Rowing, reunions, press & paperbacks!

 

20 Year Reunion

Oli Doherty (K 88-98), organised a reunion 20 years after the year of 1998 left King’s. The group met for a very lively dinner at The Cavalry and Guards Club in London. The group consisted of Oli himself, Hon OV and their former teacher Paul Thompson, Nick Jones (W 87-98), Adam Smith (Cl 93-98), Zoe Harrison (now Grainger) (W 92-98), Natasha Mcginity (now Long) (Cl 91-96), Richard Lewis (S 88-98), Jake Brazier (Cr 88-98), Rosanna Brighton (now Horsley) (W 96-98), Victoria Williamson (now Hagger) (S 96-98), David Woodcock (Cl 88-98), Alex Brittain (W 92-98), Alistair Brookshaw (Cl 93-98), David Cox (Os 89-98), Christian Dale (W 88-98), Lauren Lawson-Pratt (now Pruden-Lawson) (Cl 91-98), Rob Poole (H 93-98), Amy Thornton (Cl 96-98), and Max Wright (Os 91-98). Adam Smith delivered a very funny Grace which he had written for the event and speeches were delivered after dinner by Zoe Harrison and Nick Jones. The group had great fun reuniting, exchanging news and sharing memories of days at King’s.

HENLEY REGATTA MEMORIES

We have heard from many OVs who enjoyed attending Henley Regatta in July, and we were thrilled to be joined by many at our King’s gazebo. We were particularly delighted that OV Peter Beaumont (W 81-83) was asked to participate in a row-past this year with his fellow Leander and University of London crew which won the Grand Challenge Cup in 1988. Peter and his fellow crew had great fun rowing the same course on which they secured victory 30 years ago. Peter represented team GB, rowing in the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and he is father of Leander athlete Jack Beaumont, who the following day achieved his seventh consecutive win at Henley in the Double Sculls Challenge Cup.

OV in Bible Readathon

Rev Richard Mutter (Ch 81-91) is rector of the Arden Valley benefice, which consists of the parishes of Snitterfield, Bearley and Wolverton with Norton Lindsey and Langley.  Richard, along with over 100 other people, recently held a non-stop bible read in order to mark the 100th anniversary of Coventry diocese (which was split out of Worcester diocese in 1918), and to raise money for Tariro UK and The Butterfly Tree (two charities working with disadvantaged children in Zimbabwe and Zambia respectively). 

Those involved read the entire bible from Genesis to Revelation in a little over 75 hours, reading non-stop from Monday lunchtime until Wednesday afternoon. The event was kicked off by the Very Rev'd John Whitcombe, Dean of Coventry Cathedral, and a wide variety of people took part – from the Bishop of Warwick to local people who had not previously been into the village church.

Richad says, “the event was great fun, and has been the talk of the village. We understand that it is the longest time that the church has been continually occupied since its construction in the thirteenth century. It is also the first time that certain parts of the bible have been read out loud in the church.  We are delighted to have raised over £1,500 so far.”

OV representing GB at World University Championships

We are so happy to announce that Alex Styles (W 08-15) has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World University Championships in Shanghai this month. Alex studies at Oxford Brookes University and will compete in the Lightweight Women’s Double with crewmate Fiona Chestnutt at the prestigious competition. The World University Championships is for rowers between 17 – 25 years old and it is a huge honour that Alex has been selected to represent Great Britain. We wish her the very best of luck at the competition and look forward to following the event!

HOLIDAY reunion

We were so pleased to hear that a holiday for Richard Underwood (Ch 68-79) turned into an OV reunion with friend Eddie Oates (Cr 75-78), about 40 years on from when they last saw each other. Work had led Eddie to live in Cornwall, and while Richard was on holiday, the pair met for a drink and a catch up overlooking St Michaels Mount. Richard and Eddie had lots of news to share, as well as many reminisces about their time at King’s.

 

 

 

OV launches ‘veteran friendly’ GP scheme

We were delighted to read an article in the news this week about a new ‘veteran friendly’ GP scheme which was launched by Dr Mike Brookes (Br 85-95). The Military Veteran Aware Accreditation programme has already been backed by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) and had a successful pilot scheme in the West Midlands where 90 GP practices have signed up. Dr Brookes had the idea after speaking to a veteran patient at his surgery in North Yorkshire and he says he “could see how pivotal a GP practice could be at identifying ex-service personnel to help ensure they receive care and treatment that is considerate of their time in the armed forces.” Well done Mike and we look forward to hearing more about the scheme as it is rolled out nationwide.

First novel for OV author

We were thrilled to hear that OV Robin Jéquier (Ca 70-71) has had his first novel published. ‘The Gene Deal’ is a powerful tale of science, high finance and greed. On leaving King’s Robin studied piano and organ at the Royal Academy of Music in London followed by sixteen years serving in the British Army. On completing his military service, he worked in Fundraising Management and Consultancy.  ‘The Gene Deal’ is a story inspired by Robins’ interest in gene therapy and gene editing, and it can be found now on Amazon. You can find out more on the RobinJequier website where there is also an opportunity for Old Vigornians to get a free Kindle version of his next novel (work in progress) – simply enter KSW in the comments box. Congratulations Robin!