Abingdon News No. 60

www.abingdon.org.uk 23 In Conversation with Lord Kim Darroch (1972) On Friday 18 March, Abingdon School and the OA Club welcomed Lord Kim Darroch of Kew (OA 1972). Kim served in key roles in a diplomatic career spanning three decades, including those of the Prime Minister’s National Security Adviser (2012-2015) and British Ambassador to the United States (2016-2019). After touring the School with fifth formers and MUN members Harry Litchfield and Philip Kimber, Kim gave an interview to our student journalists currently working on the next issue of The Martlet. Given the current conflict between Russia and the Ukraine, his expertise is in demand daily across many broadcast networks, thus the opportunity to ‘pick the brains’ of such a respected expert was quite a scoop for our students. After lunch, history Sixth Formers were invited to attend a fireside chat with Kim at Lacies Court, an occasion that will no doubt resonate with them for years to come and stand them in good stead for their future studies. The day culminated with fellow OA and LBC radio presenter Tom Swarbrick (2005) joining Kim Darroch on stage in a packed out Amey Theatre, for an ‘in conversation’ event. Parents, grandparents, staff, students, governors and OAs were treated to a unique discussion examining key moments in Kim’s career, with time for questions from the floor. Our greatest thanks are extended to Lord Darroch and Tom Swarbrick for giving their time and expertise to make this particular occasion possible. Abingdon OA Club Please check the OA Club website for up-to-date information. OA Club Events Calendar 6 May - OA 50s, 60s Dinner Clevedon, Somerset 6 May - North East Universities Reunion Dinner - Durham 9 May - OA Golf Day 20/21 May - OA Sports Weekend 18 June - Decades Reunion for all 1990s and 2000s leavers 18 June - 1563 Society Lunch with a talk from Abingdon Archivist, Sarah Wearne 21 June - Decades Reunion for all 1970s and 1980s leavers Date TBC - 360 Degrees: UCAS Advice Evening 1 July - Henley Royal Regatta Strawberries and Pimm’s www.oaclub.org.uk The OA Club continued its webinar series with an Early Careers Webinar Masterclass with John Madgwick (OA 1979), Head of Finance Careers at Saïd Business School. With over 60 sign-ups, this event delivered insights and how to ‘hacks’ to young OAs on how to navigate application processes, make informed decisions about postgraduate study as well as how to become successful networkers. For a demographic of OAs that have been hit hard by the pandemic, this event provided invaluable updates on the ever- evolving world of finance careers. The OA Club is grateful to John for the time and effort he put into making this event a success and we will continue to look at offering future events that appeal to the worldwide OA community. A Career Webinar Masterclass