OWs in the spotlight
Made in Bawtry
S
et in the beautiful Georgian market town of Bawtry, on the Yorkshire/Nottinghamshire Border, is the leading luxury hotel in the region, the Crown Hotel, and the prestigious wedding venue, Bawtry Hall, managed by former parent Craig Dowie. We caught up with Craig’s children, OWs Alexander and Antonia, to find out the role they have both played in the family business and what they are up to now.
Antonia: I had a great time at Worksop, I met some amazing people and friends for life. As with Alex, my best memories come from boarding and the friends I made from that. From the first night sitting in my dorm feeling anxious (for all of 5 minutes) I was made to feel welcome. One girl even came barging into my dorm with such urgency on the first day of term asking if I was wearing a “full full” face of make up or just a “full” face and I knew I was at home - she is now a godmother to my son!
Alexander was in Mason from 2008 – 2010 and is the CEO of Keyhole Creative Media, an award-winning creative agency. His sister, Antonia, joined Derry in 2010 – 2012 and is currently on maternity leave from her role as Marketing Executive for Centre Parcs UK.
“Worksop gave me self-confidence, a good grounding to help me present myself in all life and work situations.”
Tell us about your time at Worksop – is there a memory that stands out for you?
Was there a defining moment at school that helped shape the course of your career?
Alexander: The main thing I really enjoyed was the boarding. I wasn’t supposed to be a full boarder as I lived in Retford, but within 2 weeks I wanted to board and persuaded my Dad to fund the difference! Two memorable moments are being part of the Dorm run winning team and detention for ordering pizza out of hours and hoisting it up to the bedroom via the window!
Alexander: Worksop gave me self-confidence, a good grounding to help me present myself in all life and work situations. One of the first awards Keyhole Visuals won was the Start Up Business of the Year Award for the Doncaster area. This encompassed several presentations and interviews – without the Worksop presentation and debating skills, I would have struggled.
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