Bursar's Bulletin, Summer Term 2024

BURSAR’S BULLETIN

And so we start another Summer Term at Radley. The last term of the school year and the culmination of many things for our students and ourselves as we aim to end the year on a high.

As with every term there is so much happening in the summer, and yet the pattern of the day is different, with an emphasis on exams and the outdoors.

It seems appropriate that we have a spotlight on our Gardens team in this edition. The gardens look fantastic year round, but the fruits of much toil shows through so well from the blossoming of the wisteria onwards. We also have a new Nature Notes article and our ongoing programme of spotlights on people, their interests and more on our burgeoning partnership activities. Enjoy the read, and, as well as getting to know our staff, start to become acquainted with the dogs of Radley too.

Here’s to a successful term!

We will shortly be launching a competition celebrating creativity in Oxfordshire!

Held in partnership with The Oxford Times and judged by OR Jamie Laing, Bright Ideas is open to all children in years 4 and 5 and aims to unlock their imagination and creativity.

The challenge is to create a response to the theme of ‘Keys’.

Children can submit whatever feels most personal or appropriate to them. They may wish to write a story, poem or song, or make a video, design project, artwork or game. We are looking for imagination, flair and talent.

The winner will receive a trophy and a £100 voucher and an invitation to a presentation day at Radley College on Saturday 29th June 2024 alongside nine runners-up.

The competition launches soon so look out for details which will be published in The Oxford Times and other local newspapers and help us spread the word!

The Gardens Team

Radley’s gardens are a true source of pride and interest to staff so it has been a pleasure to turn the spotlight onto the team behind them. Below, Mike Ginger, Head Gardener, explains his vision for Radley’s gardens and the changes he has introduced since he joined in 2021.

To have the opportunity to be custodian of the gardens here is a real honour, a challenge, and a privilege for me personally.

Radley is a large and diverse campus and one of my main focuses has been to identify and prioritise areas that need to deliver maximum impact. In order that we can give these areas the attention they need I have slimmed-down the work necessary in other areas of the campus to save some maintenance time and ensure that the team’s efforts have maximum impact. We have removed some tired planting and replaced with new species to give interest for as long as possible through the year. In my opinion, if we are going to have a climbing rose then let it be a real show for as long as possible to justify the hours that go into maintaining it.

As a team, we are aiming to be as sustainable and organic as we can and are using species that are cultivated to be pest- and disease-free to reduce the use of pesticides and fungicides. This is not only better for the environment but also saves time on the maintenance of species around the campus. With the changes in climate that we are experiencing, a lot of what we are doing in some areas is experimental. The dry bed on the side of A Social is a perfect example of this.

We are trying out different species to see how they respond in the harshest spectrum of environments, with an eye to collecting live data as to what species are viable for this microclimate moving forward.

I have had the opportunity to work on some really exciting projects during my time here and the most recent is the design of a new quad behind the new building by Theatre. Ryan Yates, Kirstin Ashton and I have been working with David Anderson in the creation of this new outside space that we hope will be an area that students, staff, visitors, and wildlife will enjoy spending time in.

The plan is for a woodland space made up of Silver Birch species, tree ferns and under planting that we hope will be a very peaceful and natural space. The design will be the first garden at Radley to have an irrigation system that is self-sufficient and uses water captured from the surrounding roofs and car parks. We hope to have this finished for the start of the Summer Term so please do take a look and enjoy the space.

I am very lucky that the gardening team have a very strong group dynamic, all know their jobs well and know that this is a true team effort for us to produce our best. It’s fine having big ideas, but you need a team to buy into them and deliver them. I cannot thank each individual enough for believing in what we are doing and helping each other to achieve something truly beautiful and deserving of Radley.

Mike Ginger Head Gardener

Mike spent the majority of his career in sports turf, with 27 years as a golf greenkeeper followed by 10 years as Course Manager at Whiteleaf Golf Club. He then decided to explore the estates and gardens management side of horticulture, becoming Deputy Head of Estates at a large estate in Marlow, before being offered the role here at Radley.

Alex Boyd Gardener

Kim Rogers Gardener

Kim started at Radley in 1991, joining us from the Shaw Trust. He enjoys keeping the campus tidy and outside of work, he collects aftershave and whisky.

Chris Beadle Gardener

Chris’s previous career was as an estate/letting agent - quite a difference! He says that as the son of a farmer, being outside is in the blood. Apart from a pint of lager, Chris enjoys swimming, travelling and has a season ticket at West Ham.

Charlie Merritt Apprentice Gardener

Charlie has worked at Radley for one year, following the completion of his Level 3 National Certificate in Uniformed Protective Services at college. Charlie says he likes how the gardens at Radley are designed and his hobbies away from work are cars and motorbikes.

Mariusz Siwczak Gardener

Mariusz joined the team in September 2023. He says it took him a while to realise that working in a factory was boring and apply for the job here at Radley. His passions are his allotment and his tiny collection of succulents.

Rob Druce Dept. Head Gardener

Rob has worked at Radley since 2005 and after 16 years here, there’s not much he doesn’t know about the campus. Rob’s particular specialisms are roses and climbers and he enjoys passing his knowledge of Radley onto the newer members of the team.

Before arriving at Radley in 2021, Alex worked in nursing. His hobbies are going to the gym, watching rugby and spending time with his four children.

Kirstin Ashton Gardener

Kirstin joined the team in 2022 as an apprentice gardener, qualifying with distinction. Previously she worked in academic publishing for 12 years. Kirstin loves spending her days out in nature, creating beautiful spaces. Her passion is garden design, a skill she has developed in her role at Radley.

Ryan Yates Senior Gardener

Alfie Hickingbotham Gardener

Alfie started his apprenticeship with Radley after finishing sixth form in 2018. His favourite part of the job is learning about the plants. His hobbies include collecting minerals and fossils.

Chris ‘Quizzo’ Masters Senior Gardener

Chris has worked at Radley for 13 years, previously working as a warehouse supervisor and for a bookseller. His favourite part of the job is working on the climbing roses. Chris loves a pub quiz, hence the nickname, and real ale. He is well known to many as the author of the questions for the annual staff quiz which he says is great fun.

Ryan studied horticulture at Berkshire College of Agriculture, where he won best land-based student 2014, as well as two silver medals at flower shows. He worked in horticulture for 10 years, mainly on large estates, joining Radley in 2022. He enjoys photography, walking his dog, Moxie (pictured above) and sports.

Meet the Gardens Team

MY radley

Nick spent five happy years at Radley as a boy from 1996 to 2001, before pursuing a successful career as a professional rugby player, representing England at A, Under 21 and Under 19 levels. In 2016 he retired from Gloucester Rugby as their most capped player and returned to Radley. I sat down with Nick to find out more about his unique relationship with the College.

I loved my time here as a boy in H Social. There was so much going on; I was stretched academically, loved all my sports, the societies, trips and dons. The essence of Radley hasn’t changed – the campus environment, boarding life and the fact that, by living onsite, dons share the same experience as the boys.

Then, as it is now, rugby was restricted to the Michaelmas Term so it had its place alongside hockey and cricket for my first few years here. It wasn’t until my 6.1 year that I was encouraged (by Richard Greed, former MiC Rugby) to aim for county trials.

After a long county, regional and national trial process I was selected for England Under-18s and after finishing my A-Levels I joined the squad for a six-week tour to Canada, New Zealand and Australia. I had secured a place to read Spanish and German at Brasenose College, Oxford, so I started there straight after the tour but after my first year I was offered a contract with Gloucester. I played my first 1st XV game in 2003 and stayed there until 2016, 277 games later!

Tell us about returning as a member of staff in 2016.

I returned to Radley after my retirement on a part-time basis as the Rugby Professional. At that point there were at least 20 dons from my time as a boy who were still members of Common Room. I had fond memories of the school and I think I left the school with reasonably fond memories of me, so it wasn’t too daunting!

I was keen to finish my degree and decided to switch to History which I completed with the Open University; an experience I very much enjoyed. As I dipped my toe into classroom teaching, I shared a set with our former Academic Director, Steve Rathbone, before taking on my own independent responsibilities.

What do you enjoy most about your current roles?

They certainly give me a lot of variety! The Master i/c Rugby is responsible not just for coaching, but organisation, administration, catering, fixtures, referees, kit, billing.

Alongside that, I have designed the way I want the club to play, to encourage good technique, positive play and strong

ambition. I want our players to have a variety of tools in their locker and be relentless at adapting them. It’s key to make sure all the coaches are on-board and understand the philosophy.

James Gaunt (Director of Sport) and I spend a lot of time at prep schools, both identifying good athletes and ensuring Radley features high on their list of future schools. Alongside this, I relish my time in the classroom teaching History.

My role as Tutor is something I knew I wanted to do, should the opportunity arise. When the D Social Tutor role was advertised in December 2022, my wife and I realised the timings would work for our family. I applied for the role, but during that process, it was announced that George May had been appointed Head of Cothill House and the Warden felt that the right fit was for me to take over in H. Obviously, for sentimental reasons it has been lovely to return to H. Plenty of ORs have become Tutors but I think I’m the first to be appointed Tutor of my old Social and I’ve found it’s given me greater empathy. I understand what it’s like to be on the receiving end of both the positive and the negative. From my experience, it’s the unwavering presence of the Tutor that is key – to be supportive while also setting clear expectations and principles.

Crucially, I am well supported. I was delighted that the opportunity presented itself for Laney Parker to return to Radley as H Social’s PHM. Laney and I worked together for six years in D Social and we are aligned in our vision for H. I think the support of the H team is a large part of the reason I feel so positive about my role coming into the final term of my first year.

Has it been what you expected?

I knew I would love the job, but the surprise has been how well the boys in Social have adapted to the changes I’ve brought in. They’ve been evolutionary as opposed to revolutionary and I hope I am firm but kind. Rationalising and explaining the thought process behind decisions shows boys a level of respect. Fundamentally, I really enjoy my time in the boys’ company, through thick and thin.

Can you pick a highlight from your Radley years?

My personal highlight has to be my appointment as Tutor of H Social. I fundamentally believe in this education – I’m a product of it and I recognise its benefits. Looking back to my time here as a boy, I can see the positive impact my Tutor had on my life. To be entrusted to shape the lives of 67 boys every year for the next 12 years is one I don’t take lightly.

Dogs of Radley

It was only a matter of time before, due to popular demand, our furry friends featured in their own Bursar’s Bulletin series. Thank you to our first six dogs of Radley for taking part!

Sunday

Owned by: Henry Cosh & Andria Pancrazi

Breed: Labernese (Labrador / Bernese Mountain dog cross)

Age: 5

Favourite Radley walk: Hornbeam Avenue

Favourite treat: Scraps of chicken

Jasper

Owned by: the Glendon-Doyles

Breed: Jack Russell Terrier

Age: 2

Favourite Radley walk: Little Wood or around the Athletics Track

Known for: Chasing, but not catching, squirrels

Oscar

Owned by: Clare Sargent

Breed: Labrador Retriever

Age: 8

Favourite Radley walk: Little Wood and Smithsons(because he’s not allowed off lead near College Pond!)

Best friend:Lyra Jewell

Pip

Owned by: Adam King

Breed: Cavachon

Age: 5

Known for: Being a friend to everyone, especially those with a treat in their pocket!

Loves: Nothing more than biscuits, being made a fuss of in the Mess Room and watching the world go by from the mower

Known for: His impressive record of carrying three tennis balls at once! Would

Favourite toy: a soft spot for items belonging to his human siblings!

Favourite treat: Sausages

Moët

Owned by: John Sparks

Breed: Pembroke Corgi

Age: 3

Best friend: Moët has a soft spot for Monty, Simon & Kirstie Barlass’ dog

Known for: Welcoming visitors to the Bursary on special occasions!

Favourite treat: Sallie’s dog biscuits in Reception

Favourite toy: a tennis ball

Known for: Greeting everyone in Covered Passage

Favourite toy: a serious stick!

George

Owned by: Rob Attewell

Breed: Labrador Staffy cross

Age: 14

Known for: His grey beard and sleeping a lot

Favourite Radley walk: Short walks around Little Wood

Favourite toy: Anything that squeaks / trying to chase squirrels!

Favourite treat: Jumbones or dental sticks

Tim Morris, Succentor

It really depends on my mood. It could be William Mundy’s sublime Vox Patris caelestis, preferably in the recording by the Tallis Scholars; it could be Rollin’ by Big & Rich; if I need invigorating it could be Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks.

Radley’s answer to Desert Island Discs!

The Music Department seemed like the obvious place to start a quest to find out what music staff are listening to as they drive, walk, cycle or run up the driveway into work or back home after a long day. Thank you to everyone who contributed!

Louise Roques, Music Administrator

Generally it’s piano music – lately a lot of Schumann and Rachmaninov but I also like Haydn and Scarlatti in the car and then, when this tips me into melancholia I revert to 80s playlists or overly serious non-fiction books on Audible.

The

The Danish String Quartet never fails to lift my spirit. The quartet (personally known to me which is also a lovely bonus) spent time hidden away in a cabin in Scandinavia to transcribe traditional Danish and Norwegian folk songs for this album. It’s not only one of my favourite things to listen to, but also something that brings me joy to play and perform too. For pure nostalgia and good vibes it would have to be Green Day’s album Dookie.

Sophie Lockett, Head of Performance

track ‘Sekstur from Vendsyssel’ (The Peat Dance) from the album Wood Works by

Cat Blagrove, Music Department Manager

In the car I obviously LOVE to belt out a good musical theatre show tune, but other than that, I am a sucker for some old school Jamiroquai (Travelling without Moving), Alanis Morissette (Jagged Little Pill) and anything by Radiohead. The Fratellis’ Costello Music album always instills nostalgia on a sunny day.

Recently, I was reintroduced to Eternal’s Always and Forever album and, alarming, I still know every word. My youth was clearly not misspent!

I love a bit of Classic FM or Radio 3 on a late night drive. Worryingly, as I work in the music department, I never really know much about what I am listening to, but I find it very calming.

Molly Moran, Head of Contemporary Music

It will be no surprise that I mostly listen to modern music!

My absolute go-to album to put me in a good mood is DJ Spoony’s Garage Classical, adding the Ignition Orchestra to some of the best garage tracks ever.

I’m also a big fan of a pop diva, so Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue or Whitney by Whitney Houston always start or end the day off perfectly.

Upcoming Staff Events

Visit the Staff Noticeboard for more details and to sign up to the events below.

Sam Gladstone, Precentor Radley Theatre Backstage Tour

I am extremely fickle in my music tastes, particularly on the nursery drop-off dash in the morning but I’ll always return to some 90s nostalgia for motivation in the morning (Gala Freed from Desire).

If the girls are in the car, their latest obsession is Beyoncé (Break My Soul or Irreplaceable).

For sheer joy, the last movement of Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony; for contemplation, Schlummert ein from Bach’s cantata Ich habe genug (the composer I return to again and again).

And for Easter, Stuart Townend/Keith Getty’s See, What a Morning or In Christ Alone re-centre things at the start of the day.

Tues 30 April: 1:30pm Thurs 1 May: 1:30pm

Matt Barker will reveal the secrets of Radley’s Theatre – from the extensive wardrobe department to clever props and inspiring lighting. Numbers are limited, so book your place now!

Campus Guided Walk

Fri 10 May: 1:30pm

Have you ever wondered how old College Oak is or wanted to find out more about the names on the war memorial? Join College Archivist Clare Sargent for a gentle stroll and a chance to find out more about Radley’s historic campus.

Countryside Centre Staff Visit

Fri 17 May: 1:30pm

Join the Countryside Centre team and meet the farm’s newest arrivals, including lambs, pups and chicks!

Staff Sport / Social Evening

Date TBC, Summer Term 2024

The Sports Centre team would like to gauge interest in a fun evening of table tennis with food and drink, to be held in the Summer Term – let us know what you think via the QR code above.

Observatory evening

Date TBC, Michaelmas Term 2024

Unfortunately the bad weather and murky skies defeated us in the Lent Term and with the light evenings coming up, the evening hasn’t been forgotten but will now take place in the Michaelmas Term. Watch this space for details and dates.

Nature Notes

Following the ‘Moment of Me’ article introducing Marcin and his passion for plants in the January 2024 Bursar’s Bulletin, Marcin has kindly agreed to write a series of seasonal articles on wild and medicinal plants.

Nettle is a widely available plant and grows almost everywhere. Who among us doesn’t know her? From childhood, we remember perfectly our first meeting – a painful encounter. And so some people still avoid it, others take advantage of its benefits by collecting and drying it for their own use. Nettle supporters harvest it mainly in May, when it is young and has the most properties, and after infusing it with hot water, it can be eaten raw in salads. It is best to collect it with rubber gloves to avoid unpleasant itching.

It came back into favour in times of crises and wars, when it protected against hunger and disease. It gained importance again only at the end of the twentieth century, with the development of knowledge about its properties and the growing demand for natural products.

Nettle (Urtica dioica): ‘Miss Untouchable’

Nettle is rich in easily digestible minerals (especially potassium, iron and manganese). It has a diuretic effect, which helps remove waste products from the body. The detoxifying effect is enhanced by green chlorophyll, vitamins A, C, B and K and numerous anti-inflammatory antioxidants. It also has hematopoietic properties and is recommended for people suffering from anaemia and women prone to heavy periods.

In natural medicine, nettle leaf extract is used to relieve inflammation of the urinary tract, oliguria, and also as an aid in the treatment of urolithiasis, gout (arthritis), as well as in rheumatic diseases and some skin diseases, especially itching and eruptions. and other inflammatory changes. In addition, nettle strengthens the immune system and helps fight infections of bacterial, fungal and some viruses.

Various nettle preparations can be used medicinally, such as infusion, juice and tincture. Powdered herbs or roots are available, as well as dry extracts of these raw materials, most often in encapsulated form.

Nettle extract combined with horsetail helps strengthen the condition of hair and nails.

Nettle is a universal and easily available plant. It has versatile uses, it is a medicinal and cosmetic plant, edible and fodder, and also provides fibres from which fabrics can be woven, just like flax. It also contains green food colouring (E140).

If you want to learn more about how to properly harvest nettle, how to dry and store it, you can write to me martinherbalist@gmail.com

Drawing Thoughts: Sewell Centre Gallery, April 19 – May 17

All staff are always welcome at the Sewell Centre Gallery’s Private Views, including for the next exhibition, Drawing Thoughts on Friday, April 19 from 18:00 – 20:00.

This mixed media exhibition by Zelga Miller seeks to express what Drawing and Art mean to the artist and to others in terms of their therapeutic nature and ability to heal. Designed to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, this exhibition embodies the artist’s interest and reading in the area of trauma, resilience and healing. It will be part of the Oxfordshire Art Weeks Festival 2024. We hope to see you there!

Amanda Jewell, Curator, Sewell Centre Gallery

MY radley

It’s a privilege to share the stories of staff members who work so hard behind the scenes in our My Radley series. Anne is one such person, having worked as a technician in the Chemistry department for 24 years. I met Anne in the department’s smart and spacious prep room and started by asking her how she arrived at Radley.

I joined in 2000, having previously worked in a coffee shop in Abingdon for quite a few years which I really enjoyed. A friend recommended the job here and I came on a whim one afternoon to ask about the vacancy. At the time, the science technicians were employed by the Housekeeping department. After I’d been here a few years, the then-Biology technician and I were taken on by the Heads of Chemistry and Biology.

At the beginning I just worked in the mornings, the main part of the role being clearing up after lessons and replenishing supplies, but as the years have gone on, the role has broadened. There’s a lot to learn and think about in terms of health & safety and the safe storage and labelling of chemicals.

What does a typical day involve?

We use an online system to manage the labs, equipment and experiments; each don uses it to enter the details of what they need for each lesson. This is a relatively new process which has taken over from our previous paper-based system and it’s much better. I can see what equipment and chemicals are needed and keep a track of everything. We take everything through and set it up in each lab, then clear away after and wash everything up. There are busy days when supplies are needed for back-to-back lessons, but the team is really supportive and friendly and we have a great Head of Department, Oliver Choroba (Head of Chemistry & Science) and we all get together regularly, including at weekly team meetings.

What changes have you seen over the years?

The Science Centre underwent an extensive refurbishment project in 2018 – 2019, re-opening for the Michaelmas Term 2019. The Science Centre was first built in 1937, and then refurbished in 1984, so it was ready for its new lease of life. Covid happened almost as soon as the Centre re-opened which was really sad. I remember coming in at Easter after the second lockdown and taking the Christmas tree down!

The space we have now is so modern and light compared to the original building which had a lot of Victorian features

and wood panelling. The Chemistry prep room is bright and airy with lovely views and lots of space. We’ve had the same staff room since I joined; it used to have several shared computers before staff had their own. During the refurbishment, the staff room became our prep room and we had several temporary buildings for storage.

What makes Radley a special place to work?

The friendships I’ve made over the years here are really important to me. The technicians are close, and as well as working together in term time we see each other socially in the holidays too. I keep in touch with some of my former colleagues who left many years ago and see them regularly. Radley is such a friendly place and everyone is helpful and kind. We are lucky to work in such beautiful surroundings and I love going for walks in the grounds.

Can you pick any highlights from your time here so far?

I missed my long-service celebration because of Covid but I really enjoyed the Celebration Tea we had in April 2022. It was also amazing to be part of the 175th anniversary of the school – everyone felt included in the celebrations and I loved the aerial photo that was taken to mark the milestone.

I really enjoy going to the plays and concerts here when I can. I also occasionally get the chance to go to various meetings and conferences of school science technicians –in the past we have been to other schools like Harrow and Monkton Combe in Bath – it’s so interesting to meet other technicians and learn how different schools work.

Tell us a bit about your life away from work.

Over the years my husband and I have taken on a few big projects refurbishing houses. The biggest was a three-storey town house in East St. Helen’s Street, Abingdon, which we completely renovated from top to bottom, but I don’t think I’d do anything that extreme again. We lived there during the whole project and sold it 12 years later. I enjoy DIY and my husband is a painter and decorator so we make a good team.

Iain and I have been married for 45 years this year and we have two children, Clare and Mark, and two grandaughters. One of the things we love doing is travelling, especially with friends, and have visited India, South Africa, Portugal and several Caribbean islands, including Aruba, Antigua and Barbados. We’re planning to visit some of the gorgeous Greek islands next.

Anne McIntosh, Assistant Laboratory Technician –Chemistry

Thank you to everyone who bought delicious Proof Social Bakehouse cookies last term in support of Ox Trail and Sobell House. Over £200 was raised.

Radley is one of 85 schools, organisations and community groups taking part in Oxford’s first ever sculpture trail where life-size and mini herds of decorated oxen sculptures will be grazing throughout the county this summer, from 6 July – 29 August.

All funds raised by Ox Trail will go to Oxford-based Sobell House, who provide specialist palliative care to those facing life-threatening illness, death and bereavement. You can still donate to this wonderful local charity via the College’s Just Giving page using the QR code below.

Partnering For Success

It was a pleasure to welcome Laura Deacon, Enrichment Programme Lead, Pegasus Primary School, to the Operational Staff Meeting last term. Laura spoke passionately about the partnership between Radley College and two primary schools in Blackbird Leys: Pegasus and Orchard Meadow.

As Laura explained, 40 boys in the Fifths (Yr 11) support the schools’ enrichment programme, which runs every Wednesday afternoon in both primary schools and is composed of 21 activities, including cookery, robotics, dance, first aid, self defence and sports sessions. In addition, ‘Radley Readers’ sessions take place twice each week with 6.1 boys from D Social.

The boys have become positive male role models for the children. Their commitment to attending the weekly sessions and working with the same children means close bonds are formed and Laura spoke of children saving spaces for ‘their’ Radley boys and the feeling of excitement and anticipation the children feel before each session.

The Warden read a letter from a 6.1 boy which summed up the impact the partnership has on the Radley students – the letter described his weekly visits to Pegasus as ‘one of the most rewarding processes of my life so far’. Laura finished by inviting staff to visit the schools and witness the partnership for themselves – please contact the Partnerships team if you would like to arrange this.

Abingdon Young Adult Book Awards

Radley hosted the 2024 Abingdon YA Book Awards in February, welcoming students from local secondary schools Larkmead, Europa, Fitzharrys, John Mason, Our Lady’s Abingdon, St Helen & St Katharine and Radley.

The students read a shortlist of six books aimed at Young Adults and vote for the winner. The afternoon is a lovely celebration of books, held in conjunction with local bookshop Mostly Books, and culminates in a hotly-contested quiz testing the students’ knowledge of each of the books as well as their literary general knowledge. Congratulations to Europa School who won the quiz, with joint second place being awarded to Larkmead and Fitzharrys.

Happy Head by Josh Silver took the 2024 crown with his brilliant debut, a thought-provoking dystopian thriller –available to borrow from the College library now!

A warm welcome to staff who have joined us since January 2024:

Joanna Chan, Food Service Assistant

Helena Conceicao, Domestic Cleaner

Roland Crouch, Data & Insights Manager

Karen Draisey, Exam Invigilator

Catherine Gray, Exam Invigilator

Bee Holton, Domestic Cleaner

Ed James, Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Nicholas Jimenez Jubb, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Betty Jones, Domestic Cleaner

CONGRATULATIONS

to the following on their recent promotions and added responsibilities:

Ally Horton has taken on the new role of Head of Facilities and Compliance.

Judith Geddes, Exam Invigilator, now has the additional role of Department Administrator for Academic Support.

Staff News

Trish Long, Exam Invigilator

Trish Lopes, Communications Officer

Ethan Nangle, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Leah Nash, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Ned Pullen, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Jake Richards, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Louie Rouse-Roberts, Sports Centre Leisure Assistant

Peter Worrallo, Exam Invigilator

Liz Dickens continues her role as Accompanist in Residence on a full time basis.

Louise Vaan has taken on the role of Interim Examinations Officer.

Millie Felix (Drama Graduate in Residence) and Nathan Samuda (Graduate Athletic Development Coach) both continue at Radley for another academic year, until July 2025.

Baby News

Congratulations to Chloe Godfrey in the Housekeeping team on the safe arrival of her son Archie, born on 29 March 2024.

Sarah Barrett, 1974 — 2024

It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Sarah Barrett in February, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sarah had worked at Radley since 2012, most recently based in B Social. It was a pleasure to speak to Sarah last year as part of the My Radley series where she spoke with great warmth about Radley, which she described as “a real community – it’s one of the things I love best about Radley. The ladies who clean in B, we all support each other and we make a great team, we work really well together and help each other.”

Sarah’s passion and zest for life always shone through in her work and she will be missed by everyone who knew and worked with her.

Estates News

Thanks to the Estates team for this update. You can read more on the Staff Noticeboard about the areas below as well as plans for Park End Barn, College housing stock and Peach Croft Farm.

COURTYARD BUILDING

In February Leave Away, the top floor of the new Courtyard building became an open plan office for the HR and Payroll teams. Downstairs is now home to the Radley Video Unit and two new classrooms – the use of which will change annually to accommodate whichever department has a current need. For the term ahead, Roger Shaw has taken up residence in the middle classroom while the second classroom will temporarily house Music Tech during the Music department refurbishment.

MUSIC EXTENSION

The extension to the Music building has gone out for tender with four major contractors and we await their responses in May. Meanwhile, the team are looking at temporary alternative locations for music lessons during the works. A small amount of enabling works has been carried out over Easter: namely dismantling and reforming the practice room pods from the Round Pavilion car park into Theatre Foyer.

SOLAR FARM

The recent power shut downs have allowed us to test the College’s electrical infrastructure ahead of work for the new Solar Farm. Groundworks testing and wildlife surveys have also been carried out to ensure the land is prepared and has the least impact on existing wildlife. We will need to install cables via trenches across one side of site to the other and it is hoped this can be done incrementally over the next few months.

GUEST ROOMS

Whilst taking into consideration our safeguarding commitments, it has been recognised there is occasionally a need to accommodate visiting speakers, Council Members and others on site. As such, two Guest Rooms have been created above the Lodge. They will be managed by our Housekeeping team. Guidelines for use, further information and a booking request form will be available on the Staff Hub.

OFFICE MOVES

Chapel and Lake Flats at the top of Mansion are being reshaped as further office space. Chapel Flat is now a base for the Futures team and the Communications office. Lake Flat (opposite the Old Radleian Society offices) will temporarily accommodate Ed James (Deputy Head, Pastoral) whilst he works alongside Ben Holden for the next term; after which Ed will move into Ben’s existing office.

THE BURSARY

The Bursary remains in line for some refurbishment as part of the Radley Journey project which aims to improve the experience of visitors to the College. Improvement of the Bursary will require planning permission and needs to be worked around the Music project so there are not two work sites in the same area.

SWIMMING POOL CHANGING ROOMS

Plans to improve the Sports Centre’s wet changing rooms are in place, with the intention of making the area brighter and more colourful, improving drainage and lighting and providing more changing cubicles. We have also listened to member feedback about the facilities and incorporated suggestions into our plans. The works will likely commence this summer.

A Successful Easter of Events

The Easter break has been a busy one for the College, with 17 different events taking place including five residential groups. It is fantastic to see our facilities being used for such a wide range of events.

From Good Friday’s ‘TryTri’ triathlon to the sound and light extravaganza in the Theatre featuring the music of Pink Floyd, the feedback from guests has

been extremely positive. The South England Easter Conference (pictured) have held their annual event at Radley for three years and commented that this year was “the best one yet.”

You can read more about the variety of events we hosted over the break in our most recent newsletter.

The Commercial Enterprises Team

One of the new Guest Rooms

The new HR offices