Former Pupils’ News
FOTA Friends of the Academy (FOTA) was established approximately 10 years ago with the aim of nurturing relationships between staff, parents and others associated with Belfast Royal Academy and Ben Madigan Preparatory School. We number approximately 20 members on the committee and meet 8-9 times over the course of the school year. FOTA provide or help out with refreshments at a number of school events during the year including the School Play, the Christmas Carol Service and Open Evenings/ Mornings. We have also organised a Cavehill CleanUp afternoon and a coffee stall at Roughfort. We hold a number of fundraising events during the year, particularly the very successful and enjoyable Dinner/Supper Dance which is held annually early in the New Year. Funds have also been raised through a Quiz Night. Monies raised help fund vital equipment and events that may not fall within the annual school budget. In recent years, funds have been provided for: Merit Scheme Prizes Drama Performance Studio Video Camera Apple Mac Laptop Stage Lighting Ben Madigan Equipment Model United Nations Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Habitat for Humanity Young Engineers
Lifesaving Club Swimming Club Hockey Club Netball Club Cricket Club Rugby Club Rowing Club PE Department Technology Department
Advance notification is always given for events, and we ask you to come along, enjoy entertaining evenings with us, support your child in school activities, and feel part of “The Academy
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On Saturday 24th September, a group of parents, staff and pupils carried out a ‘Cave Hill Clean-Up’ organised by Friends Of The Academy (FOTA). It was a good cause, and with sunshine and a picnic afterwards, the afternoon was enjoyed by all who took part.
Experience”. Information appears on the Latest News & Events and School Calendar sections of the School website. FOTA welcomes new members or volunteers who simply wish to help out. If you are interested in joining FOTA or volunteering, please contact the School Reception for further details. For more information about FOTA please visit our section of the School website: http://www. belfastroyalacademy.com/academyfriends.asp Jimmy Donnelly (Secretary)
ARCHBOLD - GREIG WEDDING George Pooler Rodgers Archbold married Sheena Greig on Saturday 5 November in Cannongate Kirk Edinburgh. A number of his former classmates from their final year in 1968 at Belfast Royal Academy were guests at the reception. They were (from left to right) John McClure (consultant anaesthetist in Edinburgh –retired), Roy Lyness (consultant histopathologist in Belfast), Richard Appleby (civil engineer in Fort Augustus), Alan Bell (government entomologist in Northern Ireland – retired), Pooler Archbold (consultant clinical biochemist in Belfast), Rodney McDonald (pharmacist in Belfast –retired), Harry Abbott (dentist – retired and living in Spain) and Alan Cook (architect in Crawfordsburn). Some of the party had not met since leaving school, but after the initial shock of the ageing process, conversations continued from where they had left off four decades earlier!