Celebrating 100 years of the Whitworth Society Sir Joseph Whitworth

Celebrating 40 Years of the New Whitworth Awards Scheme - a 4 Part Series

Did you know that 2024 marks 40 years since the Whitworth Scholarship Awards scheme was relaunched to rejuvenate the offer and improve its accessibility?

To celebrate this momentous milestone, members can login to read 4 related articles from across the decades:

1. An introductory personal reflection by 2023-24 Past President Kevin Urquhart CEng MiMechE WhSch (1997) on his own 30-year milestone since becoming an Award Holder, observing how the Whitworth Awards scheme and the Whitworth Society are continuing to expand and improve.
Kevin

Kevin Urquhart receiving his award in 1994

2. Visionary senior officer of the society Michael Wood, (WhPz 1950, WhSSc 1953, past president 1980) outlines the underlying reasons and challenges that ensued in creating and maintaining the "New" Whitworth Awards Scheme that most of the current membership has benefitted from.
Michael Wood

Michael Wood presenting his Whitworth Award to David Clamp in 1985


3. The inspiring personal story of one of the very first Award holders to benefit from the new Whitworth Awards Scheme, Colin Rich CEng, MIMechE, Dipl.Ing, BEng (Hons), WhSch (1987).
Colin Rich

Colin Rich with other 1984 Award Holders

4. Last but not least, we have an inspiring contemporary personal account by Katy Moseley BEng (Hons), 2022 Award Holder confirming the vision of Sir Joseph Whitworth is thriving over 150 years since the first Awards were made.
Katy

Katy Moseley at the 2022 Awards Ceremony

To find out more about the Awards Scheme please visit the dedicated website.



Whitworth Society Summer Meeting 2024

The Whitworth Society gathered in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne for the 2024 summer meeting on the 18th and 19th July 2024, hosted by 2023-24 President Kevin Urquhart CEng MIMechE WhSch (1997).

To highlight some of the region's rich engineering heritage and current innovations the meeting comprised visits to Red Engineering, Cragside and Newcastle University, with an evening meal at Blackfriars, a 13th Century dining venue close to the centre of the city, followed by after dinner cocktails for the late night revellers!

Please enjoy the video reel of the event attached kindly compiled by Chris Sidney , BEng (Hons), WhSch (2010), Whitworth Society Past President 2022-23.

Members may log in for a more detailed written account of the event also written by Chris.



Celebrating the Centenary Whitworth Society Commemoration Dinner, 8th March 2024

On March 8th 2024, 70 Whitworth Scholars assembled in the impressive setting of the House of Lords for the centenary Whitworth Society Commemoration Dinner, a week before the 156th anniversary of Sir Joseph Whitworth's letter to then Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli that laid the foundation for the Whitworth Scholarships those present had gathered to commemorate.

Website members can login to read a detailed account of the event written by 2020 Whitworth Scholar Dean White, accompanied by photos from the evening supplied by Peter Whyman, Martin Comer, Rachael Hoyle and Chris Sidney.
President Kevin Urquhart WhSch (1997) speaking to the room

President Kevin Urquhart WhSch (1997) speaking to the room



Whitworth Award Holders Lunch 2024

Whitworth Award Holders Group Photo Inside Holland House

Whitworth Award Holders Group Photo Inside Holland House, 9th February 2024

On Friday 9th February 2024, the Annual Whitworth Award Holders Lunch was held in Holland House, a fantastic art deco office block in the heart of the City of London right at the foot of St Mary's Axe (more commonly known as "The Gherkin").

Ten of this year's new Award Holders met with host Vice President Rachael Hoyle, President Kevin Urquhart and Chair of the Whitworth Society Trustees and two-time Past President Brian Coaker for a fulfilling and delightful day.

Website members can login to read a full account of the event written by 2023 Award Holder Ella Bartley, which is accompanied by photos from the day supplied by Rachael, Brian and Kevin.



Whitworth Society Centenary Celebration - Autumn 2023

A special event was held in Liverpool on the 17th and 18th November 2023 in celebration of 100 years of the Whitworth Society.

Since being founded by Dr. Henry Selby Hele-Shaw in 1923, the society has provided a means for Whitworth Scholars to connect, as well as continuing to promote Sir Joseph Whitworth's vision of bringing Science and industry into closer relation with each other. The event was organised to recognise the benefit the Society has brought to those involved throughout the past century and included a visit to the University of Liverpool School of Engineering, a celebratory evening meal and a visit to Liverpool's World Museum. The event also included reflective talks by President Kevin Urquhart, Vice President Rachel Hoyle and past presidents Chris Sidney and Geoff Ward.

Website members can login to read a detailed account of the event written by 2016 Whitworth Scholar Rikki Jones, accompanied by photos from the event.
Whitworth Society group photo outside the museum



Summer Meeting 2023

The video below contains highlights of the 2023 Summer Meeting hosted in Loughborough on the 6th and 7th July by Chris Sidney, Whitworth Society President 2022-23.