Alumni in the News: Ben Wintour

A charitable organisation started by former Worth pupil Ben Wintour is the subject of a new short documentary film. In our latest ‘Alumni in the News’ feature, the founder of Steel Warriors sends current pupils a positive message about the future.

Ben Wintour (Butler, 2009) founded Steel Warriors with his partner Pia in 2016. The concept is to melt down confiscated knives taken off the streets and recycle the steel into outdoor community gyms. They now have three locations in parks across London – in Tower Hamlets, Lambeth and Haringey – and are planning to build a UK-wide network, having been held up by the pandemic.

Steel Warriors are very much looking forward to their sites reopening on Monday 29 March as restrictions are eased across the country and they are excited to feature in a new film.

Director Nick Jay’s film focuses on the incredible athleticism of the young people using this outdoor calisthenics equipment and the lives that have been transformed having previously been affected by crime, violence and social exclusion. Mr Jay said: “Anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 knife offences were committed in the UK each year over the last five years. In response to that Steel Warriors was born. For me this is a powerful initiative and I felt compelled to create this film.”

Ben will always remember his time at Worth and he has told current pupils and young Worthians to be positive despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He said: “One thing that I would say to Worthians is that, even if they think that a lot of their own goals and aspirations have slipped through the net during this time, they should feel reassured that it’s the right time to be young and brimming with ideas. Some of the most brilliant innovations and work gets produced after a great depression (like a pandemic or even a war). The ground is becoming more and more fertile for bright young minds to make a meaningful difference.”

You can view the new Steel Warriors film here.

Worth Society is the School’s thriving alumni association that enables former pupils and staff to stay in touch with one another for business and social networking purposes, providing careers advice, support and lifelong guidance.