President’s Welcome

In this issue we are continuing our series on school camps, moving on to the 1960s. In these days of school tours across the globe, it is right to acknowledge the massive amount of organisation by the early pioneers which went into the wide variety of camps in the Dales, Scottish Islands, Lake District and beyond. This is a series we hope to continue well into future issues, so keep your memories flowing.

Many ONs will be interested to learn of the retirements of teachers Howard Baker, Phil Taylor, Ken Wilkinson and Liz Temple and will remember, no doubt with nostalgia, their great contributions to school life. They will each be invited to the ONA Dinner on the 19 October, when the guest speaker will be Nick Brownlee (76-86), journalist and crime thriller writer. Make a note in your diary now.

A History of the RGSin Ten People continues on page 12. Almost five centuries have produced some notable characters, so this subject promises to run and run! ONs are again invited to add comments and suggestions by emailing the ONA Office. A full version of this feature will eventually appear on the ONA website.

I am delighted to have met Alastair Leithead (80-90) at the recent London ONA dinner, where he gave a witty and amusing speech. In a previous issue (83) of the ONA Magazine, Alastair wrote about his support for the bursary campaign. In this issue Nigel Paton (66-76) tells us why he chooses to donate to the campaign.

The Association is supporting the school’s funding of the restoration of the memorial organ in the school hall. Mike Barlow (53-64) writes about this on page 2. After many years of ‘non-maintenance’ of this iconic part of the school, the organ, so much part of the school’s daily life from the 1920s to 80s, will gradually be brought back to regular use.

RGS Day will be held on Saturday 30 June and all ONs, families and friends are invited. The Association will again be presenting prizes for history and economics as part of a continuing quest to forge closer links with current students. ONA gift bags will also be presented to all leavers.

Finally, details of a possible Penrith reunion can be found on page 3. The wartime evacuation took place from 1939 to 1944 – it’s an incredible tribute to the camaraderie of ONs, that there is still loyal support from those who took part in this intrepid adventure.

Enjoy the magazine and have a great summer!

Adam Goldwater (87-97) ONA President