Alumni
Keeping in Touch
Are you feeling left out? Have you not been receiving our termly newsletter, The Ronian, and invites to alumni events? Then we probably don't have accurate contact details for you.
We have been making a huge effort to update our alumni database but we still have a long list of people whose addresses are either blank or out of date.
If you are one of these people then please do contact us to ensure that we have your most recent details.
Hog Roast in aid of the James Naylor Memorial Fund
A fund raising event and celebration in memory of James, who attended the school from 1990 to 1998. The Hog Roast will take place from 4pm on Saturday, 7th August and will be held at the school.
For tickets (£30 per person), please make cheques payable to The James Naylor Memorial Fund and send, with your name and address, to JNMF, TMS, 94 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood, Kent TN12 6DP.
Visit the James Naylor Memorial Fund's website for further information.
Pedalling North
Old Ronian Philip Bingham (1981-87) and his girlfriend Liz Hurran are currently cycling the length of the Americas to raise money for the National Autistic Society. Follow their progress on their blog of the trip. We wish them the best of luck!
A plea to the Bicton generation
Three ORs, Gospatrick Home, Henry Stapleton and David Perry, are putting together the story of the school's time in Bicton Park, Devon (to where it was evacuated during World War II). They would like to speak with other ORs from the period to record memories of the time. If you are able to help, do please get in touch and we will pass your details on.
Mottos and mission statements
The first school magazine was published in 1886 and carries the school motto ‘Altiora Petimus’ (literally ‘We seek higher things’ but probably translated ‘We seek to achieve’).
This motto is clearly still in use in 1909 but at some stage over the course of the twentieth century it was dropped in favour of, we assume, the Eton inspired motto ‘Floreat Saint Ronan’s’ (Let Saint Ronan’s flourish).
The first is an aspiration, the second an imperative; both are noble and, in modern day speak, admirable mission statements.
If anyone knows when or why our motto was changed would they please contact the School.
The Missing Memorial
For the nation as a whole this year's Armistice Day had particular poignance. It was the first since the death of Harry Patch, the last surviving serviceman who had fought on the Western Front during First World War. Harry Patch was the 'last Tommy' and we finally said our farewells, and thank yous, to the last of 'lost generation' and, indeed, to that generation as a whole.
A total of one hundred and thirty Saint Ronan's old boys saw active service in the First World War, of which thirty were kille - a proportion of just over one in four. Twenty-five were awarded military distinctions, a list which included seven DSOs and ten MCs.
In 1920, a memorial plaque with all one hundred and thirty names was erected on the side of the newly built fives court at Saint Ronan's which was, of course, in West Worthing at that time. Sadly this memorial was somehow lost in the move to Hawkhurst in 1945/6 and all that we now have of this important part of the school's heritage is a photograph.
It seems unlikley that the memorial would have been broken up, especially in 1945 of all years, but it is a complete mystery as to where it went. If anyone knows what happened to our missing memorial would they please contact the school.
Alumni Lunch and Tree Planting
On 14th March we held a memorial service for Mark Portal, OR and former teacher, in the school chapel. This was well attended and a fitting tribute to Mark, who was a well-loved member of the Saint Ronan's community.
Following the service, a brief tree planting ceremony was held. James Harris, OR, kindly donated a grove of oak trees as a memorial to the part played by the Harris family in the history of Saint Ronan's. These have been planted along the drive. The trees were selected in conjuction with Tony Kirkland, Director of Trees at Kew Gardens, who came down to assist and spoke to the children about his work.
Finally, lunch was taken in the Great Space before watching the Brodie Shield cross country runs and taking tours of the school.
It was superb to see so many ORs of all ages and we are so grateful for the support that we have received.
Old Ronians brave the elements for London gathering
Despite the snow and plummeting temperatures many Old Ronians took the opportunity to get together at Brooks's Club in London on 5th February.
Around thirty attendees of all ages took the time to catch up with old friends over a glass of wine and some delicious nibbles.
The Headmaster and Andrew Ross, an alumnus and current parent, gave a short talk to tell those present about the Sports Hall campaign, which was well received.
Many thanks to all those who came and we look forward to catching up with them and other ORs in the future!
Are you a member of Facebook? There are a number of active Saint Ronan's groups - just perform a search for 'St Ronan's'.
Welcome
Welcome to our web site. Read my introduction.
Oxo weekend a success for Hawkhurst. Read more.
