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Reverend Canon John Ratings In Memoriam (1957 Leaver)

Reverend Canon John Ratings – Old Boy (1957 Leaver) 

On leaving the Sixth Form in 1957 John completed two years of National Service before reading Theology at St Peter’s College, Oxford followed by two years at Cuddesdon Theological College. He served his first curacy at All Saints’ and Martyrs’ Langley in the Manchester diocese under the inspirational guidance of Canon Whitsey, followed by a second curacy at St Michaels’ in Easthampstead, Berkshire.  He was selected to attend the Graduate School of Ecumenical Studies in Bossey near Geneva in 1969/70.

From 1971-2008 John was Vicar of Wargrave also in the Oxford diocese. In his book “Lost and Found in the Pulpit” he recalls with a mix of anecdotes, personal reflections and challenging ideas, a lifetime of service. Births, marriages and deaths were the stuff of his everyday ministry, but he was known throughout the area as someone who never passed an opportunity to be controversial and innovative.

John’s length of service made such controversies inevitable – whether it was selling off land earmarked for a graveyard or challenging the local British Legion about the way the annual Remembrance Day was marked. Yet he was everyone’s vicar, whether they attended church or not.

His greatest legacy was establishing the Wargrave Village Festival which grew from three days into a biennial bonanza lasting over two weeks encompassing over forty events. He had responsibilities for local schools and was involved in educational matters at diocesan level. In 2000 John was appointed Provost of Lancing of the Woodard Corporation (Southern Division). He valued his many years as a Senior Selector to the Bishop assessing prospective ordinands into the ministry.

He thoroughly enjoyed his time (1991/92) as Chaplain to Peter Theobald, Master of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. In 2001 he was the guest of honour at the School Speech Day. On that occasion he gave the school a cheque for £135, the then equivalent of the 12 guineas given to him in 1957 by his Headmaster TJP York. Mr York was most surprised that he had gained a place at Oxford and been accepted for training as a priest as he had observed none of the qualities needed for either. John loved his school and all the opportunities thereafter.

Reverend Canon John Ratings

Mrs Barbara Ratings

 

 

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A group of boys took part in a special activity le A group of boys took part in a special activity learning about the complexities of crime scene investigation.

The forensic science session, part of our regular TENDO enrichment programme, focussed on BPA, or Blood Pattern Analysis. It was led by school science technician and former forensic laboratory scientist, Ms Birchall.

Pupils in Years 10 to 12 learned how forensic scientists use the laws of maths, physics and biology to interpret blood patterns at crime scenes. They then worked to recreate some of those patterns themselves using paint.
We are delighted to be hosting a Netball Camp for We are delighted to be hosting a Netball Camp for boys and girls at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School on Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 April 2023 ⛹️‍♂️⛹️‍♀️

This exciting two-day camp is for children in Year 3 to Year 7 of all abilities, whether an experienced player or beginner. 

Find out more or book a place by clicking the link in our bio ⤴️
Year 4 were delighted to travel to the Boys' and G Year 4 were delighted to travel to the Boys' and Girls' Schools yesterday to visit the labs as part of #BritishScienceWeek. 

They built on the knowledge they had gained in their science lessons and immensely enjoyed using the Van de Graaff generator to make their hair stand up. 

Thank you to Mrs Lynch and Mr Toney for showing us just how fun science is!
We've joined schools across the nation today by su We've joined schools across the nation today by supporting @comicrelief to show that laughter has the power to change lives.

We've donned our red noses and enjoyed a bake sale, a penalty shootout competition and of course, Red Nose cakes! 🔴

Through our activities we have raised £510 so far, if you'd like to support you can do so by clicking the link in our bio ⤴️
Yesterday, a selection of our Year 4 pupils took p Yesterday, a selection of our Year 4 pupils took part in a brilliant football festival hosted by @cheadlehulmeschool.

Team 1 displayed some fantastic football throughout the day, playing all matches in great spirit and with a real sense of teamwork, leaving undefeated with a record of 5 wins and 2 draws.

Team 2 started well, beginning with a 1-0 win, before competing in a number of closely contested games throughout the remainder of the day.

Overall, it was a great experience for all involved and it was very pleasing that we were able to field two teams; giving a number of pupils a chance to experience such an event! 

Well done to all involved ⚽
In honour of #BritishScienceWeek take a look at ou In honour of #BritishScienceWeek take a look at our science labs from years gone by. The Boys' image is from around 1900 whilst the Girls' dates back to the 1950s.

#ThrowbackThursday
Ready to give your child the best start in life? Ready to give your child the best start in life?

Join us at Stanfield Preparatory School on Monday 27 March for our Spring Sunflower Planting event 🌻

Meet our Reception team, enjoy a welcome from our Headmistress Miss Lynan, and get a tour of our specialist, purpose-built facilities. Boys and girls can also join in a planting session and take away their own sunflower to grow over the summer.

Open to anyone considering Reception in 2023. Book a place via the link our bio ⤴️
Congratulations to the Year 5 & 6 Boys' and Girls' Congratulations to the Year 5 & 6 Boys' and Girls' Cross Country Teams who braved the cold conditions yesterday. All Stanfield competitors placed in the top 31 runners in Sefton 👏

Year 5 - Nalika (2nd), Milly (8th), Gina (9th), Josh (6th), Joseph (9th).

Year 6 - Daisy (2nd), Olivia (7th).

Well done to all who took part ⭐
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