News and Congratulations

We are delighted to have heard recently from…

John Josephs (L) at the Las Vegas 10K Race

Howard Gold (56-62) who writes: ‘My fellow ON and long-term running partner, JIJ (John Josephs (52-62)) at the presentation following the Las Vegas 10K Race, where he won the over-70s age group.’

Calling all Hong Kong/ China-based ONs

We know there is a small outcrop of ONs in and around Hong Kong; and thought that it would be great to try to set up an informal ONA group to cater for them.

I am based in Hong Kong (but travel with business around Asia) and would love to hear from any interested ONs –I will then coordinate a gathering if there is interest.

My email address is: cdfwatson@gmail.com –please just drop me a line. I look forward to some photos from the first event! Having delighted and entertained the Lower Sixth recently in the series of Lower Sixth Enrichment Lectures, Colonel Bibek Banerjee QCRM (78-85), Tom Rowley (01-08) and Nick Bell (95-01) have been followed by Keir Shiels (93-00) paediatrician, and John Harle (65-74) composer and saxophonist, in presenting and delivering a series of thought-provoking and stimulating presentations. We look forward to hearing what Paul Bajoria (73-83), author and BBC Radio 4 producer, has to say next!

Annsley Merelle Ward (01-02) who adds to her update in the previous issue. She continues: ‘I also write for the leading, award-winning IP blog in Europe, IPKat, which is subscribed to by over 20,000 readers including members of the judiciary, government and in-house counsel. In 2017, I was selected as a Global Patent Leader and have been asked to open the first overseas chapter of ChIPs (Chief IP Counsel), an organisation founded by female general counsels of Silicon Valley tech companies (including Apple and eBay) to promote women in the areas of STEM, law and policy.’

John Harle (65-74), world renowned composer and saxophonist who delighted a packed Miller Theatre on 22 March with his 60th birthday concert tour – Celebration of the Saxophone –along with his accompanist Steve Lodder. £919 was raised for the RGS Bursaries Campaign. This concert programme also premiered a new work written by Headmaster, Bernard Trafford, Ioannes Triumphans, a work based on the chorus of The School Song. It was good to see some Old Novos in the audience, including John’s Headmaster, Alister Cox (72-94).

John Papadopoulos displays his World Masters Games medals on his visit to RGS

John Papadopoulos (98-08), physiotherapist and swimmer popped into school to relay this story: ‘After an eight year break from swimming, I decided to get some fitness by joining Masters swimming. Masters sports is when you cannot commit to the fullon schedule of the sport (over 20 hours training a week), due to work commitments. You compete in your age category (mine was 25-29). After 10 months of training, I flew (mid-April) to Auckland, New Zealand to compete at the World Masters Games (WMG). The games are the largest staged multi-sport competition in the world, with an astonishing 27,000 athletes over 28 different sports. The WMG is held every four years, like the Olympics. I competed in the 800m (32 lengths of your standard 25m pool) Frontcrawl, 400m Individual Medley, 200m Individual Medley and Breaststroke, beating all of my entry times. I finished 4th in both the 800m Frontcrawl and the 200m Individual Medley. I was delighted to finish 2nd in the 400m Individual Medley and the 200m Breaststroke. I’m aiming to continue with my training towards the Master’s European and World Championships over the coming years, and the WMG in Japan 2021.’

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… Henry Robert Canfield Hammill and bunny Kate Appleby (R) attends RGS to present Jill Dickinson with the ONA Prize British Champion. Later Sarah went Spotted recently… Mr Simon Barker, head of English, recently spotted Will Featherstone (94-04) on the front cover and throughout the abridged play text of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from Globe Education (published by Hodder Education). Mark Wallace (92-02) representing the team, Beekeepers, on BBC 2’s quiz Max Hill QC (72-82), head of Red Lion Chambers, is congratulated on his appointment as the government’s new independent reviewer of terrorism legislation. He has also been featured recently on Channel 4’s The Trial.

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

Kate Hammill (neé Jarvis) (02-04) and John Hammill (83-93) on the birth of Henry. We are delighted to announce the birth of Henry Robert Canfield Hammill, born on 22 December, 2016 at 5.57am weighing 7lbs 10oz. Ed: We are absolutely delighted for you.

Lt Col John Camm, Physics teacher, on being awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service for his exemplary service to adults and cadets of the RGS Cadet Force.

Suba Das (95-02) on directing the Olivier Award-winning comedy East is East at Northern Stage. Jill Dickinson, Lower Sixth, who was awarded the ONA Prize for her outstanding EPQ project. We were delighted that Kate Appleby (06-08), ONA Committee member was available to come to the End of Term school assembly and present this prize to Jill.

Sarah McDonald (06-11), medical student and athlete, who won the 1,500m final at the British Athletics Indoor Team Trials in Sheffield on 12 February, giving her the title of on to compete at the European Championships, coming 2nd in her heat and competing in the finals.

programme, Only Connect.

email address where we can contact you.

James Carter atop Magdalen Tower, Oxford

James Carter (00-08) who last year graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford with a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. He was also an academical clerk: the choir traditionally sings from the top of Magdalen Tower at 6am on each May morning!

Jonathan Bloxham (99-04), conductor and award-winning cellist, on his appointment as assistant conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Also, congratulations on the success of the recent Northern Chords Festival.

Valete

Gary Scrafton

We say a very fond farewell to Junior School teacher, Gary Scrafton. He will be well remembered by staff and students alike for his patient, understanding and supportive teaching style and also for his knowledgeable input into soccer coaching and unfailing enthusiasm. Gary has loved his time at RGS since 2006 and thanks all of the students, parents and staff who have made it so special. He thinks it might be the end of a 40-year teaching road…but there may be another path or two!