DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT’S WELCOME SUSAN BECK

WELCOME

BY SUSAN BECK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The outbreak of the Coronavirus, and in particular the role that so many of our ONs are playing on the front line, makes this next edition even more poignant.”

Our original inspiration for this magazine –focussed on ONs involved in creative industries –was Robert Burns Dick, who attended RGS between 1880 and 1884. We discovered that this colourful character was one of the architects of Whitley Bay’s Spanish City, now gloriously restored to its former splendour. Robert’s architectural achievements across Newcastle clearly changed the landscape of our City, and it seems fitting to celebrate his – and other wonderful ONs dedicated to creativity – contribution that has undoubtedly enriched the quality of all our lives.

Before we even went to print, we had already planned our next edition – Meet the Medics – which intended to pay tribute to some of the many Old Novocastrians who have gone on to study and/or work in medicine. The outbreak of the Coronavirus, and in particular the role that so many of our ONs are playing on the front line, makes this next edition even more poignant. Please do get in touch with your ideas for articles, we’d love to hear your stories.

I add my heartfelt congratulations to ONA President, Kate Harman (06-08) and her husband Tom Harman (also MFL Teacher at RGS!) who welcomed their new baby boy to the world in April 2020. On the theme of looking ahead, we will be electing a new ONA President in the Autumn of 2020. In advance of this, we would very much like to hear feedback from Old Novos – what do you enjoy about our publications and events? What suggestions do you have to improve your alumni Association? Please do drop me a line at s.beck@rgs.newcastle.sch.uk with thoughts, or indeed if you’d like to volunteer on the ONA Committee.

Finally, I wanted to say a big thank you to the formidable David Goldwater (51-62) who has been a truly exceptional support in pulling this magazine together. We hope that you enjoy the edition.

Please also get in touch if you feel you could support the Bursary Campaign, which is always a priority for the school, but your support is now more critical than ever. The needs of our bursary students are growing at this most challenging of times, and we have responded to extend our support; in particular we have been providing food parcels to those who otherwise relied on school meals at RGS. The hardship facing these local families is immense, and your support will enable us to continue to be there for these bright boys and girls whose families are deeply affected by the crisis.

With all good wishes.

Photograph by Ruth Gibson