Inspirational lecture series returns with impressive lineup of speakers

The Schools’ highly acclaimed lecture series will return next month with an impressive lineup of captivating guest speakers set to grace the stage of the Newsom Hall.

Following a successful inaugural year, The Lectures will reopen on October 19 2023 when Dame Allan’s welcomes renowned sports psychologist and best-selling author Damian Hughes to the Schools.

This year’s programme of motivational speakers includes business magnate Jonathan Warburton, chairman of family bakery firm Warburtons; inspiring entrepreneur Jo Fairley, founder of Green & Black’s chocolate brand and Britain’s youngest-ever magazine editor; and passionate historian Lucy Worsley OBE, Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces and famed TV presenter. 

Will Scott, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “We’re delighted to announce the return of The Lectures with a remarkable lineup of speakers sure to educate and inspire our pupils and the wider Dame Allan’s community.

"Our aim with this varied programme of lectures is to provide an enriching platform that raises the aspirations of our pupils and empowers them to work hard to achieve their goals in life, whatever they may be.”

The Lectures, which was recently shortlisted for an industry award, launched last year with a diverse programme of speakers, including Dragon’s Den star Sara Davies MBE; behavioural economist Roger Martin-Fagg; motivational speaker Marcus Child; and physicist Professor Ruth Gregory.

The series is backed by Allanian Mark Dolder, CEO of Northumberland-based Bazaar Group, who attended Dame Allan’s in 1971 – 78. Mark has worked closely with the Schools’ Director of Sixth Form, Paul Terry, and Head of Admissions and Communications, Rebecca Miller, to assemble the high-quality lineup of speakers.

He said: “I'm thoroughly looking forward to, once again, hearing from inspirational and remarkable people and seeing how their stories inspire and inform their audiences, many of whom are in the process of making important life choices.” 

Upcoming lectures include:

·         October 19 – Damian Hughes will share his expertise in motivation, high-performance teams, and leadership, drawing on his experiences working with some of the world's top athletes and organisations, in his lecture ‘The Psychology of Leading High Performing Teams’.

·         December 7 – Jonathan Warburton’s talk ‘Restless Since 1876’ will provide an invaluable insight into his family business, having overseen the company’s transition from small bakery into a national brand, with a turnover of more than £550m.

·         February 15 – Jo Fairley will take to the stage to discuss entrepreneurship, ethical business practices, and her journey as a successful businesswoman in her lecture ‘Lessons in Chocolate and Business: The Story of Green & Black’s’.

·         March 21 – Lucy Worsley’s talk ‘A Very British Murder’ will captivate the audience with an illustrated tour through the dark history of our fascination with murder, examining not only the crimes themselves but how murder became a form of entertainment through novels, plays, artefacts, and the press.

The Lectures are open to pupils from Year 9 to Year 13, parents and Allanians. To book tickets visit: TryBooking