The Awards Evening

Roger Black MBE

Roger Black was the keynote speaker at 2011's Awards, courtesy of headline sponsor Visa Europe.

For fourteen years Roger represented GB at the highest level in the world of athletics, both as an individual 400m runner and as a member of the 4x400m relay team. He won 15 major Championship medals including European, Commonwealth, and World Championship Gold medals. His greatest achievement was winning the Olympic 400m Silver medal in 1996.

He has been British Men's Team Captain and was awarded the MBE in 1992. Roger is now a TV presenter and an accomplished motivational speaker and conference host. Roger is also one of the British Olympic Legends who are Team GB 2012 Ambassadors. 



The host for 2011 was Victoria Pritchard.

Victoria trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Since graduating in 1993 she has worked extensively in television, theatre and film as well as working as a presenter both live and on screen.

Her theatre work includes two years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, work at Spoleto Festival in America and a production of the Tempest at the Globe Theatre in Tokyo. She has also worked in London’s West End and at numerous regional UK theatres.

Victoria is best known for her roles on television, which include Dr Charles in Holby City, Trisha in Bad Girls and, more recently, Tania Page in Emmerdale.

The running order
The evening began at 6.30pm with a Champagne drinks reception. A string quartet entertained guests with selections of classical music. The three-course meal began at 7.45pm. The presentation of awards took place after coffee, ending with the Independent School of the Year 2011 award around 10.50pm.

Carriages at 12.30am.