Radleian Society Gazette

Oberon - 50 years onGazette Radleian Society Welcome

With this year’s attendance at the Old Radleian Dinner (over 200) being the highest in many years, it is clear the desire to reconnect is strong within the Radley Community. After a year of hosting our events on Zoom it is such a pleasure for the Radleian Society to bring people together in person again and the dinner was a wonderful evening which reunited past and present Radley in style!

The Radleian Society office has had a very busy Michaelmas term as we bring our events and communication programme back up to full speed and we have had the honour of delivering two of the most significant events for the College this year. The first, a celebration of the life of Dennis Silk (in support of the Silk Fund), and the second, a College Memorial to pay tribute to Richard Morgan in the newly extended Radley Chapel. These occasions were attended by many hundreds of people and were filled with warmth and love, reminding us how special it is to be able to come back together at Radley again!

With Radley turning 175 in June 2022, we have now entered a year of celebrations to mark this special birthday at the College, when we will commemorate the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the next 175 years. This is also a fantastic opportunity to bring together the broader community that is the beating heart of the College, Old Radleians, Radley parents, Radley staff, and Radley partnerships, the people who enrich everything the College does on a daily basis. for an ‘Old Radleian’ day. Finally, we will continue to grow our resources to support Radleians in their early careers, drawing on the wealth of expertise and willingness to help that sits within the Radley Community.

I’m very excited about the coming year for Radley and delighted that the Radleian Society is at the centre of many of the 175th anniversary celebrations reaffirming our purpose ‘as the means by which all Radleians, Radley parents and friends of Radley can maintain their link with the school and with each other around the world.’

The Radleian Society will host a number of events and activities over the coming year for this community, including a special celebration of Radley music at Cadogan Hall in London, a series of talks on Zoom called the Big Thinking Talks (featuring different perspectives on our future world), and in September, we will also be launching a brand new format for our reunions where we will be inviting different decades back to Radley

Sam Melluish (1976) Radleian Society President

Editor’s Note

This year saw the celebration of my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary and amongst the tales and stories told of their years together was one from the evening before the ceremony. As tradition dictates, they hadn’t seen or spoken to each other all day and so when the phone rang, my father answered. On the other end was my mother, who didn’t say a word but instead put the needle on the record she had ready and Never My Love by The Association played down the line. When my brother then played this song at the party, there weren’t many dry eyes in the house!

I give this personal example of the powerful impact music can have on us as an introduction to this year’s theme for The Old Radleian: Music. Whether it be the ‘15 @ 1:15’ performances in Coffee Shop, the hymns sung in Chapel, the sound of the Clerkes drifting through Mansion or even the songs sung by the raucous support on Bigside, music of all sorts permeates Radley. In this edition of The Old Radleian, we hear from ORs who have gone on to become producers and songwriters, conductors, impresarios and performers in myriad genres. Most impressively, this list only just scratches the surface of the many ways that ORs have (and still are) involved in music. And we also remember the special part music played in the memorial to pastWarden Richard Morgan and that gives us our front cover image – the trumpet fanfare composed for his installation as Warden in 1991.

If nothing else, however, I hope as you read through this year’s issue, it reminds you of a special piece of music, perhaps even one you first heard or sang during your time at the College.

Simon Brand Editor

the radley network - get involved!

The pandemic triggered a longterm shift in the way that people work and interact, it also had a huge impact on the availability of graduate jobs as well as job application processes. Now, more than ever, as Radleians move into their early careers, they need to ensure they are tapped into these changes and the Radley network is a key resource in providing boys with a 'live insight' into the world of work.

One of the best ways to offer or get help is to join Radley Connect, our online platform, which now has over 1500 members. Over the last year we have seen Radley boys, Old Radleians, Radley parents and staff using it in a variety of ways including:

• Finding work experience abroad • Promoting new businesses • Industry research • Researching universities or courses • Looking for company or project investment • Recruitment • Promoting charity fundraising efforts

We urge you to get involved, join our platforms or attend our events - a word of advice at a pivotal point can make a huge difference to a Radleian.

Caroline Monaghan Radleian Society Manager

Radley For Life – supporting those in their early careers

In 2022 we plan to focus our RFL event programme on helping Radleians in their early careers. The first event will be on 18th January 2022 and focus on entrepreneurism.

We will have a panel of business founders who will share their experience, followed by a networking session which will be for anyone with an interest in entrepreneurism. All welcome.

6th form now on Radley Connect

Our current 6th form boys are now able to join Radley Connect to start to understand how to network. They may approach you for help and advice in exploring their early career paths. Please do help if you can.

Sign up to Radley Connect at: www.radleyconnect.org.uk

Development Director’s Introduction

During an evening in early November, the Chapel was once again filled with the entire school. After a planned absence of two years, 761 boys and dons packed into Evensong, as one community, to worship in the recently extended Chapel and to sing with the newly installed organ. Several days later, the Chapel was filled with Old Radleians, there to remember our former Warden, Richard Morgan. The procession of a full choir entering Chapel, the stirring music of the organ and the majesty of the trumpets brought life back into the heart of Radley.

Not many schools in the UK – or, indeed, in the world – would have the boldness to invest significantly in the expansion of Chapel. At Radley, it seemed an obvious thing to do. The reason for the increased seating capacity was to create space for our larger school, so all Radleians can enjoy Chapel together. Amongst the bigger cohort, there are more recipients of life-changing bursaries through the Funded Places Programme and Silk Fund: talented boys from families who, without financial support, would otherwise be unable to afford our school fees.

In 1942 at the age of 11 years old, Dennis Silk, the son of a medical missionary, was awarded a full scholarship to attend Christ’s Hospital. As Warden at Radley from 1968 to 1991, he never forgot the free education he received and upon his retirement, he asked that instead of receiving a leaving gift, that a fund be set up in his name to provide financial support for deserving boys who would otherwise be unable to come here. The impact of the unseen generosity of benefactors at Christ’s Hospital in 1942 inspired Dennis to dedicate his life to educate tens of thousands of children throughout his entire career and establish the Silk Fund at Radley.

For 18 months between February 2020 and late summer 2021, the Radleian Society was unable to host in-person events, but undeterred by the limiting regulations, moved many of these events online. However, nothing replaces the wonderful buzz of a crowd of Old Radleians, and our first live event was to welcome our 2020 Leavers back in August as their Radley career had been abruptly cut short the previous summer. A testament to the vibrancy of the Radley community has been visible by the whirlwind of amazing reunions, drinks receptions, coffee mornings, events for two former Wardens and a ‘sold-out’ Old Radleian dinner in the last three months! It has been quite extraordinary to experience the overwhelming desire to reconnect, and I must acknowledge the hard work of Cassandra Russell, Events Coordinator, who has worked tirelessly to make each one of our guests feel welcomed.

As Radley looks to the future, we know that we must look at things afresh and that we must make our values and the educational opportunity we provide genuinely relevant. The Radley community is a vital part of connecting Radleians to the world beyond Radley and the careers talks, advice and mentoring is becoming an increasingly valuable resource that more boys and recent leavers are accessing. We are most grateful to all Old Radleians and parents who share their expertise and experience which is not only invaluable to help secure places at top universities but important to ensure access into an increasingly competitive workplace.

There has been nothing ‘normal’ about 2021 in the Development Office. We started the year in lockdown and have ended the year busier than ever before with greater aspirations. I would like to thank the Radleian Society members, the Radley Foundation Trustees, the Radleian Society (Hong Kong) for their tremendous support for all of our endeavours. Finally a massive thank you to the Development Office, who have worked harder, been more innovative and responsive, and been a joy to work with over the last year. We all look forward to welcoming you to one of the 175 events in 2022.

Elisabeth Anderson Development Director

The Radley Foundation - 2021 update

Throughout the calendar year 2021, we are delighted to report that we have received support from some 525 donors to the Radley Foundation. Our sincere thanks go to each and every supporter of Radley, both now and in previous years.

The Funded Places programme remains at the heart of the Foundation’s work, and we are delighted that the growing figures year on year reflect the immense generosity shown by the Radley community. This year, Radley has been able to offer a record £2.63 million in means-tested funded places. 12% of all current Radleians receive some form of means-tested fee support, 32% of this receiving a fully funded place and an additional 20% receiving support covering at least three-quarters of fee costs.

While numbers are useful, they do not show the boys behind them – the individual lives that have been changed thanks to a funded place which has enabled them to thrive. And this has only been possible thanks to the support of members of the community. Thank you.

To hear stories and reflections from funded place recipients and donors, please visit: www.bit.ly/FoundationConversations.

Spending on 100% Funded Places

£1,200,000

£1,000,000

£800,000

£600,000

£400,000

£354,900 £332,100 £459,900 £882,750

£642,000 £1,084,200

£200,000

£0

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

Spending on fully funded places is greater than ever before, increasing by some 205% since 2017.

£3,000,000

All means-tested bursaries, 2017-2022

£2,500,000

£2,000,000

£1,500,000

£1,000,000

£500,000

£0

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

0-24% support 25-49% support 50-74% support 75-99% support 100% support

CHAPEL

After months of slow and steady progress (not to mention the odd lockdown or two), we are thrilled that the Chapel extension and refurbishment project is complete. The whole school is once again able to come together to worship, reflect and sing. To watch a tour of the completed Chapel, please visit: www.bit.ly/RadleyChapelFund

Our thanks go to all who have supported the Chapel extension so far. There is still the chance to make a donation and be recognised on the permanent donor board by the Chapel entrance. Please donate any amount before 31st December 2021 to be included or be in touch with us at foundation@radley.org.uk to find out more.

“Working on Radley Chapel has been an immensely rewarding experience. I am so looking forward to members of the wider community seeing the finished space for the first time. It is truly stunning.” Rebecca Kitchin, Estates Surveyor

a celebration of dennis silk

When Dennis Silk sadly died in 2019, who could have known how long it would be before the community could come together again to celebrate his life and impact.

Finally then, on Saturday 9th October 2021 - the day after what would have been Dennis’ 90th birthday - over 300 ORs and members of the community joined the Silk family to celebrate the life of one of Radley’s most important Wardens and the legacy he left.

The sun shone and the air was warm for tours of the College, which were shortly followed by a celebratory service in Radley’s newly extended Chapel. After this, the guests gathered in the Silk Hall and Theatre Foyer for champagne and jazz music performed by talented Radley musicians. It was then time for speeches in the Theatre, firstly from the Warden, followed by reflections from Diana Silk who received a roaring standing ovation. The guests then saw a short film showing a variety of ORs remembering and reflecting on Dennis and how he had impacted their lives. Smiles, chuckles and the odd tear were shared by many watching.

After a delicious buffet lunch, the guests were lucky to hear equally delicious anecdotes from Hamish Aird. Following this, a panel of ORs who had received a funded place were interviewed by Development Director Elisabeth Anderson – demonstrating the real impact the Silk Fund has had since its inception in 1991. A warm day in every sense. As ever, sincere thanks goes to Development, Catering, IT, Housekeeping and all other teams who helped make the day a success, as well as to the Radleians who offered their time to assist.

Photos and a video of the day can be found on the Radley website.

“Dennis learnt the names of all the boys. He used to say, if you knew a boy's name he'd wonder what else you knew about him...” Diana Silk

“Radley allowed me to be someone I otherwise couldn't have been.

It was where I wanted to be, it was who I wanted to be and it was the Silk Fund that made that possible...” Adam Hargreaves (2011)

“We wanted to celebrate and enjoy Dennis' memory and the impact that he has had on us all...” John Moule, Warden

OR Dinner 2021

On the evening of Wednesday 17th November, over 180 Old Radleians, current and former staff, and honoured guests came to the RAC Pall Mall clubhouse in London for the biennial Old Radleian Dinner. The anticipation for the evening’s festivities was high as people once again looked forward to being able to get together in person with old friends.

The evening began with a champagne reception in the Committee Room, before the guests moved through to the Mountbatten Room for a sumptuous threecourse meal. A welcome address was given by Radleian Society Chairman, Sam Melluish (1976), before speeches from the Warden and the Senior Prefect gave an update on the College. With conversation and merriment continuing long into the evening, the warmth and conviviality was felt by all in what was a very special evening.

2021 Reunions

After a year of disruption and hiatus, the Radleian Society was thrilled to be able to once again invite Old Radleians to their reunions. The invitations to the 50, 25 and 10 year reunions were extended to those who had missed their anniversary years due to the lockdown. More than 50 ORs returned to the College, for the 50 and 25 year reunions, and a further 100 joined us at the majestic Royal Horseguards Hotel in London for the 10 year.

Highlights from the Radley-based reunions include: • The 50 year returners being joined on Mansion lawn during their drinks reception by the Radley Beagles and Beaglers. • Tours of their past digs, led by current Radley boys, for both the 50 year and 25 year attendees. • A visit to the JCR for the 25 year ORs where the party went on into the night. • Opportunities to get a first look at the new Chapel extension and once again sing Jerusalem. • And most importantly, it was a chance for all of our ORs to meet up with old friends, whether classroom and Social colleagues or former members of Common Room.

Each of the events were enjoyed by all, and for us in the Radleian Society team, it was so heart-warming to finally be able to bring people together again in person.

2020 Leavers’ Event

For the boys whose time at Radley ended during the lockdown of summer 2020, the College was pleased to be able to welcome them and their parents back for a special Leaver's Event on Tuesday 31st August.

There was an excellent turnout of 90 boys and over 200 parents, plus a large cohort from the Radley community, who braved the finest August drizzle to attend.

The Leavers' Chapel service, the first to be held in the newly extended Chapel, saw boys and parents all in good voice, and the Radley champagne and excellent BBQ that followed were well earned!

Short speeches from Fred Dreyer, Senior Prefect in 2020, and the Warden, reflected on their time at Radley and the bonds of friendship that have been forged here that the (now) ORs will take out into the wider world.

The whole event was one of great warmth, and all present were very appreciative of this opportunity to meet up once again, and for the boys (and parents) to get the Radley send off they deserved.

Old Radleians of all ages, from 20 to 60, were once again able to reconnect at our programme of reunions.