Welcome
Welcome to the 103rd issue of ONA Magazine. Looking back over the first half of 2018, there is much to report. The year started with the inaugural Row the Tyne charity fundraiser in February. This was a landmark event organised by Old Novo and Deputy President of the ONA Joel Dickinson (91-01). Hundreds of athletes competed against each other on static rowing machines in a race to row the length of the Tyne. Joel masterminded the whole event which raised an astonishing £25,000 for a charity very close to his heart. Continuing the theme of ‘firsts’, the Rory Allan Memorial Prize was launched earlier this year by friends and teachers of the late Rory Allan (03-10). The standard of submissions was outstanding and I would encourage you all to read the winning submission which is published on pages 14-16. This was quickly followed by yet another hugely successful London ONA Dinner at The East India Club in March. The event was a sell-out once again, and our thanks go to Max Hill QC (72-82) for entertaining us with memories of his time at the school, as well as fascinating insights into his role as Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation. Our congratulations go to Max on his recent appointment as Director of Public Prosecutions. A great achievement by one of our ONs. June saw the re-instatement of the annual RGS XI v ONA XI cricket match – a close game, which the ONA won by 18 runs. See page 5 for the full match report. Our thanks here must go to Chris Ward who was instrumental in the organisation beforehand and smooth running on the day. I hope you enjoy this issue, that you have enjoyable summers and that I see as many of you as possible at the 93rd Annual Newcastle ONA Dinner on Friday 12 October – further details on the back page.
Chris JJ Wilson (97-02) ONA President
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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Summer 2018
