President’sWelcome

Welcometo the latest edition of our magazine

The highlight of the term was an invitation to the London ONA dinner. The Headmaster, Tove Elander and I were all made very welcome, and we had a pleasant evening, culminating in a fascinating speech from the guest speaker, Sir Alistair Graham (56-60). I also had the pleasure to meet with contemporaries from the 1960s and those whom I taught at a somewhat later date.

Earlier in the evening, Leon Heward-Mills (77-84) was voted in as the new London ONA President; on page 4 he sets out his thoughts on the presidency for the year ahead. I hope he enjoys his term in office as much as I am enjoying mine.

The biggest school event of the term was of course the RGS 1st XV rugby team reaching the Daily Mail Cup final at Twickenham, the first time this has happened since 1994. A match report appears on page 5. You can also find a match report of the football match between ONA and the RGS on page 2. We are hoping that this match will become a regular fixture in the RGS sporting calendar. An Old Novo versus RGS cricket match is scheduled to take place on Monday 21 June. More details will be posted on the ONA website and Facebook page.

A plea to ON’s living locally. Many national and internationally famous artists are appearing on the stage in the RGS performing arts centre, and it would be good to see many more of you at these events. Parking is free, and the cost is a fraction of what it would be elsewhere. Music and drama departments would also welcome you to school performances. Please look at the enclosed Arts Diary and give Jill Graham, the Events Manager, a call to book your seats. I write this after a superb night at the RGS Wind Band Festival, when we were also entertained by the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band. Unfortunately the theatre was only half full.

As I will be in Coventry on exam business in June I would very much appreciate it if any ON’s in the area would be willing to lift the boredom of hotel living, and join me on 23, 29 or 30 June at The Village Hotel, Coventry for a drink (or for dinner if time allows). Please get in touch at

m.barlow@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

Finally, a date for your diary: the annual dinner this year is on Friday 15 October and the guest speaker is Richard Harpin (76-83). You can find out more about Richard on page 3.

Mike Barlow (53-64)

ONA President