The Wycliffite

WYCLIFFE ALUMNI MAGAZINE | 7
PHILIP NIGHTINGALE
(WH 2018)
DOMINIC THELEN
(WH 2018)
GEORGE WATKINSON
(WH 2017)
Philip Nightingale is a Church of England
Ordinand from Surrey, studying for a BA
in Theology and entering into his 3rd
year at Wycliffe.
Since representing Oxford University as
the No1 Squash player, Philip has had
many successes including representing
England and Great Britain at University
Level. He is a PSA finalist, Cambridge Open
and British Open Finalist O35.
Philip says, “I was recommended to
Wycliffe by clergy friends and applied
through my diocese after passing my BAP.
My curacy will commence in summer 2018.
During my time at Wycliffe I have become
Oxford University No. 1 in squash. I have
achieved two full blues, two varsity
victories, and secured a top 4th finish in
the UK Universities premiere division.
Playing squash has helped to give me a
level of balance amidst the busyness of
the 2 year BA.”
I have the hea of an evangelist
and what better way to do
it than to take the once in a
life time oppounity to be a
pa of a varsity team? I will
remember this for the rest of
my life.
Dominic shall shortly be going into his
third and final year at Wycliffe. He has
played football for the Oxford Blues for the
last two years.
“I came to Wycliffe as an independent
student to do my undergraduate degree
after being heavily involved in the youth at
my church in Nottingham.
After Wycliffe, I plan on studying for my
Masters in East Asian studies with a focus
on Korea. I am passionate about the
people of Korea after visiting there the
year before coming to Wycliffe. I long to
see a peaceful reunion on the peninsula.
I have been lucky enough to have
played in two varsity matches against
Cambridge winning both and getting two
blues. Alongside that we have had the
opportunity of going on tours around the
world, from California to Beijing. I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time playing
football and my experience of Oxford
would not be the same without it.”
George is currently curate of Christ Church
in Winchester. During his time at Wycliffe,
he was Men’s Captain and President of the
Boat Club at The Queen’s College, Oxford.
George writes, “I had always wanted to
study at Oxford and used to watch the
boat race on television with a hope of
one day competing myself. Naturally,
when I heard that there was an Oxford
theological college to train at for
ordination, it was the one that grabbed
my attention the most. I have just been
ordained into the Church of England and
my passion is to work as an evangelist in
the church by church planting.
I spent a great deal of my time rowing
whilst at Wycliffe. This was first at The
Queen’s College where I was Men’s captain
and President. In 2015 and 2017 our boat
went on to win blades, making it the most
successful boat in 20 years. In my third
year I thought I’d give the lightweight boat
race a try with the Oxford team where I
competed in the varsity boat in 2017. I had
to lose 20kgs in order to make the boat
whilst retaining my fitness and strength. I
was not overweight before...
My involvement in sport at Wycliffe was my
best experience. I could not recommend it
enough. The friends I made in the different
crews from outside Wycliffe were some of
my best, and the opportunity to engage
in ministry with them is something that
shouldn’t be missed.
I have the heart of an evangelist and what
better way to do it than to take the once
in a life time opportunity to be a part of a
varsity team? I will remember this for the
rest of my life. Plus, I have three blades on
my wall to remind me.”