Knights Awardees Annual Report Academic Year 2024
2025
21 August, 2025
Institutions and Awardees
01.
02.
03. Royal College of Surgeons,
Louis Solomon Award for Surgical Skills
Shreyas Supparamaniam
Larne Jones-Whiting
04. Royal School of Needlework
05. Arts Educational Schools
Lara Wollington
Musical Theatre
06. City and Guilds
Art School
Helen Aitchison Sophie Nicholas Serena Malcolm
Stone Carver Conservator Wood Carving
Anna-Helena Maclachlan
Mezo Opera Singer
Royal Academy of Music
Isabel Garcia Gonzolaz Bass
Mischa Carr Pianist
Royal College of Music
Olivia Roberton Hand Embroidery
Freja Malle Høyer Hand Embroidery
Institutions and Awardees
Konstantina Nouka
07. Inner Temple, Bernard Sunley Award
James Cairns
08. Middle Temple, Lloyd Jacob Award
10. Scouts E.
London Scouts and Explorer Scouts
11. Tri-Services
12 College of Policing
PC Peter Flint
PC Israr Zafar
09. Royal Navy University Units, HMS Dasher Award
URNU Belfast and
URNU East Midlands Sea Cadets Air Cadets Army Cadets
Introduction
Welcome to the 2024–25 e-Annual Report of the Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table.
You will find updates from some of our awardees as they journey through their various pursuits.
This report offers a glimpse into how your support continues to help our awardees realise their ambitions.
Please join us in celebrating the progress of our awardees as they continue to make us proud.
Royal Academy of Music Anna-Helena Maclachlan Mezzo-Soprano Year 2
“Letter from Lucie Kennedy Hon ARAM, Director of Philanthropy, RAM 29th July 2025
Every gift received towards scholarships and bursaries is instrumental in the training and development of our students. For many young musicians, the offer of a scholarship or bursary is a crucial step towards unlocking their potential and, in turn, provides them with the opportunity to lay the foundations for a future career in music. With your support, we can offer equal access to brilliant teaching and performance opportunities, encouraging talented musicians from all backgrounds to explore their artistic craft without financial barriers.
In 2024/25, the Knights of the Round Table Award was associated with Anna-Helena Maclachlan. Your support made a real difference to Anna-Helena this year, and she has asked us to pass on her sincere gratitude to you.
On behalf of everyone at the Academy, I would like to thank you once again for the commitment you have made to our students by supporting the awards programme.
Royal Academy of Music Anna-Helena Maclachlan
Mezzo-Soprano Year 2
“Letter from Anna-Helena Maclachlan
‘This award and the financial support mean so much to me. You have made my life studying in London that much more stress free and enjoyable. Thanks to your generosity, I have been able to fully commit to my projects while at the Academy, and to seize every opportunity without the worry of financial constraints. I really appreciate everything you have done for me and will never be able to express how valuable your gift has been to me.
‘This year, I particularly enjoyed performing as Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel. We had the opportunity to work with a great creative team, who really pushed us and encouraged us. I also got to perform the role of Dritte Damen in Die Zauberflöte. It was great fun to be in such a big production and to be part of such a well-known trio of characters, The Three Ladies, which was a new experience for me…….
Royal Academy of Music Anna-Helena Maclachlan
Mezzo-Soprano Year 2
“Letter from Anna-Helena Maclachlan - continued
‘I appreciate immensely all that you have done for me over the past two years. Your support and interest in everything I have been a part of at the Academy has been so inspiring and generous and you have helped to set me up for what comes next. This summer, I am really excited to attend the Accademia Rossiniana in Pesaro, Italy. There, I’ll have the opportunity to sing in several concerts as well as attend seminars, coachings and rehearsals for the Rossini Opera Festival, under the guidance of renowned Rossini interpreters like Ernesto Palacio. It is such an honour to be selected out of hundreds of applicants from around the world and your support has been integral in helping me build the skills and confidence I needed to take this step. As I continue into my career, I will truly cherish what you have done for me, and I hope that I will be able to keep in touch and update you on my future plans! Thank you again.’
Royal College of Music
“Letter from Richard Pinkstone
Philanthropy Officer, RCM 29th July 2025
I’m pleased to share letters from Mischa Carr and Isabel Garcia, the Knights of the Round Table Award recipients this year, updating you on their progress during the summer term at the Royal College of Music.
Thanks to the generous support of the Award, students like Mischa and Isabel are able to pursue their musical potential and thrive as artists at the College and beyond. All of us at the RCM are deeply grateful for the Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table’s commitment to the next generation of musicians.
Royal College of Music - Isabel Garcia Gonzolaz
Master of Performance (Strings) - Double Bass - Year 1
“
End of Summer term letter from Isabel Garcia Gonzolaz
Dear Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table, Thank you so much once again for your generosity and support. It has been a busy term filled with new experiences. I played with ANONIMI in Ladbroke Hall, performed Mahler's 5th Symphony in a chamber music setting in Harrogate, and participated in the launch of a new professional orchestra called Cuore, also in Harrogate. I completed my end-of-year recital (thank you, Valerie, for attending). In addition to performing, I have been teaching, with several students preparing for exams this term. I’m very excited about the summer break because I will be attending a double bass course in Mittenwald. I haven’t been in a long time and the first time I went was 10 years ago, so I’m looking forward to seeing the professors again. Thank you so much for your support
Royal College of Music – Mischa Carr
Bachelor Of Music (Hons) - Piano - Year 1
“End of Summer term letter from Mischa Carr
I would like to begin by thanking you for the opportunity to perform for the Knights’ Diplomatic Dinner at the House of Lords on Friday 13th June! I’m additionally so grateful for all the previous opportunities I’ve had to perform for the Knights, every event was beautifully thought out and everyone was always incredibly warm and welcoming. My final term of my first year at the RCM has been very enjoyable, as I was lucky to have had both the opportunities to perform as a chamber musician as well as a soloist. I began the term with a joint recital at the Austrian Cultural Institute where I performed with an incredible violinist and friend Clara Wernig. Following this, we went to Milan on the 7 th May to perform the same program at Steinway Hall Milano as well as playing in a private reception. When I came back, I played in my end of year repertoire exam- I believe this went well and I was happy with how I had performed. I additionally had the opportunity to perform Shostakovich’s second piano trio in St. Mary Abbots on May 30 th, a work which we are due to perform again, this time in RCM on the 22 nd June. To wrap off this term soloistically, I had the incredible opportunity to perform Beethoven’s second piano concerto with the LSE orchestra on Tuesday 10th June.
Royal College of Music – Mischa Carr
Bachelor Of Music (Hons) - Piano - Year 1
“
End of Summer term letter from Mischa Carr - continued
Over the Summer, I have plans to attend two festivals. One is the Budapest Festival Academy, which I am attending both as a soloist and with my trio. The festival lasts 10 days and is centered around the Art Nouveau building of the Liszt Academy in Budapest. During these 10 days, we will have the opportunity to play to four different professors for masterclasses, both as soloists and as a trio. The second course is held in Mallorca towards the end of August, Its name is the Chopin International Piano Competition in Valldemossa (a town where Chopin previously resided). For this course, I am attending only as a soloist, where I will be able to perform and have lessons with my professor, Dina Parakhina.
Once again, thank you so much for your help and support throughout this year. Alongside many other things, applying to either of these two courses would not have been possible without your extreme generosity. I am additionally grateful to Patrick and Valerie for attending my concerts both in RCM and around London, it means so much to see them supporting me from the audience and it’s a privilege to be able to share my music with them.
Royal College of Surgeons England
‘Louis Solomon Award’ for Surgical Skills
“
“Royal College of Surgeons England
‘Louis
Solomon Award’ for Surgical Skills
The two winners are from the “Scalpel upon Tyne team”:
Shreyas
Supparamaniam – Bio
I studied medicine at the University of Dundee and graduated with an MBChB in 2020. I began my clinical training in the North East of England, where I developed a strong passion for teaching. This led me to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education while working as a Clinical Teaching Fellow for both Sunderland and Newcastle Medical Schools. In 2023, I entered Plastics-themed Core Surgical Training and will be taking up a role as a Plastic Surgery Research Registrar at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, in August 2025.
Receiving the Louis Solomon Award for Surgical Skills is a true honour — one made possible by the exceptional mentorship and guidance of my trainers in the North East. I remain sincerely grateful to the Knights for this opportunity and recognition.
Royal College of Surgeons England
‘Louis Solomon Award’ for Surgical Skills
“Larne Jones Whiting Career summary: I graduated medical school from the University of Limerick in 2021, I then completed Foundation and Core Surgical Training with a General Surgery theme in the North East of England. I am currently starting a PhD in Surgical Oncology before progressing to higher training in General Surgery.
Royal School of Needlework – Hand Embroidery
Olivia Roberton – Year 1
“Impact of Olivia’s award summarised from her Year End report
Grateful & focused: Expresses heartfelt thanks; bursary “made such a difference,” enabling her to prioritise coursework (with mitigating circumstances) without taking extra jobs.
Strong work ethic & progress: Steady momentum toward deadlines; perseveres with a challenging goldwork frame; clear first-year growth in technique and drawing; already planning a second-year biodiversity project (incl. £20 RHS student membership for research).
Professional drive: Sought industry experience—applied to Lock & Co. (encouraged to reapply) and exploring Royal Opera House costume internship; gained valuable interview practice and reflection.
Prudent use of funds: Materials ~£100 (plus ~£100 set aside), travel/exhibitions ~£50, weekly living £65–85 (partly student finance), saving ~£1,000 for next year’s housing deposit; budgets independently without skipping essential course needs.
Royal School of Needlework – Hand Embroidery
Freja Malle Høye – Year 2
Impact of Freja’s award summarised from her Year End report
Deeply grateful to Knights of the Round Table for the bursary; thanks donors for enabling her studies and wellbeing.
Technical progress: completed Tambour, Advanced Goldwork, Silk Shading and Whitework; produced multiple technical frames with strong tutor feedback.
Design & industry engagement: first-term interiors/public-space concepts inspired by Copenhagen; live second-term project with Alexander McQueen; praised for innovative, sustainable materials (upcycled stockings/leg warmers and salon-collected hair).
Scholarship & outreach: essay on craft as a tool for health promotion (incl. expert interview), presentation on Vivienne Westwood & Amnesty, and a co-curated global digital embroidery exhibition.
Royal School of Needlework – Hand Embroidery
Freja Malle Høye – Year 2
“Impact of Freja’s award summarised from her Year End report
(cont’d)
Professionalism & work ethic: volunteered with leading creatives (Erdem, Susan Aldworth, Ruben Montini, Tamara Ralph); consistently achieved satisfactory feedback across assignments.
Prudent use of funds: a Danish grant closed a £14,000 tuition gap; bursary covered essential study costs (RSN resources £400) and two return trips home (£160 and £190), preventing extra ‘pub’ shifts and safeguarding study time; saving £900 toward a housing deposit (£150), higher final-year transport (£220/month), materials (£50) and moving costs (£100).
Growth & future impact: strengthened confidence as an international student; developed a distinctive artistic voice and advanced technical skill; aims to use craft for health promotion by teaching embroidery in prisons, refugee centres and psychiatric settings—connecting creative practice with her prior caring work
ArtsEd – Lara Wollington - Musical Theatre Year 3
“
Letter from Susie Butt, Head of Developments ArtsEd
Tuesday 8th July 2025
Dear Valerie, Patrick, and trustees of the Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table,
We are delighted to share with you our end-of-year report from award recipient Lara Wollington. The report includes an overview of her training, final productions, ambitions for the future, and next steps into the industry. Please accept our sincere thanks for your generous support of Lara over the past year. Your contribution has had a profound impact, helping to ensure that talented individuals from all backgrounds can access world-class training and thrive in the performing arts.
ArtsEd – Lara Wollington - Musical Theatre Year 3
“Feedback from Lara’s Musical Theatre Tutors:
“Lara is a diligent and committed performer. She appeared on the West End as a child; and has really flourished in her time here at ArtsEd. She played Rapunzel in Into The Woods; and was Ensemble/Dance Captain in High Society. Her commitment to her training over the three years both vocally and technically with dance – has led her to sign with BBA a brilliant, well-known agency.”
Jonathan O’Boyle, Director of the School of Musical Theatre.
ArtsEd – Lara Wollington - Musical Theatre Year 3
“How does receiving the bursary change your life on a daily basis?
This bursary has been a real help for me and my family having to have gone through three previous years with no financial support. In my second year, I was working three jobs and some going as late as 3am after a full day at Arts Ed. Thanks to the bursary I didn’t have to continue this pub job, and it allowed me to have a bit of time to rest and recover, which was especially important going into my third year for our public performances.
What would you say to anyone considering offering financial support to future students?
It is such an amazing gift to donate to a student at ArtsEd. I cried when I got my bursary through the relief it made me feel and then allowed me to actually enjoy my experience in third year rather than worrying about money.
City & Guilds Art School – Helen Aitchison
2nd Year BA (Hons) Historic Carving: Architectural Stone
“Email from Helen
I am writing to say how much I enjoyed the Awardees Lunch yesterday and to thank you and the Knights for your hospitality, kindness and generosity. I feel very touched by the interest shown in me and my work and am honoured to be associated with the Knights of the Round Table. The venue was very special for personal reasons; my father was a navigator in the RAF during the war (he was much older than my mother), so I felt that his memory was being honoured that day too.
You and the Knights are welcome to visit City & Guilds of London Art School as I would be only too happy to show you round and update you on my progress. As promised, I will keep you in mind for any forthcoming events including the Degree Shows!
Thank you again for a lovely afternoon and the wonderful award. I am wearing my Knights pin badge with pride!
It is a privilege and a joy to learn stone carving, lettering, drawing and modelling to the exceptional standards of City & Guilds of London Art School. Thanks to your generous award I can continue my studies at the Art School and work towards fulfilling my creative ambitions.
Scouts – East London Scout Group – Email from
Alan Hands President - East London District Scout Council
“Thank you for your ongoing support for East London Scouts. We are all volunteers and currently support over 800 children and young people every week across the London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney.
Inner city-based children and young people need a friendly and supportive place to discover their talents. Now more than ever, our young people need the confidence and encouragement that Scouting gives.
We provide children and young people with the chance to take part in adventure, find their place, be accepted, and make memories that will last a lifetime. We bring people together and build stronger communities. But most of all, we help young people see that anything’s possible. Demand is enormous and we have 390 children on waiting lists wanting to join if a space ever becomes available. We are opening new provision every year, have 278 existing adult volunteers, but still need more to cope with the appetite from young people wanting to make friends, build new skills, and be happy. 85% of young people said they are happier since joining. Your funding over the last few years has helped us enhance our programme for the teenagers.
Explorer Scouts give young people aged 14-17 the skills they need to dream big, take a deep breath and go for it: the skills they need for life. Your funds have helped us to purchase expedition equipment, reduce costs of camps and travel.
We offer over two hundred activities from abseiling and coding to drama and water-zorbing. 94% of Scouts said they had developed useful skills. 95% said they’ve tried activities they haven’t tried before.
The Explorer Scouts (14-17 yr olds) has grown significantly during this period as more young people opt into the activities on offer and more volunteers are recruited and trained.
2023 60 youth members
2024 85 youth members
2025 128 youth members
Thank you once again and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you
With heartfelt thanks to all our Knights. Your generosity keeps awardees learning, creating, and moving forward.
Please contact me if you have any queries or requests for more information.
Valerie Wilkins Knight of
the Awards
Honourable Society of Knights of the Round Table awards@knightsoftheroundtable.org.uk
+44 7834 040484