The Old Pocklingtonian Old Pocklingtonian 2017-18 | Page 8

CAREERS AND AWARDS
much I wonder whether I should be charged for
the privilege.”
Tim Stephenson (70-79), Chair of Governors, said:
“Darrell has made very significant contributions to
Pocklington School both as a teacher and also as
a Governor. He has a very strong appreciation of
the values and strengths of the school and is a true
ambassador.
“Darrell’s contribution as a Governor goes well
beyond the extensive time and effort required to
edit and be one of the authors of the school history,
published at the time of the quincentenary in 2014.
“His aesthetic appreciation and architectural
knowledge have been invaluable as we have
developed the school estate. His wholehearted
OP WINS PRESTIGIOUS
PLAYWRIGHT AWARD
October was an exciting month for OP Patrick
Russell (02-13) after his play ‘Antlers’ was nominated
for two prestigious playwright awards.
After studying English Literature and graduating
from Warwick University, Patrick took part in the
Birmingham Rep Foundry Scheme and the Soho
Theatre Young Company Writers’ Lab, where he
wrote his nominated play, Antlers.
Out of 1,064 submissions, Patrick was one of six
playwrights shortlisted for the prestigious Verity
and wise approach is fully deserving of the national
recognition recently announced, albeit relating to
his work in York!”
Headmaster Mark Ronan said: “I wholeheartedly
agree with Tim Stephenson – and would add that
I am immensely grateful to the support that Darrell
provides all at the school. I value his understanding
of our history and what it means to be a
Pocklingtonian.”
OP Pippa Nutt (97-06) said: “We’re over the
moon to hear that a great teacher we have such
fond memories of has been recognised for the
selfless work he puts into the community.”
Bargate Award for best new writer for the theatre.
This biennial playwriting prize, named after Soho
Theatre’s co-founder, is open to writers who have
had fewer than three professional productions. The
winner receives £7,000 in respect of an exclusive
option for Soho Theatre to produce their play. The
award has previously uncovered the best new play
by an emerging UK writer and launched the careers
of some of Britain’s most established writers.
‘Antlers’ was also one of five plays shortlisted for the
Tony Craze Award which honours an exceptional
play from the 2016 intake of 80 Soho Theatre Young
Company Writers’ Lab participants. ‘Antlers’ is about
the responsibilities within families and the process of
caring and letting go of loved ones. It uses folklore,
storytelling and magical realism to investigate the
ageing process.
The winner of both awards was announced during
an event at Soho Theatre, on October 27, when
excerpts from the nominated plays were performed
to a panel of eight judges.
Patrick was delighted to be announced as the
winner of the Tony Craze Award. His play ‘Antlers’
THE YORKSHIRE POST
INAUGURAL RURAL AWARDS
OPs were winners in two categories at the inaugural
Yorkshire Post Rural Awards held in Harrogate in
October 2017.
The awards were initiated to celebrate outstanding
people and businesses from the countryside
communities in the Yorkshire region. Hosted by
BBC journalist and news presenter, Harry Gration,
the awards covered several categories including the
Diversification award which went to Tom Mellor’s
(70-78) Wold Top Brewery and Vet of the Year
which went to Ed Pettifer (86-93).
Fourteen years ago when the Mellor family founded
Wold Top Brewery, it was brewing 300 gallons
a week with no paid staff. Now the business at
8
Hunmanby Grange is up to 5,600 gallons with a
team of 14. In 2015, a new brew plant was installed
which increased the brewery’s size by 150 per cent
to cope with demand. It now fills 2 million bottles
annually. The farm has further diversified with the
addition of Muddy Souls Events, hosting weddings
and the annual Moonbeams music festival.
Ed Pettifer of Wicstun Vet Group in Market
Weighton, was nominated for his award by one
of his peers for his energy and enthusiasm for his
work and his ability to develop a fantastic bond with
the animals in his care. His work involves providing
treatment for both pets and farm animals and
despite his busy occupation he has found time to
study for extra qualifications which have given him
the skills to save many animals whose owners would
have struggled to otherwise afford referral practice
fees. His award nomination told of a vet who is good
will receive a rehearsed reading at the Soho Theatre
in London next year.
Patrick remembers fondly his time spent at
Pocklington School, which ultimately inspired him to
follow his chosen career path. He says: “I still think
of my time in the Tom Stoppard Theatre with the
Theatre Department staff. I wrote my first play while
I was at Pocklington and I will always remember
those teachers that championed creativity.” His play
was called ‘The Final Push’ and was a comedy about
education and leaving school and followed a group
of friends on the day of their final A level exams.
Patrick continues to work with the Birmingham Rep
and Soho Theatre and hopes to progress his own
career as a playwright, whilst also helping to inspire
and develop new talent. He says: “My ambition is to
have my own work staged professionally as well as
work in development and new writing departments
in order to help other new writers and new voices
get their work on stage and screen.”
Patrick is at the start of a promising career in which
we wish him well and hope to be able to see some
of his work performed in the future.
to work with and has a positive attitude. He is also
credited with being a sensible business person who
understands the importance of customer service.
(From the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards supplement, 14
October 2017 – MGM)