The Bowyers' Academic Prize Giving Evening 14th December 2010, King's College, London
Nearly twenty members of the Company joined the Master, the Upper Warden, Renter Warden and assistant Dr. Sinclair Rogers in accepting the kind invitation of the Dr Paul Readman to an early evening and generous reception at the History Department of King's College London on 14th December. Unfortunately Dr Paul Readman (Head of the History Department) could not be present on the evening but his role of host was shared between Professor David Carpenter and Professor Richard Vinen.
The true raison d'étre behind this convivial gathering was to give the Master and Members of the Company the opportunity to present the two Academic History Prizes sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Bowyers. The undergraduate prize was awarded to: Flore de Taisne, for her dissertation on "They might not rebel, they would not forget: A study of the officiers de secteurs' action and memory in the Algerian War". The MA prize went to: Harriet Lowson, "All Semblance Gone? Landscape, Memory and the Great War". This is about soldiers' memory of the places where they fought and struggled to live during their time in France. The Master presented a certificate and cheque to both these talented young historians.
At the close of proceedings those present accompanied by the Prize Winners and members of the History Department of King's, took a swift stroll down the Strand into Fleet Street until they came upon the ancient hostelry known as the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, where supper had been booked. However the Prize Winners had to sing for their supper before it was supplied. Harriet and Flore gave a short talk on their respective papers and what they had learnt while doing the research. Both topics being concerned with the early and middle years of the Twentieth Century for many may appear a little too contemporary to be the subject of serious historical study. Once one had heard their reasons for wanting to write on these subjects, their methodology and effect it had upon their thinking it was understood why they had been adjudged the winners of the Bowyers' Prize. There are wished all success in their future careers.
These stimulating talks were followed by a good hearty supper and a glass or two of wine fully deserved and much enjoyed by all present. The Company appreciates the opportunity to be able to sponsor research into military history and help students on their way through life for which our thanks to King's College must be recorded.
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