News and Congratulations

We are delighted to have heard recently from…

Keith Jewitt (70-77) who is launching a book of nature-based haiku poetry entitled, In a Magpie’s Eye –The Jesmond Year in Haiku. All ONs are welcome to attend the book launch at Jesmond Library on Monday 20 November at 6.30pm.

Spotted recently…

Gurnam Singh (87-94) pharmacist whose pharmacy was awarded the title, Pharmacy of the Year by the Sunderland Echo.

Paul Fernandez (96-01) in the Abingdon Herald, former Biology teacher and Abingdon runner who completed the Virgin Money London Marathon with a memorable personal best of 2 hrs 30 mins 26 secs. The veteran 40 athlete who finished 60th –his highest finish –also came in sixth in his age category. 2

Max Hill QC (72-82), head of Red Lion Chambers and the government’s independent reviewer of terrorism legislation who finished off last year’s Lower Sixth Enrichment Lectures. He fascinated his audience with real life examples of terrorism cases and shared advice about a career as a barrister.

Carl Watson (89-94) who lives in Hong Kong informed us that his two children, George and Ellie were spending their summer holidays at Gamesweek –a multi-activity course, based at the RGS. We caught up with them in the school’s Dining Hall and sent photos home to their dad. Gamesweek was founded by Mr Fred Dickinson, sports teacher and his wife, Roz Dickinson. If interested in making a booking, you can visit the website at www.gamesweek.co.uk. Coincidently, Chris Ward, son of Graham Ward (74-81), communications officer at Novos RFC and the school’s new member of staff in the Sports department was with George and Ellie on the day. Chris and Graham are instrumental in organising the annual John Elders Memorial Match at Novos RFC. Ed: Such a small world!

Join us on Facebook and LinkedIn There are plenty of Old Novos social media groups around, but we have our own groups. Join us by becoming a fan of the Old Novocastrians Association pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Our congratulations go to… Early-autumn friendly fixture: RGS v ONA, 3-1 win to RGS! June 2017. Remarkably, she jetted from British Triathlon website.

Appeal for ON email addresses Where appropriate, we would like to stay in contact with you by email. Please email ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk with a current

Suba Das (95-02) on directing the drama, Pink Sari Revolution at Northern Stage, Newcastle.

Kate Harman (née Appleby) (06-08) on her marriage to Tom Harman on 10 July. Many ONs were present, noteably bridesmaid, Alexandra Wynne (née Bickerton) (06-08). Some members of the RGS Community Choir, including the bride Kate, and friend Sian Copley (05-07) sang at the wedding and performed Sting’s, Fields of Gold and The Beatle’s, All You Need is Love. Ed: We wish you both a long and happy life together. Kate Waugh (10-17) who won Gold in the European Junior Triathlon Championships in Kitzbühel, Austria in her A Level exam on Thursday morning to the race on Friday. She says: “I was in Kitzbühel less than 48 hours as I had to get back for exams, but I definitely will never forget this trip!” Then, just four weeks after receiving her A Level results, she achieved further success by achieving Silver when she competed in the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Rotterdam amidst a very strong, competitive field. Keep up to date with Kate’s progress by checking out the email address where we can contact you.

© James O’Hanlon Sarah McDonald (06-11), medical student and athlete who was selected to represent Great Britain in the 1,500m event at the August World Championships 2017 held in London. She whipped through her heat to compete in the semifinals. She was also honoured by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) as their Star of the Year and became Birmingham’s Amateur Sportswoman of the Year.

Charlie Wilson(06-17) centre player, who was picked in the summer to join Newcastle Falcons’ senior squad following his journey through the junior academy. He is a former England U18s international and was the school’s 1st XV captain.

Revd Max Kramer(96-03) recently installed as the new precentor in June 2017 at Canterbury Cathedral. This followed a curacy at Little St Mary’s, Cambridge, which he combined with teaching, administrative and outreach responsibilities in the Faculties of Classics and Divinity of the University of Cambridge.

Basil Strang(04-11) varsity fly-half who joins London Irish.

Tom Heardman (07-11) footballer, on completing his loan to League 1 side Bury FC and signing a new contract for Newcastle United U23 squad.