Wonderful night of Winton winners

The third annual Winton Society Awards celebrated achievements of the University of Winchester’s students and staff, past and present.

The Winton Society is the University’s alumni community, comprising more than 35,000 people who have studied or worked at the University of Winchester, or previously, King Alfred’s College.

The awards mark their achievements and contributions within the University and the wider world.

The 2024 ceremony was held at the University’s King Alfred Quarter and was compered by Angus Scott, well-known sports broadcaster and journalism lecturer at the University who is also an alumnus.

Guests were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University and President of the Winton Society, Professor Sarah Greer. Professor Greer said: “These awards demonstrate that our values – the love of learning, individual and shared endeavour and making a difference – are at the heart of the University of Winchester, past and present.

"The awards celebrate some remarkable individual achievements, but also recognise those who have worked  quietly and conscientiously over many years to support students and other communities, changing the lives of others for the better. They embody Winchester’s aspiration to ‘make a difference’ - and we are both very proud of them and grateful to them.”

Natasha Montagu, Head of External Engagement and Partnerships at the University said: “These awards are presented to individuals who have empowered growth in themselves and others, engendering change to make the world a better place, and enriching the lives of others through their relationships and work within their local communities.” 

Tiereny McGuire accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award which was presented posthumously to her mother Lorette Keys. Tiereny is pictured with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Pro Vice-Chancellor Sam Jones.

The Lifetime Achievement Award went posthumously to Lorette Keys, who worked at the Student Union and the University for more than 18 years before her sudden death in September. Most recently, she was the Finance and Commercial Services Manager at the Student Union.

Lorette was described as a beacon of support to all, who could always be relied upon for advice and guidance, professional or personal. Her support for the Student Union through difficult times, particularly the Covid pandemic, was recognised. Former colleagues said that “Lorette was a true friend to those that she worked with and created a warm and welcoming environment for staff and students.”

Lorette’s family attended the ceremony and her daughter, Tiereny McGuire accepted the award.

The runner-up in this category was Professor Jude Davies for his contribution to the University in teaching and research. After more than 30 years of service to the University, Jude retired in 2023. He was described as a ‘tireless mentor’ and ‘champion of research informed teaching’.

The other winners were:

The Force for Good Award - Mohamad Bashar Mahrousa.

Mohamad was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the Bahar Organization which which provides humanitarian aid to displaced people in Syria, Northern Iraq and Turkey. He played a pivotal role helping to fundraise in the wake of the Turkish earthquake crisis in 2023.

Outstanding Contribution Award – Caroline Johnson

Caroline who works for Boomtown, Stonehenge, and the Hampshire Cultural Trust was recognised for her huge contribution to heritage and culture in the area.

Runner-up: Harry Drymott for his volunteering with Winchester Scouts

Services to the University - Antosh Wojcik

Antosh has achieved great success as a poet and takes part in numerous university projects including the recent Winchester Poetry Festival Day on campus. He regularly organises and takes part in writing and performance workshops for children of all ages in the south.

Runner-up: Natacha Harding was recognised for her dedication to the Law, Crime and Justice Faculty, supporting her department colleagues, and increasing the University’s visibility through the highly successful “murder mystery” events.

Emerging Talent Award - Henry Marks

Henry has become a well-known figure in the business and food community thanks to his burger bar, the Hotbox. Henry was honoured for his hard work, ambition and desire to help others.

Runner-up: Heath Virgoe, for their success as a film maker and for being accepted on to a New Talent Development Scheme, which supports underrepresented film makers through a six-month mentorship programme.

Clive Cook, Community Partner Award winner, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Mary Edwards, chair of the university's board of governors. 

 Community Partner Award – Clive Cook

As CEO of St John’s Winchester, Clive Cook has led substantial and impactfull change that has directly enabled older people to live well in Winchester.

Runner-up: Andrew Loretto, director of the Hat Fair for the joy he and his team bring to the city each year.

Winton Values Award winner Jane Peacock, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Andrew Robinson, Vice Chair of the University of Winchester Board of Governors

Winton Values Award – Jane Peacock

Jane has been a strong advocate for the voice of lived experience in her role as senior lecturer within the Social Work programmes. Her passion and commitment to ensure those voices are heard resonates strongly with the values of the University and those of artists in residence, Blue Apple Theatre, whose members Jane has invited into the learning space to talk with students.

Runner-up: Flis Pitman for her inspirational leadership in arts and cultural organisations across Hampshire whose work has inspired many Winchester students to pursue careers and further study in Youth Music and Arts Project Management.

Academic Excellence Awards:

Winner of the Academic Excellence Award (Business & Digital Technologies) Duncan Guthrie with Vice- Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Niki Swinnerton, BA (Hons) Marketing Programme Lead

Business & Digital Technologies – Duncan Guthrie

Mature student Duncan has taken on many leadership and mentoring roles throughout his time at Winchester and currently chairs the Student Staff Liaison Committee for BA(Hons) Marketing. He has been a Student Academic Representative throughout his time at Winchester and championed the university at open days, experience days, and other on-campus events.

Winner of the Academic Excellence Award (Humanities & Social Sciences) Alastair Eager with Vice- Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Dickie Bennett, former Royal Marine and founder of Breaking Ground Heritage

Humanities & Social Sciences – Alastair Eager

Alastair (Al) served in the Royal Marines for 15 years, including front-line tours of Iraq and Afghanistan. He discovered a passion for archaeology through the Waterloo Uncovered project following medical discharge. He was offered a veteran studentship in archaeology in 2020. After completing his professional placement year, host company - Pre-Construct Archaeology - were so impressed they offered Al further work and he continues to work part-time for them. Al also took part in the Nokalakevi dig in Georgia, supervising a trench, directing and training first year Winchester students and other volunteers.

Winner of the Academic Excellence Award (Law Crime and Justice) Jordan Bushnell with Vice- Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Dean of the Faculty of Law, Crime and Justice Bill Davies

Law Crime and Justice – Jordan Bushnell

As well as achieving great grades, Jordan has gone above and beyond in her undergraduate dissertation, which involves a collaborative effort with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue. She is tackling a critical issue in our criminal justice sector around recovering footwear marks from arson scenes. To do this Jordan has explored innovative use of coding and AI.

Winner of the Academic Excellence Award (Education and the Arts) Emma Antrobus with Vice- Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Dean of the Faculty of Education and the Arts Cathy Gower

Education and the Arts – Emma Antrobus

Emma is an outstanding student. Her dissertation, that explores sex education and disability, is shaping up to be a most ambitious, incisive, and intelligent study. Her contributions to seminars always move conversations to greater depths. Emma is also undergraduate representative of Winchester’s new research centre, CREATE (Centre of Research for Educational Action and Theory Exchange).

Winner of the Academic Excellence Award (Health and Wellbeing) Natasha Evans with Vice- Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer and Julia Lake, Deputy Chief Nurse and Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust (HHFT)

Health & Wellbeing – Natasha Evans

Natasha takes every opportunity to go over and above her studies and has had a huge impact on the Nursing course at Winchester.She has been part of the Royal College of Nurses student council, Chair of the Student Staff Liaison Committee and helped set up the University’s Nursing Society. 

Winton Society Fellowships:

Dee Sayers and Stephen Baldwin were recognised for their tremendous contributions to alumni and the Winton Society, over many years.

• Photos by Dominic Parkes Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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