National awards, Swim records, 60 Years with the RSC & Silent Witness Appearance

OV haunts in Silent Witness

Congratulations to actress and OV Zoe Harrison (W 92-98) who recently guest starred in two episodes of BBC1’s crime drama Silent Witness.

Her story in the episodes ‘Seven Times’ focussed on the incredibly challenging issues of domestic violence and buried memories. Zoe plays Carol Alexander, mother of main character Dr Nikki Alexander’s (portrayed by ).

Zoe also plays Jenny Shaw who is found dead on the train tracks. Silent Witness has become a critically acclaimed household name. Focussing on a team of forensic pathologists as they investigate crimes it is now on its incredible 23rd series.

Photo Credit: BBC

Zoe says, ‘It was an honour to be involved in such a highly regarded British show and such a hard-hitting and important storyline’.

You can catch the episodes on BBC iPlayer.

OV Garden Designer wins national award Congratulations to Marlow-based Garden Designer and OV, Tabitha Rigden (née Teuma) (Ch 95-97) who has won a national award for her Contemporary Woodland Edge Garden in Chesham Bois, which was named joint winner in the Student Design – Domestic category at the Society of Garden Designers Awards 2020 ceremony, held at The Landmark Hotel in Marylebone.

The Contemporary Woodland Edge Garden uses trees to create an immersive experience, the trunks forming a kind of living sculpture to be admired all year round. Tabitha says: “There is no need to shy away from using trees in smaller gardens, provided the species are well considered. I hold the Chiltern woods close to my heart, and I used their interplay of light and shade as the inspiration for this garden.” Other features include a generous cantilevered deck for entertaining, an open ‘glade’ laid to lawn, a sheltered ‘den’ that captures the last of the evening sun, beehives and a foraging garden, which answered the brief for low maintenance productive planting – a more achievable spin on ‘grow your own’ for those with less time on their hands.

The judges said of Tabitha’s design: “A bold, purposeful design demonstrating a thorough understanding of the site and a particular lightness of touch. Comprehensively presented with persuasive and atmospheric images that perfectly capture the design intention.”

Tabitha says: “I was over the moon to win the award – it’s a real boost to know that a panel of experts think highly of my work. Having decided to make a radical career change last year, this win reinforced to me why the attention to detail – and all those late nights at the drawing board – were so important!” After 15 years working in the Art World, Tabitha quit her job as a Paintings Conservator following the birth of her second child, and decided to retrain as a garden designer. She enrolled herself on the prestigious diploma course at The College of Garden Design, based in Kew Gardens, graduating last summer with distinction.

“My job as a Paintings Conservator was practical, but not creative – I had largely accepted that and always managed to find creative outlets outside of work. However, after I had my children and family life took hold, I realised that the day job needed to become my creative outlet. I had a long-standing interest in interior design and architecture, as well as a love of plants and a dream of spending more time outdoors. When I pieced it all together, the next move seemed obvious!”

“It’s never too late to make a change and garden design seems especially relevant right now – I truly believe that a well-considered design and carefully chosen planting can help combat the effects of climate change at a local level without compromising on aesthetic.”

Tabitha is now a partner at garden design practice Rigden Saunders, based near Marlow. You can find more information about her winning design at https://www.rigdensaunders.com/landscape-gardening- projects/chesham-gardens

Photos and Images courtesy of Tabitha Rigden

OV breaks swim records Well done to OV James Marsh (Ch 13-15) who has broken two Worcester Swim club 19/24 age group records and one open age group record too, breaking the club 100m breaststroke record for the 19/24 boys group which he achieved with an impressive time of 1:04.26! The open age group record is particularly outstanding as this means James has the fastest male swim time ever at the Worcester Swim club.

James says, “Breaking the records was a nice achievement to end the year off with. Swimming is a tough sport with lots of early mornings and late nights spent at the pool trying to get quicker, usually by only hundredths of a second. After taking some time away from the sport it’s nice to be able to break club records again, especially at a club with as much talent as Worcester.”

OV remembers 60 years with Royal Shakespeare Company

It was lovely to come across a feature this week in the Stratford-upon-Avon Herald on esteemed actor and OV Clifford Rose (S 43-48). Clifford was interviewed about his incredible 60 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

As a pupil at King’s, Clifford had wanted to train to be a surgeon but, after a few obstacles and some encouragement from his parents, Clifford ended up following in his older brother’s footsteps and became an actor. Clifford’s classical acting career was inspired by school visits to Shakespeare Memorial Theatre and Clifford has since gone on to act in all but two of Shakespeare’s plays! Clifford has also had television roles including Secret Army, Kessler and The Crown and starred in films including The Iron Lady and Pirates of the Caribbean.

It was lovely in the interview to hear Clifford mentioning his time here at The King’s School, Worcester and especially his Headmaster at the time, Mr Kittermaster who he describes in this interview as ‘enlightened’ and ‘marvellous’. Clifford has previously told us how he enjoyed playing the title role in Macbeth under the Directorship of Mr Kittermaster who encouraged him into acting along with his parents. As well as touching on his time at King’s, the interview also talks about his time on stage, television and in film.

To read the full interview please go to https://www.stratford-herald.com/105639-interview-actor-clifford- rose-i-cant-believe-i-joined-rsc-60-years-ago.html 07/02/2020