KINGSTON MYLES, who by day is at the forefront of shaping a ‘transformational’ development at the History of Science Museum, received an award by Deliveroo which recognised his voluntary work with Oxford Round Table Charitable Trust.

The 27-year-old grew up in Gloucester but came to Oxford in 2011 to study Law at Oxford Brookes.

He said: “Since coming to Oxford to study, I’ve always loved the people and culture of the city and I couldn’t wait to return when I left after graduation.”

Mr Myles graduated from Oxford Brookes with a Bachelor of Law in 2014 before embarking on a varied career revolving around events, bars and hospitality.

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He said: “I’ve always been an entrepreneur, I can think right back to when I was seven or eight when I was selling a magazine I put together in my primary school’s first ever computer room.”

Kingston landed his first ‘proper’ appointment as a venue assistant manager from the Luminar Group (now Deltic Group).

His posting was to Swansea with the aim of opening an exciting and revolutionary nightclub called Fiction which he says is still a popular venue now and was a 'sight to behold' at its launch.

Following a variety of management roles in the hospitality sector, Kingston decided to return to Oxford to embark on a museum career.

His first appointment was as Head of Visitor Experience at the Ashmolean Museum.

He said: “People really didn’t believe me when I told them that I am used to going to bed at 7am - not getting up. One easily forgets that working behind a bar or in a club is as an intricate a business like any other that has all the same operational needs.”

When asked why he made the change he said: “I felt this was a great opportunity to break into a new sector and be a part of an exciting journey that the Ashmolean was embarking on.”

In the summer of 2018, Mr Myles joined the History of Science Museum where a restructure had created the new role of Head of Operations and Planning which he took.

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He is now responsible for all things commercial, operational and administrative with a vast portfolio across the institution.

He said: “It’s a huge role, there’s no doubt about that - but its also an extremely exciting role. It allows me to use all of the skills I have built up both entrepreneurial and operational to help shape the direction of a world-class museum”.

The History of Science Museum is embarking on Vision 2024, an ‘ambitious and transformational’ journey for its first centenary which Mr Myles is excited about.

He said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the team, we’re constantly trying new things and piloting ideas to see what works and what can be improved. It is fantastic to see the interest and the support this once-in-a-lifetime project is creating.”

Museums and galleries are facing constant challenges around funding which can make the delivery of any change very difficult, but Mr Myles relishes these challenges.

He said: “I took the opportunity during my first year to focus on my commercial skills and my team have really risen to the challenge of beating our commercial income targets.

"It is crucial that commercial activity is woven into the fabric of the institution because ultimately that profit grows the opportunity for creating engaging and inclusive programmes and contributes to the sustainability of the museum.

“The Director’s mantra has been right from the start that ultimately a museum is a business – and thus needs to be run like a business to be successful in the current day and age. This really chimes with me and the buzz that is created is simply exhilarating.

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“I’m grateful for the support of the Director and my colleagues, many of whom have relished the opportunity to grow and develop the Museum’s offering. We’re a small museum but we’re mighty – that is my message to anyone who will listen.”

Unbeknown to many, Mr Myles also rides for Deliveroo and serves as secretary for the Oxford Round Table Charitable Trust.

He said: “It’s an odd combination but I really do enjoy spending a few hours here and there riding about. With so much responsibility in my day job it’s good to have a release and I’m a huge fan of trying to stay healthy.”

Mr Myles first rode for Deliveroo in 2016 shortly after returning to Oxford but re-activated his account this year.

He added: “I had already joined Oxford Round Table at this point, but I wanted something to fill those free evenings where I wasn’t volunteering or at the gym. I’ve always lead a very fast-paced lifestyle so thought why not jump back on the bike and see Oxford from a different perspective.

“It’s such a beautiful city and when I lived here as a student I really took that for granted but since returning I take any and every opportunity to explore the city and what better way than by bike.”

The Charity Champion Award was given to the rider by Will Shu, co-founder and CEO of Deliveroo, the British online food delivery company, in June at their London HQ.

He was recognised for the work he does with Oxford Round Table, a charitable trust which is best known in Oxford for organising and delivering the annual fireworks display in South Park, Headington.

Oxford Round Table uses the profit generated from the annual show, combined with other events they host across the city, to support good causes and charities in Oxford.

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Part of the national Round Table Family of clubs, the Oxford table received its official charter in 1939.

The group estimate that since its inception 80 years ago its events have raised over £1m for local charities and good causes.

Mr Myles joined the group in 2018 and has since been entrusted with the office of secretary where he organises meetings, communications and drives activities.

He said: “Being a part of Oxford Round Table is genuinely one of the best things I have ever done. It’s a great group of people who are all a member for a different reason - some enjoy the social aspect while others are motivated by fundraising.

“I’m motivated by a little bit of both; it’s great to help local good causes and nothing beats that, but also it’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to have fun and meet new people.”

The annual fireworks display in South Park is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 2, 2019.

The volunteer added: “To be a crucial part of organising one of Oxford’s largest and oldest public events is just amazing.

"There is a long line of ex-members before me, all of whom have helped shape what the event is today and I really hope there will be a long line following us.”

Juggling all three jobs which give Mr Myles countless responsibilities is something that he is proud of and hopes that by his example, other people will be inspired to follow suit.

He said: “I’m no different to my fellow Table members, colleagues at the Museum and other Deliveroo riders. We all lead busy lives and contribute in a variety of ways to our local community.

“I’ll continue to give what I can for as long as I can and I hope that one day that inspires someone to do the same.”

Tickets and more information about Oxford Round Table - including how to join - are available at www.oxfordfireworks.co.uk.