ONA — Old Novocastrians Association Magazine
Welcome
1
Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine I was honoured to be voted in as President in October. Thirteen years have passed since I left RGS as a pupil and during that time it has been fascinating to witness the great changes taking place at the school – particularly as these changes were initiated and underway whilst I was still at the school. On reflection my 10 years at the school were a bridging moment – between Headmasters, staff and buildings old and new. I was taught by some ‘masters’ who had taught my dad! It is this bridging theme I hope to continue as President by continuing to raise awareness of the ONA amongst current pupils through various initiatives, and involving members of the ONA during this process. Read about the latest initiative on page 8. The history of the school will come to life as we seek to tell the story of the RGS in 10 objects. It is hoped that this project will come to a climax at the next RGS day on 2 July 2012, and I will be working with the Headmaster to ensure we reach out and involve as many people as possible. I have already been inspired by the interest and enthusiasm for the project. I hope you will be too. I would like to thank Mike Barlow (53-64) for his enormous contribution as Immediate Past President. Mike has worked tirelessly for the ONA, and it is thanks to him that we have a dynamic committee that represents a 21st century RGS. Mike continues as a dedicated committee member, and we look forward to the events he is organising throughout 2011 to celebrate the centenary of the CCF. The last term was full of highlights. The last Annual Dinner was one of the best attended ever, the ONA prize scheme continues to develop and I was able to award the latest prize at the festive Christmas assembly. We now have a fabulous website at ona.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk – but its success relies on your contributions. We’re particularly interested in photos from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, so please send photos, stories or news to the ONA office. It was fascinating to read about the experiences of James Lawrence (02-09) on pages 6-7 as he reports back on his gap year in Thailand – an experience we were able to support through our Gap Year Fund. I am delighted to be working with David Westwood (95-02) who will be supporting me as Vice President, and together with the committee we will continue to strengthen links between the school and the ONA. I’m confident that the next couple of years will be thought provoking, inspiring and engaging for all.
Adam Goldwater (87-97) ONA President
