Reverend Richard Coles rounds off autumn Mercers’ Lectures at Dauntsey’s

Published by Dauntsey's on Tuesday 29th of November 2022

Bringing to a close this season’s Mercers’ Lectures, Reverend Richard Coles delivered an entertaining and thought-provoking lecture at Dauntsey’s. Often referred to as 'Britain's favourite Vicar', Reverend Coles addressed the challenges he faced growing up as a gay teenager in Kettering in the late 1970s and his subsequent escape to London, seeking a ‘liveable life’. He spoke of his rise to fame with The Communards and later the devotion of his life to God.
Mina, one of the students who attended the lecture, said:
“We were incredibly fortunate to have the chance to hear from Reverend Coles. His accepting and open-minded approach to life, and his diverse life experience made for a truly inspiring and memorable evening.”
Earlier in the term, the school also welcomed historian, broadcaster and award-winning author, David Olusoga and former Depop Director, Zoe Bayliss Wong, as part of the Mercers’ Lectures Programme.

Head Master, Mark Lascelles, said:
“The Mercers’ Lectures provide us with a platform to bring a diverse range of speakers to the school for not only our pupils and parents, but also for the wider community. The quality of speakers this term has been superb, covering topics such as inclusivity and acceptance, sustainable entrepreneurism and black history, and I am sure the final two lectures of this series will be just as engaging.”

The Mercers’ Lectures will return in early 2023 with talks from both Colin Ingram and Richard Browning. Everyone is welcome to attend the lectures, and entry is free of charge but tickets must be reserved. www.dauntseys.org/mercerslectures