OP News

Rachel Barlow and Sophie Meadows (both 2019) have both had artworks selected for exhibition as part of the RBA Rising Stars competition. Developed with the Royal Society of British Artists, the RBA Rising Stars competition encourages aspiring young artists who are identified and entered by The Arts Society’s local Societies. The RBA then selects the very best pieces for exhibition in London. Rachel’s work Girl with a bucket will be exhibited at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) and the Mall Galleries, and Sophie’s piece Portrait Drawing will be on display at the ROSL.

Topun Austin (1989) featured in The Golden Window, which won the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Research in Film award. The film followed a newborn baby who had been starved of oxygen following complications at birth. The ‘golden window’ refers to the 72-hour period following birth, where reducing the temperature of the baby can be crucial in minimising longterm brain injury. The film was made by Dr Shreepali Patel, from Anglia Ruskin University’s StoryLab research institute, who worked with Professor Austin’s team at the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Hannah Parker (2010) is undertaking a huge challenge as she swims the English Channel to raise money for three charities close to her heart: the MS Society, Prostate Cancer UK, and the Karuna Trust, which she chose in memory of Rajen Mahendra (2010). Hannah says “I have always been a swimmer, competing in galas when I was younger and now as a way to keep fit. This challenge has been one I have had my eye on for a while, mostly encouraged by my grandad Jack Human, who was a big advocate of my swimming. The swim was planned for August, but it is too early to tell what the COVID-19 pandemic will mean. A delay to later in the swim season is likely, depending on how soon I can get back in the water!

Many of you will know the Mahendra family and will have known Rajen. I unfortunately did not have the privilege of being as close to Rajen as some, but seeing the impact of his loss on many close friends and his family – to whom we have all grown closer – is deeply saddening and a true testament to him. I am swimming in his memory, for those he has left behind and for a cause that his family have chosen in his name. The Karuna Trust exists to end caste-based discrimination, poverty and inequality in India and Nepal. I hope to make a difference with the funds raised as part of Rajen’s legacy. For more detail on the swim, the charities and the opportunity to donate, please visit https:/uk.virginmoneygiving.com/hanswimsthechan”

Natasha Dell (2018) was on the executive team for the 2020 Durham University Charity Fashion Show, which raised £171,000 for Stop the Traffik and Fashion Revolution, charities which tackle issues concerning workers’ rights. Natasha’s role included working with corporate sponsors, marketing and social media platforms for the event, which attracted 3,000 people over its threenight run.

Phoebe Penfold (2019) spent October–December 2019 working for Voluntary Service Overseas’s ICS programme in Zanzibar, in partnership with the Tanzanian Ministry for Youth and Employment. Phoebe said “there were 20 of us in our team, ten from the UK and ten from across Tanzania, all aged between 18 and 25. We integrated into the local community by living in host homes.

The aim of our project was to reduce youth unemployment in Zanzibar, so we planned and delivered sessions for local 12–25 year olds on employability skills. We covered topics such as CV writing, interview technique, presentation skills, entrepreneurship, access to microfinance and more, as well as developing their English skills. During the weekends, we also held community action days, which raised awareness of different sustainable development goals. Since returning, I have been researching the impacts of western volunteering on developing countries and delivered a workshop to Perse pupils on how to volunteer effectively, avoiding projects that are inefficient or could even do harm, such as working in orphanages, and raising awareness of ICS as an alternative.” Jamie Carpenter (1994) was appointed Queen’s Counsel at a ceremony in Westminster Hall on 16 March. Jamie, who is based at Hailsham Chambers, specialises in Costs and Professional Negligence. Jamie’s appointment makes him the third OP from Hailsham to take silk, following Lawrie WestKnights (1972) and Michael Pooles (1974).

Angus Birditt (2009) has written a collection of poetry called Our Isles: Poems Celebrating the Art of Rural Trades and Traditions, published by Pavilion Books. Angus said: “This collection of poetry was born out of a deep affection for the rural environment, capturing its beguiling nature, its rich heritage and traditions, and the remarkable lives that have a deep connection to the landscape.

After university, I moved from the flatlands of Cambridgeshire to a very different landscape, the wild mountainous terrain of North Wales. There, beside undulating brooks and rushing rivers, I founded a seasonal foraging food company called The Bridge Lodge. Over the last few years, the company has taken me all across the British countryside, selling products and collaborating with other food producers. Along my journey, I have met and been inspired by a breadth of extraordinary individuals, who call the countryside their home. This collection of poetry is to celebrate those rural lives, and promote the artistry of their craft and knowledge.”

Angus will also have an exhibition this summer, showcasing his poetry and photography at Our Isles: An Exhibition Celebrating the Art of Rural Life in Oriel Davies Gallery in Wales. ourisles.co.uk

A memorial project is underway for Jamie Gardiner, Perse alumnus and Head Boy (2012–13), led by OPs including Will Aitchison (2013). Will writes: “Since his tragic death in a mountaineering accident in 2017, a group of school friends and family have hatched a plan to plant a 1,500 tree woodland in the Scottish borders to celebrate Jamies life.

Jamie lived his passion for nature in countless walks, hikes, PES trips and expeditions, and the woodland will grow as testimony to his love of the natural world, providing rich habitats for wildlife and contributing to efforts to combat climate change. For more information, contact details, and opportunities to donate: https://jamieswood.carrd.co/”

In January, Chris Dodsworth (2016) took on the role of Cassio in the Marlowe Society’s production of Othello, directed by John Haidar. Founded in 1907, The Marlowe Society is one of Cambridge University’s oldest drama societies, boasting illustrious alumni. Previous members include Sir Trevor Nunn, Sir Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson and The Perse’s very own Sir Peter Hall (1949). Ramiz Cuthbert (2019) has been working as a high-level e-sports coach and analyst for a team playing Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. He says “like regular sports, online gamers can be categorised into different groups; from casual players and supporters to professional competitors, like myself. My role has a wide remit, from team strategy and tracking opponent statistics, to looking after player health and lifestyle. Whilst some competitions take place online, bigger competitions are hosted in arenas with a live audience, and I’ve taken part in competitions all around Europe. The prize pools can vary massively, ranging from a thousand to millions depending on the scale of the competition. E-sports is a fast growing industry, with viewership doubling in the last four years. Though the concept of playing a video game for a career may seem rather bizarre, it is rapidly becoming a more established career path with the growth of the scene, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”