14891 RGS ONA Magazine 88_PRINT 20/05/2013 15:40 Page 1
Welcome
The RGS has had a busy few months, what with the announcement of an exciting new development project, expanding and improving the current buildings and facilities. The ONA has been busy too. The Spring Term saw the London ONA Dinner and, as always, there was a good attendance. Our guest speaker, Dan Maier (76-86), gave a suitably hilarious speech. Other distinguished guests included the Headmaster, Dr Bernard Trafford along with his wife, and the two Head Prefects, Simon Robson and Ellen Barton. On behalf of the Association I would like to thank them and all others present for making the effort to attend the dinner and ensuring it was as entertaining as ever. I would like to extend a further thanks to both Simon and Ellen who will be leaving the school this summer. Their commitment and dedication have been invaluable, strengthening ties between the school and the ONA. The Association would like to wish them and the rest of the sixth form good luck in their final exams at the school. As the sixth form prepare for life after the school, so too does one of its longest serving members of staff. Kevin Egan-Fowler is retiring after 37 years as Head of Art and I am sure many of you will have fond memories of art at the school. Kevin will be invited to the ONA Dinner in Newcastle on Friday 18th October 2013. Enclosed with this issue is a Donor Report celebrating the first 10 years of the RGS Bursaries campaign. If you would like to make a contribution or extend your support, please complete and return the donation form enclosed with this magazine. On page 14 you will find a full report from the latest ONA vs. RGS football fixture. There is also a feature on the inaugural ONA vs. RGS netball match! But what about the rugby? Gone are the days when Novos RFC was entirely made up of ONs, but ties to the club remain strong. We are hoping to arrange a fixture against Novos so watch this space and do get in touch if you would be interested! Finally we have the winning essays from the ONA Art & History Prizes on Pages 16 & 17. Edwin Wood (Year 11) wrote a fascinating personal perspective of the Battlefields Trip to Germany whilst Sam Mason-Jones (Upper Sixth) took the Art Prize for his lucid account of New York at night, discovered whilst on the sixth form Art Trip. I hope you enjoy the magazine and have a great summer!
David Westwood (95-02) ONA President
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