Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine

You will find enclosed in this mailing the Arts Diary for the Summer term. I am sure you will appreciate the vast array of events taking place which give a huge opportunity for current pupils, staff and even external organisations to demonstrate their talents. There really is something for everybody and for those who live in the area I would encourage you to come and see for yourselves the high standard of music, drama and the arts currently being performed.

This term sees the departure, after around 20 years of service, of the School doctor and nurse. Many of our younger members will have passed through the hands, so to speak, of Dr Michael Borthwick and Gillian Mather. Dr Borthwick of course is a former pupil himself (60-67) and will be known to some of you as a contemporary. The Association wish them both well and offer their thanks (if that is the right word for the BCG injection!) for their service over the years.

There is of course another significant departure at the end of this term in that we see the retirement of the current Headmaster, James Miller, after 14 years in the post. On behalf of the Association I once again offer our thanks and best wishes to him in his retirement.

The School has recently held the Leavers lunch inviting back former pupils who left the School in 2004 and 2005. The event once again proved extremely popular with over 120 members attending. If you are one of those recent leavers then please ensure that the Association has current contact details for you so that we can keep in touch. We always want to hear your news as well as keep you up to date with developments, reunions and events.

That leads me to my final comment which is simply the request for news, stories, pictures and information for our future editions. Please keep your contributions coming!

Rod Etherington (80–90) President

News and Events

Retirements

Farewell to: Dr Mike Borthwick (60-67), RGS’ school doctor for 22 years, who retired in April. Also newly retired is RGS’ first ever school nurse; Gillian Mather. Gillian has spent 17 years tending to sick RGS pupils. Mike and Gillian are replaced by Doctor Catherine Dias and Nurse Rachel Williams.

Gillan Mather and Mike Borthwick with Headmaster James Miller.

After 14 years at RGS, English teacher and Head of Year 11, Jean Ross, is retiring.

Although Jean will be helping her husband with his consultancy business, she’ll be spending most of her time playing golf at her club, Northumberland Park. Jean says she’s been privileged working with highly intelligent staff and pupil; she will miss RGS enormously.

Jean Ross

1983 Leavers Reunion

Saturday 14 June 2008 If you haven’t yet signed up for the reunion, make sure you do before the deadline: Tuesday 6 May. Contact the ONA office for more information.

London Old Novocastrians Association Annual Dinner

At the RAF Club, 29 February 2008

Family History Research – can you help?

Tom and Christine Rae are researching their family history, and would like to hear from anyone who knew, or have heard of John Robson Bell. He attended RGS from 1926 to 1931. He died in action over Baeri, Germany on 20 November 1944, and is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. If you have any information, please contact the ONA office.