'Why we need abroad'

Published on isbi School News dated Tuesday 21st of January 2014

Oundle School's Sanderson Fellow and Chemistry teacher, Dr James Bessent has announced that the speaker for the 2014 Oundle Lecture will be former British ambassador to Turkey, Sir David Reddaway, who will make the case for international engagement and humanitarian aid in a speech entitled, 'Why we need abroad'.

Sir David Reddaway left Oundle in 1971 and studied History at Cambridge University. After postings in Argentina, India and Spain he became Head of Southern European Department (1997-9), and then Director (Public Services) responsible for the FCO's media and cultural work, and the global visa and consular operations (1999-2001). He was previously High Commissioner to Canada (2003-6), Ambassador to Ireland (2006-9) and British Ambassador to Turkey since (2009-14).

Sir David's choice of charity is Four Paws, an animal welfare charity whose vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect and understanding.

The lecture will be followed by a dinner, with all proceeds being given to the Four Paws charity.
The Oundle Lecture will take place at 6pm on Thursday 19 June at The Stahl Theatre. Tickets for the lecture and dinner are available from Dr Bessent at mjb@oundleschool.org.uk.

Lectures in recent years have been given by a number of former pupils including award-winning playwright, David Edgar and journalist, David Loyn, CEO at BAA, Colin Matthews, Art dealer and collector, Anthony D'Offay, biological theorist and author Richard Dawkins, wildlife photographer Andrew Anderson and author/journalist, Anthony Holden.