MR ROBERT ALSTON, CMG, QSO, DL Britain’s Role in the Modern History of the Near East

On Wednesday the 28th of April, the final of this year’s Headmaster’s lectures was presented by Mr Robert Alston, a former Ardingly student and Oxford graduate, and currently the Chairman of the Ardingly Board of Governors. Mr Alston served as British Ambassador to Oman (1986 – 1990), as British High Commissioner to New Zealand and the Cook Islands, non – resident High Commissioner to Samoa and Governor of the Pitcairn Islands (1994 – 98). Subsequently, he and his wife kindly shared some stories and opinions on the places they have visited.

The lecture Mr. Alston gave mainly focused on the British relations with Middle Eastern countries. As the audience consisted mostly of those students studying History, the talk gave an insight into an area and topic that we had not formally studied. Therefore, it was refreshing to learn about something completely new from a man who was evidently extremely passionate about the subject and was keen for us to share in his enthusiasm.

At the end of the lecture Mr and Mrs Alston were joined by a number of 6th form students, school teachers and the Headmaster to a buffet supper. In similar fashion to the lecture the dinner turned out to be very interesting as many of the students got the chance to speak with Mr and Mrs Alston.