TV presenter opens anniversary lecture series at St Dominic's

Julie Etchingham (centre), with College Principal Andrew Parkin and students

As part of the 40th Anniversary celebrations at St Dominic's Sixth Form College in Harrow, TV Broadcaster and Journalist, Julie Etchingham was invited to talk to a large group of students about her faith and her work. In an absorbing presentation, Julie outlined how her faith has shaped her career - she recounted that she is known in the ITN newsroom as "the office Catholic".

She told how she was asked to cover the election of Pope Francis for ITV news, as well as the Papal visit of Benedict to the UK in 2010. Julie spoke passionately about the issue of people-trafficking, which she has covered extensively for ITN, and how she was inspired by a group of Catholic nuns who have dedicated their lives to looking after women who are trafficked into Europe, providing safe houses and eventual passage back to their country of origin.

Students and staff asked a wide range of questions after her talk. She was careful to stress that she must maintain impartiality at all times when she was asked a question about Brexit! When questioned about whether aggressive questioning of politicians has gone too far, she replied that a more friendly approach often gets a more interesting answer - referencing her 2017 election interview with Theresa May, when she was able to get the Prime Minister to admit that 'running through fields of wheat' was the naughtiest thing she had ever done!

College Principal Andrew Parkin pointed out that Julie was a great role model for the students - 'it is truly inspiring for our students to hear how you can put your faith into action through your work'.

The lecture series is part of a year long programme of events to mark the 40th anniversary year which will include a visit by the Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon to lead the Christmas Carol Service, an 'open-house' event for past students and residents of Harrow on the Hill and a concert in the summer, when a piece written by Sir James MacMillan, specially commissioned by St. Dominic's, will be given its world premiere by the BBC Singers on June 25th! It is going to be a year to remember.

For more information on St Dominic's Sixth Form College in Harrow, see: www.stdoms.ac.uk