By Mrs Annette Carter, College Historian

As our Radford families have now received their ordered copy of the most recent Radfordian (2024) it seemed a good opportunity to reflect on just how far this publication has come and how it has changed over the years.

The first Radfordian was published in Radford College’s first school year in 1984 and was made up of only 40 pages. On the front cover was the original sketch design for the school.

The publication opened with an article about Bishop Radford, after whom the school was named, messages from Tom Bruce (T. B.) Millar, the Parents and Friends, and inaugural Principal Jock Mackinnon. There was also a student reflection on the opening of the school and Foundation Day, followed by information about competitions, co-curricular activities, excursions, camps and a sports report for the two year groups that started in 1984 – Years 7 and 8. Sadly, there was also an 'In Memoriam' to Steven Bell, a student who had passed away in an accident during the August school holidays.

The first Radfordian to appear with colour photographs was as late as 2009. By then the publication had grown to 210 pages.

The 2024 edition had 212 pages so while the page count hasn’t changed significantly in the last 20 years, the style and feel of the publication certainly has.