The year began with Jonathan Green, author of the Dictionary of Slang, speaking to a packed room about the history of lexicography, and alluding to words never before mentioned in John Locke. He was followed by Sir David Hunt who gave us an overview of the situation in Cyprus from a very English point of view, and reminded us how diplomats used to be. The next speaker was the late Majorie Proops, of The Mirror, whose honest speech on the problems faced in her work should be a model to all Agony Aunts. Following her was Jeffrey Archer, who gave his talk up School about himself and his patriotic positive beliefs, refusing to answer floor questions from 'belittlers'. Brian Sewell, art critic, spoke enjoyably about art and life, and was involved in a debate as to whether photography could be counted as a form of art. The following week, we had a talk from Baroness Warnock who explained the facts behind multiple births. Next, the arch spin-doctor, Peter Mandelson revealed his political beliefs and hopes for the future, though unfortunately, like many before him, made the mistake of underestimating a Westminster floor, and like many before him, possibly regretted it. Colin Caffell gave a strikingly honest and moving talk on his feelings and experiences following the murder of his family. The next speaker, Alan Howarth is an old Westminster teacher and parent, so was prepared for the verbal crossfire which he received, and delivered an extremely balanced account of the reasons for his defection to the Labour party. Robin Janvrin, deputy private secretary to HM The Queen, gave us a detailed account of Her Majesty's timetable, but much to our disappointment did not speak with an insider's knowledge about the recent scandal surrounding our monarchy. Richard Humphreys, Head of Education at the Tate Gallery, showed slides of the Bankside development of the Tate, and spoke engagingly about its development. The Play Term was rounded up by Lord Lester QC, who gave an interesting and beautifully articulate speech on Human Rights Law, including the recent Bugging Bill.
The Lent Term began with Sir Ian McKellen speaking both about his acting, and about gay rights, impressing and amusing his audience throughout. Sir David Puttnam delivered a very well crafted speech on how he would improve Britain. Following him, Alison Weisselberg of The Samaritans spoke about her work, and provided us with an insight on the aims and methods of the organisation. The next speaker provided another insight into reality - Rabbi Julia Neuberger spoke about anti-Islam prejudice, and her continuing efforts to promote harmony between religions. The next week was entirely different, and consisted of three Westminsters, Chloe Andricopoulos, Nick Jackson and Hettie Williams, who informed us about the PHAB course at the beginning of the summer holidays, and gave us an honest and funny overview of the week. Leo Paskin, owner and founder of The End night-club, told us about the joys of clubbing, a subject with which the Westminster audience had clearly never come into contact. Diane Blood gave a very courageous and moving speech about the situation she has confronted (seeking to have a child with the sperm of her late husband) - especially courageous given that she was speaking on the day before the final judgement on her case. The next speaker had a huge audience as he strongly encouraged his own classes to attend - Jim Cogan gave his time-honoured speech on the Rio Summit and the demise of Western education. The final speech of the term was given by Lady Soames, Winston Churchill's daughter, who gave a realistic and affectionate reminiscence of her father.
The Election Term got off to an unfortunate start when Roger Uttley forgot to turn up, and his speech, delivered from a mobile phone to a slightly agitated David Hargreaves consisted of two short words, remorseful but unprintable. The second speaker of the term was Kevin Maxwell, who more than kept his cool under heavy fire from a floor determined to get to the bottom of the issues surrounding his controversial trial. Our next speaker, topically enough for the election week, was Nigel de Gruchy, head of the NAS/UWT who gave us a very informative talk about the ins and outs of union life. The following week, Roger Uttley was able to come, and reminisced about his career in rugby, and his views on achievement. The final John Locke speaker of the year was Sue Townsend, author of Adrian Mole. Unfortunately, she was delayed by the crowds surrounding the State Opening of Parliament, so to fill in the interim, Lefkos Kyriacou bravely began a game of charades, in which the entire Upper School participated. Sue Townsend's arrival could easily have been an anticlimax, but she entered at once into the spirit of the occasion, giving us the insider's view of Adrian Mole, and the wider context to which he belongs. The year concluded on an extremely successful note, with much credit due to Lefkos Kyriacou for his excellent Chairmanship - and charades.
Laura Bender (Grant's) and Alive Fleming (Purcell's)
Selected quotations from John Locke:
'Good speaker, shame about the art.' - A Westminster on Richard Humphreys
'Is there anyone here who doesn't eat bacon?' - David Hargreaves to the John Locke lunch for Rabbi Julia Neuberger, where chicken in a bacon and cream sauce was served.
'No, sorry, these are for David Hargreaves' - Lefkos to Sue Townsend, as he produced a large bouquet of flowers.