Congratulations to Charlie Lambert (01-08), OP and teacher of PE at Pocklington School, who was elected as the new OP President at the Annual General Meeting of the Old Pocklingtonian Association held on 9 November. Charlie is officially the youngest OP President in the history of the Association. He succeeds fellow OP Joan Gough (née Sawyer, 75-77), the first female OP President, who stepped down from the role after coming to the end of her three-year tenure.

Joan commented: “It has been a great privilege to serve as OP President for the last few years and, having been a pupil, a parent and a member of the support staff, it has re-affirmed my opinion that Pocklington School really is a uniquely special place.”

“I believe that the relationship between the school and the OP Association is as strong now as it has ever been and Toby and the wider management team have been extremely supportive over the last three years.”

“I am delighted that Charlie has agreed to take over the role and I feel this is the right moment in the history of the Association to have a younger person leading the way. Having known him for a number years as a fellow Committee member, I have every confidence that he will do an amazing job and I wish him all the very best.”

Charlie said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Old Pocklingtonian president and I know that I have some big shoes to fill following Joan's tenure. I hope that I can continue to carry on the excellent work that has been in place for many years and have no doubt that as an organisation we are in a position where we are able to continue to thrive and expand. I know that this role will challenge me, but I have no doubts that the committee will continue to run smoothly and would urge anyone thinking about it to get involved.”

“The key strengths of the Old Pocklingtonian Association are the contacts, friends and opportunities that can be built at the various functions and networking events, and I am hopeful that we as a committee can make these opportunities as accessible as possible to all Old Pocklingtonians throughout their lives. From personal experience, the OP network has shaped my career and I am thankful for the impact that other OPs have had on my life. The new website has made it so much easier for connections to be made and I hope that we will continue to see the numbers signing up increasing.”

The full OP committee is now as follows: