Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.

News > Alumni Events > OR Reunion in Denver

OR Reunion in Denver

The Headmaster was privileged to spend an evening enjoying the warm hospitality of John Turner (Class of 1960) in Denver last week.
24 May 2024
United States of America
Alumni Events
Fantastic artpiece by Jamie Rainford (Year 12MJK)
Fantastic artpiece by Jamie Rainford (Year 12MJK)

Featured

ORs in the USA

The Headmaster was privileged to spend an evening enjoying the warm hospitality of John Turner (Class of 1960) in Denver last week. At school, John was in West House and a member of the scouts. He studied Maths, Chemistry, and Physics at A Level and was the winner of the Aust Physics Prize. Born in Olney and raised in Reading, he fondly remembers his design teacher, Mr Ruffle, who taught him technical drawing. These skills served him well throughout his career in research, design, and manufacturing.

John exemplifies the attributes of a Reading School student: an agile problem solver and a quick learner. He mastered four languages and travelled the world, improving food manufacturing processes, notably for Weetabix. His charitable efforts are noteworthy. While in Massachusetts, John facilitated a policy change for a major breakfast cereal manufacturer to donate surplus produce to homeless shelters. He also maintained a lifelong love for the creative arts and fondly remembers his music teacher, Mr Griffin—a name shared with our current Director of Music. John was pleased to learn about the current Modern Foreign Languages curriculum, which allows junior students to learn four languages, and our school’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.

John’s intellect and charm are matched by his wife Gerda, whom he married in Caracas 52 years ago just three weeks after meeting. Gerda, a qualified dentist and accomplished dancer, became a Computer Science lecturer and has a long history of supporting opera and the arts. She has also served as a guide at the Museum of Colorado History for many years.

The Headmaster enjoyed a delicious dinner barbecued by John, accompanied by fascinating stories. As a token of appreciation, the Headmaster gifted a piece of art completed by our current student, Jamie Rainsford (Year 12MJK), to add to Gerda and John’s art collection. Jamie’s work, which reflects the cultural, racial, and ethnic diversity of Reading School, explores identity and racial complexities, stereotypes, and expectations. His Jamaican heritage influences his art, which often delves into histories concerning imperialism and its legacy.

We are proud of Jamie's work and grateful we could share this with John and thank him for his continued support and inspiration.

 

#OldRedingensians #ReadingSchool #AlumniReunion #Denver #900thAnniversary #Memories #WeAreRedingensians

Similar stories

RS Rugby Festival 2024

Saturday 14th September brought high drama and top-tier rugby in what proved to be a day of celebration, community spirit, and sporting excellence. More...

We were delighted to see alumni, partners and parents from various graduating years and industries gather together, exch… More...

Celebrating those in roles of service – ORs in the Armed Forces - Calling all former and current members of the British … More...

Over dinner in San Francisco, Dr Evans had the pleasure of meeting Nikhil Basu Trivedi, an extraordinarily successful te… More...

Bellingham, 50 miles south of Vancouver and 80 miles north of Seattle, hosted the Headmaster’s 5th US alumni meeting and… More...

Most read

Reading School's Class of 2023 celebrates a strong set of results

We are delighted to announce a strong set of A-level results for the Class of 2023, marking a triumphant return to pre-pandemic performance levels. More...

Left: Tads at the Uganda Cancer Institute; Right: Tads visiting the Kanyike Project

Tads Ciecierski-Holmes (OR 2009 – 2017) has been making significant strides in global healthcare initiatives and community service over a series of tr… More...

Peter Youssef (OR 2004-2020)

Peter Youssef (OR 2009-2016) joined us on Tuesday to discuss the potential and limitations of engineering technology in mitigating transportation issu… More...

Have your say

 

Donate to Reading School

This website is powered by
ToucanTech