The 2017 New Year Honours List has been released, and it is with great delight that we can say that two Old Vikings have been awarded on the list. The New Year Honours is a part of the British honours system, with the first day of the year being marked by naming new members of orders of chivalry and recipients of other official honours. Former Shiplake pupils Will Satch (07O) and Nick Jones (81W) both received MBEs this year.
Will Satch, who went to the Rio Olympics in the summer of 2016, was named as one of Britain’s athletes receiving an MBE. The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) was awarded to Will for his services to rowing. Having gained a Bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, Will was chosen to row as part of the Men’s Eight crew. Will went on to have a hugely successful few years, winning medals at European Championships, and a host of World Cup Golds. However, his triumphs were topped last summer, when Will stroked the Men’s Eight to a memorable victory at the Olympics, gaining his first Gold Medal.
Nick Jones, founder of the global Soho House empire, will also be awarded with an MBE. Nick left Shiplake and went into the catering business, where he quickly found his feet. After founding the first Soho House club in 1995, it quickly took off, and can now boast the elite from the arts and media industries as members. The franchise now has 18 clubs around the world, from Istanbul to Barcelona and Malibu. More houses are in the works, as Nick creates effortlessly modern, chic and glamorous ‘homes away from home.’ As an iconic part of the London social scene, and a key influencer in revolutionising the members club, Nick will be awarded an MBE for services to the hospitality industry.
Staff, pupils and peers are constantly impressed with the achievements of Old Vikings. To be honoured nationally with such a prestigious award is testament to the incredible accomplishments of Will and Nick. Please see below for an interview conducted with Nick Jones, which was filmed in the summer at the beautiful Soho Farmhouse.