Sir Sherard Louis Cowper-Coles KCMG, LVO, was the inaugural speaker in the Godolphin Inspiring People series 
when he presented the annual Scholars’ Lecture at Godolphin School last night.
Sir Sherard, a former British Ambassador in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan and later the Foreign Secretary’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, addressed an audience of over 200 people in the school’s Performing Arts Centre. His talk, ‘Britain in Afghanistan’, was insightful and his depth of knowledge, current and historical, was inspirational.
Sir Sherard's talk was followed by a questions session during which some very pertinent and interesting questions were asked by members of the audience, which included Godolphin Scholars and staff, former staff including two previous Headmistresses, parents and members of the Salisbury community, and students from Bishop Wordsworth's, Bryanston and South Wilts Grammar School. At the end of the programme, Sir Sherard sold copies of his books, with monies raised (+£300) going to the Combat Stress Charity.
The lecture was followed by the Scholars’ Dinner where guests were addressed by Mrs Sara Radice, Head of the Scholars’ Programme, and Faith Bryer-Ash, Godolphin’s Head Scholar.
“It was a huge privilege to have Sir Sherard address us this evening and to launch our Inspiring People programme” said Mrs Samantha Price, Head of Godolphin. “We have an exciting programme planned which includes a concert in Salisbury Cathedral featuring the renowned violinist, Tasmin Little, in March”.