCIL MEMBERS 2019-2020
YEAR GROUP REPRESENTATIVES
COUNCIL
10 YEARS OR LESS: 10 YEARS OR LESS:
DAN AMIES (10)
SOPHIE RILEY (15)
PRESIDENT:
BEN JACKSON (88)
VICE PRESIDENT:
JON REDDIN (HEADMASTER)
VICE PRESIDENT:
EMMA WRIGHT (94)
10 - 20 YEARS: 20 - 30 YEARS: 30 - 40 YEARS:
ELISABETH
BENEDICT HEATH (87)
STEVE CLARK (79)
CARLEY-LEONARD (10)
ASSOCIATION MANAGER:
SARAH GRETTON
ASSOCIATION SECRETARY
& MEMBERSHIP OFFICER:
KATHERINE LANG
HONORARY TREASURER:
SIMON BURNS (83)
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION
CHAPLAIN:
FR PHILIP SAINTER (69)
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION &
CUNNINGHAM FUND CLERK:
CHRIS BELLAMY
40 - 50 YEARS: 40 - 50 YEARS: 50 - 60 YEARS: 50 - 60 YEARS:
MARK GAMBLE (71)
PETER ASTILL (71) RICHARD GAMBLE (64)
DICK CUNNINGHAM (59)
PAST PRESIDENTS’
DINNER COORDINATOR:
MICHAEL HEATH (56)
SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER:
JAMES NEVILLE
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER:
ANDREW YELL (82)
60 - 70 YEARS: PAST PRESIDENT: PAST PRESIDENT:
MICHAEL COKER (52)
SEBAKO SIAME (91)
SAM BIRD (98)
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RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER 2018
PROFIT & LOSS 2018 2017
£ £
Revenue
Subscriptions
School 39,615 31,755
Direct 5,037 5,232
44,652 36,987
Other Income
Advertising & Donations 2,450 2,715
School Contribution 2,000 2,000
Events Profit/(Loss) (389) (95)
Merchandise Profit 241 170
Donations 0 185
4,302 4,975
Total Revenue 48,954 41,962
Expenses
Secretarial & Temp Labour (23,112) (21,942)
Old Ratcliffian - Printing (7,549) (6,113)
Old Ratcliffian - Post & Packing (2,973) (2,600)
Website & Computer (1,984) (2,339)
Leavers’ Presentation Gifts (1,683) (1,239)
Postage, Stationery & Phone (1,135) (1,620)
Professional Fees (700) (640)
Maintenance & Bar (575) (45)
Bank & Miscellaneous Charges (443) (408)
Subscriptions (425) (115)
Gifts & Trophies (389) (413)
Donations (336) (750)
Travel & Subsistence (279) (459)
Event Clothing (209) 0
Advertising (76) (35)
Printing & Copying 0 (229)
Depreciation 0 (350)
Chain of Office 0 (762)
Total Expenses (41,868) (40,059)
Profit for Year 7,086 1,903
BALANCE SHEET 2018 2017
£ £
Non-Current Assets
Computer Equipment (Undepreciated) 543 543
Current Assets
Bank Balance 32,767 31,334
Merchandise Stock 3,536 2,158
Debtors & Prepayments 2,383 1,594
Bar Stock 100 225
Cash 2,068 328
40,854 35,639
Total Assets 41,397 36,182
Current Liabilities
Accruals
Creditors & Prepaid Income
(912)
(793)
(2,211)
(1,365)
(1,705) (3,576)
Net Assets/Worth 39,692 32,606
Accumulated Fund of the Ratcliffian Association
Balance Brought Forward 32,606 30,703
Profit For Year 7,086 1,903
Increased Balance Carried Forward 39,692 32,606
NEWS FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE
ALEX SLACK LEAVES THE ASSOCIATION
Sarah Gretton was appointed Ratcliffian Association Manager on 14th May 2019,
having been chosen from a very strong field of candidates. She has 20 years’
experience in marketing, including event management, and following a whirlwind
induction, she took over the reins from Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03), with the
annual Reunion being her first event.
Sarah said: “During these early days, I have been supported immensely, not only
by my colleagues in the Association Office, but also by Ratcliffe staff, students
and ORs. The most striking thing for me has been the sense of community and
positive environment that the College offers to its staff, as well as its students,
and this extends to the OR community, too. Despite having no previous ties to
Ratcliffe, I feel that I have been welcomed into the family wholeheartedly, and I am
very much looking forward to what the future will bring as I begin my journey with
the Association.”
Katherine Lang continues in her role as Association Secretary. As a team, Sarah and
Katherine (pictured, left) now provide the office with four days of cover each week.
Alex Slack left her role as Executive Manager of the Ratcliffian Association after three years of service, to focus on running her own
business. As a very proud and loyal OR, Alex injected an enormous amount of passion into her work, making a significant impact on the
Association. She has been integral, not only to the many successful OR events held during that time, but also to the development of
the new Ratcliffian Association website, the beautifully refurbished Ratcliffian Association Bar, and the planning behind the INSPIRE
careers convention, to name but of few of her successes. Alex was also the driving force behind building engagement with the College,
introducing the Year 13 Ratcliffian Association Ambassador scheme, which allows the Association to forge closer links with the College
and with those students who will soon become its youngest members.
MEET THE NEW PRESIDENT
SARAH GRETTON JOINS THE ASSOCIATION
At the 2019 AGM, former Ratcliffian Association President Emma Wright (94) handed over her chain
of office to newly instated President Ben Jackson (88). Ben is not only an OR, but also a current
Ratcliffe parent, with sons in Years 9 and 13. He has been a dedicated member of the Association
Council since 2018, working alongside Emma in the role of vice president. He now takes on the
presidency for 2019-21, having agreed to a two-year term, in order to support the new Association
Manager, Sarah Gretton, by ensuring that any new initiatives are up and running before handing
over his role.
NEW RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION AMBASSADORS
This year, the Ratcliffian Association has been lucky enough to appoint six of the
College’s Year 13 students as its Association Ambassadors for 2019-20. These
Ambassadors are very important to the Association for a number of reasons,
not least because, on leaving the College, they and their contemporaries will
become the youngest members of the Ratcliffian Association. As such,
they can offer valuable advice and insight into what young, soon-to-be
alumni want from the Association.
Ben Cook, Charlotte Newberry, George Linnett, James Harris, Joanna
Chan (not pictured) and Tess Duffin all gladly accepted the role,
which, in turn, will provide them with important life skills and valuable
opportunities to get involved with the planning and running of
Association events. They will also meet Association members with the
networking potential to support them after they leave the College, whilst
providing an important link between the Association and Sixth Form
regarding joint initiatives, such as careers and mentoring.
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COUNCIL
THE RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR:
FIT FOR THE FUTURE
The development of Ratcliffe’s state-of-the-art Fitness Suite started in
July 2018, after the students left the College for their summer holidays.
Alongside it, work began on the refurbishment of the Ratcliffian
Association Bar, to update the facility and make it fit for the future. Due
to its location, it was necessary to strip out the existing bar area and
totally rebuild it, adding a new electrical and heating system, insulated
roof and solar double-glazed windows. These alterations would provide
a bar, a fitness studio, and a
panoramic balcony overlooking
the cricket pitch, bringing the
College totally up to date with
superb new facilities.
When plans for the rebuild of the
bar first began, former Ratcliffian
Association Manager Alex Slack
(née Gamble) (03) put out a
call on social media, asking ORs
who wanted to get involved with
the redesign of this space to
get in touch. She said: “We had
such a wealth of Old Ratcliffian
talent which I wanted to draw upon, and I knew someone would step forward to help with this
project.” Louise Jackson (91), of Louise Jackson Interiors, accepted the challenge to breathe
new life into the tired bar and bring it into the 21st century, creating a space that was both welcoming and functional. Louise said: “I was
delighted that, as an OR, I could be a part of what would be a whole redesign. It was an exciting project for me to be involved in. After
viewing the room (or, should I say, building site, as it was at that point!), I worked on creating a scheme that was adaptable for all types
of social occasion.”
Louise wanted to create a space that was contemporary and sophisticated - a great place to meet up with old friends and reflect back
on memories, as well as to watch the cricket from the comfort of a cool bar! She added: “I wanted to bring the bar up to date and give
it a strong, luxurious, yet industrial, feel, so I chose colours that would reflect this. With this new, edgy look, I needed to ground it
with subtle, but important, detailing. The wooden cladding gives a pared-back feel to soften the luxury of the plush button-backed
banquette seating, which sits at the centre of the whole design. I also used dark brown leather
seats with visible stitching, the design of which is a direct reflection of the stitching on a cricket
ball - this is, after all, a sports bar! I also designed the armchairs to have a heavy weave on the
inside of the seats and then a soft velvet on the backs with a marble design. These were then
studded for an extra drop of detailing - a seat to suit everyone! To carry on the industrial feel, I
brought in crankshaft iron-based tables and black iron wall lights.”
space in the past were consulted on the new proposals, going forward.
The Council members then viewed the finished space (without
its furniture) at their March meeting, and they were extremely
pleased with the transformation that had taken place, knowing
that it would be of great benefit to both the College and the
Association. The members voted that they were happy with
the interior scheme
of the bar and that
the new space was
a vast improvement
on the old one.”
Louise added: “It was
my absolute pleasure
to be involved in
this project, and it
was thrilling for me,
as a designer, to see the
Association Bar in full swing
in June at the annual Reunion
event. I have worked on a number
of commercial projects, including bars, in the past, as well as spending many
years in the residential interior design world. However, this
project was very close to my heart, and as an Old Ratcliffian,
I created this space with my friends and family very much in
the forefront of my mind.”
We would like to thank Louise for her time and commitment
to the project, as well as her vision in creating such a wonderful social
space for the Association and its members. The newly refurbished bar will
be used as a shared space for both Ratcliffian Association and College
events. If any ORs are in the area and would like to pop in for a tour of
the College, including the new Fitness Suite, please do get in touch with
us at alumni@ratcliffecollege.com – we would love to show you round!
COUNCIL
Once mood boards and specification drawings had been created, Alex took the designs to the
Ratcliffian Association Council, to gain approval in this area. She said: “Much discussion and
lengthy debates had been had about this space. Alterations and changes were put forward by
Council members, and opinions were taken on board, to ensure that those who had invested in this
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CAREERS & MENTORING
With the appointment of a new Head of Careers, Kate Grace, at the beginning of the academic
year, the College is keen to strengthen its careers programme by increasing opportunities for
students to undertake work experience, as well as giving them access to information about a
wide range of career paths and the necessary skills that today’s employers value in the workplace.
Ratcliffe College is fortunate to have a wealth of professions represented amongst its alumni,
and the Ratcliffian Association is working closely with Kate to revive its database of ORs who are
willing to support current students in a variety of forms, including:
»»
Offering a work experience opportunity that could be advertised to students.
»»
Providing a contact that could be approached regarding work experience opportunities.
»»
Delivering an industry or careers-based talk within our INSPIRE programme.
»»
Taking part in student mock interviews.
»»
Meeting with a focused group of Sixth Form students to offer guidance on their chosen
career pathways.
»»
Mentoring a young OR in their chosen career path.
Similarly, the Association would like to develop its bank of mentors, to easily identify those ORs that can be called upon to offer advice or
support to young ORs requiring careers guidance. We are, therefore, keen to hear from any ORs who would like to get involved – simply
email us at alumni@ratcliffecollege.com. Alternatively, you can update your profile on the Ratcliffian Association website by ticking the
‘Careers Mentor’ and/or ‘Gives Talks to Students’ boxes. We already have a number of volunteers, and with your support, we hope that
this initiative will form a key part of a valuable careers programme for students and young ORs alike.
YEAR 11 MOCK INTERVIEWS
Old Ratcliffians, parents and staff members gathered in the Theatre on 3rd April 2019
to deliver mock interviews, in a session run for Year 11 students as part of their PSHCE
programme. Among the interviewers were ORs Gemma Thomas (née Rumbold) (01) and
Victoria Meynell (née Illingworth) (00), along with Association Secretary Katherine Lang.
Each volunteer interviewed three or four students, sticking to a scripted set of questions
and giving the students feedback afterwards on how they performed. Katherine said:
“All three of the students I interviewed were such different characters, and it was great
to help them in this process, with the knowledge that they may soon be in a real interview
situation. It’s a great skill to have to be confident at interviews, so I’m glad I was able to
volunteer for this session.”
Careers Advisor Tiffany Spencer added: “This programme provides our young people with
real interview experience, receiving valuable, honest feedback from their interviewers
to complete their learning. The students really benefit from having the opportunity to
experience at first hand an interview with a representative from the world of work; it was
great to have so many volunteers from our parent and Old Ratcliffian body.”
Following the success of the April event, a subsequent session of mock interviews was
held for the new Year 11 students on 5th November 2019. On this occasion, ORs Gemma
Thomas and Lara Addison (18) offered their time to support the initiative, along with
Ratcliffian Association Manager Sarah Gretton. The feedback from this event was, once
again, extremely positive.
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION
EVENTS
THE LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
FRIDAY 19TH – FRIDAY 26TH JULY 2019
A record number of Old Ratcliffians attended this year’s pilgrimage to Lourdes’ Hosanna
House as part of HCPT Group 512, led by Ratcliffe parent and governor Teresa Gamble.
Two outgoing Year 13 students, Mollie Page (19) and Jenna Pole (19), also joined the
group for this spiritual and worthwhile trip, where the volunteers provided help and
support to those less able than themselves.
The ORs who attended this year were Alex Beason (15), Harry Brooks (18), Danni
Fairbrother (02), Richard Gamble (64), Tim Gamble (62), Katie Gerighty (11), Fr Anthony
Meredith (57), Tom Mulligan (11), Ines Munoz Torre (18), Emily Newberry (18), Fr Philip
Sainter (69), Peter Tetlow (78), Charlotte Warburton (18) and Matthew Ward (18). The
group was also joined by Bishop John Arnold (71), who visited Hosanna House for lunch
and to take part in the annual group photograph (below). The following are some of the
ORs’ accounts of the pilgrimage:
Katie Gerighty: “Lourdes is always a special week that I look forward to in the year. I love
to see all of the returning faces, as well as welcoming and introducing new people to the
unique experience. This year was no different, and my highlights included going up to
the mountains in Gavarnie, spending quiet reflection time in the Domain, and the view
from Hosanna House. I would encourage anyone to come to Lourdes for the week – the
spirit and the people you meet are things that will never leave you.”
Alex Beason: “This was my second trip to Lourdes with the group, and this time, I cared for a girl called Laura, who has autism. As the
week went on, it was lovely to see her coming out of her shell and being more socially involved, as I felt she trusted me as a carer. Climbing
up to the waterfalls in Gavarnie, the Torchlight Procession, Mass in the Underground Basilica, and being washed in the Baths were all
unique experiences to Lourdes that have reinforced my faith. I am very grateful to have made this trip, and I look forward to returning. I
would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone – old or young, Catholic or not.”
Charlotte Warburton: “The number of ORs that keep coming back to Lourdes sums it up. It’s a busy, worthwhile and brilliant week, spent
with not just people, but family. Thank you so much for the opportunity to come and for organising another year. I had such an amazing
time (as usual), and I hope to be back soon.”
Peter Tetlow: “I particularly enjoyed being part of the Lourdes Marian (Torchlight) Procession and the International Mass in the Basilica of
St Pius X. We were all pleased to find that this Mass was led in English by the Rt Rev Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury. Both spectacles
were very special and gave a great feeling of the universality of the Church in the international sphere.”
Fr Anthony Meredith: “Each year, our Ratcliffian and Rosminian pilgrimage goes from strength to strength. We have a strong and
dedicated group, which is greatly thanks to the excellent all-year-round work and leadership of Teresa and Richard Gamble. We are also
blessed to have current Ratcliffe students with us who add to the wonderful experience of the pilgrimage. We have a full quota every
year. Well done all.”
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EVENTS
THE RETREAT: ‘IN THE FOOTSTEPS
OF BLESSED ANTONIO ROSMINI’
THURSDAY 26TH SEPTEMBER - TUESDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2019
This year’s Ratcliffian Association Retreat was held at Sacro Monte Calvario in Domodossola,
the founding and mother house of the Rosminian Institute of Charity. Our small group of guests
(pictured, right) consisted of Tony Holland (56), Paul Holmes (74) and Br Nigel Cave (72),
guided by Fr David Tobin (59).
Blessed by beautiful autumn sunshine, the grandeur of the Italian Alps and the depth of
culture of the pre-17th-century Sanctuary of Calvario gave a unique backdrop to the story and
inspirational holiness of Blessed Rosmini. The richness of the continuing Rosminian tradition
was enjoyed, being welcomed on the first evening to supper by Don Pierluigi Giroli and his
community of novices and students. On the Sunday, we attended a rare Catholic event in
Europe these days, witnessing the joyful and moving celebration of Solemn High Mass for the
first profession of vows by Michelle Collo, after two years of novitiate in Calvario.
The other Rosminian heritage site was in Stresa; we spent the morning there, at the
International Centre of Rosminian Studies in Villa Bolongaro, on the shore of Lake Maggiore,
where Rosmini spent his last years before he died in 1855. There, we met Fr Michael Hill (49),
who was researching the story of Fr Rinolfi, an early president of Ratcliffe College and unsung
missioner of 19th-century England, Wales and Ireland. In the afternoon, after a wonderful
lunch, we conquered the hill behind Stresa, climbing up to the Collegio Rosmini, where we
enjoyed the million-dollar view over Lake Maggiore. This was the second major boarding school
built by Rosmini, with the first being Collegio Mellerio-Rosmini in the town of Domodossola. In
the College Church at Stresa, we visited and prayed at the Tomb of Blessed Rosmini.
Other than our pilgrimage time, we spent two-and-a-half days in focussed retreat time, which
included Mass, morning and evening prayer, being guided into a contemplative relationship
with God. Our little band went home feeling content and enriched by their time spent in
Rosmini’s heartland.
Paul Holmes added: “The house at Calvario offered every facility for our retreat. There was time
set aside for sacred texts, and Fr David made himself available to us for spiritual advice. But,
arguably, the house itself was the best spiritual advice. Waking up in the morning, one threw
open the shutters to be greeted by views over the Toce valley, towards the thickly forested
mountainsides, whose aspects changed haphazardly according to the sun’s position. Before
one’s window spread out the extensive and pleasant gardens, replete with pergola walks and
Romanesque castle ruins. We all had a very informative, and indeed salutary, long weekend.”
Fr David Tobin (59)
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.
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 Ratcliffian 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 raffle took place, with the proceeds being put towards the production costs of the Old Ratcliffian 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 Ratcliffian Song’ was performed, led by
Paul Carter, with many of the guests joining in for a verse or two.
Past President Mike Meredith (89) reflected 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 Ratcliffian Association. It was a terrific night - great venue, superb food and excellent conversation
from start to finish. Well done!”
THE SIXTH FORM SOCIAL
WEDNESDAY 9TH JANUARY 2019
The Ratcliffian Association hosted another successful Sixth Form Social, welcoming
back a number of Old Ratcliffians 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
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
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 fish and chip van provided us with a delicious
supper, which proved hugely popular all round. Soon afterwards, Mike Sleath took
to the floor 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.
Isobel Coombs (19)
Ratcliffian Ambassador 2018-19
The 2020 London Dinner will be held on
Friday 7th February. Buy your tickets now
at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk
Register for the 2020 Sixth Form Social
at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk
EVENTS
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EVENTS
THE REUNION LUNCHEON
SUNDAY 30TH JUNE 2019
With almost 120 Old Ratcliffians being eager to return to the School with their families and friends, tickets
for this year’s Reunion event sold out completely! After Mass in the College Chapel and the Ratcliffian
Association Council’s AGM, OR leavers from 1954 to 2009 attended a barbecue and buffet luncheon,
held in a marquee on the Front Lawn at Ratcliffe.
As always, a raffle was held at this event to support the production of The Old Ratcliffian magazine.
ORs donated many of the prizes, and they are thanked enormously for their generosity. They
include John Plumb (53), Eric Ciambra (79), Louise Jackson (91), Hollie Stone (07) and George
Mount (99). The Association would also like to thank Leicester City Football Club, Leicestershire
County Cricket Club, Rothley Park Golf Club and Lanza Hair Design in Sileby for their generous
prize donations.
EVENTS
Hosting the event was newly ‘chained’ Association President Ben Jackson (88), having taken over the
presidency from Emma Wright (94) at the AGM earlier that day. Ben welcomed the guests and thanked
the Association team for their hard work in putting the event together. He then handed over to Fr Philip
Sainter (69), who said grace, before everyone was invited up to the barbecue and buffet to choose their
meals. During the luncheon, guests were treated to performances by some of the College’s talented
musicians, with pupils from Years 9 to 11 ably demonstrating their skills.
The annual Grand Match, which saw the OR cricket team take on the College’s 1st XI, was played on
the cricket pitch, with guests invited to spectate in between courses and, afterwards, from the newly
refurbished Ratcliffian Association Bar and balcony of the state-of-the-art Fitness Suite.
With the Reunion marking the Class of 1979’s 40th anniversary, a large contingent attended,
organised by Steve Clark (79). They not only wished to mark this significant anniversary of leaving the School, but also
to remember their classmate Mark Bunce (79), who was killed in a motorbike accident whilst studying for his
A Levels at the College 40 years ago. Gathering together on the night before the
Reunion for a curry in Leamington Spa, the group were in good spirits. Wearing their
Mark Bunce pin badges (designed by Tim Wilson (79), who also features on page 44 of
this magazine) and donning brown curly wigs in remembrance of Mark’s mop of curly
brown hair, the group gathered around the piano, played by Brian Deady (79), for a
singalong to ‘Rocket Man’ and other favourites. Steve Clark said: “Thank you to the
Association for organising such a wonderful event, which I know all of the 1979 gang
really enjoyed. It really was 40 years since some of us had seen each other, and it was a
memorable occasion indeed.”
Following the luncheon, the younger guests moved outside to the bouncy castle and garden games,
whilst the older guests continued to enjoy the cricket. At 3pm, organised tours of the College
began, with around 70 guests wandering the corridors that they once walked, sharing stories and
reminiscing about old times. The Refectory, Chapel, Headmaster’s Corridor and Lockhart Garden
were all visited, before the tour ended with a complimentary drink in the recently refurbished
Ratcliffian Association Bar. Guests were delighted and visibly stunned by this new space, which had
been created with the expertise and guidance of Louise Jackson (91). She was thrilled to see it in
full use, with so many ORs enjoying the new comfy chairs, stylish interior and spectacular views of
the cricket pitch.
Following a break for afternoon tea, the cricket played on until 6.30pm, when the School’s 1st XI
claimed the win against Ed Gamble’s (95) OR team. Two new school records were also made, namely
‘Highest Opening Stand’ and ‘Highest Individual Score’ (see the full match report on page 38 for
more details). Headmaster Jon Reddin presented the Grand Match trophy to the School’s 2019
Head Boy and team captain, Toby Snell (19), for a tremendous win over the OR team. Toby was also
awarded the Martin Foulds ‘Man of the Match’
trophy by Martin himself (right), who was
captain of the OR cricket team for 39 years,
until his retirement in 2018. The Headmaster
then made a closing speech, congratulating the
Ratcliffe team and thanking the ORs for their
sportsmanship. Final drinks were enjoyed in
the marquee, with further songs being sung
and stories being told by members of the
Class of 1979, before time was called at the bar
and taxis were arranged to deliver the happy
guests home.
Tickets for the 2020 Reunion will go on sale
shortly at www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk
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EVENTS
THE BIRMINGHAM DINNER
FRIDAY 17TH MAY 2019
This year, 18 Old Ratcliffians and their guests attended the biennial Birmingham Dinner. The event was
held at the lively, brasserie-style Bank Restaurant in Brindley Place, where guests enjoyed a welcome
drink in the bar on arrival, followed by a wonderful three-course meal. Lots of laughter, stories and
memories were shared throughout the evening, interspersed with speeches by host Ed Gamble (95), Headmaster
Jon Reddin, and former Ratcliffian Association President Emma Wright (94).
One of the guests, Stephen Moorhouse (68), said: “Once again, the Association excelled
itself with the choice of venue, and it was fantastic to see so many ‘veterans’ in good
spirits. The Headmaster gave another very rousing speech, too. Thanks to the brilliant
organisers who, as usual, pulled out all the stops to make sure we all had good evening.”
2020 will see the return of the Yorkshire Dinner, which alternates with the
Birmingham Dinner each year. We hope to see lots of you there for another enjoyable
evening of good food, good wine and good company! To register, please visit
www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk.
THE PAST PRESIDENTS’ DINNER
FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2019
This year, 23 guests, including Past Presidents of the Ratcliffian Association
and College staff, attended the 21st annual Past Presidents’ Dinner, held at
Ratcliffe College.
The evening began with Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, celebrated
by Fr Philip Sainter (69), followed by a drinks reception in the Old Library.
Master of Ceremonies and Past President Michael Heath (56) welcomed the
guests, before grace was said by Fr Philip. Everyone was then treated to a
fine four-course meal, prepared and served by the College’s catering team.
Following dinner, Michael introduced current President of the Association
Ben Jackson (88), who gave a heartfelt speech about his Ratcliffe journey
and subsequent nomination for presidency, explaining what he wished to
achieve during his period in office. Ben then toasted the Headmaster, Jon
Reddin, and the College, thanking Jon for his support of the Association. Jon
replied to Ben’s speech with a toast to the Association, thanking the current
and Past Presidents for their support, as well as offering a brief update on
College affairs. The formalities were concluded with a hearty rendition of ‘Ad
Multos Annos’.
An extremely enjoyable evening was had by all. The Ratcliffian Association
would like to thank Headmaster Jon Reddin, Deputy Headmasters Clement
Donegan and Kevin Ryce, Father President Philip Sainter, and all of the Past
Presidents in attendance for returning to Ratcliffe, and for their kind words
in appreciation of the event.
Michael Heath (56)
EVENTS
FIVE YEAR REUNION COCKTAIL PARTY
SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2019
The Class of 2014’s Five Year Reunion was held at Ratcliffe College, hosted by Tom Park (14) and Roisin Sheehy (14). Over 50 past
students and their guests were welcomed into the newly refurbished Ratcliffian Association Bar to enjoy cocktails and canapés. They
were greeted at the bar by OR and former bar manager Jon Glover (95), who had created a cocktail especially for the occasion. Named
‘Prefection’, it was inspired by his days at Ratcliffe, with gin, elderflower cordial, lemon juice and pressed apple juice blended together
to create perfection in a glass!
Once the ORs had finished sipping their welcome cocktails, they were whisked off on a whistle-stop tour of the School, exploring the
new areas and facilities that current students at Ratcliffe are lucky enough to enjoy, including the new state-of-the-art Fitness Suite.
Reunited back in the Association Bar, the former classmates gathered together to share memories and catch up on life since leaving
Ratcliffe. While not many of the students had changed in five years, it was a great opportunity for friends to reconnect and celebrate
their achievements since leaving the College – there really was a lot to catch up on!
When time was called at the bar, minibuses arrived to collect those wishing to continue the party in Loughborough, and the night was
thoroughly enjoyed by all. We look forward to reuniting again for our 10-year anniversary in 2024!
Roisin Sheehy (14)
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RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION
SPORTS EVENTS
THE GRAND MATCH
SUNDAY 30TH JUNE 2019
SPORTS EVENTS
The Old Ratcliffians arrived in glorious sunshine for the annual
Grand Match, held as part of the Ratcliffian Association’s Reunion
event, needing a win to wrestle back the trophy from the School
team’s grasp. An excellent batting performance from the ORs,
led by 106* from Ben Shaw (14) and 82* from Sam Nightingale
(16), meant that they were able to declare on what would have
been a formidable total of 268 for 6, if normal circumstances were
to prevail. However, the College’s 1st XI had other ideas, and a
remarkable batting display saw them produce what are believed
to be two school records, namely ‘Highest Opening Stand’ and
‘Highest Individual Score’. Ratcliffe’s captain, Toby Snell, and
youngster Tom Page combined to score 269 for no wickets, with
Toby scoring 176* and Tom 74*. It seems highly unlikely that
such scores will be bettered, or a game of a similar nature will
be played out again in the near future. Well done to the College
team, and thank you to all the Old Ratcliffians who came back
to play.
This year’s Old Ratcliffian team: Ed Gamble (95), Ben Shaw (14),
Darrell Abeysundera (96), Matt Hilton (90), Sam Nightingale
(16), Olly Wright (07), Krishna Naidu (99), Jonty Wright (87),
Joey Higham (16), Alec Mann (79) and Ben Ashford.
Ed Woodcock
Head of Cricket
THE TAYLOR MIXED HOCKEY CUP
SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2019
This year’s match took place on a pleasantly warm and sunny Sunday, with two very youthful and talented teams excited to face the
annual clash between the College and the Old Ratcliffians. A good number of spectators also turned out to cheer on the two teams,
adding to the atmosphere and camaraderie of the day.
Following a defeat in 2018, the stakes were particularly high for the OR team, and this was reflected in the energy and determination
of the players. This was, undoubtedly, one of the most end-to-end games in recent years. The School put out a superb side who had
a strong formation and impressive skills. However, this was matched by the strength of the OR side, meaning that both teams tried in
earnest to score against their opponents in an extremely close first quarter.
The game saw plenty of goal shots and saves, with the School creating numerous chances on the counter-attack which were broken
down by the OR defence. Only during the second quarter were the ORs able to chalk up their first goal, scored by Fin Back (19).
The next two quarters were hard fought, with the ORs conceding three goals to the School before coming back with a vengeance, thanks
to some fast counter-attacks, clever play and short-corner routines. Another goal from Fin Back, as well as three from Finlay Butler (15)
and one from James Waddington (11), put the ORs ahead at full time, leaving the final match score at 6 – 3 to the Old Ratcliffians.
Thank you to all the players and spectators for supporting the event and making the occasion so enjoyable. I would like to encourage any
hockey players out there to join us for future events.
This year’s OR squad was: Charlotte Dickinson (12), Emily Harrison (11), Fin Back (19), Finlay Butler (15), Harry Antill (17), Imogen
Power (17), James Waddington (11), Jenna Pole (19), Joe Kainth (17), Joe Spillane (11), Katherine Threadgold (13), Krishna Naidu (99),
Olivia Back (18), Philip Lawton (08) and Sarah Kerridge (12).
Finlay Butler (15)
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39
SPORTS EVENTS
THE HALLEY FOOTBALL CUP
Playing on the green astroturf pitch, the School team had an ace up their sleeve, as their players included a handful of Thai football
scholars, ready to take on the Old Ratcliffians. Despite the poor weather, a pleasing 7-a-side game was enjoyed, with the ORs winning
the match 2 – 1.
In total, 42 ORs and their families returned to Ratcliffe to take part in these events, support the teams and catch up with one another.
After the matches, they all gathered in the Sixth Form Centre café for refreshments and the prize-giving ceremony, hosted by Headmaster
Jon Reddin and Association Manager Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03). There was a real buzz within the room and great rivalry between
the teams and players. Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day for both players and supporters, topped off by some well-deserved
refreshments.
SPORTS EVENTS
THE OLD RATCLIFFIAN SPORTS DAY
SUNDAY 10TH MARCH 2019
THE THISTLETHWAITE HOCKEY CUP
The Old Ratcliffian team and Ratcliffe’s current 1st XI battled against the relentless hail and wind to play a fantastic game of hockey. The
School’s team started off strongly, but the ORs did not give in, making it a brilliantly fought match. Despite the ORs’ best efforts, the
game ended in a 5 – 3 win for the School team.
THE SUE ROBERTS NETBALL CUP
The Old Ratcliffians fielded a strong and cohesive team against the School’s 1st VII in a thrilling netball match. Despite a very strong start
from the School team, the ORs fought back, clinching two excellent goals in the last two minutes. History was made as, despite some
close tussles in previous years, this was the first time that the School had lost to the ORs. Celebrations after the game were extremely
well deserved!
Sue Roberts, who sponsors this match, wrote: “Having left Ratcliffe in 2012 after 20 years of teaching, I realised that, most of all, I would
miss the time that I had spent training and umpiring the girls’ sports teams, particularly in netball. It was so rewarding to see the players
progress through the ranks as they grew up, and meeting up with old friends at the annual OR netball match was always a pleasure. That
prompted me to provide the trophy that is now fought for every March, and it gives me the perfect excuse to keep coming back to visit
the School.”
GRACE DIEU & RATCLIFFE DADS’ FOOTBALL MATCH
SATURDAY 22ND JUNE 2019
Back in June, the Ratcliffe Dads took on the Grace Dieu Dads in a friendly 7-a-side football match, held at Rawlins Academy in Quorn.
Organiser of the event, Old Ratcliffian Adrian Farnham (95), said: “It was a spirited match, won by Grace Dieu 4 – 3, despite a late
comeback by Ratcliffe. Hopefully, we can get more parents involved next time, and maybe do some home and away fixtures.”
The Ratcliffe Dads meet up on Wednesday nights and play for an hour on the pitch inside the School’s running track. Those in the
Ratcliffe team were Adrian Farnham, Rob Hull (97), Sam Bird (98), Mark Tuckwell, Chris Shields, Kenny Webster, Amardeep Sidhu and
Clement Donegan.
Adrian added: “The match was a bit of light-hearted fun that we’ve been trying to organise for a while. We’re hoping that this is the start
of an annual event, and we even have an inaugural trophy, called ‘The Papa Cup’!”
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SPORTS EVENTS
THE RATCLIFFIAN GOLF SHIELD:
OLD RATCLIFFIANS VS STAFF & STUDENTS
THURSDAY 16TH MAY 2019
This year, 12 players took part in this very pleasant golfing competition, enjoying 12 holes in good weather. The Ratcliffe staff and
students took the shield back from the ORs this year, thanks to the talents of a Year 7 student and a Year 8 student, who paired with the
Ratcliffe staff to claim victory. Thank you to everyone who attended this event.
THE CENTENARY SALVER
FRIDAY 26TH APRIL 2019
In a departure from precedent, Luffenham Heath Golf Club hosted this year’s
Centenary Salver (Public Schools’ Alumni Team Event) as an 18-hole Stableford
competition. This format is more accessible than the usual 36 holes for less fit and
older golfers, and so it proved to be a popular, well-attended day.
The Centenary Salver is an annual competition played between the past pupils of East
Midlands public schools. This year, the Old Ratcliffians entered the fray with the Old
Oundelians, Oakhamians, Loughburians and Stamfordians. As returning winners, the
ORs weren’t intimidated by the lofty company, and there was a spring in the step and a
fair bit of early fighting talk from some of the golfers.
Each school entered three pairs into the better ball Stableford competition. Ratcliffe’s
paired teams consisted of Ed Gamble (95) and Bernard Murphy (67), Chris Merriman
(83) and Andrew Yell (82), and Abe Mee (92) and Lindsay Buckenham (00).
The best two scores from three counted. The ORs managed 77 points, with
Chris and Andrew scoring 39 points, and Abe and Lindsay scoring 38. The
Old Ratcliffians finished second in the competition, closely pipped by the Old
Oakhamians with 81 points.
Thanks to everyone for making the effort to play in a very enjoyable
day. Next year’s event will be on Friday 24th April 2020. Preference
will be given to golfers who have reliably supported the event in the
past, but anyone else interested should contact me via the Association
(alumni@ratcliffecollege.com).
Next year’s Grafton Morrish qualifiers will be held on Sunday 17th May at
Gog Magog. The qualifier is played in scratch pairs foursomes format. The
finals, for those who qualify, are in Norfolk (at Hunstanton and Royal West
Norfolk Golf Clubs) from 9th to 11th October 2020 and are match play.
The Old Ratcliffians will enter a team into the qualifiers if they can get
six single-figure handicap golfers who wish to represent the ORs. Such
golfers should contact me in the first instance if interested in taking part.
Abe Mee (92)
Golf Secretary
THE RATCLIFFE GOLF DAY
THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2019
This year’s Ratcliffe Golf Day was held at Rothley Park Golf Club for the
third year running. The event attracted 16 teams, comprised of 64 golfers,
and raised £3,000 towards the Ratcliffe 2020 Sports Appeal.
As usual, Rothley Park’s greens were in splendid condition, and the
weather was warm and sunny as the golfers set off on a shotgun start at
1.30pm in teams of four. We would like to extend our thanks to all parents,
staff and Old Ratcliffians who took part in the day, and to those who kindly
sponsored the event.
Old Ratcliffians who were present included Dom North (85), Abe Mee (92),
James Belderbos (89), Adrian Farnham (95), Mir Patel (14), Tom Mulligan
(11), Andrew Yell (82), Sean Kelly (81), Gus Kelly (10) and Cameron
Gilchrist (13).
Andrew Yell (82)
Development Director
THE REYNARD GOLF TROPHY
SATURDAY 8TH JUNE 2019
The Reynard Trophy was played at Rothley Park Golf Club in June this year. We were met on arrival by a smiling team, armed with huge
silver platters of luxuriously filled sandwiches and buckets of French fries, which were enjoyed and washed down with a fine selection
of beers and lagers. With such refreshments on board, and conversation mainly concentrated on trips that morning to local sporting
clothiers to buy umbrellas, waterproofs, gloves, hats and hand warmers, this hardy crew of golfers set out into the rain to compete for
the trophy.
Keith Edgar (01) returned, having made his Reynard debut in the two-man shootout of 2018 with Dom Russell (78), playing with
brothers Paul (06) and Chris Morris (08), who were making their debut. They clearly had an enjoyable afternoon. The final group was
made up of James Fagence-Browne (07), James Perry (08) and David Morris (07). Andrew Yell (82) and Andy Bullock (83) were unable
to commit to the whole afternoon, and so took part in a nine-hole competition, which was won by Yell. The final grouping consisted of
Donal Heffernan (75) and myself. Throughout the competition, we enjoyed the unique Great Central Railway experience, with regular
‘toot toots’ and geysers of steam gushing out of the steam engines during the rainy afternoon.
The ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition was held on the fourth hole. Donal Heffernan cracked a beauty of a shot to five feet from the hole, and
even though good shots ensued, this stroke could not be bettered. Paul Morris then hit a marauding drive up the 16th fairway to take
home the prize for ‘Longest Drive’.
Though he was just eclipsed by Morris, some folks are born naturals at driving, and so it proved for seasoned Reynarder James Perry; he
navigated his way around Rothley Park, confidently taking on the ridge and furrow, flying over bunkers and bridges, and eagerly diving
down steep embankments. His playing partner, James Fagence-Browne, was maybe a little intimidated and, at times, shaken by this
driving performance, but there were no accidents, and James got the buggy round unscathed.
Some fine golf was played, and with a score of 34 Stableford points playing off 90% of his 21 handicap, Keith Edgar claimed his virgin
Reynard Trophy victory. I am most grateful to Danny Spillane of Rothley Park and his team for working hard to make sure we had a
really good day, in spite of the weather. Thanks also to those who supported the day. After about eight holes, the rain stopped, and we
managed to finish the round in good weather. The golf and the company were just how they should be – committed and great fun. See
you all next year.
Abe Mee (92)
Golf Secretary
SPORTS EVENTS
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OLD RATCLIFFIAN NEWS
TIM WILSON (79) WINS PUBLIC VOTE ON THE CIRCLE
Old Ratcliffian Tim Wilson (79) captured
the hearts of the nation this year, when
he won the public vote on Channel
4’s The Circle in the autumn of 2019.
The reality TV show is based around a
specially designed social media platform,
and it sees contestants enter a block of
flats in London, either as themselves or
‘catfishing’ under a fictitious name and
character. Having been handed the keys
to their own individual apartments, these
become their homes for the duration of
the show. In an interview with The Daily
Express after he won the public vote and
the prize fund of £30,000, Tim said: “I
didn’t expect it at all. Most people don’t
get me, and I’m just amazed. I feel so warm
and supported. I hope that, now, I can live
up to their expectations.”
During the show, none of the participants
meet in person, and they communicate
only via ‘The Circle’, which is a voiceactivated
app. In fact, they only get to see
their fellow contestants once they have
been knocked out of the game by being
‘blocked’. The aim is to be the most popular
player, by accruing the most ‘likes’ by the
end of the series. Tim, who was previously
a social media novice, described this as one
of the hardest parts of being on the show:
“Having no idea who you’re talking to, and
being chosen as an ‘influencer’ and having
to decide who to block – well, it’s easy for
paranoia and anxiety to set in.”
Despite the popularity contest being
fought within The Circle, throughout
his time on the show, Tim was an early
favourite to win in the public domain.
Having been described as “a legend” and
“one of the nation’s new favourite people”
by his huge fan base, he certainly seemed
to have a good proportion of the nation’s
votes! Those who watched the show will be
familiar with Tim’s many hilarious moments;
these include, most notably, his fine Morris
dancing (if you haven’t seen it, Google it –
it’s a must!), and his respectable attempt
to play the alpine horn, for which he gives
credit to Fr Monaghan (53), who taught
him to play the clarinet during his time at
Ratcliffe College.
These highlights, and many more like
them, testified to Tim’s bubbly, eccentric
personality – a fact confirmed by his
many friends amongst the Class of 1979,
who followed his progress closely and, no
doubt, made up some of the final public
votes! Before entering The Circle, Tim
designed a badge to commemorate his
late fellow classmate Mark Bunce (79),
which was worn by the Class of 1979 at this
year’s annual Reunion Luncheon in June
(see pages 34-35 for more details). Tim
remarked that he pinned his badge to his
dressing gown on the first day of the show
and, subsequently, “took Mark through
The Circle” with him, stating that Mark’s
“friendly face” was of great comfort to him
during his time in isolation.
Although spending four weeks by himself
was strange, Tim admitted that it made
him feel extremely secure. He quite
enjoyed the time alone, recounting the
Rosminian principle that he learnt whilst at
Ratcliffe: “Just be still. Wait. Listen. Don’t
act too quickly.” Within The Circle, Tim also
had to face many tough decisions alone,
maintaining his own principles whilst
also being mindful of ‘the game’. He said
that his time at Ratcliffe certainly helped
him with this, having been taught to be
independent, to set his own path, and not
to follow the crowd.
So, what’s next for Tim? When asked what
he took from The Circle, he explained
how, first and foremost, the show had
opened his eyes, not only to the huge
opportunities that social media presents
to young people, but also to the massive
pitfalls and dangers of this faceless form
of communication. He said: “It’s worrying
how easily you can be manipulated. I just
want to tell people to be careful!” As well
as speaking about this serious message
behind the fun, Theology professor and
former monk Tim said that he would like to
pursue a career in television following his
appearance on the show, and he added
that he would love to keep in touch with all
of the other contestants: “We had a unique
experience, and very little is going to drive
a wedge between us. We’re like a family.”
Vic Meynell (née Illingworth) (00): “Life is
generally busy, with my full-time work for
the British Heart Foundation and family
commitments. Our three children attend
the local Catholic schools and occasionally
pop up to Ratcliffe for sporting events,
which is nice. Last year, I took up running,
starting the ‘Couch to 5K’ programme with
my local beginners’ running group, and
this year, I ran the Virgin London Marathon
in 4 hours and 44 minutes! I raised £900
for the British Heart Foundation. One of
my sons has a heart condition, as do my
two nephews, and having been a cardiac
nurse for over 15 years, I have both a
personal and professional interest.”
Roisin Sheehy (14): “Having graduated
from the University of Leicester in 2017, I
followed my interests in policy and public
affairs, and I now work for a policy, research
and development organisation with
bases in Leicester, London and Cardiff,
focussing on social inclusion, employment
and adult education.”
Clem Maginniss (74): “I am still living in
Norfolk and serving in the Army Reserve,
and I keep in touch with David Simmons
(74) in Coventry. In 2018, Helion published
my first book, An Unappreciated Field of
Endeavour, on the subject of Great War
logistics, and my second book will be on
the shelves in late 2020. In May 2019,
I attended the Last Post Ceremony at
the Menin Gate during the Dunkirk 79th
Anniversary commemorations with the
Royal Norfolk Le Paradis Commemoration
Group, and I had the privilege of reading
the Exhortation. I am pictured (below, left,
with wreath) with Dennis O’Callaghan, the
son of Private William O’Callaghan of 2nd
Norfolks, one of only two survivors of the
Le Paradis Massacre of May 27th 1940.”
David Gallagher (94): “My wife, Jayne Stala
Gallagher, and I celebrated the christening
of our twins, Sebastian and Florence
Stala Gallagher, with our eldest son,
Otto, on Sunday 15th September in the
Ratcliffe College Chapel. Fr Sainter (69)
presided over the service with several Old
Ratcliffians, including my parents, Deirdre
and David Gallagher (65). My sister, Tara,
her husband, Andy, and their son, Olly,
joined us from their home in Scotland.
My brother, Christian Gallagher (92), his
wife, Lucy Gallagher (née MacDonald-
Pearce) (92), and their children also
attended, along with my parents-in-law,
Wes and Chris Stala. It was a great family
celebration, and we were all delighted to
be back at Ratcliffe.”
Colin White (82): “Stephen Murphy (82)
and I commemorated the scuttling of the
German High Seas Fleet in 1919 by diving
down to some of the remaining battleships
and cruisers, including the Cöln, Markgraf,
König and Kronprinz Wilhelm. It was
amazing to see these vast ships on the
seabed at between 20 and 40 metres. It
was remarkable to think that some were
veterans of the Battle of Jutland and had
been lying on the seabed for 100 years,
having only spent 18 months afloat.”
Mike Ogilvie (72): “Last year, I travelled
on holiday to Australia and met up in
Sydney with my old friend from the Class
of 1972, Jonathan Chapman (72), who,
unfortunately, now considers himself an
Australian! I am very concerned about
the messages I will get if England don’t
sharpen up their act in the Ashes!”
Paul Mensley (97): “I received an early
Christmas present last year, when my
daughter, Connie, won the Mistletoe Mini
Stakes at London’s Olympia on her pony,
Madonna, on Christmas Eve. Words cannot
begin to explain how proud I am of her for
winning the 128cm final at Olympia – it
was truly amazing to watch. This particular
class of showjumping is for riders aged 12
and under, riding ponies that are 128cm
and under. Connie was the youngest in
the group of 12 riders that entered. This is
an incredible achievement – her hard work
and dedication have definitely paid off.”
Sam Spillane (née Murphy) (91): “The
Class of 1991 have had a fantastic time
reacquainting themselves this year.
Friendships have always remained strong
over the decades, but with the added
benefit of social media, over 50 ORs from
the year have now reconnected from all
over the world via a WhatsApp group. Who
knew, when we left Ratcliffe 28 years ago,
OR NEWS
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OR NEWS
that we would all be able to share stories,
photos and anecdotes when we were
literally spread across the globe?! This
September, 20 of us gathered in London
for a long-overdue catch-up (above),
and the excellent turnout reflected the
strength of the bond and the spirit born
at Ratcliffe all those years ago. Those
that attended were: Sam Spillane (née
Murphy), Louise Marsden (née Bullen),
Sebako Siame, Natasha Bilinski, Louise
Jackson, Jo Linnett (née O’Connor),
Natasha Faulknall (née Worth), Melanie
Abeysundera, Genevieve Clegg (née
Furey), Dan Bunnag, Terence Chan, Teddy
Markham, Paul Ferguson, Alex Astwood,
Paul Whitmore, Samuel Jesné, Christos
Michaloudis, Simon Attewell, Ken Wong
and Sam Salia-Bao. Thanks go to Dan
Bunnag and Louise Marsden for making
it happen (ably assisted by SJ Events!).
Given that 2021 marks our 30-year
anniversary, our mission is to gather again
to celebrate our milestone – although it is
fair to say that, with the rekindling that has
taken place, there will be other gatherings
prior to that!”
Dominic Russell (79): “In October, Matt
Lomas (79), who is an Aldeburgh Golf Club
member, was invited to enter a team for a
public schools’ golf competition at the
club. The Dick Watson Trophy was played
for over two days and included the likes of
Eton, Oundle, Uppingham, Framlingham,
Gresham’s, Wellington and Ampleforth,
with a total of 15 schools represented. The
Ratcliffian team consisted of Jim West (77),
Matt, myself, and Jac Hicks (guest). There
was a 36-hole competition on Saturday,
played as foursomes (Stableford scoring),
with match play on Sunday to decide the
final placings. Saturday’s scores led to
a third-place playoff between Ratcliffe
and Ampleforth, and I am pleased to
report that the OR’s pairings prevailed in
both matches, securing a creditable third
place in our first year in the competition.
Framlingham were the overall winners,
beating Eton with the final putt of the
day.”
Victoria Jordan (07): “It’s been a very
hectic few months for me. I got engaged
on July 24th this year, and I’ve ended up
moving away from Birmingham, where I’ve
been living since I left Ratcliffe in 2007. I’m
now living with my fiancé in our new house
in Cosby, Leicestershire, and we’re hoping
to get married next year.”
Nick Jelley (01): “It’s been a good year,
both personally and professionally. We’ve
celebrated the arrival of Harper, our first
baby girl, and my gym in East Goscote has
been extended, with the addition of new
high-intensity class facilities.”
Paul Sander (72): “In August 2012, I moved
to Mexico, but this year, I moved back to
the UK to take up a lecturing position
at Teesside University. Shortly before
leaving, Alexandra Mondragón Bravo and
I were married (see page 57 for more
details). I met her in August 2014, quite
by chance, as she was visiting a neighbour
of mine in the small condominium of eight
houses where I lived. An instant friendship
around British, classic, female writers
was formed – a friendship that came to
marriage via Chile and Germany, but that
is another story. There were many reasons
for us deciding to return to the UK, but
perhaps the most acute was opportunity.
To contrast the cultures of Mexico and the
UK would be an interesting, but lengthy,
exercise, suffice it to say that, here in the
UK, we will have a freedom from fear. Don’t
be misled, though – there is a Mexico that
is wonderful, fascinating, and culturally
and historically very rich. We are excited
to be starting this new phase in our lives,
and our first impressions of Teesside are
very good.”
Caitlin Sheehy (12) graduated from the
University of Manchester in July 2019,
after completing her degree in Medicine
with European Studies. After six years
of study, including spending her final
semester working in a hospital in Lyon and
gaining a Master’s degree in Public Health,
she is now working at Southmead Hospital
in Bristol. In the summer of 2019, having
helped to organise a health outreach
project in Northern Uganda in 2016 and
as a former member of the student Global
Health Society committee, Caitlin led a
team of doctors and medical students
from the University of Manchester to
study, educate and treat children living
with schistosomiasis (a parasitic disease)
in Madagascar.
Fr Charles Sormany (48) recently
celebrated his 90th birthday. He was a
teacher of Chemistry at Ratcliffe in the
1950s, after studying there from 1945 to
1948. Members of the Parish of St Mary’s
Church in Loughborough created and
presented him with a special card at his
birthday Mass, and a party was held for
him at the Gentili House in Rugby.
Jack Harvey (08): “Recently, Peter Batty
(08), James Perry (08) and I took on
the Mongol Rally and completed it in
53 days. The rally has been described
as ‘the greatest motoring adventure
on the planet’, travelling ‘a third of the
way around the world in a vehicle only
fit for the scrapheap!’. We started our
epic journey in Prague and finished it in
Ulan-Ude in Russia, taking the southern
route and travelling through Iran, ‘The
Stans’, Mongolia, and ending in Siberia.
We travelled over 12,000 miles in a 1997
1-litre Volkswagen Polo. We camped
when it was remote, but stayed in hotels
and hostels when we could. When we left
Ratcliffe after the Sixth Form, we went
on a road trip around Germany in an old
Volvo, and we always had our hopes set on
something bigger. We’d been discussing
the Mongol Rally for years as something we
all wanted to take part in, so we decided
that we should get on with it while we
still had the chance! With the help of local
sponsors, we’ve raised over £3,800 so far
for charity.”
Geoff Orrill (58): “I am still happy working
part-time, which keeps me and my brain
quite active! I also still enjoy singing and
performing at our highly rated amateur
theatre in Hinckley (they won’t let me
retire), where, last year, our group were
voted ‘Best Amateur Show’ in the whole
of the Midlands and the North for our
production of Made in Dagenham. This
followed on from our success in 2017,
winning a trophy for Sister Act, in which I
played the Pope – a cracking cameo role!”
Ratcliffian Association Secretary Katherine
Lang completed the London Landmarks
Half Marathon in March, in memory of her
dad, Paul Murphy (67), raising £1,400 for
Prostate Cancer UK.
François Grosjean (64): “My autobiography
has just come out, and there is a whole
chapter on my time at Ratcliffe. Here is
how Oxford University Press, my publisher,
describes it: ‘This book explores the life
and experiences of one of the world’s most
renowned and well-respected experts
in bilingualism. François Grosjean takes
us through his life, from his monolingual
childhood in a small village outside Paris
to the long periods of time he spent in
Switzerland, England, France, and the
United States, becoming bilingual and
bicultural in the process. During his life,
his dominant language has changed many
times between English and French, and
he has also acquired, and subsequently
lost, other languages, including American
Sign Language. Throughout the book,
he combines his personal accounts
and anecdotes with insights from, and
reflections on, his extensive scholarly
research in bilingualism and biculturalism,
which has, in turn, been heavily influenced
by his own experiences. Written in an
engaging and accessible style, the book
will appeal to general readers interested
in bilingualism and language contact,
educators and parents of bilingual children,
researchers working on bilingualism, and
to bilinguals themselves.’”
Each year, friends from the Class of
1998 get together for a sailing weekend.
Adrian Fidler is pictured at the helm with
Ben Court, husband of Alison Court (née
Mason). Sam Bird, Dom Brucciani, Andrew
Espinasse, Hemal Patel, Rob Hull and Carl
Pastars, husband of Maria Pastars (née De
Rienzo) were all part of the on-board crew.
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Peter Robinson (97): “It’s been an
exciting four years since completing my
PhD, ‘Prosuming Visuality, Authenticity
and Urban Exploration within Tourist
Experiences’, with the birth of my second
son, Elijah (now 3), a move to a new
job as Head of the Centre for Tourism
and Hospitality Management at Leeds
Beckett University, and becoming Chair
of the Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust.
During this time, I have written a further
four books and also become a director of
the Institute of Travel and Tourism. I have
bought a small business for my partner,
Faye, and we are now engaged. Our
existing businesses, The Britain Experts (a
UK DMC) and consultancy firm Robinson
Moore & Associates, continue to go from
strength to strength, with an increasing
number of UK and international clients.
My photography hobby is also evolving
into a small business, whilst I hope that
our extensive collection of tools and
engineering machinery (bought mainly for
restoring various project cars) will help my
older son, Dominic, to develop his career as
an engineer. He is now 14 and is currently
restoring a 1952 Ferguson TEA-20.”
Richard Palmer (83), along with thousands
of other runners, was unable to complete
this year’s Leicester Marathon, after it
was cancelled due to severe flooding.
Richard had undergone weeks of training
for the event, running in memory of his
dear friend Andrew Ramen (83), who
passed away in January this year. Andrew
was diagnosed with a brain tumour in
2009. He underwent surgery, and his
treatment enabled him to live for another
10 years. Fittingly, Richard chose to run
his race for the Brain Tumour Research
charity. Unable to complete the Leicester
Marathon, he ran around Rutland Water
on October 5th instead, raising £2,100
in the process, and he has since secured
a place in the 2020 London Marathon on
behalf of Brain Tumour Research. Richard
said: “Andrew was a great friend. He was
a thoroughly talented, modest and lovely
person who will be remembered by all
who had the good fortune to know him.”
(You can read more about Andrew on
page 59 of this magazine.) Melanie Claire
Smith, Fundraising Administrator for Brain
Tumour Research, said: “It’s so fantastic to
have this support from Richard, but it is
also so sad to hear that he has lost a friend
to this awful disease. It’s so humbling that
he has decided to fight back in this way
and fundraise for a cure. We’re thrilled to
have his support.”
Ciaran Sheehy (11) continues to pursue his
knowledge and passion for golf, working
throughout the South East with a range of
golf clubs and resorts.
Laura Sides, daughter of late Old
Ratcliffian Jeremy Sides (67), planned on
running the London Marathon in memory
of her father and for the charity Dementia
Revolution. Laura carries the Alzheimer’s
gene which led to Jeremy’s early death at
the age of 60, in 2009. She said: “Last year,
I was diagnosed with a rare gene, meaning
that I will develop early-onset Alzheimer’s.
I am currently healthy and well; nothing
about me has changed, but everything is
different. I may start to develop symptoms
as early as my mid-forties, meaning that my
future no longer looks as I had imagined it
to be. So, this means that I need to live my
life a little differently. The first challenge
I’ve set myself is the London Marathon;
through training and running it, I want to
raise awareness that dementia isn’t solely
an elderly illness. I also want to raise a lot
of money to aid medical research, which
will hopefully, one day, lead to a cure.”
Sadly, due to injury just two weeks before,
Laura had to pull out of the marathon. She
was extremely disappointed, but she is so
grateful for the support given to Dementia
Revolution, with funds still coming in for
the charity.
It was a big year for the Class of 1998,
with many of them celebrating their 40th
birthdays. Past President Sam Bird (98)
was one of them, and he enjoyed a party at
his home in September, surrounded by the
Class of 1998, his family and friends.
George Wells (46): “This gathering
(pictured over the page) was held at The
Fox and Hounds in Exton with three sons
and two daughters, with one travelling all
the way from New Zealand to celebrate.
Later in the year, we enjoyed a wholefamily
get-together, including most of
our 10 grandchildren, at our daughter’s
home near Princethorpe. Sadly, our eldest
son died unexpectedly from a heart attack
two years earlier, aged 55. Now nearing
my 89th year, I still remember many happy
times as a lad at Ratcliffe.”
Robert Ippaso (73): “I’ve now been living in
Naples, Florida for 10 years, and it’s idyllic.
The poem, below, that I wrote may bring
some of you a smile and prompt you into
thinking how beautiful the world really is.”
A Summer’s Day in Florida
The lake shimmers in the early breeze,
Dancing rivulets of light kissed by
the rising sun,
Reflecting passing clouds, hopscotching
with such ease,
It heralds a new day just now begun.
Observing its environs with majestic grace,
An ibis meanders daintily along water’s edge,
Confident in its prowess to outpace,
Its curved bill nature’s dancing dredge.
A ripple breaks the perfect glass,
A little beak emerges from the deep,
Imbued with curiosity and sass,
The snapping turtle juts its head to peep.
All the while, majestic palms sway to and fro,
Their fronds fanning summer’s air,
From high they watch the morning’s show,
Shielding those below from radiant glare.
A perfect harmony of sights and sounds,
It bathes the soul, lightens the heart,
Nature’s beauty truly knows no bounds,
Of which we’re blessed to form a tiny part.
Anthony Holland (56): “I have no real
news, apart from enjoying, as always, the
Past Presidents’ Dinner at the College
each autumn. I was in Rome recently on
a pilgrimage organised by the Newman
Association, to learn more about Judeo-
Christian relationships in the 1st century
AD. It was quite an eye-opener – for me,
anyway. I am in contact with John Sharp
Alex Slack (née Gamble) (03): “It was with
a very heavy heart that I left the Ratcliffian
Association in May this year. Ratcliffe
has been, and will always be, a big part
of my life. Having been christened in the
Religious Studies room, confirmed and
married in the Chapel and, subsequently,
having baptised both my own children
there, it’s fair to say that I miss the place.
Not only was I educated at the College, but
also my grandfather, Gerard Gamble (31),
my four uncles, Tim (62), Richard (64),
Mark (71), and Charles (75), my father,
Andrew (68), my brothers, Ed (95) and
Patrick (96), and many of my cousins. We
all had an amazing time, and Ratcliffe has
shaped us into who we are today. As I sit
and write this, I wonder how bricks and
mortar from one place can have such a
huge impact on my life.
I recall the saddest day of my existence, of
which Ratcliffe was a part: the day I was
told that my brother had been killed in a
car accident. The first place I wanted to
be (aged 14 and not a proactive Catholic
at the time) was at Ratcliffe. In the
Chapel, I met Fr Meredith (57) and Teresa
Gamble, and we sat and prayed in silence.
The following weeks were a blur; however,
I clearly remember receiving Patrick’s
body into the Chapel the night before his
funeral, and knowing that he would be in
safe hands.
Another memory etched in my mind for a
lifetime was Patrick’s funeral, where 700
people lined the route to the graveyard
as his body was laid to rest in the school
grounds. Working at Ratcliffe years later
made me feel at peace, knowing that
he was so close by, not only because his
physical being was buried in the graveyard,
(57), who now lives in Colchester, and I
also attended a retreat organised by Fr
David Tobin (59) at Sacro Monte Calvario
in Domodossola, which I have wanted to
visit for years. On most Sundays, I go to St
Etheldreda’s in London, where I listen to
the sermons of Fr Tom Deidun (62), which,
in my view, are worthy of publication on
most weeks.”
but also because I felt his presence around
the School.
I have so many emotional, but very
happy, memories of Ratcliffe College, and
I would like this to continue with my own
children, and to be able to offer them
what I was lucky enough to have. In order
to pursue this dream and make it a reality,
I have had to make some drastic changes
in my work life to be able to financially
support it. The House of Lifestyle
Management was born last year; it was a
big risk, but one I was willing to pursue to
enable my children to have the fantastic
education that Ratcliffe has to offer.
Charlie is registered to come to the School
in 2022, so I’d better knuckle down if I’m
going to reach this target!
My new company, The House of LM, has
one mission: to enrich people’s lives, by
giving them more time and helping them
to take control of their work-life balance.
I would like to take this opportunity to
thank Ratcliffe for giving me the chance to
work at the School. I will dearly miss all the
friendly people that make up the Ratcliffe
College community.
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RATCLIFFE REVISITED
We have been very pleased to welcome
the following Old Ratcliffians back to the
School this year:
Adam Rudd (88) returned to Ratcliffe
on 12th March 2019, having not been
back for 30 years. Association Secretary
Katherine Lang gave him a tour, and he
shared some memories of his time spent as
a boarder, the CCF, and several members
of staff. Adam’s father, Paul Rudd (60),
had previously sponsored a chair in the
Refectory, which Adam and Katherine took
the time to find. Adam said: “It was great
to see a little of the School, and I hope to
come back again with my children. I know
that they would love to see all the places
that they’ve heard about in my tales of
schooldays past.”
Two Old Ratcliffian brothers, Fr John (53)
and Tony Bland (54), returned to Ratcliffe
to view the newly completed Lockhart
Garden, combining their visit with a spot
of lunch with Fr Ted Mullen (60) and Fr
David Tobin (59). John and Tony took a
stroll around the garden, and they were
both extremely impressed with the layout
of the space, noting how much it had
changed since their time at Ratcliffe. John
said: “I was delighted to hear that the
Lockhart name had been restored, and
I was very impressed by the garden. The
space has been transformed – I remember
when we used to pour water on the hard
ground in the winter and slide on the ice!”
The brothers also met the newly appointed
bursar, Chris Bellamy. Having held the
position of bursar himself from 1961 to
1964, John was keen to meet Chris, and
they discussed how much the role must
have changed, with there only being
240 boys at Ratcliffe during John’s time.
John added: “It was fascinating to see the
College after so many years.”
Francisco Sardi (66), accompanied by his
wife, Victoria, and older brother, Jorge
Sardi (59), visited the College on 27th
June, after spending the morning at Grace
Dieu Manor, where both men were also
students. Development Director Andrew
Yell (82) gave them a tour of the College,
and Jorge was thrilled to see the relief map
of Leicestershire which he helped to make
when he was at Ratcliffe, which still hangs
in the Geography Department today. In
October, Francisco and Jorge’s brother,
Andres Sardi (65), also visited the College,
with his partner, son and daughter-in-law.
During his visit, he told countless stories of
his student days, many of which involved
some mischief on his part, much to
everyone’s amusement. He recounted how,
on year group photo day, he had taken his
place on the far right-hand side of the
group, and, whilst the photographer had
panned his camera along the assembled
students, Andres had run around the
back to the far left-hand side of the
group, therefore appearing in the photo
twice! Andres and his family thoroughly
enjoyed their visit. He and his partner
were particularly interested to hear about
the College’s development since Andres’
schooldays and the opportunities that
Ratcliffe offers to its students.
Eric Ho (92) visited Ratcliffe with his
family in August this year, during their trip
to the UK from Hong Kong. Andrew Yell,
Ratcliffe’s Development Director, took him
on a tour of the School. Eric said: “It felt
so wonderful to be back at Ratcliffe after
almost 30 years, bringing back so many
happy memories from my schooldays. I
was very grateful to Andrew for his warm
welcome and for showing us around. The
School has expanded a lot, with many new
blocks of buildings, a new indoor swimming
pool and a gym centre. It’s great to see
how well Ratcliffe has turned out. I would
love to see both of my daughters become
Ratcliffe students in the near future. I will
definitely come back to visit…again, again
and again!”
On 2nd March 2019, Andy Magee (90)
tied in a return visit to Ratcliffe with a trip
up to Leicestershire for his son’s rugby
fixture. Mike Sleath, a current teacher,
was available to show him around the
College. Andy said: “It was interesting
and nostalgic to visit Ratcliffe again. I
have only been back two or three times
in the past 25 years, and probably not for
over 10 years. Some things didn’t seem to
have changed at all – Pugin’s front facade
and the cricket pavilion were as I always
remember them. The Ref seemed totally
unchanged, too, but the food tasted a lot
nicer than I remember! There were also
lots of interesting additions – the Prep
School and a proper Sixth Form building
to replace the Union, to name a few! The
sports facilities looked excellent, and the
classrooms seemed as well-resourced as
ever. I hope to be back again soon.”
Earlier in the year, Development Director
Andrew Yell welcomed four Old Ratcliffian
visitors to Ratcliffe from the United States
within four weeks! Eugene McCarthy (61)
visited on 9th May, receiving a tour of the
Fitness Suite, which he had generously
contributed to. He also met up with his
fellow classmate, Fr Ted Mullen (60), and
found time to visit the Refectory to locate
his school chair, which is inscribed with
his name and his Ratcliffe dates. Eugene
also met up with fellow American OR Peter
Daley (56), who arrived in Leicestershire
a couple of days later for the Ratcliffian
Association and Cunningham Trust Fund
meeting. On 24th April, Ben Curran (76)
visited Ratcliffe from Washington DC.
Andrew said: “It was my absolute pleasure
to show Ben around. He works for FEMA (a
US government agency), and what he has
experienced through his working life could
fill a book!” Ben said: “It was sensational
to be back in England and to be taken
around the beautiful grounds of Ratcliffe.
It was my first time back at the College
since completing my A Levels in 1976 and
heading off to Georgetown University
in Washington DC – my hometown. With
my 10-year-old son, Matiwos, with me,
all sorts of funny stories came back to
mind, including meeting many ‘colourful’
local residents in East Goscote and Sileby,
and learning what an ‘off-licence’ was!
I also remembered the trips to Rome
with Fr Michael Waters (53), supporting
Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.
This volunteer work started me off in my
life-long career in the field of relief and
development. Hats off to all the staff at
Ratcliffe for the great work they continue
to do to help youngsters get off to a good
start in life, and a shout-out to all those
I went to school with. Come and visit
Washington DC…maybe after the next
election!” The fourth US visitor to Ratcliffe
was Morgan Falconer (92), who arrived
with his son on 25th April. Morgan used to
write for The Times in London; he now lives
in the USA and works as an art critic and
journalist, writing about contemporary art
for numerous publications. Andrew said:
“It’s so great when Old Ratcliffians just
pop by to see their old school. Morgan was
not in contact with us and had not been on
our mailing list, hence he missed the US
Old Ratcliffian Dinner. However, we have
his contact info now. Perhaps he could be
another OR for our mentor and careers
programme – we could definitely host him
via video link!”
On 29th September 2019, Dan Saunders
(98) returned to Ratcliffe with his wife,
Laura, and his old classmate, Jason Liang
(98), who was visiting the UK from his
home in China with five family members.
Whilst Dan lives locally to Ratcliffe and
had recently been back to the School, this
was Jason’s first return to the College
in 21 years, and he very much enjoyed
showing his family the place where he
boarded from 1993 to 1998. On their tour
of the School, the Lockhart Garden was a
big surprise to both ORs, as they recalled
playing basketball and hockey in it when it
was ‘The Square’. They were also both very
impressed by the new Fitness Suite and
Ratcliffian Association Bar, remarking on
what fantastic additions they were to the
College’s facilities. The group left in very
high spirits, having enjoyed their private
tour and time together immensely. Jason
said: “Although much has changed within
the buildings, what has not changed is the
warm, family welcome and the all-round
personal development of what a true
Ratcliffian should be. I am very proud to
be an Old Ratcliffian.” Dan added: “It was
fantastic to reminisce with Jason about
our childhood memories and the time we
spent together at Ratcliffe. It was even
more special to be able to share it with his
family as part of their trip to the UK over
20 years on!”
Brothers Robert (60) and Peter
Reichenbach (54) returned to Ratcliffe
on 30th October 2019 after many years.
Robert arranged their visit to the School
whilst he was in Leicestershire visiting
Peter from Winchester. Robert said:
“We thought it appropriate to take a trip
down memory lane and see how the old
place was faring. Very well indeed, as its
reputation is widely held. The academic
achievements are recognised and the new
buildings, with the impressive facilities,
are there for all to see.” Peter, who ran the
Ratcliffian Association Golf Society, along
with Bernard Murphy (67), inaugurally
presented the Reynard Golf Trophy in
1977. This well-known silver fox trophy is
presented to the champion golfer each
year, usually played for in the Summer term
before the OR Reunion.
Lee Wojtkiw (96) returned to the School
on 29th August after 23 years, dropping
in on the way to visit an old school friend
in Leicester. He was met by Louise Liston,
Foundation Manager, who took him on a
tour of the School, starting in the newly
designed Lockhart Garden, formerly
known as ‘The Quad’. His memories soon
came flooding back when he spotted
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the window of his old room from his time
as a boarder, which overlooks the new
garden. Whilst on his tour, he was greeted
by Association Manager Sarah Gretton
and Association President Ben Jackson
(88), who were making use of the newly
refurbished Association Bar to have a
planning meeting. Lee kindly shared his
thoughts with them on what would inspire
him and his fellow classmates to return to
Ratcliffe to reunite; he also suggested that
a northern reunion might be appropriate,
since he is in touch with many former
pupils who live within the North East. Now
living in Manchester and running his own
business, Lee has a wife and two children.
Simon Burns (83) visited Ratcliffe on
9th July, accompanied by Caroline and
David Edwards, who were dear friends of
deceased Old Ratcliffian Andrew Ramen
(83). Andrew passed away in January this
year, after being diagnosed 10 years ago
with an incurable brain tumour. Caroline
and David, who cared for him throughout
this time, were keen to visit Ratcliffe,
having heard so many stories about it
from Andrew. David said: “I was delighted
to be welcomed to the College and to see
the places that Andrew had mentioned
so fondly in our conversations; it was
of great comfort to myself and my wife,
Caroline.” As a lasting memory to Andrew,
two Refectory chairs have been donated,
with his name engraved on them. (You can
read more about Andrew on page 59 of
this magazine.)
Wil Phillips (94) returned to the School
on 27th September 2019, after 25 years.
He was passing the College, having been
on a training course relating to his work
in counter-terrorism, which was a global
role until he recently became based
permanently in Northern Ireland. Wil was
shown around by Association Manager
Sarah Gretton, and he remarked at how
little had changed since his schooldays. As
a boarder from 1990 to 1994, he had many
stories of the mischief that he and other
students had made, including pouring
concentrated soap into the filter of the
swimming pool, leaving it six feet high in
bubbles, and moving the Head of Music’s
Mini all the way from the car park to the
archway outside the Music Hall, much to
everyone’s amusement. Wil admitted that
they were a particularly naughty bunch!
OLD RATCLIFFIANS: GIVING BACK TO THE SCHOOL
OR NEWS
Philip Barry (62): “I visited Ratcliffe on
23rd September 2019, on my way home
to the Lake District after a few enjoyable
days with my son and his family, who live
in Rutland. This was about my sixth visit
since leaving in 1962, but by far the best
and most special one, and one that will
remain the most memorable to me for
the rest of my life. I would sum it up by
saying that Ratcliffe has changed (but
not hugely) with some new buildings, but
in all essentials and in spirit, it is exactly
the same and has not changed at all. I was
made most welcome, and found my visit
both nostalgic and inspirational. I could
feel the spirit of Fr Leetham (15) with me
throughout! The visit brought home to me
all that my time at Ratcliffe had meant to
me, and how pervading and important its
influence has been to me from that time
to the present day, generally without me
being aware of it! It has taken this visit to
bring it back to me in a most wonderful
way. I will be back!”
Former Head Girl Stephanie Castell
(06) visited the College in June, having
travelled all the way to England from her
home in Australia for Louise Bird’s (06)
wedding. Stephanie was joined on the visit
by her husband, Ibbe, her baby son, Harry,
and her parents, and from the moment she
arrived, it was clear to see just how much
love she had for the College. Walking the
corridors, she proudly pointed out the
rooms which she studied in, the room
that she had boarded in, found herself
and her classmates in the whole-school
photographs, and posed for a picture with
Harry in front of the Head Girl and Boy
plaque. Bumping into her former teachers,
Mr Dziemianko, Mr Walsh and Mrs Cushing,
whilst walking outside, Stephanie chatted
with real passion about the subjects that
she was taught, reminiscing about her
schooldays and updating them about the
life she has lived since leaving Ratcliffe.
On 30th October 2019, sisters Hiu (88)
and Hoi Ho (88) joined us for a tour of
the College, accompanied by their mother
and aunt. Although Hiu had been back to
Ratcliffe on several occasions, this was
Hoi’s first visit since leaving 31 years ago.
It was also a very significant visit for their
mother, who, having been a single parent
in Hong Kong, had worked tirelessly and
selflessly to pay for the girls to study
abroad at Ratcliffe, but never actually
came to the College during their time here.
Having boarded from 1986 to 1988, Hui
and Hoi enjoyed visiting their rooms in the
Girls’ Boarding Wing, and they also enjoyed
recreating old school photographs. Hoi
recalled being quite the entrepreneur at
Ratcliffe, describing how she would get
knocks on her boarding room door at all
hours from fellow students wanting to buy
packets of instant noodles that she would
bring back in bulk from Hong Kong! It was
wonderful to welcome the group back to
Ratcliffe and to hear their fond stories and
memories – no doubt they took home many
new ones following their visit.
Charlie Easmon (79) returned to Ratcliffe on 9th May 2019 to
deliver a talk on mental health to the Year 8 and 9 students, as
part of their PSHCE programme. His talk was entitled ‘Positive
Psychology and the Science of Happiness’. Charlie is a doctor
and the owner of Your Excellent Health Service (YEHS), a private
medical practice on Harley Street in London. He said: “I was
delighted to be invited back to Ratcliffe, and it was an honour to
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 Ratcliffian 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 significant 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-sosuccessful
business ventures later, he formed Williams Commerce,
the group that now encompasses four successful creative and
tech businesses, and continues to grow. Building on the principles
instilled at Ratcliffe, Rob was a great inspiration to the students,
encouraging them to be creative, to forge their own paths, and,
if they have an idea, to go for it! He also spoke to the students
about the importance of gaining experience within a large
company, in order to discover what they are good at, what they
enjoy, and to learn their trade. Finally, he highlighted the countless
opportunities that the tech industry presents for the younger
generation, who have grown up in a tech-savvy world and hold
more knowledge and insight than they realise, simply through
the way they communicate, shop and socialise. The students were
left with some invaluable tips and insights into what is clearly a
growing industry, as well as practical and relevant advice which
will, no doubt, provide food for thought as they make important
decisions about their futures over the coming year. In addition,
Rob’s offer of summer placements and apprenticeships within his
own group of businesses cemented his commitment to mentoring
the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Indeed, it reaffirms
the value of the supportive network that we have between ORs
and current students. The Association and Sixth Form would like
to extend their thanks to Rob for his time and support of Ratcliffe
and its students.
Former Ratcliffian Association President Louise Marsden
(née Bullen) (91) has been appointed Chair of Governors for the
College, taking over from Louis Massarella (92) in September
2019. She said: “It is an honour and a privilege to accept this role
and to support the Rosminian Community, my fellow governors
and the Senior Leadership Team, to fulfil the strategic aims of
the College. As a former student of Ratcliffe, and now a parent of
two children in the Senior School, I am dedicated to the continued
success of this wonderful school, and I am looking forward to
working alongside the Headmaster, Jon Reddin, the Senior
Leadership Team and the Board of Governors in the coming months
to help our wonderful students achieve their greatest potential,
underpinned by the School’s vision: Strength of Mind, Strength
of Values, Strength of Purpose.” Sam Bird (98), Sam Spillane (née
Murphy) (91), Jo Linnett (née O’Connor) (91), Simon Burns (83)
and Teresa Gamble (Associate Member) all joined Louise as new
governors in September 2019.
52 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
53
OR NEWS
Georgia Holt (16) was the guest of honour at Ratcliffe’s annual
Sports Presentation Evening, held to award and acknowledge the
hard work of students who have taken part in the various sports
teams at the College. Georgia’s story is awe-inspiring. She is
currently part of the ‘Discover Your Gold’ programme and has been
selected for Team GB in cycling. In her address to the students,
Georgia spoke passionately about her journey. She said: “I believe
that, in order to realise your greatest potential, you must focus on
your dream, your big idea. Always try to keep the bigger picture in
mind and be prepared to take a risk. The story of how I ended up
being a cyclist with the Great Britain team is an example of this.
Inspired by the achievements of Lizzie Yarnold and Laura Deas
(who won gold and bronze medals in the skeleton at the Winter
Olympics in South Korea), I started looking online at skeleton
taster sessions. There, I stumbled across a talent identification
programme called ‘Discover Your Gold’, who were looking for
athletes to go into skeleton, rugby sevens, rowing, speed skating
and cycling. At the time, I was recovering from a heart operation
and definitely wasn’t feeling or looking particularly athletic, so
hurtling head-first on a tea tray at 70mph was, perhaps, not the
obvious choice of sport! Despite it all, I signed up, took a risk, and
in the months that followed, I committed everything to becoming
a professional athlete. A normal week for me now consists of
a minimum of two track sessions (lasting three hours), two gym
sessions lifting weights, at least one roller session and a road ride,
plus all my university work! Discipline is crucial, as are commitment
and resilience. By far, the best part of my sporting journey is the
people I have met. I’m achieving my dream in a sport that I love.”
BIRTHS
On 23rd January 2019, as part of Ratcliffe’s INSPIRE talks, Tom
Parker (99) gave a fascinating and engaging presentation
to the Ratcliffe students about his time at the Birmingham
University Officer Training Corps (BUOTC), describing the various
adventurous training opportunities that he has been lucky
enough to experience. From scuba diving in Egypt to skiing in Vald’Isère,
Tom has certainly had an interesting university experience
since leaving the College. He told the students that Ratcliffe
had really prepared him for university, most notably giving him
the confidence and ability to talk to, and interact with, people
of all ages. This really pushed him into joining the BUOTC, and
from there, he joined the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, taking on a
management role of 30 soldiers at the age of 23. He highlighted
the vast range of opportunities that there are for students,
including the jobs for doctors, nurses and vets that are available
in the Army. He also talked about the strong sense of camaraderie
in the BUOTC, describing how close-knit the Fusiliers are, being
a real family unit in often high-pressured environments. Looking
back, Tom said that his time as Head of CCF at Ratcliffe really
prepared him for later life, as the frequent adventurous training
opportunities available at the College were just like the BUOTC
(although, at university, they were free trips, while also earning
around £30 per day for joining the BUOTC, such as tunnel
warfare training in Gibraltar). Looking to the future, Tom hopes
to continue in his management role in the Fusiliers and is looking
forward to a two-month trip to Australia with his regiment. The
Association would like to thank Tom for coming into Ratcliffe and
giving such an interesting talk about his role and about the career
opportunities available in the Army. As Tom said, “Getting paid to
travel the world – you can’t argue with that!”
Hugh and Kate Adlington (née
Rumbold) (97) were thrilled
to welcome Anna Elizabeth
Adlington, who was born
on 3rd December 2018 at
University Hospital Coventry and
Warwickshire, weighing 7lbs 7oz.
Her big brother Michael, now 3, is
smitten!
Adrian Smith (03): “On 3rd
February 2019, my partner,
Victoria, gave birth to our first
child, Frederick John Smith, at
Leicester Royal Infirmary. On
29th June, we moved to Rearsby,
and we couldn't be happier in our
new family home.”
Emma Hardman (née Whittaker)
(05) and her husband, Rob, are
delighted to announce the safe
arrival of their baby boy, Luke
Jacob Hardman. He was born at
Leicester Royal Infirmary at 1.37am
on 30th May 2019, weighing 8lbs
5oz. He is their first child.
Emile Shaffu (97): “Following
on from getting married to
Lindsay last September, our
son, Zack, was born on 22nd
July this year! Lindsay is
recovering well, and Zack is
growing fast!”
Nick Jelley’s (01) first baby girl,
Harper, was born on 11th June
and is doing well.
Megan Macmillan (née Stephens)
(01): “Emily Veronica Clare
Macmillan was born on 14th
December 2018, weighing 9lbs
5½oz. She joins big brother
Daniel, aged 3, and is certainly
keeping us on our toes, as she’s
starting to walk already!”
Rachael McMillan (09): “In April this year, my fiancé, Charles,
and I welcomed our baby girl, Connie Patricia Kindleysides, into
the world. We are very much enjoying throwing ourselves into the
role of new parents, with Connie already crawling and causing
chaos! We are lucky to have Sophie Mulligan (09) as a wonderful
godmother to Connie – she spoils her rotten!”
54 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
55
MARRIAGES
Louise Bird (06): “Oliver Wilson
and I got married on 29th June
2019 at my parents’ home in
Queniborough. I met Oliver at
work in London five years ago, and
we now live together in Leigh-on-
Sea in Essex. Old Ratcliffians at
our wedding included my sister,
Harriet Bird (10), my brothers,
Paul (97) and Tom Mensley (01),
my sister-in-law, Victoria Mensley
(née Lancaster) (04), and my
niece, Connie Mensley, as well as
Steph Castell (06), Tara Bishop
(née Noss) (04), Harriet Oliphant
(06) and Luke Featherstone (06).”
Jessica Sharpe (07) married Oliver Mankowski at Ratcliffe College on 6th July
2019. Jessica’s father, former Ratcliffe teacher Graham Sharpe, gave her away.
Gary Titterton (95) and Joana Borges
were married on 13th September 2019 at St
Mary’s Catholic Church in Loughborough.
The couple first met on 13th February 2016
and celebrated their engagement on 6th
December 2018.
MARRIAGES
Richard Draycott (90) married Ana Bolaños Fernandez
on 13th July 2019 in Madrid. He said: “It was a wonderful
celebration weekend, with many Old Ratcliffians present,
including representatives from the Draycott, Lynch,
Magee, Gallagher and Mee families.”
Ratcliffe College’s Director of Sport, Amanda
Stafford, became Mrs Michael Turns on 2nd August
2019, as she was married at Stratford Park Hotel and
Golf Club.
Dominic North (85) married Julie
Lowe on 25th May 2019 at St
Leonard’s Church in Swithland,
followed by a marquee reception
at their home in Rothley. Julie
said: “We enjoyed a wonderful
sunny day spent with our friends
and family, finally tying the
knot after 16-and-a-half years
together.” Patrick Atkinson
(85) was Dominic’s best man,
with Matthew Hilton (90) taking
up a role as usher. Several Old
Ratcliffians attended, including
Lucy Atkinson (96), Katey
Tebbutt (94), John Atkinson (87),
Sam Spillane (née Murphy) (91),
Ollie Gent (12), Laura Hunt (née
Birtwistle) (09), Justin Hunt (08)
and Joe Birtwistle (10).
Paul Mensley (97): “Cassie Dee Pike and I were married on
26th October 2018, on the beach in Salema, Portugal. We
had the most amazing time away with the best group of
friends and family that we could wish for. My wife looked
stunning, and I truly am so happy - we’re now looking
forward to our life together.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
If you would like us to publish your
news, please send your item, along
with a relevant photo, to us at
alumni@ratcliffecollege.com before
November 1st 2020
Paul Sander (72): “On 17th
August, Alexandra Mondragón
Bravo married me in a not
uneventful ceremony in Mexico
City. Eventful because we
arrived without all the required
documentation, which we had
left in the hotel! Fortunately,
the judge was even later than
us on our return trip with
the documents – sometimes
Mexico’s acutely different sense
of time works in my favour!”
56 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
57
OBITUARIES
Tony Daly (47)
Eric Meade (40)
Andrew Ramen (83)
Michael Hobday (61)
Rolf Riha (64)
Bernard Sherratt (52)
Peter Meade (47)
IN MEMORIAM
Notifications of the deaths of the following Old Ratcliffians and associates have been
received since the last edition of The Old Ratcliffian:
Ion Paul Dyson (52)
Brian Bernard Collins (40)
Andrew Power (60)
Christopher Clarke (63)
Christopher Browne (63)
John Reynolds (50)
Patrick Simmonds (51)
REQUIESCANT IN PACE
Michel de Dadelsen (67)
Paul Helm (57)
Paul Spencer (98)
John Edward Moore (72)
Arthur Michael Porter (56)
Andrew Nutter (Bursar)
Marilyn Bannen (Associate Member)
Friends and relatives are invited to write an obituary for the next edition of this magazine if it is not included in this one.
JOHN EDWARD MOORE
25TH JANUARY 1955 - 15TH AUGUST 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1968 - 1972
John Edward Moore, the only son of Margaret and Henry Moore’s
five children, was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, on 25th
January 1955. As a child, he had a real sense of adventure, from
gathering wild blackberries and making jam with his youngest
sister to swimming solo across a lake in Austria when he was only
nine years old. The family home in Sheffield became a nursing home
to many wild animals. John looked after and helped injured birds,
a duckling abandoned by its mother, and even a small hedgehog,
feeding them back to health.
John’s love of food became the driving force of his life. After leaving
Ratcliffe, he took a course in Catering and Hotel Management in
Manchester. After working abroad in catering for many years, he
found his feet in the USA, where he met and married his American
wife, Sondra. They were happily married for 25 years. On retiring
from the catering industry, he enjoyed working on his late fatherin-law’s
ranch, near Ione in California. Their Texas Longhorn cattle
were famous, winning awards in many shows.
John died in a tragic accident at the ranch on Our Lady’s Feast
Day on 15th August 2019. He leaves behind his broken-hearted
wife, two sons, a stepdaughter, his 103-year-old mother, and four
sisters. His care for the ranch and for the environment will live on
ION PAUL DYSON
8TH MARCH 1934 - 25TH FEBRUARY 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1946 - 1952
Ion Paul Dyson (Paul) died in his sleep on 25th
February 2019, having lived with Parkinson’s
for nine years and spending his last year
living in a small group home. He cherished
his memories of his years at Ratcliffe College.
He and I lived in McLean in America, and we
58 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
in our memories. John and his wife certainly put Pope Francis’
encyclical, Laudato Si’, into practice, caring for our planet. He was
a wonderful brother, unique in many ways. Rest in peace, John.
Gerry Johnson
Sister
visited Ratcliffe a number of years ago
during one of our family visits to England.
May he rest in peace.
Mary Tobin
Wife
ANDREW RAMEN
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1978 - 1983
Andrew relished the summer for his adored country walks. He
would declare daily after midwinter how many minutes earlier
the sun would rise and later it would set, until sufficient daylight
enabled ventures into the North Downs or Chilterns. My wife,
Caroline, and I knew Andrew for over 30 years, from him dropping
by when hungry or with his dressing gown when poorly, until he
finally shared our home with us on being diagnosed in 2008 with
an incurable brain tumour.
I first met Andrew on 28th July 1986; he was 21 and had graduated
in Middle Eastern History and Politics at SOAS. Sharing similar
interests – walking, travel, history, archaeology, architecture,
music, books, London – we became inseparable, though, in all
respects, Andrew’s formidable knowledge and fervour left me in
the shade. He introduced me to opera; we were invariably up in
‘the gods’, with Andrew’s 6’4” frame folded haphazardly into a
tiny seat, and his budget stretching to interval hot chocolate. An
accomplished polymath, he was an avid attendee of exhibitions
and a keen patron of the Royal College of Music. His Cinema Club
viewed what its committee – consisting of Andrew – considered
to be each season’s best 20 films, and for 20 years, Andrew was
one of the British Museum’s most respected volunteer guides in its
Ancient Greek, Egyptian and Meso-American galleries.
Born in Caxton, Cambridgeshire, to Sarah and Ray Ramen, Andrew
attended Carre’s Grammar School, before boarding at Ratcliffe
College from 1978 to 1983, where his position as librarian sated his
thirst for knowledge and, through wily machinations, secured his
absence from Games.
From the outset, Andrew, Caroline and I were dedicated walking
companions. We eventually completed most of Britain’s longdistance
footpaths, culminating in 2017 with a stretch of Andrew’s
favourite South West Coast Path, after which he was, sadly, too
ill to continue. His interests took us to Continental Europe, Crete,
Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, the US and Mesoamerica, Iran,
Uzbekistan, and Cambodia; his modus operandi was to travel
independently, to explore, and to discover.
After two years of stockbroking in the late 1980s, Andrew was (to
the surprise of his equally unfortunate colleagues) delighted to
be made redundant; the pay-off funded an adventurous Eastern
European tour, during which time he secured a coveted position
at Mayfair’s Heywood Hill bookshop, overseeing travel and history.
Staying there for 18 years, he made many lifelong friends.
His excursions became more adventurous. A lesser-known Cretan
river gorge between vertical cliff faces presented no exit other
than where it spewed into the sea. Too late, Andrew discovered
its tendency to flood, finally emerging at the coast, rucksack aloft,
chest-deep in water that was tapioca-thick with frogspawn. At
first, he was horrified by the ordeal, but soon he was elated at
his Indiana Jones near-death experience. Andrew’s joy at natural
phenomena took us up a Turkish mountain to witness 1999’s total
eclipse; our backpacks were laden with mosquito nets, Imodium,
and maps so detailed that amazed Turks willingly accepted them
in lieu of currency. Later, in Istanbul, we were caught in one of
Europe’s worst earthquakes, in which 17,000 people died. We fled
our hotel with our most precious possessions – for us, passports,
and for Andrew, his radio. In the subsequent communications
blackout, Andrew acquired hero status, as he triumphantly relayed
to the enthralled locals hourly earthquake updates, as provided by
his beloved World Service.
In Syria, months before civil war began, we visited Homs, Hama, the
Krak des Chevaliers, and Aleppo’s legendary Great Mosque and
souq, which are all now largely or completely destroyed. Near the
Iraqi border, our driver threatened to trade us in to the insurgents.
A long silence followed, finally broken by our driver’s hysterical
laughter. In Iran, Andrew was lionised, due to a knowledge of the
country’s politics, history and culture that far exceeded that of the
locals. His ability to speak Farsi and his good looks also helped; if I
lost sight of him, the nearest huddle of giggling girls would reveal
him holding court. Here, with prescience, Andrew insisted that we
visit the World Heritage city of Bam, which was later destroyed in
an earthquake.
Andrew relished his adventures, writing in July 2017: “I know I’m
lucky to be able to go on these holidays. I heard that US Republican
Senator John McCain has been diagnosed with a brain tumour of
the same type as mine, and like mine – diagnosed almost eight
years ago – it is aggressive and his life expectancy is low. Like me,
he has been given just eighteen months, though he is 80 and I
was 44. Whenever I have to give something up, I think back to
that time, and how I am now having the time of my life on our
wonderful planet.”
Andrew’s consideration for others was humbling. Suffering
avascular necrosis himself, he would give up his tube seat to elderly
travellers and stand in pain for the remainder of his journey. In
December 2017, he wrote: “I know I go on about ancient buildings,
Roman emperors and clifftop viewpoints, but none of these is as
important to me as the people that I am honoured enough to know
as friends.”
In his last summer, Andrew sailed through the qualifying rounds
of television’s Mastermind, only to have to relinquish his place
in the 2018 filming at Salford when his health failed. This was a
tremendous blow, but Andrew never complained as his illness
became ever more debilitating. While he had many lifetimes of
journeys and adventures planned, he was cruelly denied the
timespan that many of us take for granted. But if one is to be
judged by their achievements, the friends they have made, the
help they have given to others, then, Andrew, you will be held
in the highest regard. A delightful, mild-mannered whirlwind of
originality, eccentricity, curiosity and goodwill, you taught us how
to live, and we are hugely indebted.
David Edwards
Friend
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
OBITUARIES
59
OBITUARIES
BRIAN BERNARD COLLINS
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1936 - 1940
Brian’s time at the College was short,
but despite this, he always held Ratcliffe
in his heart. After serving in the RAF
during the war, he studied Medicine, and
he went on to join a general practice in
Harwich, Essex, in 1959, where he worked
as a much-loved and respected GP until
his retirement in 1989. Brian enjoyed
30 years of retirement with his beloved
Marie-Louise, until she sadly passed away
last year. He died after a short illness on
25th February 2019, aged 94. He will be
very much missed by his children, Martin
and Philippa, and his grandchildren.
Martin Collins (83)
Son
MICHAEL DESMOND HOBDAY
5TH FEBRUARY 1942 - 11TH JANUARY 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1953 - 1961
Dad was born at the American Missionary Hospital in Madurai,
Tamil Nadu, in India, on 5th February 1942. His mother and father
had gone to India in 1933. Prior to that, his father had worked in
Lloyds of London. His boss at the time had explained that there
were two international assignments that needed undertaking; one
was in Rio de Janeiro and the other in India. Understandably, both
of them wanted to go to Rio, so they tossed a coin. His father lost,
and so the family went to India.
Dad’s first school was in Kodaikanal, and he was then sent to
boarding school in England at the age of six. Initially, he went to
Grace Dieu Manor, and then he followed his two older brothers to
Ratcliffe College. There, he excelled, ultimately becoming Head
Boy. In particular, he was influenced by his Headmaster, Fr Claude
Leetham (15), to push himself in sport. He did so, and he soon
became captain of the 1st XV Rugby Team. He was also a national
athletics champion, which culminated in him winning the Schools’
Championships 110m high hurdles at the stadium at White City
in London. He was inspired at Ratcliffe by Peter Hildreth (46),
who was his sporting idol, although he was a few years older than
Dad. Peter had equalled the British record for the 110m hurdles
on five occasions and reached the semi-finals of the 1952 Olympic
Games in Helsinki. This might have been an early inspiration for the
amount of time that Dad subsequently spent in Finland.
However, as Dad’s spare time transitioned from sports practice
to family and business life, these sporting achievements became
harder to maintain. Although mentally, his sporting prowess lasted
with him forever, physically, this wasn’t always the case. When I
subsequently went to Grace Dieu, and Mum and Dad came to see
me winning the high jump, Dad decided at the end to “show us
all how it was done”. This transpired to be very amusing, as doing
this in his suit trousers meant that not only did he knock down the
bar as he jumped, but he also split his trousers in doing so! One of
his most memorable moments later in life was when my brother,
Charles, took him to see the 2012 London Olympics. He loved
seeing Usain Bolt running the 200m, but the real highlight for
him was watching his event, the men’s 110m hurdles final, which
brought back many of his treasured White City memories, and, of
course, telling Charles how good he had been at it.
In his working life, Dad started out at Price & Pierce, which was
later acquired by a Finnish company called Finncell. Finland played
a big part in Dad’s working life. He spent nine months living there
in the early 1960s, and he learnt to speak Finnish and travelled
extensively throughout his career. In fact, he was in Finland when
President Kennedy was assassinated. Dad resigned from Finncell in
1987 to join Central National Gottesman as their UK CEO. When he
joined Central National, they had only sold 500 tonnes of pulp in
the previous year. Within his first year, he had grown sales volumes
of pulp to over 150,000 tonnes, as well as a further 100,000
tonnes of newsprint from Canada and South Africa. He stayed at
Central National until he retired in 2006, and he maintained an
active interest in the pulp industry as Chair of the British Wood
Pulp Association for many years.
Dad met Mum at a mutual friend’s party in London in 1965. He fell
in love with her immediately and told me that, as soon as he set
eyes on her, he knew she was the person that he wanted to marry.
Their first date was a drink at The Windsor Castle pub in Notting
Hill Gate, followed by dinner at an Italian restaurant nearby called
Verbanella. He adored her for every day of his life.
Mum and Dad got married in Chiswick on 1st April 1967, and he took
a week off work, which he called their honeymoon! He worked hard,
as did Mum, and they bought their first home, an ultra-modern
Scandinavian-style house, in Manygate Lane in Shepperton. Their
next-door neighbour was Tom Jones, whom Dad had several pints
with during the time that they lived there, in their local pub, The
Square. With a growing family looming, Dad was driving through
Woking one day and noticed an advertisement in an estate agent’s
window for a new development that was being built. He and Mum
bought the house off-plan for £2,500 (they were very different
prices in those days), and we spent many happy years there.
In his final days, I talked extensively to Dad about the people who
had inspired him in his life. There are too many to mention specific
names, but I want to share one statement that he made to me. He
said: “Everything good in my life has been influenced by Mum.” In
character, Dad was very traditional, and he lived by the “my word is
my bond” philosophy. He was trustworthy, reliable, and he always
had an opinion; it wasn’t necessarily politically correct, yet he
was endearing to so many people. This has been so dramatically
apparent in people’s words and comments to us in cards, letters
and conversations over the past few weeks. He had lots of stories,
some of which were absolutely preposterous. As several people
have said to me, they always got better and better as he repeated
them and embellished them over the years.
The last week of his life was spent at the wonderful Princess Alice
Hospice in Esher. It’s an amazing place and, although he was
critically ill, he spent a few days surrounded by lovely views of their
gardens from his room, whilst listening to music and hearing Mum,
Charles and I talking. I was with Dad in the evening before he died,
and one of the lovely nurses came into the room and said, “Michael,
it’s time for you to have a drink.” He said, “I’d like a gin and tonic,
please.” To my surprise, she brought him one. He then asked her
JOHN REYNOLDS
1933 - 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1945 - 1950
John, who died on 21st March 2019, was one of six children born
to Dr Leo and Eileen Reynolds, who had come to Manchester from
Ireland in the 1930s. They had five boys, Hubert (41), Leo (43),
Arthur (47), John (50) and Peter (53), who all attended Ratcliffe
College, and one girl, Sheila. The first four children followed their
father into medical vocations, whilst John became a teacher and
Peter joined the Rosminians, becoming a much-loved priest.
John was born in Ancoats in Manchester, but his roots lay in
Ireland, in Ballinamore, County Leitrim. He was immensely proud
of his Irish heritage, having spent some of the war years as an
evacuee there. He was also proud of his link with the Rosminian
family, both through Ratcliffe and through his brother, Peter. John
himself became a Rosminian novice after he left Ratcliffe, until he
felt that God was calling him to a different path. It was because of
his time in the Order that John started his national service later
than usual. On arrival, he was presented with a form to complete to
explain this discrepancy, and John though that one word, “cleric”,
would be explanation enough. The army thought that the word was
“clerk”, and, as a result, John spent his national service in the Pay
Corps at Kidderminster, which was a source of great amusement
to him.
After national service, John decided to go into teaching, unlike
most of his family, who were doctors. He was a good teacher and,
after spending time at both St Lawrence’s School and St James’
Primary School, he moved to St Charles’ Primary School as Deputy
Headteacher. In 1973, John was appointed as Headteacher at St
Joseph’s Junior School in Ordsall, and he remained there until his
retirement in 1988. He was extremely good at his job, and he was
as proud of his school as he was of his family.
The Catholic faith played a huge part in John’s life. He read during
Mass at St Mary’s on a regular basis, and he was a committed and
for more ice and enjoyed at least half of it. A very fitting memory,
since, as many of you may know, it was his favourite drink.
Dad, Grandpa, Michael…we will miss you. Thanks for the memories.
God bless.
Justin Hobday
Son
Throughout his years at Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe, Michael
personified the calibre of student that any college would be proud
to produce. Both in the classroom and on the sporting field, he
acted with distinction. In his senior years at Ratcliffe, he was
applauded by Fr Claude Leetham as being one of his best Head
Prefects. He also established himself as a fine leader in sports,
captaining the 1st XV and athletics teams. One major feat of
Michael’s was winning the 110m hurdles at the Public Schools’
Championships at the White City in London.
Michael leaves behind his wonderful wife, Eva, his two sons, Justin
and Charles, and their children, as well as two brothers, John (56)
and Reginald (63). His eldest brother, Howard (52), preceded
him in death. Michael will be sorely missed by his family and many
friends. Rest in peace.
John Hobday (56)
Brother
long-standing member of the Catenians, living out their ideal
of ‘Family, Faith and Service to Others’. In addition to attending
the Salford Circle, he was a visitor at a number of other circles, an
honorary member of the Rochdale Circle, and he regularly went on
trips and pilgrimages organised by the Catenians. (Cont. overleaf)
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OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
Throughout his life, John was an active visitor to sick and
housebound Catenians. One story illustrates his commitment to
this practical aspect of his faith. He was visiting his father, who
was being nursed in his last illness at the Alexian Brothers’ nursing
home in Manchester. On his way out of the building, John heard
a voice calling, and he went to investigate. It was a gentleman
who was paralysed from the neck down, and the book that he was
reading had fallen out of the machine that turned the pages for
him. John replaced the book and then began to chat to this lonely
man, who turned out to have been a senior scientist at the nuclear
plant in Cumbria. In spite of his incredibly busy life, John made
time to visit this man each week for a chat. The impact this had
is illustrated by the fact that, when the man died, the company
fulfilled his wishes and sent a car to take John up to Cumbria for
the funeral.
It was when John was a young teacher that, thanks to his brother
PATRICK SIMMONDS
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1949 - 1951
Bernard (pictured, centre, with a striped tie) was a talented man,
an excellent, well-liked teacher, and an accomplished carpenter.
He built the bar in the Staffroom – it was a work of art! He also
had a mischievous, almost childlike, innocence, which I found very
endearing. He didn’t suffer fools gladly, however, and was a bit of
a rebel. What I can say, with conviction, is that he was totally loyal
to his religion, his family and his students. Rest in peace, Bernard.
Peter Banks
Colleague
I remember Bernard telling me that he had originally trained to
be a Biology teacher, though he never let Fr Lance Hurdidge (40)
know, as he much preferred teaching Maths! He was an extremely
good teacher who helped the weaker students. His carpentry skills
were manifested when he completely revamped the Sixth Form
Union; he made all of the furniture, including the benches and the
Tuck Shop and Bar.
Fr Philip Sainter (69)
Colleague
After studying at Ratcliffe, Bernard joined the Rosminian order,
and he was always very much part of the Rosminian family.
Sometime after his novitiate, he was appointed as a brother to
the community at Grace Dieu, where he was a popular teacher.
He was very proficient, particularly in carpentry. After he left the
Rosminians, he married and had three daughters. Eventually, he
Arthur, he met his future wife, Margaret. They fell in love, and the
rest is history! John was immensely proud of his family, and his
daughters and grandchildren were a regular topic of conversation
with him. Margaret died in 2005, but she remained a constant
presence in his heart.
John had cancer for many years, and he was in hospital for the last
months of his life. When he told his daughters that it was terminal,
he said: “Don’t cry, girls. I have been working all my life for this – to
go to heaven.” His funeral at St Mary’s in Eccles was a magnificent
tribute to a great man. The church was packed, with 27 nieces
and nephews, along with many other relatives, parishioners and
Catenians attending. They were joined by past pupils of Ratcliffe
College, including Patrick Jolliffe (53), who drove up from London,
and Fr David Myers (59), who preached.
Paul Baker & Fr David Myers (59)
Friends
Patrick arrived at Ratcliffe in 1949, the year his elder brother, Leo (49), left. A gifted musician and linguist, Patrick emigrated to New
Zealand, marrying an Irish girl whose love for him led her to emigrate there. They had five children.
Patrick was a fluent Maori speaker and top-class centre three-quarter rugby player, having been a member of the Jarasaki team when it
won the Interprovincial Rugby Cup for the first time.
Patrick died at his home in New Zealand on 5th April 2019, aged 85. May he rest in peace.
Leo Simmonds (49)
Brother
BERNARD SHERRATT
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1948 - 1952
TEACHER AT RATCLIFFE 1975 - 1992
came to teach for a number of years at Ratcliffe. Again, he was
a popular teacher and member of staff. He held various positions
in the College, including Sixth Form Master in charge of boarding.
After leaving Ratcliffe, he took up carpentry professionally, living
and working in Sileby, Leicestershire. Later, he and his wife went
to live in France, not far from Lourdes. Two years ago, Bernard and
his wife drove down to Lourdes and visited our Ratcliffe Rosminian
pilgrimage in Hosanna House in Bartrès and enjoyed a meal with
us. May he rest in peace.
Fr Anthony Meredith (57)
Colleague
The following messages were sent by some of Bernard’s former
pupils from Ratcliffe College and Grace Dieu:
Jenny Ardley-Oakden (91): “Mr Sherratt was a lovely man. He was
kind, gentle, funny, caring, and wonderfully irreverent. I have very
happy memories of him. Such a sad loss of a great man.”
Leo Biles (79): “Dear Mr Sherratt taught me woodwork at Grace
Dieu, and he was also my Maths teacher at Ratcliffe. He was always
there to help and guide us. Rest in peace, Mr Sherratt. God bless.”
Joanne Linnett (née O’Connor) (91): “Mr Sherratt was my tutor,
and a fantastic one, too! He was warm, easy to talk to, and very
Born of Irish descent in Pontypridd in 1930, Tony was brought up
in Leicester, after his family moved there in 1933. During the war
years, he was a pupil at Ratcliffe College, and he often talked fondly
of his time there. For a number of years after leaving, he helped
to run the tombola stall at the Leicester Old Ratcliffian Dinner
Dance, and he kept an association with the School throughout his
life. After taking his School Certificate, Tony worked at St Martin’s
Bank, before doing two years of national service. Following this,
he enrolled at Loughborough Technical College, later moving to
London as a trainee with the National Cash Register Company.
Retaining contact with Leicester through the Knighton Catholic
Club, a Catenian dinner dance was responsible for Tony meeting
Maria, and they married a few years later, in 1955. Soon after that,
his father, a founding member of Leicester 53, encouraged Tony
to join. He later became secretary for a number of years, and his
involvement with the Catenian Association developed further,
with him joining Leicester South 245, being a joint member of the
newly formed Kirby Muxloe 329, and finally, as a member of the
Loughborough 173 Circle.
As a salesman by nature and training, Tony identified an
opportunity for a new market in telecoms in 1986, and he
successfully developed a communications company that remains
a family business today. For three years, he was a Leicester City
Councillor, before moving to the County, and he served for many
years as the Bishop’s representative on the Local Education
Committee. For his services to Catholic education, he was awarded
a Knighthood of St Gregory (KSG). In retirement, Tony became a
great traveller, visiting all of the continents, except Antarctica and
South America. His last adventure was a luxury cruise from Dubai
to Singapore, via India, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Tony died peacefully in his sleep, after a period of deteriorating
health, in November 2018. He leaves behind a large family,
including six sons, two of whom attended Ratcliffe, and four
understanding. I’m so sorry to hear that he has passed away.
Thinking of his wife and Tonia, Isabel and Maddy.”
Matt Lomas (79): “Forty-two years ago, Bernard Sherratt found a
way of getting me ‘over the line’ in my Maths O Level – not an easy
task, I assure you, and one for which I have been forever thankful!
He came across as a bit of a maverick with a keen sense of humour,
and his eyes sometimes betrayed his need to be strict with the
Catholic pupils before him. I also remember him in the metalwork
class, in the shed behind the Sixth Form Union, always being busy
in his approach to the task in hand, with a cheroot on the go. My
condolences to his family and friends.”
Joe Della-Porta (81): “Mr Sherratt was a beautiful man; he was
stern, fun, supportive, and had an aura. It was always a joy to see
his quirky smile before he stepped back into his role as a Master!
I’m so grateful for his kindness, enthusiasm, support, humour and
teaching.”
Gen Clegg (née Furey) (91): “I was so upset to hear about Mr
Sherratt. He taught me A Level Maths and gave me the confidence
to pull my grades up. I loved his sense of humour and the way he
spoke to us as adults. My condolences to Tonia, Isabel and Mad.”
WILLIAM JOSEPH ANTHONY (TONY) DALY
1930 - 2018
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1941 - 1947
daughters. Two of his 14 grandchildren are currently pupils at the
School. He also had three great-grandchildren. Tony will always be
remembered as someone who was never short of a cheerful word
and a cheeky grin.
May he rest in peace.
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Maria Daly
Wife
OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
CHRISTOPHER HENRY CLARKE
4TH MARCH 1945 - 26TH DECEMBER 2018
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1959 - 1963
After leaving Ratcliffe in 1963, Chris went to Leeds University,
obtaining a degree in Metallurgy. In 1996, he was employed by
British Steel Swinden Laboratories in Rotherham, working in
research metallurgy. Being unable to see any progression, in 1974,
Chris got a job at Flather Bright Steels in Leicester as a salesman
in a stockholding warehouse. He was thrilled, as it gave him sales
office experience, as well as a company car.
Two years later, Chris moved to Foseco Ltd Burmah Castrol Group,
where he worked as an area salesman, despite knowing very little
about foundries. He enjoyed the job and was very successful,
increasing business by 74%. He graduated to Product Group
Manager, and then to Northern Region Sales Manager, to National
Sales, and then to National Sales Manager, and finally to Divisional
Manager of Ferrous Foundries in 1993. In 1996, Chris’ final career
move was to Hüttenes-Albertus GmbH, a German-based company,
as their UK National Sales Marketing Manager, instigating a small
sales team. This move also proved to be successful, and he retired
in 2006. Chris described his strengths as a determination to
succeed, an ability to motivate people, resilience, enthusiasm,
commercial awareness, honesty and reliability. He admitted to one
weakness: paying too much attention to detail, being a “belt and
braces” man.
Chris’ passion for the violin was shattered after an accident in
1979, leaving him unable to play left-handed. However, his love of
cars and antique-hunting filled the void. A heart attack in 1984 left
PAUL EDWARD SPENCER
22ND SEPTEMBER 1979 - 2ND AUGUST 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1993 - 1998
Paul was born in Peterborough Hospital on 22nd September 1979.
Soon afterwards, his family moved to Leicestershire, where his love
of, and talent for, music quickly started to flourish, and he became
a chorister at Leicester Cathedral.
Paul began his life as a Ratcliffian in September 1993, where he
soon came to value the camaraderie and sense of family that came
from being a boarder, as did I. Our free time during evenings and
weekends, which was often plentiful, allowed our minds to concoct
numerous ways of getting ourselves into mischief. Although most
of these schemes never made it past the conceptual stage, every
now and again, the lure of downtown Loughborough proved
to be too great, and taxis were summoned. On one occasion in
particular, breaking out of school proved to be significantly easier
than getting back in, after one of our would-be co-conspirators
(who will remain nameless for now) not only got cold feet at the
last minute, but also decided to drop the latch on the door that was
to take us back to the safety of our rooms in the early hours of the
following morning.
Throughout his time at Ratcliffe, Paul’s passions of music, the
outdoors and, in particular, history, continued to thrive. He enjoyed
most aspects of Ratcliffe life; however, he was never the biggest
fan of team sports, as, despite his enthusiasm for keeping fit and
for the outdoors in general, his co-ordination would frequently
let him down. On one occasion, during a cross-country run,
he managed to trip over what he described at the time as “an
him with a weakened heart and, following a further heart attack
in 2017, which was treated with a cardiac intervention, he died on
26th December 2018. Chris leaves behind a wife, three children
and four grandchildren.
Catherine Clarke
Wife
enormous branch”, sending him crashing to the ground. No one
else around him seemed to struggle with, or even see, this obstacle,
and although he managed to walk away from the incident, a quick
trip to the Leicester Royal Infirmary confirmed that he had actually
managed to break his arm, and he spent several months wearing a
plaster cast.
On the musical front, Paul was an active choir member throughout
his time at Ratcliffe, and this passion for music crossed into his
academics, as he was one of only two students to study Music at A
Level in his year. Another of his passions that crossed over heavily
into academia was his love of war films, planes, and generally
anything historical. He not only studied History, but also had a
genuine passion for the subject, and he was intrigued to be able to
learn more about it from the many Battlefield trips that featured as
part of the course. He continued this passion throughout his life,
only recently visiting the Battle of Britain bunker in Uxbridge and
Churchill’s bunker in London.
After leaving Ratcliffe, Paul went on to read History at Kingston
University in London. He very much enjoyed life there and made
several close friends, with whom he was still in regular touch until
his death. On graduating, he was able to combine employment
with another of his great passions: the aviation industry. He
started his working life at British Airways, running customer
service teams, before moving into sales roles on the commercial
ARTHUR MICHAEL PORTER
FEBRUARY 1938 - SEPTEMBER 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1953 - 1956
Arthur “Mike” Porter was born in Dayton, Ohio, in February 1938
to parents Arthur and Norma Porter, and raised in Miamisburg. He
spent his teen years overseas, living in France and England while his
father was an executive at General Motors. After graduating from
Ratcliffe College, Mike returned to the US, earning a bachelor’s
degree in Business from the University of Southern California.
After leaving university, Mike became an officer in the US Navy
and was stationed in San Diego. One fateful night, he attended a
dance at the University of San Diego, where he ended up meeting
the love of his life, Ginny. What followed was over 50 years of
love and marriage. Mike and Ginny raised their family in Fullerton,
California, bringing up two daughters, Julie and Susan, and their
nephew, David Thompson. A close-knit family was most important
to Mike, as was being a devoted Catholic.
Mike was a superior athlete and an avid sports fan. He excelled in
all sports, especially rugby and golf. As a scratch golfer, you could
always find him near a golf course. Mike’s greatest joy, however,
was his family. He loved coaching and watching his daughters and
grandchildren play sports and perform, and he never missed one
of their events. In his later years, “Papa” was a devoted grandpa to
his grandchildren, Caroline, Jackson and Avery.
Mike passed away peacefully in late September 2019, aged 81,
surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his wife, Ginny, Mike is
survived by his daughters, Julie and Susan, his nephew, David, his
brothers-in-law, George and Doug, his sister-in-law, Karen, and
his son-in-law, Charlie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews
who will dearly miss their “favorite uncle”.
Susan Fargo
Daughter
Mike was the first American student at Ratcliffe, entering the
College in 1953. He was a member of the 1st XV Rugby Team,
which accomplished a record of being unbeaten in all 10 of its
school matches, scoring 147 points with only 40 points against
it. Playing in the position of fly half, Mike won his sports colours
under the coaching of Fr Philip (Pip) Catcheside (37). Pip said
in his summary of the team: “Mike Porter at fly half was the key
side for both Lufthansa and Air Canada. He moved from there to
become Managing Director for Aviareps, a marketing company
setting up flight paths, and latterly, he was General Manager for
Brussels Airlines, serving the UK, Ireland and Eurowings.
Paul always had a relaxed outlook on life and possessed a very welldeveloped
sense of humour, but he should also be remembered as
a talented musician, a highly skilled professional who was excelling
in his chosen field of work, and a loving and committed father.
Despite his lifelong physical fitness, a previously undiagnosed
heart condition struck Paul on 2nd August 2019, just a month
before his 40th birthday. His faith was always something that he
felt strongly about, and I know that he would appreciate all of our
thoughts and prayers for his two children, Isabella and Edward, as
they go through this most testing time.
Ed Thompson (98)
Friend
man of the side. A shade slow in defence at the beginning, he
soon remedied that, and fulfilled the rash prophesies made of him
last year. His handling was incredible. It is so easy to make such
statements, but almost everywhere we played, it was commented
on with enthusiasm. And the point is, not only did he make the
incredible pass, above, below, behind, but he took it at speed, so
that when our scrum half was frankly bad, what little did come his
way was turned to the fullest advantage. Mike was very unselfish
and fed his threes unstintingly, backed up on the outside, covered
in defence, learnt some of the arts of fly half kicking, and found
his way in to score five tries. None of the three quarters ever quite
understood what he owed to Porter’s hands and pace.” Mike also
received his colours in swimming, and he was a member of the 1st
XI Hockey and Athletics Teams.
After leaving Ratcliffe, Mike attended university in America, and
from there, he entered the US Navy, serving his time on aircraft
carriers. He returned to Fullerton in California, where he went
into business in the golf arena. He loved golf and played it with
a passion. Mike was married to Ginny, his wife of many years, who
also passed away this year. He leaves behind two daughters, Susan
and Julie, together with their children. He will be sadly missed.
May he rest in peace.
John Hobday (56)
Friend
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OBITUARIES
OBITUARIES
ANDREW POWER
25TH JUNE 1943 - 25TH MAY 2017
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1956 - 1960
Andrew was born in Coventry in 1943 to Barbara and Dr John Hale Power (32). He
came to Ratcliffe as a boarder in 1956, and he always spoke fondly of the School.
However, he much preferred to work on the land, where the brothers taught him
to drive the tractor, than to be in the classroom!
Andrew spent his working life in the motor trade and ran a small car repair
workshop for 30 years. We were married in 1972 and have two children, Helen
and David, and two grandchildren, Jamie and Sam. Andrew sadly passed away in
hospital on 25th May 2017 from problems with his chest and lungs.
Laura Power
Wife
MICHEL DE DADELSEN
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1964 - 1967
Michel de Dadelsen was a civil servant and linguist. He was born in
Paris to an Irish actress, Ann Heffernan, and a French avant-garde
poet and author, Jean-Paul de Dadelsen, who was also adviser
to Jean Monnet and his European Coal and Steel Community,
precursor to the European Common Market or EEC.
Michel’s parents split up when he was a child, and he and his
mother settled in London, so that she could pursue her acting
career. He was educated at the Lycée Français in London, Ratcliffe
College in Leicestershire, and at Queen’s University in Belfast.
Michel first worked for the Prices and Incomes Commission as a
number cruncher, and after five years, he moved to the Netherlands
to work for the EEC’s assistance programme for Africa in a similar
role, rising to become Deputy Head of Finance and Personnel. He
left in 1998, remaining in the Netherlands for a year as a freelance
consultant before returning to the UK. In London, he spent almost
15 years working for Precise Media Monitoring, responsible for
translating French, Dutch and German news stories for clients
until he reached retirement age in 2014.
In his 20s and 30s, Michel had served as a reservist with the
British Army. A gentleman with old-fashioned good manners,
after retiring, he worked part-time as a language exam invigilator.
ANDREW NUTTER
RATCLIFFE BURSAR 2001 - 2006
Not everyone can claim to have fallen at the feet
of actress and singer Olivia Newton-John or
been given the Freedom of the City of London,
but Andrew delighted in having both accolades!
The first happened when he was walking on
Hampstead Heath in London. Olivia Newton-
John was walking her dog when it got loose
and ran away. Andrew rugby tackled it to catch
it and found himself on the floor, gazing up at
the Australian film star. It was a story he greatly
enjoyed telling. The Freedom of the City of
London (which, amongst other things, gave him
the right to drive sheep and cattle over London
He was also a volunteer and fundraiser for a number of charities,
was involved with several amateur dramatic societies, including
the Carlton Theatre Group of Wimbledon, and sang in the Morley
College Choir in South East London.
Michel died at the age of 69, after suffering a bleed on the brain.
He is survived by two half-sisters from his father’s earlier marriage,
Alice and Anne.
Adapted from a Guardian Online article written by Ann Kutek
Bridge) was bestowed on him for his work
inspecting the bridges over the River Thames.
This included an annual inspection and involved
abseiling down the sides of the bridges to check
the state of them underneath!
Andrew was born in Holloway, North London,
moving to Harringay when he was two years
old. He lived there for many years, becoming a
qualified chartered quantity surveyor working
for the City of London, and his eldest son, Toby,
now lives there. Andrew went on to work for the
Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s leading network
of independent girls’ schools, in London. After
a number of years, he then had a change of career, becoming a
bursar, firstly at St Francis’ College in Letchworth, and then at
Ratcliffe College near Leicester, which prompted a move to Melton
Mowbray in July 2001. After having a number of consultancy jobs,
Andrew joined the Leicester Diocese as Director of Parish Funding
and Fundraising. He became the project manager for two building
conversions in the centre of Leicester: St Martins Lodge and the
Community of the Tree of Life House. He and his wife, Trisha,
became Companions of the Tree of Life project in Leicester.
Andrew had a lifetime love of Scouting, leading camps at an early
age, mostly in Scotland, where he had hoped to retire to in the
future. He was also heavily involved with Great Ormond Street
Hospital Scouts. He met Trisha at a camp for Scouts with special
needs and, unbeknown to the couple, the two Scout leaders, Kim
and Mike, spent the whole camp trying to bring them together.
It obviously worked, because, on 5th November 1988, they were
married in Uckfield, East Sussex. The couple stayed in touch with
the camp, and their son, Toby, who first went along when he was
six months old, still goes on it every year.
PAUL HELM
17TH JUNE 1939 - 5TH SEPTEMBER 2018
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1950 - 1957
Paul and I became friends at Ratcliffe in 1952. It was far more than
a superficial friendship, and eventually Paul had the ‘audacity’ to
marry my wife’s sister. What a blessing this turned out to be.
After his A Levels, Paul went to Derryswood, the Rosminian
seminary near Wonersh in Surrey, to test his vocation. We remained
in touch, and I visited him there; Paul was very much loved as part
of the community. However, fate soon interrupted our lives forever,
when Fr Ronnie Catcheside (26) gave me first refusal to travel to
Legnago, near Verona, to teach English to a young Law student.
Paul had given his all to deciding about his vocation. In 1963, after
completing teacher training at Hopwood Hall, followed by a period
of teaching at Ratcliffe College, he decided to leave the Rosminian
path to priesthood. I invited Paul to come to Italy with me as a
witness to my forthcoming marriage to Milena (Lazzari). After the
wedding, Paul stayed in Italy, managing to find work within a very
short time; he learnt Italian quickly, interpreted for the Americans,
and taught English privately. By this time, Paul and Annalisa
(Lazzari) had decided to get married. For Milena and me, this was
wonderful news.
In November 1966, Paul joined the prestigious Mondadori
publishing company. As always, he worked hard and was very
successful, and in 1970, he became head of the Mondadori London
office. Incredibly, therefore, Paul and Annalisa came to buy a house
near us in Wimbledon, where, as one family, we shared our lives
– Paul with three (bilingual) children, and my family consisting of
four children.
In 1979, Paul changed his job, leaving Mondadori for Tompla, a
Spanish envelope manufacturing firm. Again, his entrepreneurial
skills helped him to become an integral part of the company’s
operations in England, but unfortunately, he felt the firm became
too large, and he opted for another change.
Paul was always an artist. He attended a course in picture-framing,
and he and Annalisa opened a lovely shop in central Wimbledon.
Appropriately, it was called Frames and Faces. Paul loved printing,
and he experimented with various methods. He worked using
When Andrew and Trisha moved to Melton, they became involved
in the life of St Mary’s Church, and they were told that there were
plans for a re-ordering project for the beautiful Grade I listed
building. There were subsequent revised versions of this until
the church closed in 2017 for re-ordering work to take place.
Alongside a team, Andrew was instrumental in seeing the work
completed on time and to budget. As part of the congregation, he
also served on the Christmas Tree Festival Committee for 16 years,
was a deputy churchwarden, a trustee of the CIO (Charitable
Incorporated Organisation) which was set up to oversee the recent
re-ordering project at St Mary’s, a member of the Fabric Express
group and the church Men’s Group, as well as being a church
reader and intercessor.
Andrew’s biggest love was his family – his wife, Trisha, his sons,
Toby (08) and Matt (14), and his daughter, Hannah (10). He was
a much-loved and respected member of the congregation at St
Mary’s Church, Melton Mowbray, and he will be greatly missed.
Adapted from St Mary’s Church of England Parish Newsletter,
with permission of Andrew’s daughter, Hannah Nutter (10)
a computer and a method called collagraphy, together with
painting, drawing, and other techniques. One of his artistic goals
was to draw or paint more than 52 composers, and in the end, he
managed to reach over 100. At Christmas, he cleverly put together
prints for various cards each year, with amusing faces and stories
of the family.
We miss Paul enormously. He never lost his faith, and at his funeral,
alongside our local priest, Fr Ted, there were three Ratcliffian
priests concelebrating: Fr Anthony Meredith (57), Fr David Tobin
(59), and Monsignor Anthony Wilcox (56).
Paul was dedicated to his family, and he loved them deeply; when
asked, he would say “they’re marvellous”. In his last illness of
many months, the children were, indeed, marvellous. Paul loved,
and we loved him. He leaves a wife, Annalisa, three children, four
grandchildren, and a younger brother in Canada, Michael. May he
rest in peace.
John Reynolds (57)
Brother-in-Law
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OBITUARIES
RATCLIFFE LINKS
GRACE DIEU MANOR SCHOOL 2019
THE ROSMINIAN ORDER & ROSMINI CENTRE:
AN UPDATE
The Rosmini Centre at Ratcliffe, based at the Old Farm House on the aerodrome, is now our English Irish Province novitiate, as well as
the Rosmini Prayer Centre. I am the novice master, and I am in charge overall at the Centre. Also in the community is Fr Ted Mullen (60),
who goes out daily to care for the local parish at Birstall’s St Theresa’s and Rothley’s Sacred Heart. Fr David Tobin (59) looks after and
arranges the programme and speakers for the Rosmini Prayer Centre. Fr Tony Furlong has retired for health reasons, but he formerly
taught at Ratcliffe before becoming involved with his parish work. Though retired, he is an important member of our community.
Fr Philip Sainter (69) is Father President of the College, and he efficiently looks after the administration of our Rosmini Centre and the
care of the grounds. Br Nigel Cave (72), too, is a member of our community, and he lives in one of the cottages belonging to the trustees,
on the side of the Fosse by the College. Br Nigel does great work editing books on the First World War battlefields, leads tours there, and
has responsibility for our Province archives.
Br William Rees received the clerical cassock on 19th September, marking the completion of his first year in the novitiate of the Institute
of Charity. He is a graduate from Dulwich College and a Classics scholar; he later qualified in Law and, for some years, practised as a
barrister. In his second year with us, he will remain based at the Rosmini Centre, whilst going out on various pastoral placements to live
and grow in his vocation.
We have an Institute and Province project in the planning stage to convert what was formerly the Officers’ Mess and then milking
parlour of the aerodrome farm. Our plan is to house there our Rosmini Publications Centre, currently in Mansfield, as well as to provide
accommodation for our novitiate. This will release the present novitiate building for guest accommodation.
Frequent Rosminian visitors to the Centre are our brethren from Loughborough, Fr Paul Gilham and Fr Simon Giles (60); from Grace
Dieu, Fr Denis Labartette; and from Rugby, Fr Tom, Fr Shinto and Fr Jose (three of our Indian Rosminians working in Rugby), Fr John
Bland (53), Fr Charles Sormany (48), Fr John Buckner and Br Joseph Gardner.
Also resident in the parish in Rugby is our Father Provincial, Chris Fuse. Many of the brethren from Rugby come to the Rosmini Centre
on Monday evenings for fish and chips. Arrangements are also currently being made for Fr Denis Labartette to leave the Lodge at Grace
Dieu and take up residence in a semi-detached house at the College, which is the property of the trustees.
For more information about the Rosmini Prayer Centre, please visit our website, www.rosminicentre.co.uk.
Fr Anthony Meredith (57)
Given that so many of you attended Grace Dieu before joining Ratcliffe, we wanted to give you an update on some of the School’s news
and developments over the past year.
SENIOR SCHOOL OFFERS FOR GRACE DIEU PUPILS
We were absolutely delighted this year, as all 18 of our Year 6 pupils who took entrance exams for independent schools were offered
places, and 95% were awarded their first-choice senior school. This is a testament to the benefits of a Grace Dieu education, where
pupils are given an outstanding grounding across all areas of the curriculum, well beyond excellence in Maths and English. It was also
wonderful to see the news that a former Grace Dieu pupil is now currently Head Boy at Ratcliffe – congratulations, Carter Walker!
NATIONAL SWIMMING SUCCESS
Eight pupils from Grace Dieu are now ranked fourth in the country, following their success at
the IAPS National Swimming Finals, which took place in the London Aquatics Centre at the
Olympic Park in June. This was a fantastic achievement, as our pupils have now won a place
in these swimming finals for two years running. They knocked an impressive 14 seconds off
their qualifying time, and their performance on the day was truly outstanding. Showing great
focus, determination and teamwork, their prize was very well deserved!
PRIZE GIVING 2019 GUEST OF HONOUR
We were delighted to welcome back former Grace Dieu and Ratcliffe pupil, BBC Radio
Leicester’s mid-morning presenter, Ben Jackson (88), as our guest of honour for Prize Giving
2019. Prize Giving is the pinnacle of the year; it is a day of celebration, and a wonderful
opportunity to reflect upon our pupils’ unique and individual achievements. It was an occasion
of joy for all of the Grace Dieu community, made even more special by our guest of honour,
who joined us to represent our alumni.
MORE AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS LAUNCHED
Grace Dieu has always offered a full range of free after-school clubs, but the start of this
academic year saw even more opportunities for pupils from Reception through to Year 6. Ballet
is now on offer, run by a professional dance teacher. Spanish is also new to the line-up of
after-school clubs, run by our new Languages teacher, who also teaches our children their
French lessons. This adds to the range of academic clubs, including STEM Club, Active Learn,
and Construction Club. There continue to be a variety of sports clubs, including tennis and
ball games for the youngest pupils, as well as rugby, hockey, multi-sports, cross-country and
elite swimming for the older pupils, not forgetting the creative arts clubs, including choirs,
ensembles and singing groups, as well as art and drama, and the ever-popular Cookery Club!
FAMILY FUN DAY
Grace Dieu’s first ever Family Fun Day was an enormous success, with an incredible turnout of
families joining in the fun! Organised by our wonderful Grace Dieu Parents’ Association, the
event raised over £2,000. Guests enjoyed a delicious barbecue and the odd glass of Pimm’s
while the children had great fun on an impressive range of inflatables, funfair games and
plenty of stalls!
If you would like to come and visit us, please do get in touch. There is always an open door at
Grace Dieu for our past pupils and for all Old Ratcliffians.
Margaret Kewell
Headteacher
RATCLIFFE LINKS
68 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
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69
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
REMEMBERING MARK BUNCE (79)
40 YEARS SINCE THE SOUTH WING FIRE
It is an incredible 40 years since a devastating fire broke out, on 14th May 1979, in the South
Wing of the College, with lessons just finished for the day, but all boarders still present on
site. With this year’s Reunion Luncheon being made up of many of those who were present,
conversations were had about this dreadful day and how those residing at the College at the
time dealt with the situation.
In October 1979’s Ratcliffian magazine, Fr Baxter (38) (Father President at that time)
wrote that the blaze was first seen a few minutes after 5pm. He recalls how successful the
evacuation was, with the staff able to say that everyone was accounted for by 5.10pm. He
recalled how Br Belt’s Fire Team valiantly operated their pumps, although the hoses were not
strong enough to reach the heights required. He wrote: “It was an anguishing time, because
5.15pm was the most difficult moment for the fire engines to reach us through the rush hour
traffic, and we could only stand and watch the fire grow in size.” He added: “By 7pm, news
of the fire had spread through local radio, and many members of the domestic, catering
and linen room staff came in from Sileby and other places to help until late into the night.
We were inundated with offers of help from friends, parents, Old Ratcliffians and senior
citizens living nearby; indeed, the amount of goodness and helpfulness shown by so many
people was one of the outstanding and moving features of the fire period.”
Eric Ciambra (79) recalled: “We were all very fortunate that the fire took place during the
day. If it had been at night, it could have easily resulted in fatalities or injuries. From my
memory, the fire spread very quickly. The fire trucks could not get up the driveway, as the
cement bollards on there were too narrow for them to get through. The firemen had to
destroy them before addressing the fire. I remember going back inside, up to the dorms,
to make sure that no students were asleep or unconscious. Smoke was already very
present, and you could hear the fire. It was a long time ago, but I do remember a student
being up there, unaware of the danger that he was in.”
Nick Wright (79) recalls the fire taking place whilst he and a group of his classmates
stood on the cricket pitch (over where the scoreboard is now), watching the flames. He
said: “We were teenage boys – we watched, but I don’t think we realised the dangers that
were present.”
Steve Clark (79) had a more amusing story to tell. He said: “I probably have one of the
most embarrassing stories, because I was actually in the shower block down by the Music
Hall entrance to the main school. When the fire alarm sounded, it meant that I was forced
outside by the cricket pavilion with the rest of the school, wearing only my dressing gown
and a towel! As the fire raged in front of us, I heard that my room had also been burnt out.
Due to my attire, or lack of it, a local reporter from the Leicester Mercury was drawn to
me like the proverbial moth to a flame, whereupon I bemoaned my lot at having only the
possessions that I stood up in! I have been ribbed about this ever since by my classmates!”
Teresa Flower (79) said: “We were all present during the fire. A group of us stood on the
lawn and watched it. I think it may have been Jonny Anwyl (79) and a couple of others
who alerted the boys in that wing and told them to get out, as they hadn’t seen the
fire. The story at the time was that the area was being redecorated – someone had left a blowtorch on a
window frame, and the wood had smouldered, catching fire. We watched the fire even before the trucks arrived. We all went home for
about three weeks. My A Level results weren’t good, but I had my books to revise with, so I can’t really blame the fire specifically!”
By 9pm, the fire was largely under control, but St Joseph’s, St Michael’s, and half of Our Lady’s dormitories had been gutted by the blaze.
St Anthony’s dormitory, the art rooms, all of the rooms on the priests’ corridor facing the cricket field, and the Fourth and Fifth Form
recreation areas were quite unusable for a long time, as the water had caused havoc there. The following morning, Fr Baxter announced
that half-term would begin immediately, with all pupils being sent home, or to stay with friends or relatives, until the previously stated
half-term period came to an end.
Architecturally, the 1979 fire was undoubtedly the most devastating event in Ratcliffe’s history, due to the extent of the damage, both
physically and in the disruption it caused to the College and its residents. Still to this day, it is a regular topic of discussion for those
visiting Ratcliffe, particularly when touring the Lockhart Garden, where the effects of the rebuild are clear to see.
Tragically, 40 years ago, the Ratcliffian magazine reported that a member of the Upper Sixth, Mark Bunce, had died on 21st April
1979, following a road accident near his home. The article read: “His funeral took place at the Roman Catholic Church of St Francis in
Halstead on Thursday 26th April. The parish priest, Fr President, Fr Waters and Fr Tobin, Headmaster at Grace Dieu where Mark had
been Head Boy, concelebrated with Mark’s uncle, John the Abbot of the Cistercian
Monastery of Mount St Bernard in Charnwood Forest. After the very moving ceremony,
Mark was laid to rest in the churchyard of Sible Hedingham, onto which looks the
garden of his home. Members of the Upper Sixth were present at the funeral and acted
as bearers to the cemetery.”
The article went on to say: “These simple facts hide the profound shock and sadness
which was felt throughout the School at the news of Mark’s death, and especially in
the Sixth Form, of which he was a lively and extremely popular member; one who was
recognised as a personality in his own right, a member of the Sixth Form Council, and
an able organiser of social events which contributed much to Sixth Form life. He enjoyed
company, and others enjoyed being with him; they found him also a deep-thinking and
sensitive young man who cared about them. He was ready always to speak his mind,
especially if he felt an injustice might possibly be done. He is very deeply missed by many
of his contemporaries and friends who knew him best.”
In the obituary to Mark, an Upper Sixth Form student wrote: “It is hard to know what to write
about an 18-year old friend who was so tragically killed. The task is made all the more difficult
because of the person Mark was. All the members of the form will remember him as someone
who often had a smile on his face. He had a great sense of humour, but he also knew how
to be serious when he felt it was called for. Mark had a lot of time for people – he would not
turn anyone away from his room. We will all remember him for different reasons, but he was
probably best known for his hair, which gave him his commonly used nickname, ‘Fuzz’. Had
Fuzz lived, I’m sure he would have been a really fine person in all that he did. His tragic death
came as a great shock, and he is missed by us all.”
Mark’s classmate, Steve Clark (79), added: “Although I was not a close friend of Mark’s, I regarded myself
as a friend, as did so many other members of our year group; this goes such a way to explaining why his death
affected us all so deeply, and why we decided to mark his passing on our 40th anniversary of leaving Ratcliffe, as a
commemoration to him. Tim Wilson (79) drew a portrait of Mark (right), and this was made into a pin badge, which
we all wore with pride at our reunion, along with our curly wigs.”
Eric Ciambra (79) was one of Mark’s very close friends. He said: “As my parents lived abroad, Mark was kind
enough to invite me to his home for half-term on several occasions. He had a wonderful family, and that time we
spent together remains fondly in my memories and my heart. We had so much fun. Mark was a gentle giant. I don’t
think I ever heard him say anything negative or judgemental about anybody. He was a kind soul with a brilliant
sense of humour. Mark was also a very naturally gifted tennis player and golfer. I remember watching, in awe,
the grace of his golf swing, the distance he could hit the ball, and the obvious talent he had. I also noticed how
very humble he was when someone complimented his skills. I saw Mark pursuing a career as a professional golfer,
as he was so talented, but sadly, that was not meant to be. I still miss Mark today. He was a born optimist. I went, with the
other boys, to his funeral, which was very sad, and I have returned a couple of times to visit his grave and say hello to an old friend.”
Mark’s sister, Penelope Smith, is a Religious Studies teacher at Ratcliffe, and she joined Mark’s peers at the 2019 Reunion to celebrate
his life. You can read more about this event on pages 34 and 35.
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
70 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
71
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
RATCLIFFE’S PUGIN WINDOWS
Architectural photographer Alastair Carew-Cox visited the College to add Ratcliffe’s stained
glass to the book The Stained Glass of AWN Pugin by Stanley Shepherd. Alastair was most
impressed with the window in the Old Library, and he spent quite some time photographing
the different sections of the glass. The new edition of this book will be published in October
2020, featuring all of Pugin’s windows in a gazetteer listing, as well as a history of Pugin.
The front cover of this magazine shows the famous Pugin window within the Old Library,
along with this year’s festive lights.
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE: THE START
This year marks the 175th anniversary of the formal opening of the building at Ratcliffe, on
the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when it was given the name of
Calvary House, in honour of the Mother House of Calvario, in Domodossola, Italy (pictured,
right). But why did the Rosminians decide to build Ratcliffe in the first place?
The Order arrived in England in 1835, being one of two new congregations to come to England
at that time – the first since the Reformation era, almost 300 years earlier. Until 1844, it did not
have a house that it could call its own, and it had nowhere to train new vocations. The solution was
to build something. The location chosen was the result of practicality; they found a Protestant
who would sell some land (not as easy as one might think) to the Rosminians, represented by Fr
Luigi Gentili. The plot, comprising three fields on what was known as Mount Pleasant, ran from
the Fosse (more or less along the outer limits of the present frontage of the main building) and
ended at the back drive, in the area of the community cemetery. Local Catholic benefactors
helped with the finances – notably Lady Mary Arundel and Ambrose March Phillipps de Lisle,
along with a £1,000 contribution from Fr Lockhart’s mother.
The man selected to plan the build was Augustus Welby Pugin, a notable architect of the
period and a Catholic convert; his best-known work today is the interiors of the Houses of
Parliament. He had a plan ready to hand, which was his failed scheme for the rebuilding of
Balliol College, Oxford, with suitable amendments. In the best traditions of Pugin, it was very
grandiose, and he accepted that the project would have to be accomplished in stages.
Work began in May 1843, and the whole thing was completed in just under 18 months. It
was dedicated to Our Lady Immaculate – the first building in England to be dedicated under
that title. It was a very modest construction. Essentially, it comprised a front of about 90 feet,
that is from the end of the 1st XI cricket pitch to the end of what is now the administration
office. It was also very shallow – the outside wall on the west (Square) side ran where the arches
outside the Headmaster’s office are now (pictured above, right). The back door can still be seen
from the Lockhart Garden, now inside the ladies’ toilets, opposite the present administration
office (right). It was there that the local impoverished were fed – a tradition that continued
well into the 1990s, until ‘health and safety’ brought an end to that. The chapel was upstairs –
recognisable from the terrace by its arched windows, with a smaller oratory in the tower.
When it opened, it was not clear whether the building would be for novices only, or would also
act as a Catholic college. The first President of the College was to be Fr Moses Furlong, whilst the
head of the religious community was Fr Peter Hutton. However, as there were no lay students,
only novices, the idea of it being a college was shelved, at least for that time.
Of the original building’s interiors, only a limited amount remains. The two staircases at the
front, by the Headmaster’s and Bursar’s offices, are originals. The interior windowsills are also
original, albeit moved. They are distinctly Pugin, as they are sloped; he did not like people putting
things on them! There is one very interesting survival, which is the top half of the stained-glass
window in the east end of what is now the Old Library, the College’s second chapel, opened
in 1847. Originally, it was at the north end of the chapel upstairs. There were also a number of
outbuildings and a kitchen garden, which were behind the College and at the tower end. These were demolished and moved within
several years of their construction. That is where matters rested, but it was only a couple of years before the College underwent the first
of many expansions.
Br Nigel Cave (72)
72 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
The Old Ratcliffian 2019
73
RATCLIFFE’S PAST
RATCLIFFE’S FIRST GIRLS REUNITE 40 YEARS ON
It has now been 40 years since the first ever cohort of girls graduated from Ratcliffe College
in the Class of 1979, having joined the all-boys boarding school in September 1977 as
part of the Sixth Form. With Joan Beaver (née Crook) being the first housemistress
for the girls, the nine ‘originals’, according to the 1978 Ratcliffian magazine, were
Teresa Flower, Francesca Della-Porta, Antonia Hollingsworth, Moira Roche, Mary-Anne
Pilkington, Anne De Graeve, Catherine Dodson, Henrietta van Heesewijk and Jane
Hayes (pictured, right). Bernadette Buhl-Nielsen joined the group after Christmas, so
the group then became 10.
Joan said: “I was the first girls’ housemistress, from 1977 to 1980. Those three years were
quite a challenge, not only for me, but also for the girls in my charge, of whom I have
very fond memories.” Joan originally joined Ratcliffe as a French teacher, but she soon
became fully involved in the life of the School. Her talents seemed endless, from her love
of music and singing in the choir to her ability to create curtains – everywhere – where there
had previously been none! Joan married John Beaver (pictured together, right) in 1980 and
went on to be the first in charge of the brand-new Junior Department in 1984. She continued
as the night supervisor for the girls in boarding – something she enjoyed very much.
Fr Baxter’s (38) report, taken from the 1978 Ratcliffian magazine, read: “Undoubtedly, the
biggest change this past year has been the arrival of the girls. Although the Leicester Mercury
announced last September the ‘downfall of another male bastion’, the capitulation was, in
fact, extremely peaceful, thanks to the quiet confidence of Mrs Crook and the good sense of
the girls. We are extremely fortunate in having such a pleasant and mature group of girls this first
year, which could have been a difficult one. I am sure they must have faced some moments of discouragement, but they have never
shown it, and their presence has certainly added a different quality to the Sixth Form.” Fr Baxter was asked by several parents at the
time how long this “experiment” would last, with him always making it clear that it was never an experiment, but a matter of “firm policy”.
In the 2017 edition of The Old Ratcliffian, Anne De Graeve recalled how all of the girls underwent an interview, with 12 in total making the
grade (two of which did not take up their places). She said: “It was a shock for many of us, as we’d mostly been at all-girl convent schools
around the country, where some of us had been classmates. Many of the boys hadn’t had girls in their classes since junior school, and
the staff, too, were predominantly Rosminian priests and brothers, or male lay staff, who were not used to teaching girls.” Teresa Flower
added: “As the first girls, we lived by the Latin motto, ‘veni, vidi, vici’, which translates as ‘I came, I saw, I conquered’. It wasn’t the easiest
of times, that’s for sure.” Steve Clark (79) said: “From a boy’s perspective at that time, my own reflections are that the girls were a very
positive addition to the School, and this has been borne out by time. It has also reinforced the explanation for the Class of 1979 being
regarded as a strong OR year group at reunions since then.”
With it being the 40th anniversary of their graduation, eight out of the original ten girls met up for dinner in London in June, during
which, Bernadette Buhl-Nielsen “dialled in” from Denmark, so that she could join the celebrations. The only person who was missing was
Jane Hayes, who has moved to New Zealand and is not in contact with the Association. Anne said: “For some of us, it was the first time
that we had seen each other since 1979. Seven were confirmed for supper, but during the evening, Francesca Della-Porta joined us in
time for a drink and a catch up, and we managed a brief conversation with Bernadette, so nine out of ten of the originals were there!”
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ROTHLEY PARK GOLF CLUB
parkland courses in the Midlands, host to the English Seniors
Championship 2016.
Course Facilies
Membership
Gentlemen, Ladies, Juniors and Corporate Memberships
are available
Visitors
0116 230 2809
clubmanager@rothleypark.co.uk
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l Rothley l LE7 7LH
74 The Old Ratcliffian 2019
www.rothleypark.co.uk
DIARY DATES 2020
THE SIXTH FORM SOCIAL JAN
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR, 6.30PM 22
ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR, 10.30AM
OR SPORTS DAY
THE THISTLETHWAITE HOCKEY CUP,
THE HALLEY FOOTBALL CUP & THE SUE ROBERTS
NETBALL CUP, RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 2PM
MAR
15
THE PATCH MATCH
APR
TOUCH RUGBY FESTIVAL
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 11AM 18
2019 LEAVERS’ MASS
MAY
THE CHAPEL, RATCLIFFE COLLEGE
7
FEB
7
APR
16
24
APR
THE LONDON DINNER
THE CRYPT, ST ETHELDREDA’S
MASS 6.50PM, CHAMPAGNE
RECEPTION 7.15PM, DINNER 8PM
THE RETREAT
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 16TH - 18TH APRIL
THE CENTENARY SALVER
PUBLIC SCHOOLS’ ALUMNI TEAM EVENT
LUFFENHAM HEATH GOLF CLUB
THE REUNION WEEKEND
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE
SATURDAY 27TH JUNE
REUNION BAR NIGHT
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR, 7PM
SUNDAY 28TH JUNE
MASS FOR DECEASED ORS, THE CHAPEL, 10.30AM
ASSOCIATION AGM,THE OLD LIBRARY, 11.30AM
THE GRAND MATCH 11.30AM
REUNION LUNCH, THE MARQUEE, 12.30PM
TOURS OF THE SCHOOL 3PM
AFTERNOON TEA 4PM
JUNE
27
THE RATCLIFFE GOLF DAY & DINNER SEP
ROTHLEY PARK GOLF CLUB, 1.30PM
17
THE PAST PRESIDENTS’ DINNER
THE OLD LIBRARY, RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 7PM
30
OCT
ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING NOV
CONFERENCE ROOM, RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 10.30AM 15
LEICESTER CHRISTMAS DRINKS DEC
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR, 7.30PM
4
FAMILY CANDLELIGHT
CHRISTMAS EVE VIGIL MASS
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 5PM
JUNE
28
24
DEC
Editor-in-Chief: Sarah Gretton
Editor: Katherine Lang
Sub-Editor: Louise Liston
Copy Editor: Gemma Thomas (née Rumbold) (01)
Designer: David Ricks (07) at Light Up Creative Ltd
MAY
21
24
JUL
SEP
13
OCT
10
NOV
6
DEC
2
DEC
6
THE REYNARD GOLF TROPHY
(OLD RATCLIFFIANS) 2.30PM
THE RATCLIFFIAN GOLF SHIELD
(OLD RATCLIFFIANS VS STAFF & STUDENTS) 5PM
DINNER 7.30PM
ROTHLEY PARK GOLF CLUB
THE HCPT LOURDES PILGRIMAGE
24TH - 31ST JULY
THE TAYLOR MIXED HOCKEY CUP
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 2PM
THE 5 YEAR REUNION (CLASS OF 2015)
RATCLIFFIAN ASSOCIATION BAR, 7PM
THE YORKSHIRE DINNER
VENUE TBC, 7.30PM
LONDON CHRISTMAS DRINKS
VENUE TBC, 6PM
THE RATCLIFFE COMMUNITY
CAROL SERVICE
RATCLIFFE COLLEGE, 4PM
YOU CAN REGISTER FOR ALL EVENTS AT
WWW.RATCLIFFIANASSOCIATION.CO.UK. ALTERNATIVELY,
YOU CAN CONTACT US ON 01509 817054 OR AT
ALUMNI@RATCLIFFECOLLEGE.COM TO REQUEST
A POSTAL REGISTRATION FORM
The Ratcliffian Association, Ratcliffe College, Fosse Way, Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Leicestershire, LE7 4SG
Tel: 01509 817054 Email: alumni@ratcliffecollege.com Website: www.ratcliffianassociation.co.uk