Lusimus . THE RADLEY BROADSHEET Oliver Skelley & William Davie-Thornhill/Radley Video
The Warden
One of the very satisfying – though somewhat embarrassing – aspects of being Warden is the fact that people seem to think that you are responsible for all the impressive things that go on. It is far from the fact, of course, especially when I have only been at Radley for a few months. But pride overcomes embarrassment . . . and I accept the plaudits. A fine example was a recent event when nearly 50 prep school Heads came to visit for a day finding out more about our scholarships process and to spend some time discussing how we can maximise the smoothness of academic transition between phases of education. Needless to say, we took the opportunity to show off some of the considerable talent we have at our disposal and it was a joy first to see their faces and then receive the
many compliments in person and on paper in the aftermath. Amongst other things, the Radley Clerkes (a group of close harmony a cappella singers), a range of solo performances (a song from The Book of Mormon and Schubert’s Ave Maria certainly provide contrast!), a 6.1 – an HMC Eastern European Scholar from Georgia – playing his own composition on the electric guitar and three winning declamations from earlier in the year. And perhaps the best moment? Another 6.1 delivering a short lecture – with no notes – on epigenetics to showcase our in-house lecture programme that encourages boys, as well as dons, to give 15 minute talks on a subject of their choice. Epigenetics: few of us understood it but we knew it was good. The guests left Radley in no doubt as to our cultural and academic edge, thanking me and congratulating me. The
and really special Evensong sung last week by a group of ORs alongside members of the current choir. Old Radleians returning to the College, some for the first time for fifty years and more, were fulsome in their praise for the event and for the way in which the current boys had interacted and performed. It was a truly heart-warming occasion which represented what Radley, over the generations, has been about. I was more than happy to accept all the compliments.
sort of embarrassment I can cope with. It happened again on Saturday last when I arrived at the National Schools Regatta in the aftermath of a very successful Friday when the 14.1 Octuples won Gold – the first such victory since 1997 – and the 14.2 crew won silver. Sadly, my presence was clearly a distraction as three crews agonisingly finished fourth on the Saturday (including a 1st VIII affected by illness) but still several parents kindly congratulated me on the super results for the Shells. I hope very much that such success continues – and the signs are encouraging across the Boat Club – but take very little credit for it. Still, it makes me feel good.
I share such stories, of course, to illustrate two things: the way in which the boys reach extraordinarily high standards and the hard work that goes in from the Common Room and all staff to ensure they are inspired, guided, encouraged (and occasionally cajoled) to those levels. I tend to be there as such things reach their climax,
But perhaps the best example of late was the rather low-key
Service of Commemoration
but I am not there when the early morning weights session starts, or at the first rehearsal as a piece is seen for the first time, or in the form group when that choice of declamation is discussed. Nor at the science lesson when a boy is first inspired to explore beyond the syllabus and discover an interest in cutting edge biological research, or when the Precentor had an idea for a new kind of OR reunion. If Radley is a good school (and it is) and if the plaudits are deserved (and they are) then such success is due to the hard work of many. As so many people take the time to thank and congratulate me as the Warden on the above, and much more beside, I hope they realise the effort that goes in from all who work for the College. The plaudits are for them.
Kirsty Wigglesworth - WPA Pool / Getty Images
New Development Director
The Queen receives a posy from Sophie Thorneloe, and sister Hannah (R), whose father Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Thorneloe (1983) died in Afghanistan, after a Service of Commemoration at St. Paul’s in March for troops who were stationed in Afghanistan 5
Colin Dudgeon is honoured and delighted to be joining Radley in July following ten years as Development Director at Stowe. Prior to that, he worked in commercial radio and in a number of other businesses. Born and brought up near Belfast, with a degree in Jurisprudence, he is an ardent Irish rugby fan, a golfer of very mediocre standard and harbours notions of rowing again. He is looking forward enormously to the opportunity of meeting and working with the Foundation team, everyone at the College, Old Radleians, Parents and other members of the wider Radley community.