DEVELOPMENT
RUGBY LEGENDS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE
POCKLINGTONIAN SPORTS DINNER 2018
Over 140 members of the Pocklington School community enjoyed a Sports
Dinner at the Oaks Golf Club in October, with three special guests from the
world of international rugby – Rory Underwood MBE, Steve McNamara and
Rob Vickerman.
Rob hosted a fascinating Q&A session with Rory and Steve, where they spoke of
playing rugby at the top level and the challenges, opportunities and successes they
have encountered along the way.
David Byas, Director of Sport, said: “Rory, Steve and Rob gave us inspiring insights
into the world of rugby and what it is like to play for and lead teams at the very
top level of international sport. Their thoughts fitted in so well with how we
approach sport at Pocklington School and mirrored so many of our values. They
were an inspiration to listen to.”
The Pocklingtonian Sports Dinner is a biennial event and celebrates the
long history of sport at the school. The inaugural event was in 2016 and
featured guest speaker, former Yorkshire and England cricket captain, Michael
Vaughan OBE.
MARTIN’S MUSICAL FAREWELL
Pocklington School’s outgoing Director of Music, Martin
Kettlewell, assembled the Pocklington Music Society to lead a
major concert in June at All Saints Church to celebrate his 20
years’ service at the school. Over 35 OPs and former staff and
parents came back to join the 110-strong choir and orchestra
in a magnificent performance of Fauré’s Requiem and several
pieces by Parry.
Iona Kaye (13-18) sang the Pie Jesu beautifully, and baritone
Sam Hird (06-17) had a velvet-smooth tone to his lines in
both the Hostias and Libera Me. The orchestra was led by Harry
Kneeshaw (12-19), a National Youth Orchestra violinist and
Royal Academy of Music scholar.
In March, Alexandra Dariescu (02-03) returned to school
to give a special piano recital in the Music School in honour
of Martin. After her exquisite performance, Alexandra spoke
about her first meeting with Martin in Romania when she was
interviewed and selected for a music scholarship at Pocklington
School. This was the start of her journey to becoming an
international concert pianist and fulfilling her childhood dream.
She thanked Martin for his support and wished him well as he
retires from school but continues with his school inspection and
consultancy work.
EASTER COURSES FOR MUSICIANS AND
CRICKETERS PROVE A HIT
Pocklington School was a hive of activity over the Easter break as musicians from
the City of Sheffield Youth Orchestra (CSYO) and young cricketers training with the
Byas Academy arrived on campus.
The CSYO has been holding its annual spring residential course at the school since
2006 and makes full use of the school’s facilities, including the Tom Stoppard Theatre,
the Music School and the boarding houses.
In addition to the CSYO musicians, 22 young cricketers attended the Byas Academy
cricket camp. Led by ex-Yorkshire County Cricket Captain and Pocklington School’s
Director of Sport David Byas, plus three other expert coaches, the camp attracts all
standards of players and includes a wide range of drills, technical development and
game-based activities.
For enquiries about hiring facilities for conferences, events, celebrations and
performances at Pocklington School visit www.pocklingtonschool.com/Facilities-Hire.
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