Q Newsletter | Page 16

Quiristers excel, of that there is no doubt. For example, Quiristers (including a few who after leaving were still able to sing as trebles with the College choir) have played a strong part in the BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition. In its current format (18 competitons since 1998) there have been no fewer than 12 finalists, four of whom have been winners. Pilgrims’ finalists, BBC Young Chorister of the Year competition, 1998 – present 1998 - James Crip - finalist (Quirister) 1998 was the first year the competition became known as ‘BBC Young Chorister of the Year’ 2001 - Nicholas Stenning - winner (Winchester College Choir) 2003 - Harry Sever - winner (Quirister) Pilgrims’ is now a very different place from when the Quiristers first joined us – we have many more boys in the school and many more buildings – but some things remain the same. Teamwork, a commitment to excellence, enthusiasm and the School traditions remain important for all Pilgrims’ boys, not least the Qs. Malcolm Archer has built on the very strong foundations he inherited. When I am reminded of our history and well-known Quiristers of the past (for example, Patrick Gale, the novelist, was a Quirister) my mind immediately switches to our current boys and what they will achieve. Our focus is very much on producing excellence today, and the Quiristers are an essential part of that culture at Pilgrims’. 2004 - Thomas Jesty - winner (Quirister) 2006 - Ross Easton - finalist (Quirister) 2007 - Hugo Sever - finalist (Quirister) 2009 - Will Docherty - finalist (Quirister) 2010 - James Matthews - reserve finalist (Quirister) 2011 - Peter Waters - finalist (Quirister) 2012 - Jasper Wigley - finalist (Quirister) 2013 - Angus Armstrong - finalist (Quirister) 2014 - Thomas Magnusson & Angus Armstrong - finalists (Quiristers) 2015 - Angus Benton - winner (Quirister) - Thomas Burkill - reserve finalist (Quirister) (Clockwise from top left) Good boys; Bad boys; Quiristers cleaning shoes 16