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Going for Gold Eleni Papadopoulos (08-10) on the quest for glory at Rio Paralympics 2016 Also in this issue: From Gateshead to Gallipoli | Boxing at RGS | ONA Now and Then

Issue 95 | Autumn 2015

ONA Magazine Issue 95 Autumn 2015

Contents

ONA Magazine is the magazine for the Old Novocastrians’ Association Editor: Jane Medcalf All correspondence should be addressed to: The Development Office, Royal Grammar School, Eskdale Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4DX Telephone Development Office: 0191 212 8909 email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk The Editor reserves the right to edit, alter or omit all submissions to the magazine.

Copy may be carried over to the next edition. The Editor’s decision is final.

Contribute!

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We are always looking for articles and news from Old Novos to include in the magazine, so send your contributions, via email (if possible) to: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or to the Development Office at the school.

Please include relevant pictures if possible. They will be returned as soon as the magazine has been printed.

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The deadline for acceptance of copy for the Winter 2015 issue is 7 December 2015.

Copy may be carried over to a future issue.

Special thanks to David Goldwater (5162) for his research and contributions to the ONA Magazine, particularly on his search for A History of the RGS in Its People.

The ONA Magazine is available online Please note that the magazine is circulated both in hard copy and by email to many members of the Association. Each edition is added to the ONA website shortly after circulation. By submitting an article or news for inclusion the contributor is accepting that it will be available through both formats and will also be accessible beyond the Association membership through internet search engines or any member of the public viewing the ONA website. www.ona.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk Cover image: © Eleni Papadopoulos Please note that the ONA Magazine content does not neccessarily reflect the views of the school or the ONA and is based on personal experiences, recollections and memories of its contributors.

Design www.infinitedesign.com

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President’s Welcome News and Congratulations ONA Now and Then Boxing at RGS Johannesburg Trauma Elective Digging at Vindolanda From Gateshead to Gallipoli Why I Give to RGS Bursaries Obituaries

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the autumn edition of the magazine! As the mid-point in my presidency is almost here, I am delighted with what we have been able to achieve so far, yet it has passed so quickly I am conscious of how much I would like to still complete before I pass the baton across to Chris Wilson (97-02). So I will start with a quick rundown of what has happened in the last few months.

July saw us make an appearance at RGS day where current and Old Novocastrians along with parents stopped by to say hello, see what we have planned and also to buy some merchandise!

As for merchandise, we have been working closely with our new suppliers to produce what everyone has been asking for, high quality items. Please see on page 3 our new range of silk ties, bow ties, enamel gilt plated cufflinks, scarves and socks. We are always keen to hear any ideas for women’s ON merchandise too, so please get in touch.

As Rugby World Cup fever builds in the coming months, the Webb Ellis Trophy made an appearance in school and soon we will welcome the Scottish RFU to use the new sports facilities in school as a training base. You may remember the recent sad passing of our former rugby coach John Elders (57-82 and 92-96). We have been working closely with Novos RFC to reforge the old links with the club, so we are delighted to present a memorial game in honour of John on 2 October between the Novos Veterans and ONA. We would love this to be an annual fixture, so please get behind this by either playing or coming along to support!

The rugby theme continues with our 90th Annual Dinner on 16 October where we are joined by Jonathan Webb (74-81), orthopaedic surgeon and former England international who played in the 1991 World Cup Final, and we invite all former rugby players to assemble their teams once again and book a table at the dinner.

There is some extremely generous discounts available to very recent school leavers as we hope once again for a sell-out.

Finally, I urge you all to join our Facebook page to see the latest news and event updates, such as our monthly lunches or drinks gatherings.

I was also delighted to hear that my brief plea last time generated considerable interest in the Bursary Campaign (and donations) so, if you were thinking of giving, please do so as it all makes a difference!

Chris Rutter (92-02) ONA President

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

News and Congratulations We are delighted to have recently heard from…

Sutherland Swimming Bath where he spent many an hour as a Newt. We were over the moon that they both wished to stay for the End of Year Assembly in the Main Hall where Sam Chrisp, Year 13 picked up his ONA Geography Prize and the House results were announced.

Malcolm Staig (51-61) A chance Much to Brian’s despair and amusement, meeting, which is a gem of an ON tale, took Collingwood came in fourth place! Brian place in August when Malcolm ‘Tab’ Staig received a round of applause and standing decided to participate in an eight-mile walk, ovation on David Goldwater’s (51-62) organised by the Kensington, Chelsea and announcement that Brian had not been Westminster Group. Starting and finishing in school for 60 years! at Shoreham and taking in a pub lunch at Jamie Hansell (92-02) writes: I first began Eynsford, Malcolm met up with Arthur Ian Mickler (40-46) for the very first time. attending Wednesday night volleyball whilst As Mr Owen (23-60) would have I was still at the school. Once I returned from exclaimed: “Quacumque itis, certe university it became the cornerstone of my videbis Novocastriam”. (Wherever ye’ week. Elders Volleyball is a mixed club, gan, yer sure t’ meet a Geordie!) consisting of Old Novos and friends. Our motley crew have been organised by Colin Brian Beeley (46-53) and his wife Jane, Peacock (53-61). Mr Peacock has this year who recently returned to school on the last announced he will be retiring from the club. day of the Summer Term for a tour of the Colin was a founding member of the club, school and a last look of the The started by the late John Elders (57-82 and Rachel Rodgers (06-08) I now lecture

at Reaseheath College and the University of Chester in Animal Training. As my students are currently away for the summer, I am in the Dominican Republic, again back with dolphins and sealions.

Going for Gold Eleni Papadopoulos (08-10) GBTeam para-cyclist, triathlete and retired bufferfly swimmer. Sadly, I retired from swimming with a shoulder injury but, not giving up my love of sport, I have spent the past year transitioning to cycling and completed my first race at the UCI Para-cycling Road World Cup in Italy, finishing fifth in both the Time Trial and the Road Race.

Unable to return to full-time swimming as a butterfly specialist, I am considering a return to triathlon and in doing so hope to compete at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. In order to help me achieve this, I am currently searching for sponsorship, especially to help with my recovery and transition into this new sport whilst studying for my Law degree. I would be grateful if you can contact me by email at lenni.p_92@hotmail.com.

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92-96) over 40 years ago. Originally the sessions started with keep-fit, followed by volleyball. In more recent years the keep-fit section has been replaced with two hours of total volleyball. Colin has kept everyone motivated to attend even when numbers dropped to playing on one court instead of two. He has liaised with school to make sure the club adheres to all modern day regulations, and worked extremely hard to encourage and welcome new members.

I wish to thank Colin for all his years of service to the club, and to wish him well in his retirement. The court will certainly be a much quieter place without you, which might not be a bad thing! I have been given the task of taking over from Colin and I hope I can keep the club going for another 40 years. We aim to create a friendly atmosphere for players of all abilities to play volleyball and have a laugh along the way.

Anyone who would like to come and give it a go, please contact the ONA. Your first, and most important lesson, will always be, the second ball is the setters!

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.

ONA Membership – Standing Orders If you still have a standing order set up to pay the ONA subscription fee, please cancel it as soon as possible. ONA membership is FREE to all Old Novos and former members of staff.

Our congratulations go to…

Country Dance Reunion

Sam Chrisp, Year 13 who won the ONA Geography Prize with his winning essay answering the question: What qualities does the Northumberland National Park and Northumberland in general possess that makes it potentially so attractive to visitors? Is encouraging tourism here a wholly good thing for the region? Sam was presented with his prize by David Goldwater (51-62) on behalf of the ONA.

tournament in Bangladesh in early September this year. The first tournament of its kind sees five or six teams playing each other for the right to call themselves the best team in the world”.

Tom Rowley (01-08) journalist who has won a Fellowship on the prestigious Washington Post. The Stern Fellowship honours legendary Post editor Laurence Stern by bringing a British journalist of exceptional promise to the newsroom each summer. He will contribute to political coverage. Congratulations Tom. Long gone are the days of The Grammar!

Sophie De la Hunt (04-06) on her marriage to David Clamon.

Matty Benn (00-07) and Alex Pallant on the birth of their son, Henry.

The school on its recent Gold Award for Outstanding Progress, Independent captain of the England Physically Disabled Schools category at the Education cricket team. He said: “I’m delighted to be Business Awards in London. Dr Bernard able to bring ‘my’ team back to the school Trafford, Headmaster received the award in July when we take on NUSC at Jesmond. from Buck’s Fizz star, Cheryl Baker.

I have no doubt that the groundsmen will Raymond Orife (99-03) and Georgina have a great track prepared for us. The Orife (née Cooke) (02-04) on the birth three games we play in the region are of their daughter, Eva. part of the lead up to an international

Iain Nairn (88-98) on his appointment as

Christine Watson (née McLennan, a former pupil of Central Newcastle High School, also wife of Dr Malcolm Watson (50-61) and mother to Iain Watson (80-90)) is intending to arrange a reunion for those former pupils of CNHS, Church High School and the RGS. The reunion is for those former pupils who went to Sixth Form country dancing with Jan and retired maths teacher John Douglas (56-94), in the RGS Gym and who will become 70 years of age in or around 2017.

Christine’s email address is: watson christine20@hotmail.co.uk. The reunion will probably take the form of a buffet meal (at the RGS if at all possible) or another venue probably in May or June 2017.

Arrangements have not been finalised and suggestions would be very welcome.

If you would like to be informed of arrangements and are willing to share your email address, or if you know of anyone else who may be interested and have their permission to forward their address, that would be very helpful.

ONA Merchandise To order from our new range of merchandise, please send a cheque payable to ONA, confirming your delivery address and contact details. For further details please email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

Tie 100% pure silk, slip-stitched, fully lined £29

Bow Tie 100% pure silk, self-tie and ready made options available £29 Polyester ties are also available.

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

Scarf

Cufflinks

Socks

100% double thickness wool £35

T Bar, enamel gilt plated, school crest £29

100% cotton £9

ONA Now and Then As Headmaster of the RGS (and working in a large office just feet away from the redoubtable Jane Medcalf who compiles this magazine), I am allowed a sneak preview of the next publication before penning my contribution. Just as well: how else could I attempt to do justice to the sheer range of information contained in this one?

Let’s start with the people. There’s no doubt that ONs travel, and travel well! Thus we read of chance meetings, reunions and reminiscences from ONs of all generations: we see medics at various stages of their careers apparently encompassing the globe. And, among the youngest ONs featured, we have Tom Rowley (01-08) setting off to further his journalistic career in the States, while athlete Eleni Papadopoulos (08-10) has her sights firmly fixed on the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. Sport has always played a part in school life at the RGS, though across a much broader spectrum than its intractably rugby-oriented reputation sometimes suggests to the uninformed! So, as we start using our magnificent new Swimming Pool (the barriers and danger signs now removed!), it’s good to look back to the opening of The Sutherland Swimming Bath, a far-sighted and forward-thinking addition to the school back in 1930 that established swimming as the major RGS sport it remains to this day (I can’t resist just boasting here of the RGS Junior School’s U11 girls becoming national champions in June).

This autumn will see a powerful rugby theme in the school. The John Elders Memorial Match on 2 October will honour the memory of a truly great man: what a privilege it was for those who knew him to be taught and inspired by someone who added so much both to the school’s rugby and to that of the nation. I guess, in the modern world of professional sport, that dual role is unimaginable now.

Nonetheless, professional sport will come to the RGS in October, when the Scottish national team uses the school as its training base for the Rugby World Cup. Our own Jim Pollock (66-77), of course, should be on hand to give them some tips (if they have the sense to ask). And I can’t resist mentioning, somewhat mischievously, that Jim now features in a museum! His Scotland cap is part of an exhibition in Newcastle’s Discovery Museum. And there’s one further rugby connection in the fact that we’ll be delighted to welcome former England international Jonathan Webb (74-81) as speaker at the ONA Annual Dinner at school on Friday 16 October.

Finally, I must draw your attention to the piece by Christian Gardner (00-07) that warms the heart. He is frank about the way in which he benefited from bursary support at the school, and how he feels it is time to give back and share some of his success that he attributes to the opportunities afforded to him by the school. It’s a warm and generous statement and I commend it to you. The Bursary Campaign is as close to my heart as it is central to the school’s historical mission. I am delighted that the ONA is throwing its weight behind While still looking back, it’s entertaining the campaign and I hope that many of you to read an account of boxing at the RGS, will consider following that outstanding a sport that is problematic for schools nowadays and therefore rarely undertaken. example set by Christian.

I wonder whether the circulation of this Plenty to read, then: and plenty of events edition of the magazine will fuel the in which to share. Enjoy the magazine! rumours, which still surface from time to time among the current student body, that Bernard Trafford somewhere in an imaginary cellar hidden Headmaster under the Main Hall there is still a perfect boxing ring.

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ONA Now and Then

Changing Lanes With completion of the new Swimming Pool this year we look back through The Novocastrian, to its celebrated beginnings when ON Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland (1878-1883), “prince of givers”, donated the swimming bath to the school in 1930, when Chairman of Governors.

School Baths

to pass out immediately and see the bath in use. While the rest were waiting in the On June 20th the baths, presented to the Hall, Mr B Johnson played selections on school by Sir Arthur Munro Sutherland, the organ. Despite the huge crowds which were opened by the Lady Mayoress, Miss were present, the whole assembly passed Stephenson. The ceremony was as short through the baths in a very orderly manner, as possible, and for that we were grateful, though Captain Robinson experienced for the heat, particularly on the balcony, some difficulty in keeping the people on the where a section of the school were packed edge of the bath on the move. Captain rather tightly, was intense. These were the Robinson and Mr Magnay were in charge real heroes of the day, and how they of the display, and for an informal exhibition, managed to cheer in an atmosphere where the swimming was extremely good. breathing was difficult is more than I can tell. Sandison’s bell was particularly impressive.

After the School Song had been sung, Sir Arthur formally presented the bath to the school, and Bewick handed to him a silver cigar-box, for which the school had subscribed in gratitude to Sir Arthur for his magnificent gift. Sir Arthur Lambert thanked the donor, and in the course of his speech called him “a prince of givers.”

He also challenged him to a race across a couple of breadths of the bath, but I heard no word of acceptance. The Lady Mayoress then declared the baths open, at Sir Arthur Sutherland’s request. Despite the confusion in local newspapers, the silver rose-bowl which Mr. Marshall presented on behalf of Messrs. Marshall & Tweedy, the architects, and Messrs JR Rutherford & Sons, the contractors, was intended for the Lady Mayoress, not for Sir Arthur. When Mr Beckingham, the ViceChairman of the Governors, had moved a vote of thanks to the Lady Mayoress, the official ceremony was over, and the favoured few with red tickets were allowed

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

The swimming bath is the most valuable and most useful gift ever presented to the school, though of course Sir Arthur’s other gift, the memorial organ, is indispensable, and the more one learns of the plant installed in the baths and the extraordinary measures for cleanliness and freshness, the greater grows one’s admiration. The actual measurements of the bath are

The Sutherland Swimming Bath, 1952, Newts in practice

seventy feet by thirty feet, a remarkable size for a school bath. The water is filtered, aerated, warmed, and sterilized continuously, and the whole of the seventy thousand gallons is changed every four hours.

The completion of the baths by June 20th was a very great feat, and the architects and builders are to be congratulated.

Already swimming is well under way, and we can now look forward to the time when the RGS will be a really eminent swimming school. Just after this article goes to Press, the team from Cambridge University is giving a display in the bath. We wish them luck, and feel sure that they will find the appointments entirely to their liking.

The Novocastrian, Vol. XLIV, No.2, July 1930 pp.88-89 Under construction: the new Swimming Pool in June 2015

Boxing at RGS

By Peter ‘Taff’ Davies (60-70) It was with sadness that in the last edition of the ONA Magazine, I read Mike Oswald’s (66-03) obituary of the last master in charge of boxing, Michael Anthony ‘Tony’ Griffiths MBE (69-02 and 05-06). Tony had a ready smile and could be characterised in an old fashioned way, as a ‘very good bloke’; although it may surprise current pupils to learn that boxing was compulsory for the boys of earlier generations.

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hen queried, WD Haden (60-72), who was something of a throwback to an earlier era and Headmaster from 1960 to 1972, stated in a way that brooked little argument, that “RGS boys ‘do’ boxing”. Thus, everyone in the Removes was required to practice boxing one lunchtime a week before the Removes’ House boxing finals at the end of Spring Term.

For many, boxing was to be endured, but it requires a level of fitness which other sports do not and had four advantages at RGS. First, in contrast to rugby, one did not have to face an opponent much larger than oneself.

Second (and this goes to the heart of the ethos of amateur boxing and was rigorously upheld by RGS masters), one is matched against opponents of similar ability. It is axiomatic that boys do not continue a sport if they are hurt repeatedly or are frightened. Thus, boxing was safer than other sports. Third, like the rugby team, the boxing team went on tour to London, but took every age from the Removes to the Upper Sixth, whereas one would have to be an exceptional 14 year old to make the First XV. Fourth, one becomes very sweaty when boxing but not muddy, cold, or bored. There are two ways to box, of course. You either try to hit your opponent more often than he hits you or you try to avoid being hit as often as him; if necessary by propelling oneself away from him (or her, these days) as quickly as possible. As the best thing in life is to be under-estimated, I favoured the second of these strategies in my brief amateur boxing career, albeit sometimes unsuccessfully; while some RGS boxers with good powerto-weight ratios could box or fight as the mood took them.

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Boxing Club, 1964

Boxing is not a team sport, but prior to my first boxing team photograph I was told in no uncertain terms to, “get the smile off my face”, as the team was supposed to look tough! I was also told to keep my hands behind my biceps to demonstrate that I had some. This also seems to have been the case in the 1967 photograph shown opposite.

I was always struck by the inherent kindness with which masters in charge of boxing treated boys to ensure that they came to no harm. While for most, there were better things to do with their lives than box during a precious lunchtime the Removes’ boxing finals were one of the highlights of the RGS year. The old gym was packed with boys of every year, perhaps 200 or 300 urchins hoping, and usually getting, wonderful entertainment with boys hanging from the bars on the walls. Matching was the key. It would have been fruitless to match, say, the first violin from the orchestra against the U14 scrum-half but there was no reason not to match him against the second violin. I recall the hilarity caused when John ‘Richard’ Sharp (60-71), after entering the ring, was instructed in no uncertain terms to remove his glasses and replied in a loud voice, “This is ridiculous!” In his match, I do not think that a glove was laid by either boxer on his opponent, as both circled the ropes on opposite sides of the ring as geometrically as far from each other as it was possible to be, to the hilarity of a baying crowd. In contrast, the most suitable opponent for the second-row forward was the other second-row forward and similarly, prop-forwards often had to fight each other. Pride in one’s House and oneself resulted in a few serious fights such as that between Alan ‘AJ’ Weir (60-70) and Jamie Thompson (63-70) in my year, but I do not remember damage being done except for bruised egos.

I remember losing to Ray Bell (60-70) in my match and later, in a boxing team House tournament, to Niven ‘Niv’ Hunter (59-69) who I could see but not catch, let alone hit.

Boxing had been nurtured in the post-war years by Donald ‘Spitty’ Meaken (24-65), head of Geography; nicknamed thus because of an unfortunate lisp, he portrayed an intimidating old-fashioned figure. Don Meaken encouraged any boy with academic and boxing talent, especially geographers, to apply to Cambridge and many subsequently won Blues. Such was his aura, having left RGS nearly 18 months before, I was astonished to receive a written formal

invitation to take tea with him after I won my first Oxford Blue.

With long hair and a then fashionable but ridiculous Zapata moustache and an appearance which was later described by a daughter as being from a ‘118118’ advert, I remember a limited conversation in the company of someone whom I had never regarded as other than remote and formidable but who turned out to be a kind and, perhaps, lonely old gentleman.

Although Don Meaken continued to be involved with boxing at RGS by refereeing, and so on; after he retired; boxing was given to Neil McLeod (61-69). Neil McLeod, nicknamed “Scotch Mist”; was one of the most inspirational teachers and especially able with boys of lesser academic ability. That Neil McLeod had no boxing experience whatsoever mattered for naught for such was the respect in which he was held, no boy wanted to let him down. He even conducted boxing immaculately attired in suit and tie. He was ably assisted by WC ‘Bogs’ Cuthbertson (28-35), a gentle teacher of RE (47-74) who had been formerly a light heavyweight in the Army, I think. The problem facing Neil McLeod and his successor, Tony Griffiths was the lack of schools and other establishments which continued to box. There was an annual needle-match with Ampleforth whose team was led for a year or so by Bob Nairac who was later murdered by the IRA; and I boxed against Shane Fane-Hervey, his successor.

My first bout for Oxford was in the annual fixture against Sandhurst. Bob Nairac told me not to worry and to be aggressive, i.e. not to follow my usual habit of damagelimitation. After losing on a split decision, I discovered I had fought a captain in the Gurkhas, much to Nairac’s amusement.

As the number of potential opponents diminished, Tony Griffiths approached West End Boys’ Club in Fenham for bouts, but it was quickly obvious that, with the Club’s frequent evening training, RGS boys were no match for them, leaving aside the logistical problems of getting boys who had to meet academic requirements to the other side of the City several times a week. After leaving the school, I continued to box for the West End around the North East in order to maintain fitness and gain experience before trying to win a Blue, but lost as many bouts as I won. In retirement, I now exercise by getting up every day.

Something was lost when boxing disappeared from the curriculum, not only at RGS. Boxing taught self-discipline and an element of physical self-confidence, but aside from Fane-Hervey from Oxford and bumping into Alan Dickinson (58-67) at an ONA Dinner many years ago, the last contact I had with any RGS boxer was to meet Steve Campbell of the opposing Cambridge side in 1973 after he easily beat his Oxford opponent. It was all so long ago and so very different.

Below Top: Boxing Club, 1967 (L-R): Standing: AC Robertson (62-68), EHEG Ormond (59-69), PW Davies (60-70), PL Moralee (59-69), DS Cail (58-67), W George (62-69), DA Cromer (64-69). Sitting: JS Campbell (58-68), AK Dickinson (58-67), N Macleod (61-69), GR Kinghorn (57-67) (Captain), PS Gordon (58-69), M Todd (61-67). Front: JR Newton (63-70), NM Hunter (59-69) Below Bottom: Boxing Club, 1955

The highlight of the RGS boxing year was, however, the London tour, and I recall the despair when, for three successive years, boxing tours were cancelled. As a Remove, I boxed against Felsted and was a non-boxer against Haileybury, but in the Upper Sixth I recall matches against Dulwich College and Royal Hospital School, Ipswich. At the former I gave away a couple of stone to an immobile middleweight and managed to win two punches to one over three rounds.

The toughest-looking opponents RGS faced were those from Carlisle Army Apprentices’ College; largely working class lads from Glasgow, Liverpool, and of course, the North East all of whom seemed to relish the idea of getting at us ‘posh boys’; but they were not as tough as they looked, which was very tough as it happens, and the advice from Messrs Meaken, Cuthbertson, and McLeod, was to outbox one’s opponent, not outfight him. Indeed, RGS teams usually did quite well although there was the occasional spectacular bust-up while some boys, such as EHEG ‘Garth’ Ormond (59-69) and John ‘Steve’ Campbell (58-68), could box or fight as a matter of choice; which came as something of a surprise to their opponents. Before one Carlisle match, however, I overheard a boy who had a tough reputation at school, after seeing his prospective opponent, approach Neil McLeod and inform him that he was ill. Neil McLeod scratched the match rather than forcing the frightened lad to box.

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, affectionately known as Bara

Johannesburg Trauma Elective

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By Tae Lee (98-08)

o, even before boarding my flight at Heathrow, I had reservations heading for my one-month medical trauma elective. A UK colleague five weeks into her placement had emailed me that five students had already suffered needlestick injuries, from treating a patient population in which at least one in three have HIV. Not the most welcoming news before take off.

Johannesburg is a city well known for its wealth of natural resources, history and diversity. Unfortunately for a place that was once christened Egoli or “the land of gold” by the Zulu populous, poverty and unemployment have been rife in modern times, with crime and violence topping the agenda: Louis Theroux’s Law and Disorder television documentary certainly paints this raw picture.

My place of work was to be the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – the third largest hospital and the largest trauma centre in the world – that serves the adjacent Soweto township; a remnant of the apartheid era that evicted the black South Africans from central to south west Johannesburg. This hospital, affectionately known as Bara, attracts students and doctors worldwide who want their taste and hands-on experience of trauma.

A weekend shift here is equivalent to half a decade’s worth of experience at a UK major trauma centre; it is unrivalled.

my face whilst injecting local anaesthetic into a man’s lacerated scalp towards the end of my shift.

To top things off, I had to drive back to my accommodation, trying hard not to fall asleep at the wheel. It was in short, a baptism of fire.

However with a couple of shifts under my belt, I started to adapt to Bara’s rigors and became accustomed to the department looking like a war zone on a regular basis. I performed lots of invasive procedures such as chest drains, suturing and central lines, that I would never be allowed to do in the UK as a junior doctor. But, due to the brutal nature and necessity of Johannesburg and Bara, senior staff were very much set on the apprenticeship adage: see one, do one. They were incredible teachers, supportive, patient and wanted us to do these procedures safely and competently so that we in turn could help out with the enormous workload.

Patient demographics were certainly different from those at home. Many were poor black males, with multiple stab wounds after intoxicated altercations. Added to this common list were victims of gang violence, rape, motor vehicle accidents, assaults and burns. With this poorly funded and understaffed state hospital, elective students were much-valued members of the trauma team trying to reduce the never-ending backlog of patients being stretchered in at a frightening pace, 24-7.

As an elective student, I was treated as a junior doctor and was given a lot of responsibility to help with the high turnover. My weekly on-call rota was a standard two or three 26-hour shifts – the South African doctors thought I was joking when I referred to the 48-hour-week European Working Time Directive – at the resus bay and trauma pit. The 16-bed resus bay was the place where all the P1s (patients with life threatening injuries) were admitted for immediate resuscitation. The trauma pit was where all the P2 and 3s (patients who had less severe injuries) were triaged and treated in one of the 11 private cubicles.

Above (clockwise): Post-26-hour shift at the world’s largest trauma centre Patient transfer from a rural hospital by air ambulance following a severe head injury Trauma unit, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hosptial, Johannesburg Gun range, one of the sources of

My first on-call was unforgettable. Bara overwhelmed my senses. Blood was splattered everywhere despite regular efforts from the cleaners. There was the inescapable stench of urine, vomit and alcohol breath of combative locals shouting abuse at you. My arms ached from repeated attempts of restraining physically aggressive patients; yes, unfortunately this was necessary for the safety of patients and staff. There was also the spray of bodily fluids onto

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I also learnt a lot more about myself and about becoming a doctor in my one-month elective than my entire six years at medical school. I mean no disrespect to my medical school, rather that I was given much more autonomy and was regularly put under challenging situations such as dealing with aggressive patients (and nursing staff!), suggesting my management plans to seniors, but also acknowledging my own limitations and when to ask for help.

Johannesburg trauma

ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

At the end of my placement I was glad for two reasons. The first was that I managed to complete the elective without harm done to the patients and myself. The second was that Johannesburg re-affirmed my love and admiration for the NHS back at home.

Despite being put under significant political, financial and media pressure, it is fantastic that the UK can still provide the most cost-effective, high quality healthcare in the world, to us, for free. Governments may change, but let us hope that the NHS may continue strongly for many years to come.

I want to sincerely thank the ONA for their generous support for making my elective possible.

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n days out, my dad always headed out of Newcastle along the line of the Military Road, the B6318 running west, built to suppress the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, following the line of Hadrian’s Wall. Most of the Wall ended up in farm buildings and local structures from early days, but enough has remained, both above and below the ground, to keep antiquarians, professional and amateur, intrigued long into the future.

Above: 2nd Century Iron Ballista (Catapult) Bolt Right: David at Heddon on the Wall, 1950 Below: Gladiator glass bowl

Digging at Vindolanda

By David Goldwater (51-62) ONs have a primary connection with the North East, so there’s no need for me to stress how beautiful England’s most northern county is. Always living locally, I have always appreciated the easy access to our county’s treasures as beyond value.

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When our own children arrived in the 70s, we too would gravitate westwards into the countryside and having joined the newly formed Vindolanda Trust as Friends, visits to this amazing site became a regular event. Vindolanda, about a mile south of the Wall, dates from around 80AD, an auxiliary fort likely to have been key to the building of this northern frontier a generation later. The fort lies exactly half way across this part of northern England, strategically on the Stanegate Road and was occupied, abandoned and re-occupied several times over its lifetime. The result is a fascinating compression of at least ten forts, the earliest wooden, the later of these built of local stone. The layering has led to an amazing succession of discoveries, almost unique in British archaeology.

Most famous are the Vindolanda writing tablets, recording daily life: letters from soldiers asking for socks and underwear, a birthday party invitation to the fort’s commander’s wife, requests for payment, lists of goods supplied and troop deployments.

Organically preserved in the peat and clay, Roman soldiers used to cover up redundant structures, these, along with textiles, leather goods, wooden objects and flora and fauna have all survived thanks to the oxygen-free conditions. Vindolanda has the largest collection of footwear in the Roman Empire, over 5,000 items, with many delicate designs including makers’ stamps.

It was not until the arrival of Professor Eric Birley, a Lancastrian, and founder of Durham University’s School of Archaeology, where he served as both lecturer and Professor, that serious archaeology began there. Birley moved to the house at Chesterholm (now the Vindolanda museum site, Chesterholm Museum) and following the early excavations of the 30s, his son Robin oversaw the foundation of the Vindolanda Trust and its exciting programme of archaeology. The Trust is an independent charity and controls two sites, the Fort at Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum, about seven miles to the west, at Carvoran. Though an independent trust, Vindolanda is a protected scheduled monument and has to comply with the requirements of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

For the past dozen summers, under the leadership of Robin Birley’s son Andrew, I have taken part in Vindolanda’s volunteer programme, with around 600 applicants helping the Trust in its fantastic work. The season lasts from April to September, in fortnightly periods. ‘Diggers’ come from all walks of life, from all over the world and every age group. Because of its growing fame as a unique archaeological treasure, visitor numbers have grown each year and volunteers enjoy talking to visitors about their experience as budding archaeologists. The excavations concentrate on both the fort areas and the Vicus or civilian village.

Brick with VI Legion stamp

Most often comes the question, “Have you found anything today?” Although we are more than aware that, altruistically, we are all digging and trowelling for the next group, next month, next year, or even century, the excitement of making an original discovery fills each of us with great hope.

Even working next to a pair of diggers who lift something out of the ground for the first time, for perhaps, 1,800 years is something quite unique.

Some of the most frequent finds are pieces of Samian pottery, elaborately decorated and from an area of Gaul, now Northern France. If the potter’s name can be found on a stamp at the base, the object takes on a much greater importance. The whole purpose of archaeology can be summarised as a study of the lives of the people of another era and to be able to personalise objects makes the exercise all the more vivid.

On my own list of discoveries, the accompanying photos shed a little light on why digging at Vindolanda has become such a highlight of each summer throughout the last few years. The Gladiator glass bowl was actually unearthed by two neighbouring volunteers, but I was fortunate to be in a position to move in rapidly with my camera. A section of this hand decorated glass vessel was found to match three other pieces, one of which was already in the museum and had been found 19 years before and nearly 100 metres away. Fantastic! A digger’s first shoe find is always David with digging buddy, Richie Milor

a triumph, only to be greeted by a deflating, “Not another shoe!” from one of the dig supervisors. Even being in the proximity of the discovery of a writing tablet is always an exciting experience and so it was this year when the first of a number of these unique written records came out of the “crud’’. Kept continuously wet, they are whisked off to the lab for treatment prior to careful conservation and deciphering. Two years ago, I almost threw away a small angular black shape which resembled a piece of mud from the sole of a boot. It turned out to be a Whitby Jet charm in the shape of a tiny foot. It would have been a lucky charm or votive object to ward off evil spirits.

A brick inscribed with the stamp of the noted VI Legion provided proof of its skilled engineers inhabiting Vindolanda.

With an estimated two more centuries of archaeology ahead at this world famous gem in Northumberland, covering a huge area as yet untouched, who knows what lies ahead?

For more information visit www.vindolanda.com

A History of the RGS in Its People: Request This issue sees a pause in the series which has proved so popular with ON readers and which has attracted many personal recollections of notable staff members over the last few generations of school students. In the next issue, we hope to feature WG ‘Bill’ Elliott (52-88), who is not only a contemporary very popular former teacher, tutor and coach, but also a most active participant in very many RGS and ONA activities. Reminiscences, please, as soon as possible to the ONA Office at ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk or by post to the address in the inside cover of this issue.

Thank you, David Goldwater (51-62)

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

From Gateshead to Gallipoli A GP goes to sea

By Dr Greg Brown(91-96)

HMNZS Te Kaha with her Seasprite helicopter and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion surveillance aircraft, on operations in the western Indian Ocean

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Life on the high seas, serving the same Queen but a different country, was not a likely trajectory for my career when I left the RGS in 1996. This year, however, I found myself as the embarked medical officer with the New Zealand frigate HMNZS Te Kaha, engaged in counter-narcotics work in the western Indian Ocean.

Greg at the Chunuk Bair Memorial

Anzac Cove Cemetery

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New Zealand Navy, completing this in July 2014 at the age of 36. I then continued in my civilian role, while undertaking courses in sea survival and damage control (fighting fires and stopping leaks) to become qualified to go to sea.

fter leaving school I initially read History at Sheffield, but by the completion of that degree my interests and aspirations had taken a different turn. In 2000 I commenced a medical degree, graduating with Honours in 2005. Having trained as a GP, I moved to New Zealand in 2011 with my young family. This was supposed to be a temporary move designed to facilitate General Practice experience in a different context, before returning to the UK and taking up a GP partnership role.

Before the year was up, my wife Julie and I had fallen completely in love with New Zealand and decided to stay, settling near Wellington.

In April this year, I flew to Crete to join HMNZS Te Kaha (which had left New Zealand two months previously) on my first deployment. Before commencing our counter-narcotics operation, we had the immense privilege of taking part in the centenary commemorations of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli, performing a sail past Anzac Cove in convoy with British, Australian, French, and Turkish warships. The dawn was breaking over Chunuk Bair as my shipmates and I slowly Being on the lookout for a permanent position, sailed by, at the same time our forebears had I stumbled across an advert for a civilian medical gone ashore 100 years previously. Even as an officer post on the local Army base. It looked adoptive New Zealander, this was a uniquely like an interesting niche role, with a heavy bias special occasion, an unrepeatable moment, on sports medicine and preventative care, so more profound than any of us could fully articulate.

I applied and subsequently got the job. I have now A week later we were able to get ashore to tour been in post for two years and it has exceeded the battlefields for ourselves, following a my expectations. Much of the time I am dealing fascinating port visit to Istanbul. with generally well-motivated patients who want to be well, and this is a huge pleasure. However, Ceremonial duties over, we passed through military personnel suffer the same medical issues Suez into the Red Sea to start the operational as anyone else, except that diagnoses also phase. Working under Combined Maritime potentially convey implications for deployability Forces, a multinational naval partnership aiming (and often ongoing employability), and this to disrupt both piracy and the trafficking of frequently becomes highly complex. narcotics off the Horn of Africa, Te Kaha patrolled a sector of the western Indian Ocean for the next Having been in post for some months, I was finally few weeks. The so-called “smack track� runs persuaded to investigate the possibility of putting illegal narcotics (principally heroin and hashish) on a uniform. I elected to do the required training out of Afghanistan, through Pakistan, and onto to be commissioned as a reservist in the Royal tiny boats (called dhows) which attempt to drop

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

their cargoes at various points down the coast of east Africa. The dhows do not show up well on radar, and the ocean is a rather large place, so there is heavy reliance on intelligence gathering and visual searches using either our own helicopter or other surveillance aircraft (including a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion later in our trip).

For the first month on task, our boarding teams did a number of searches of suspicious vessels, but unfortunately weren't successful in locating any narcotics. All that changed after our mid-tour port visit to the Seychelles, when we discovered nearly 140kg of heroin hidden behind a false bulkhead on one dhow, followed by a second haul of 110kg.

The estimated street value totalled over US$100million. Having spent a proportion of my career dealing with the effects of heroin addiction, it was fantastic to see kilogram after kilogram being destroyed. Arguably a small contribution to the war on drugs overall, but thoroughly worthwhile nevertheless.

My role as the medical officer was to look after the crew to the best of my ability, liaising with the command team to try and ensure that medical issues minimially impacted on the operation. Much of the time we were several days sail from getting the helicopter within range of land, so avoiding unnecessary evacuations was critical to ensure the ship remained on task. It has been said that the core skill of a GP is managing uncertainty, and this was certainly employed when it wasn’t clear exactly what was going on with a patient and diagnostic investigations were unavailable.

I also do some minor surgery as a GP, and these skills were pushed to the edge of my comfort zone on a couple of occasions. Overall, though, the trip was very successful medically, and I learned a few things about practising in this quite unique environment.

In addition to routine medical work, I was asked to give some health-related briefings to the crew, including a series on fatigue management and shift work. Outside the medical remit entirely, I was tasked with investigating a couple of adverse occurrences elsewhere in the ship, and formally writing reports on these to the Commanding Officer.

I was determined to take full advantage of all the opportunities available on a warship, managing to tick a few items off the bucket list by getting to drive the ship, fly in the helicopter, and hang on for dear life out on one of the ship’s fast little sea boats. I asked if I could spend some time in

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Greg in Istanbul

every department of the ship, enabling me to peel potatoes with the chefs, repair headsets with the electronic technicians (thanks RGS, I can still solder), fold napkins with the stewards, hang out in the engine spaces with the marine technicians, and generally hear people’s stories while seeing what their jobs involved. Some maintenance of core military skills was undertaken, doing drills with the .50 calibre machine guns, live-firing of the standard rifle, and undertaking a whole heap of PT in 35-degree heat on a flight deck!

Recognising how important non-work activities are for personal and ship morale, I formed a guitar and vocal duo with a colleague, competing in the ship’s ‘X-Factor’ competition and performing a longer gig for the other officers later in the trip. We also plied our guitar partnership on Sunday mornings, leading a short open-air Christian worship service on the pitching, windy upper deck for any of the crew who wanted to attend.

The operational phase over, Te Kaha sailed to Cochin, India, where I was to leave the ship.

Before I disembarked, I was awarded the New Zealand Operational Service Medal by the Chief of Navy, along with a large proportion of the young crew. The ship would continue on to a large multinational exercise off the coast of Australia before eventually sailing home to Auckland, but I got to fly back to New Zealand to my long-suffering wife and children (who were fortunately still speaking to me). Overall, this was a hugely enjoyable and personally challenging experience, as the next stage of a medical career which has veered a little off the beaten track and taken me and my family some 12,000 miles from Jesmond!

Why I Give to RGS Bursaries

By Christian Gardner (00-07)

From 2000 to 2007 I was given a gift, an education at Newcastle Royal Grammar School. Coming from a single parent family, my mum wanted to give me the best possible education, but couldn’t afford the full school fees.

After successfully passing the entrance examination and interview, and with thanks to the generosity of Sir Peter Ogden (through The Ogden Trust) and The Hospital of St Mary the Virgin Trust, I received a bursary which allowed me to enter RGS. This may be the first time that many of my peers, reading this, will be aware that I was the beneficiary of a bursary, but I am so grateful and proud that I was able to be educated at RGS. Not only was the quality of education exceptional, I was also given responsibilities, and gained a level of confidence and self-respect, which I do not believe I would have gained elsewhere. This confidence and awareness of my abilities and the opportunities open to me in life have been the foundation of my career to date.

Now, eight years after leaving the school and gaining an Economics degree from Newcastle University, I work for True Potential, a Newcastle-based financial advice network with 420 advisers around the UK, as a compliance officer, one of a team of three staff tasked with assessing the suitability of high risk business to protect both clients and the company. My previous role at another Newcastle-based financial advice firm was as an investment analyst, with oversight of £100 million of client assets and managing a research service with over 10,000 users. Last summer, I was told that I had the most impressive CV the interviewer – a senior manager at a large accountancy firm – had seen from anyone under 30.

RGS instilled in me a work ethic which has been reflected in my career achievements to date. None of this would have been possible without the quality of the education I received at RGS, and RGS would not have been a possibility for me without the offer of a bursary.

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“

This may be the first time that many of my peers, reading this, will be aware that I was the beneficiary of a bursary, but I am so grateful and proud that I was able to be educated at RGS.

”

Collectively, the Old Novocastrians could make a huge difference to someone’s education and life, and I sincerely hope that you will join me in making a donation, however large or small, to allow another young person, just like me, to be given the opportunity of a lifetime.

Please contact Jane Medcalf by email at campaign@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk to discuss various ways to join Christian in donating to RGS Bursaries.

Bursaries cost nearly £800,000 per annum. Your support is most appreciated.

Leisure time: driving a hired Caterham for my 26th birthday present!

Obituaries

Graham Parker (75-83) Born 1 October 1964, died 7 April 2015, aged 50

I spoke to Graham about one year ago, the first contact that I had with him for many years; tragically it proved to be the last time we spoke. We were good friends at school, thanks mostly to our shared interest in tennis. For about five years we were a formidable doubles pairing in various RGS tennis teams.

We played many memorable matches, even if we were noted for our ability to grind down opponents through our great persistence rather more than our skill or style!

Graham was quietly spoken at school but always very perceptive, and he could be extremely witty. Academically, Graham excelled at English, winning the School Prize in the Upper Sixth.

His great love of English Literature and grammar continued throughout his life, and he had great plans to carry this forward.

After leaving school Graham completed an English degree at Leeds University, and was then accepted by Queens’ College, Cambridge, for his postgraduate teaching qualification. I kept some contact with Graham for a while, but post-university, we lost touch. At university, Graham’s tennis flourished, reaching new heights in skill and style, and at Cambridge he played in the University team.

After Cambridge, Graham embarked on a successful teaching career spanning several schools in the Cleveland and North Yorkshire area, and including a spell as the North Yorkshire County Council’s lead schools advisor for English. In his most recent post, Graham was Headmaster at Wensleydale School in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

Following Graham’s untimely death on 7 April 2015, many tributes were made

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by fellow teachers and former pupils, giving testimony to the fact that Graham was no ordinary teacher. Numerous references were made to an inspirational and enthusiastic teacher who succeeded in having a transformational impact on many of his pupils’ lives. A memorial service held in Northallerton on May Bank Holiday Monday was attended by nearly 500 people, including many former colleagues and pupils.

Graham always retained his passion for tennis. He was on countless occasions the men’s club champion at Yarm, his local tennis club, and for a brief spell in the mid 90s, tennis became his professional career, when he took the helm at the Topspin Tennis Centre. For the last 18 years his league matches and tournaments were played at Thirsk Tennis Club. At both clubs he was a popular and enthusiastic member.

Teaching was however in his blood and he became head of English at Conyers School, Yarm before moving to Nunthorpe School, and finally The Wensleydale School in 2012.

Graham married Alison in 2003 and they have three children, Will, Megan and James. Graham’s sudden death from a heart attack whilst walking with his family at Roseberry Topping is a great loss to us all. He touched the lives of many of us, and will be greatly missed.

His parents, John and Marjorie, still live in Cochrane Park, Newcastle, close to the University’s tennis courts where Graham and I had often played. His death is untimely, but we should be thankful for the good that he brought to many people, which continues today and in the future.

By Nick Jeffreys (75-82)

Dr Michael Waddell MC (37-40) Born 27 December 1922, died 22 May 2015, aged 92

For some extraordinary reason he lived in a hut in the driveway with Challis (Anthony Challis (31-40)); both were Prefects. They tamed half a dozen jackdaws which flew with them to the bottom of Graham Street and awaited their return. Some became ill and could not caw properly, so they had their throats painted with iodine and soon all was well!

Noel Morgan Atkinson (33-44) born

1926, died 1 August 2015, aged 88.

Colin Carmichael (36-43) born 1926, died 19 June 2015, aged 88.

John Stephen Fenwick (51-61) born 1943, died 13 January 2015, aged 71.

Andrew Murray (53-63) born 1944,

died 2 March 2015, aged 70.

He was a member of the school boxing team and reputedly boxed and beat George Hume (later Cardinal Basil Hume) at Ampleforth.

Clifford Clive Patterson (68-78) born

1960, died 9 July 2015, aged 55.

Charles Lionel Ross (24- 33) born

In Penrith, he was first billeted in Brougham Street, Castletown with Drake (Anthony Drake (34-41)), Bolam (Kenneth Bolam (37-44)), myself and the three Clemo brothers (Roger Clemo (31-41), Philip Clemo (34-44) and John Clemo (35-45)).

This was an experience in itself. The bath was an iron tub in the attic with a cold-water tap only and a gas ring underneath to give some warmth!

After some hilarious months in Brougham Street, with Mrs Baines (there was a very old tortoise in the basement kitchen which hibernated in a cupboard; it spent its life on a stone floor) he went to Beaumont in Graham Street.

He left Penrith in July 1940 and was, for nearly two years, an agricultural student at King’s College, Durham University, when he decided to join the Army. He was then a sergeant in the UTC (University Training Corp).

At first he was not allowed to leave as farming was a reserved occupation.

However, he left and joined the Royal Tank Regiment. He was commissioned at Blackdown and was soon on his way to the Middle East on an unescorted Queen Mary around the Cape. He then saw service in North Africa; Sicily, where he received an Immediate MC; Italy and Greece.

On return to the UK, he read Medicine and married Elizabeth Charlton from Sunderland who was in the medical year ahead of him. They had three children and practised in various places, including Vermont in North America. He retired first to Exton, where he built his own catamaran and made fine rocking horses! Eventually they moved to Wall near Hexham.

By Robert Waddell (37-45)

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ONA – Old Novocastrians Association Magazine Autumn 2015

1924, died 2 August 2015, aged 99.

Judge James ‘Jim’ Stephenson (44-51) born 1932, died 26 July 2015, aged 83.

James ‘Alan’ Wardropper (40-48),

born 1929, died 26 July 2015, aged 85.

Jack Young (38-46) born 1928, died 24 October 2014, aged 86.

Correction (Issue 94)

Page 19. We spelt brothers Donald ‘Spitty’ (24-65) and Laurie ‘Stoker’ Meaken’s (31-74) surname incorrectly as Meakin.

Page 3. We stated that £70,000 would fund almost 70 bursaries per annum where in fact the correct figure is almost 7.

ONA Diary dates RGS Community Choir Thursdays 6.30pm until 8.00pm PA Centre, RGS, Newcastle upon Tyne The RGS Community Choir is looking for new members following on from its successful first year. We are looking for adults (male voices are especially needed) who enjoy singing and love learning about music. All abilities welcome. For more information, please contact Zlatan Fazić, head of Performing Arts and director of Music by email at z.fazlic@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

The ONA 90th Annual Dinner Friday 16 October 2015 RGS, Newcastle upon Tyne

Guest Speaker: Mr Jonathan Webb (74-81) Jonathan Webb is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in knee surgery and sports medicine. He successfully combined his medical training with a first class rugby career, playing for Bristol and Bath Rugby Clubs. He played 33 times for England, winning two Five Nations Grand Slams and reaching the Rugby World Cup Final in 1991.

In 1992 he was voted Rothmans Rugby Player of the Year. His sporting background gives him an invaluable insight into the pressures faced by top class sportsmen and women when they suffer injury. He is a Founder member of Fortius Orthopaedic Clinic, working in Bristol and London.

Price: £35/£25 (£25 if you are aged 25 or younger, or aged 80 and over). The price includes the drinks reception at which you will be entertained by the RGS Jazz Band and String Quartet; dinner, and a choice of wine.

The deadline for bookings is Wednesday 7 October 2015. For details please email: ona@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk.

John Elders Memorial Match Novos Veterans v ONA Friday 2 October 2015, 6.30pm Kick Off Novos RFC, Sutherland Park Novos balconies taking in the New Zealand match on the big screen afterwards.

John Elders (57-82 and 92-96),

a name synonymous with rugby and of course, the RGS. With John’s passing, came a wave of appreciation for everything John had achieved in his exceptional life and career. An inspiration to many, Novos RFC and the ONA decided to team together to pay our respects in the only way we know how, through rugby.

The clubhouse is sure to be full, with many familiar faces already confirmed as playing. If you wish to take part, please contact ona@rgs. newcastle.sch.uk. Many non-playing ONs have confirmed they’ll be watching the game from the famous

The following day at Novos RFC (Saturday), sees the RGS 1st XV take on GSAL at 11.00am.

Scotland also take on South Africa in Newcastle at 4.45pm and we expect many visitors from both countries throughout the day.

It would be wonderful to see you down at Novos in the future as the links between club, school and ONA grow ever stronger. Please check our website (www.novos.co.uk) for regular updates and to view our RWC 2015 video, which features the school and ex-Scottish international, Jim Pollock (67-77).

Chris Ward

Novos RFC Communications Officer Photograph ©Nick Posner (75-85)