N E WS FROM ARO UND THE W OR L D
Seema Alibhai (GIH 88)
I have opened a drop-in centre for refugees and asylum
seekers in West London called West London Welcome
(www.westlondonwelcome.com), providing access to the
services and support they need to live more fulfilled lives in their
local communities. It opened its doors in January 2018 and is the
first of its kind in the area. We are volunteer based and provide
a warm space for people to have a cup of tea, socialise, learn
English, share ideas, get legal advice, and escape often chaotic
accommodation and isolation.
Anna Wilson (née Hankey) (Hardinge 88)
I have three new books coming out for 2019-20. Nature Month-
by-Month is a children’s almanac and guide to what to see and do
in nature throughout the year, and The Wide, Wide Sea is a picture
book for young readers about the effect of plastics on our oceans.
Both are published by Nosy Crow in conjunction with the National
Trust. My first book for adult readers, A Place for Everything, is a
memoir investigating my mother’s late diagnosis of autism at the
age of 72, published by HQ Stories. I continue to tutor in Creative
Writing for Bath Spa University and for the Arvon Foundation as
well as running workshops and talks in schools. I am starting a PhD
in nature writing for children at Bristol University in January 2020.
1990-1999
passion for endurance sports, having completed 18 marathons and
four ironman triathlons, including the infamous IRONMAN World
Championship in Kona, Hawai’i. I’m married with one son (16) and
five dogs (!), living at 9000ft among the bears, mountain lions and
various other creatures that roam around our garden.
Lieutenant Colonel James Lane (Groves 92)
Following command of The Royal Dragoon Guards, I now
command the New College of the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst. I am responsible for the education, training and welfare
of all aspiring British, and many international, Army officers as they
pass through the Academy. RMAS is a leadership academy and
develops young men and women from all walks of life and prepares
them for the most arduous and demanding leadership challenges
at very early stages of their career. I continue to play an active role
with Army cricket, having just led a tour to Pakistan, and enjoy
rugby and riding.
Charles Rodmell (Fryth 92)
I’ve launched a new business teaching people how to run and how
to run better, be it complete beginners or runners recovering from
injury, for fun, health or the sheer challenge. As captain of the
Sevenoaks cross country team, it’s perhaps fate that I’ve ended up
imparting my expertise to others. It’s online coaching, and all the
details are here: runningversity.com.
Karen Palfreyman (née Owen) (Park Grange 93)
Vandana Harris (Sennocke 90)
I recently made a career move and was appointed Managing
Director of Investment Strategy at Unreasonable Group in April
2019. Unreasonable Group envisions a world in which the most
valuable and influential companies are those solving humanity’s
most pressing challenges. I’m always excited about all things
Sevenoaks!
David García Pawley (IC 90)
I am now residing on the beautiful island of Jersey. I am a Senior
Teacher at Victoria College, mum to Jessica (14), Harriet (12)
and Owen (9).
Rosie Strachan (GIH 93)
I am married with two lively sons and work in behaviour change
communications as a strategist, specialising in public health and
education. In my spare time, I am doing a Theology degree. I’m still
in touch with (and very grateful for) my close friends from GIH.
Alex García Gvozdev Pawley Malinovsky was born on 13 June at a
healthy 8.5lbs. We will be moving from Madrid to London, where
I started a new job in January. Evelyn Sweerts (née Vermeulen) (Tammadge 93)
Hugh Williams (Grote 90)
I am now running the Denver, Colorado office of global
communications agency Weber Shandwick, where I head up the
agency’s endurance sports practice. I’ve now been with the agency
for 23 years, moving from London (where I worked with my
brother, Ross Williams , Grote 85) to Chicago before setting up
the Denver office. I’m lucky enough to combine my work with my James Forbes Keir (Caxton 94)
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I was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, the
Right Reverend Dr Robert Innes, at the Pro-Cathedral of the Holy
Trinity in Brussels on 30 June 2019. I will serve my title at the
Anglican Church in Luxembourg.
After Cardiff University, I worked for the International Baccalaureate
Organisation for several years as their first Web Development
Manager and then Technical Strategist. While responsible for
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