Dear ORs,
It would be wrong not to highlight one individual who has helped more than any other in that process. As he steps down from his work as Development Director, there have been many moments to thank Anthony Robinson for all that he has done, and I simply want to repeat what I said in front of all the parents at Gaudy: I do not think I have ever met anyone who lives and breathes an institution as much as Anthony does Radley and he has taught me much . . . and it has been fun along the way. We will miss him, but I am delighted that his successor, Colin Dudgeon, is with us and I know that he has already met many ORs and is enjoying hugely – as did I – the chance to get to know more about the place. The opening of the new Jock Mullard rowing tank has been the highlight of the first few weeks of term and it was lovely to see so many join us – on a glorious day – to see the remarkable facility. So much of the day reflected Radley at its best; former crews reliving past glories, reminiscences galore and a palpable excitement about what is an innovative and highly effective design. The tank is a collaboration of many people and it has been particularly good to see the way in which it has come together, not least through the fact that it was entirely financed by donations. As I asked Jock to open ‘his’ tank, it struck me that it could not possibly be better named, as Jock embodies the best of Radley rowing spirit and success, and he is, of course, central to the work of the Foundation and has been for many
Andrew Cunningham
It was good to be able to stand in front of this year’s Shell parents at the start of the year and suggest to them that, while I would not be saying anything substantively different from last year, I was now saying it from a perspective of knowledge rather than speculation: there is a huge difference between starting the second year and the inevitably nervous uncertainty of the unknown – tempered by excitement of course – of last September. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all sections of the Radley community for the warmth of their welcome and for the way in which they have helped me to understand the DNA of the College, going beyond routine and achievements to the core ethos of the place.
Jock Mullard at the opening of the new tank years. Being somewhat ignorant, I am still not entirely sure how it works but I am assured that it will make a difference. I gently pointed out the photograph of the 1998 Henley winning crew, and observed that there was space for another picture. . . And so the year begins. There is something wonderful about a school’s annual cycle: there is the reassurance of the familiar but it is accompanied by change, by the freshness of the new, as boys and dons arrive and another generation become ORs. It is a powerful theme and informs a lot of what we are thinking about; as we inevitably review some elements of what we do, I am delighted both by the core strength of our systems and our approach and the willingness to think about things differently. It strikes me as an excellent balance. In the midst of educational reforms we will, of course, have to adapt, but, and I make no apologies for it being a constant theme of mine, we do not follow trends or fads; we do what we think right, always building on our strong foundation.
of K) as a new Senior Master in charge of all co-curricular matters. Ensuring a balance between all aspects of College life, dynamic and ambitious in all our programmes and always dovetailed effectively with the academic, is crucial to our success. Harry Hammond moves into a new role overseeing all our relations with the world beyond Radley, another vital element of our planning for the future. And, as stated above, we welcome Colin Dudgeon as Anthony’s successor. There continues to be a real buzz about the place; it is a great place to be working and a privilege to lead it as Warden. I said it last year and meant it but I know it much more now. The nervous uncertainty has gone. The excitement remains. We look forward to another successful year and to welcoming as many of you as possible to visit us.
I am delighted to have been able to restructure the senior management team, and we welcome Niall Murphy (fresh out the old radleian 2015
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