OV Newsletter 13 August 2021
OV’s Super Scholarship!
Great news from OV Natasja Enthoven (W 14-19) who has recently been awarded the Hatfield College Ramsay Burn Scholarship 2021.
This is a music scholarship to support her musical development in preparation for her Fellowship of Trinity College London (FTCL) Performance Diploma in solo pianoforte. The scholarship is awarded annually for a Hatfield College, Durham University student to undertake a significant and aspirational musical development activity. Natasja is currently at Durham studying Law.
Commenting on her scholarship, Natasja said: “I am so grateful to Hatfield College for this substantial scholarship. I am going to use this to support my continued piano tuition in preparation for the FTCL diploma. I have been very fortunate to be able to continue with online virtual piano lessons throughout the Covid crisis with my teacher who lectures at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. I was also lucky to have the support from Hatfield College who allowed me to use their piano in the Chapel during this difficult time.
“Now that restrictions have been eased, I hope that the virtual competitions and concerts that I have taken part in this year will be replaced with in-person ones, much like the concerts I performed in on the beautiful grand piano in College Hall as a Music Scholar at King’s Worcester.”
Congratulations, Natasja!
OV in Pole Position for the Future of Racing
OV Tom Yates (W 99-06) has just unveiled the product of years of hard work: the first fully electric race car, designed, engineered and built in Britain: The McMurtry Spéirling
A feat of engineering, the second-generation prototype was introduced to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month, to unwavering critical acclaim. Rory Reid, of Autotrader and Top Gear fame, called the McMurtry a ‘revolutionary bit of kit’ and an ‘incredible bit of machinery’.
Tom was previously at Mercedes in Formula 1, when he was approached by Sir David McMurtry to create a new business to develop the Spéirling, which has subsequently been in secret development for three years prior to the unveiling at Goodwood.
Tom is not alone on the project, joined by his team of engineers and development drivers, five-time Le Mans winner OV Derek Bell MBE (S 56-58) and 2015 British Hillclimb Champion Alex Summers (not an OV but we won’t hold that against him!).
It was through the OV family that Tom and Derek connected, leading to this great team that has produced an electric track car capable of doing over 200mph and is simulated to do 0-186mph in under 9 seconds – especially if Derek is behind the wheel! Derek kindly chose to help the team on the basis of also being an OV and has been invaluable to the development of the car. The team are very grateful to have the support of one of motorsport’s all-time greats!
Tom added: “I don’t think I could be in this exciting position if it hadn’t also been for Eric Lummas’ (Hon OV) steadfast support when I was at King’s Worcester. He was an incredibly strong influence at school, inspiring me and giving me the confidence to go forward. He really did give 110% in his help in DT and for my sometimes ambitious designs!”
Tom (middle) with OVs Jon Cranton (Cr 01-06) and Edward Bales (Cl 96-06) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
We're looking forward to seeing a lot more of the McMurtry Spéirling!
OV Grand Marshall of Le Mans
We were absolutely delighted to hear that racing legend, and OV, Derek Bell (S 56-58) has been appointed Grand Marshal at the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans. Derek will take the wheel of the pace car to lead out the 62 cars through the formation lap ahead of the start on 21 August 2021.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest active endurance-based sports car race, and the most renowned. There is no official finish line, just the clock counting down – the winner is the car that has covered the greatest distance in the 24hours, without mechanical failure.
No stranger to Le Mans 24 Hours, Derek has won the race 5 times, and driven 26 times in 27 years, many with podium finishes. He also won the Daytona 24 three times, and the World Sportscar Championship twice. Derek has also raced for the Ferrari, Wheatcroft, McLaren, Surtees and Tecno teams in the Formula 1.
In 1986 Derek was awarded an MBE for services to motorsport, in 2012 he was inducted into the Motor Sport Hall of Fame of America and in 2014 he was presented with Honorary Life Membership of the AA in recognition of his 50 years in Motorsports. As you may have also read, Derek recently joined forces with OV Tom Yates (W 99-06) as development driver for the prototype McMurtry Spéirling electric track car.
A much-loved member of the King’s Worcester family, Derek joined the ranks of the Barnabas Group in 2019. OVs who have excelled in their chosen careers are invited back to join the Barnabas Group, named after St Barnabas, son of encouragement, to share their life experiences and to offer advice and inspiration to the school body. You can listen to the audio of Derek’s address to the School here
On his appointment as Grand Marshal, Derek said, “I don’t ramble on about awards and honours, but in reality they are all very special and accolades to all of us.”
We look forward to watching you behind the wheel, Derek! Canterbury Calling
It gives us great pleasure to share the news that OV Dr David Newsholme (Os 93-03) has been appointed Director of Music at Canterbury Cathedral.
David was unanimously chosen from a field of over 45 highly qualified applicants, testament to both his musical and leadership talents. The role encompasses all musical aspects of the Cathedral’s work, as well as being responsible for training the Cathedral’s choirs.
David’s musical career encompasses not only choral and orchestral conducting, but he is also an experienced organ soloist, accompanist and ensemble player. Additionally, in 2014, David founded Canterbury Cathedral’s Girls’ Choir from scratch and through his continued leadership has established a critically-acclaimed international ensemble.
David added, “I've known that I've wanted to work with choirs since I joined Worcester Cathedral as a chorister at the age of 8. My love of choral music was further nurtured through the rich musical experiences which I was privileged to encounter at King's School Worcester. The opportunity to conduct the Keys Choir (as the pupil-led chamber choir was then called) was formative; I benefited greatly from the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and sheer enthusiasm of the then Director of Music, Mr David Brookshaw.
“I'm thrilled and humbled to be appointed to this prestigious position in Canterbury, and will always be grateful both to the Cathedral and to the King's School Worcester for setting me on my way.”
Congratulations David on your very well deserved appointment!
OV Visit – U6 Parents’ Evening
We were very grateful to OV Luke Weaver (S 98-03) who took time out of his schedule (and miss a pivotal Lions' match!) to join us for the U6 Parents' Evening last month.
Luke, seen here with Headmaster Gareth Doodes, talked to the parents of our newest OVs. Drawing on his own experiences, Luke explained how the OV network is instrumental in keeping connected with friends but also for careers support and networking. He acknowledged that although it may not be something the School leavers would need straight away, they should remember to keep in touch as 5, 10, 15 or more years down the line, it could be the OV family that is the key to their future career - as it was for Luke.
Our many thanks, Luke!
2021 Graduation Round-Up
Many congratulations to all our OVs who have graduated this year so far and those who will graduate later in the year too - an incredible achievement especially considering how different university life and teaching has been the past 18 months!
We are always thrilled to hear how OVs are getting on in the years after leaving King’s Worcester and we love hearing their graduation news! Here are a selection of this year’s graduation stories.
Edd Peckston (K 10-17):
“I am very pleased to be graduating Oxford with a First in German. I’m looking forward to starting my Law Conversion Masters in the autumn!”
Lottie Ricketts (Ch 11-18):
“I am delighted to share that I have graduated with First Class Honours in Accounting and Finance BSc from the University of Bristol, also having achieved the top mark of my cohort in the Auditing exam with a result of 84!
“I can’t wait to start my journey as a trainee chartered accountant at Smith & Williamson in their London office.
“Thank you to everyone who has helped me over the past 3 years!”
Rufus Tilt (Cr 10-17 and King’s Hawford):
“I’m very happy to have graduated with an upper 2:1 from Oxford Brookes University in Sports Coaching and Physical Education, I am continuing my studies at Oxford Brookes with a PGCE in post compulsory education. I completed my degree alongside coaching rowing for Queen’s and Jesus College Oxford as well as competing myself. I look forward to moving into the coaching and teaching field full time and becoming an active part of both these communities!
"This is me after coaching my crew to blades at summer torpids!"
Izzy Mackintosh (W 11-18 and King’s Hawford):
“I am graduating from the University of Bristol where I studied Cancer Biology and Immunology. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there with highlights such as writing my dissertation on the impact of breast feeding on food allergy and three years as the ladies 1st hockey team goalkeeper. I am now excited to start
at the University of Warwick on their graduate entry medicine program and continue the journey towards my dream career as a doctor.”
Lily Tyson (K 11-18):
“In June I graduated from the University of Bristol with a 2.1 honours degree in Ancient History. My dissertation title was: ‘Fair-haired Achilles’, Achilles and Race in Troy: Fall of a City (2018), which was an analysis of the impact of social- political attitudes towards race in the ancient world.
“Alongside my degree, I completed an internship in marketing and held a Social Media Assistant role for Bristol SU. Now, I have just finished my first month as a Graduate PR Executive at WPR Agency in Birmingham. In the first month, I have secured national courage for one of my clients in the Daily Express, ITV and Metro as well as many other regional titles. I am loving every second of agency life and how no day is the same.”
Molly Evans (W 12-17):
“I am delighted to be graduating Newcastle University with a First class degree in International Business Management with French. I have loved my time studying in Newcastle and I am very excited to have the opportunity to work in France for the next year!”
Congratulations to all, and please do keep sending us your news!
New OVs’ A Level Results
Many congratulations also to our newest OVs on their incredible A Level Results! You can read all about it here
Your next OV Newsletter
Your next OV Newsletter will be arriving as the new School term starts in September but in the meantime, don’t forget you can be kept up to speed via social media: just search for ‘Old Vigornians’ on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
If you have any OV news, please do get in touch, either via email or 01905 721737
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13/08/2021