Old Viking Society Magazine 2019

OVS

N E W S

•

E V E N T S

•

S T O R I E S

•

A R C H I V E S

2019

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 1

Dates for your Diary Saturday 27 April

Saturday 7 July

60th Anniversary Lunch

Henley Royal Regatta & Drinks

12.30pm Shiplake College, Great Hall

4pm Henley Cricket Club

Thursday 9 May

Saturday 14 September

Gregg Davies’ Leaving Party

Field Fest

6pm Mahiki Kensington

11.30am Shiplake College, New Field

Friday 21 June

Saturday 21 September

OVS Cricket vs Staff

Revival Regatta

5.30pm Shiplake College, Front Field

Eton Dorney Lake

Saturday 22 June

Friday 8 November

OVS Cricket Vs 1st XI

Friday Night Lights

1.00pm Shiplake College, Front Field

Henley Rugby Club

Saturday 22 June

Thursday 28 November

Diamond Anniversary Ball 7.00pm Shiplake College, Front Field Marquee

London Drinks Reunion Venue TBC

You are welcome to join us at any of these events as they are open to all Old Vikings –

please check the website or Facebook page for up to date information and events not listed here.

2 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

ALL OLD VIKINGS FROM ACROSS THE DECADES ARE WARMLY INVITED BACK TO THE COLLEGE TO CELEBRATE OUR SIXTIETH YEAR

OVS 60TH ANNIVERSARY LUNCH Shiplake College Great Hall SATURDAY 27 APRIL 2019 12.30PM - 3.30PM

Come and enjoy a three course lunch in the Great Hall followed by a tour of the College Tickets are £30 each and are available to buy at www.shiplake.org.uk/ovslunch Partners Welcome | Dress Code: Lounge Suits Please contact Catherine Brazil by email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk or over the phone on 0118 940 5231 if you have any questions.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 3

WELCOME

From the

President

In 2009 we celebrated fifty years of Shiplake College and now in our sixtieth year we have to wish Mr Gregg Davies and his family well as they move on to do other things. Our sixtieth year will be remembered for celebrating so much progress and so many achievements under Mr Davies’ guidance. He has supported the Old Viking Society in many ways – especially when we celebrated fifty years of Shiplake in 2009.

This is being written to the sound of Church bells.

Somerset young folk have become ringers as part of marking 100 years since the First World War came to an end. All in Everett and Burr will recall Tuesday nights which was practice night on the Church’s eight bells... This larger peal with more possibilities attracted visiting teams. Their talents intrigued our overseas students who were not used to “ringing tunes on the bells”.

Founded in 1959 Shiplake College has no war memorial.

However OVs have served in several peace keeping operations, indeed, all

communities have links with both world wars.

In our early days many had parents who had served between 1939 and 1945, as did two heads; David Skipwith and John Eggar. During our early terms we had help from four part time masters who were veterans of the 1914 war. Since then Shiplake College has gone forward in decades of peace in Western Europe.

So how do we move on? It will be another few months before these November thoughts are in print. Does the first Armistice Day being a century ago raise questions? Perhaps school discussion groups or talking with colleagues should consider the way forwards – perhaps new ways of commemoration – fewer parades and less formality?

Possibly the answer is something resident staff know well, at the end of December Shiplake bells ringing out the old year and ringing in the new. A fresh start and moving on…

HANS WELLS-FURBY

IMPORTANT NOTICE This will be the final time that we automatically post our magazine to members whom we only have a postal address for. Please contact us with an email address if you would like to keep in touch. Going forward, we will only send paper copies in the post to those who specifically request to receive them.

4 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

From the Chairman Looking back is often considered a negative.

In the fast paced world that we find ourselves in we are constantly moving forward and always encouraged to be looking and thinking ahead.

The Old Viking Society has therefore invested a lot of time into digitally archiving photographs, newsletters, journals etc from the last sixty years all into one place for us to look at and enjoy.

Sometimes it’s nice to stop for a few moments and look back.

The good news is that College is also making full use of the archives with the Shiplake at 60 project, which you will read about in this magazine. However you can also visit the site directly at www.shiplake.org.uk/archives.

The College has achieved so much in the last sixty years and every Old Viking has had a part to play in its story and success.

Similarly, any material that you think would make a nice addition to our archives, please do get in touch at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk.

We look back at Gregg Davies’ 15 years at the College and the generation of Old Vikings that has passed through the College under his leadership and guidance.

Now looking ahead, 2019 is going to be a very exciting year, with the appointment of a new headmaster, our special 60th anniversary OVS lunch at the College on Saturday 27 April and the Diamond Ball in June, along with all the usual yearly events (HRR drinks, London reunion etc).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for your support.

As a society we try and keep the memories of our time at the College alive. We do this by organising events and reunions with the friends we made at the College. But it is just as important in these digital times to keep the history of our time to reminisce.

BEN FITZWILLIAMS

From the Alumni Office I am lucky to be based at the College in the Alumni office and have the luxury of gazing out of my window at the breathtaking views of the Thames and stunning architecture of Skipwith house and the surrounding buildings. One of the best parts of my job is showing Old Vikings round the College and allowing them to revisit these vistas.

Returning to their old stomping ground ignites so many memories for former pupils and it is always interesting to hear the stories that coming flooding back.

It is lovely to see our ex pupils and staff so please do get in touch if you would like to come back and see how much the College has changed over the years. Alternatively, come to the 60th anniversary lunch on Saturday 27 April, the three course

luncheon will be followed by a tour of the school.

I can’t wait to welcome back so many Old Vikings, it promises to be a very nostalgic day.

Keeping in Touch Facebook: Old Vikings Facebook (Closed Group): JCR at Shiplake College Twitter: @ShiplakeOVS It is clear from the amount of undeliverable mail that we have returned to us, that many addresses, both postal and email, are out of date. Please get in touch, via the OV section of the College website, if you need to update your details – find the form at www.shiplake.org.uk/ovsupdate.

Want to ‘find a friend’? Drop me an email with as many details as you can and I’ll do my best to locate them on your behalf.

CATHERINE BRAZIL Alumni & Events Officer

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 5

News from Old Vikings

OVS NEWS

JACK EDINGTON (04W)

I am always wanting to know how my course mates are doing. I’ve been living in Hong Kong since 2007 and qualified as a Captain on the Airbus A330 and A350 with Cathay Pacific. Married with a baby daughter, Sakura Lamorna Grace born 9 December 2018. Anyone visiting Hong Kong please contact me.

I’d like to make contact with Phil Carl, Chris Frank, David Leach, Daniel Glover and Edward Horner.

ROB ‘BARNOWL’ BARNISH (68S) Just celebrated 40th wedding anniversary, with Liz.

My wife Eloise and I had twins at the beginning of October 2018, a boy and girl called Charlie and Henrietta. They have joined a busy household as we have a daughter called Poppy who was only 17 months old when they were born, that makes 3 under 2!

Their Christening will be held at Fulham Palace in March 2019 and OV Robert Prance has just agreed to Christen them which is uber exciting.

We moved to Southfields in London to accommodate the family and are living very happily here.

Family has expanded this year, now consists of our three grown up children, two partners, one four-year-old grandchild and two new ones – one in the UK, and one in New Zealand, all boys!

I am now retired from the various employments I have had over the years – agriculture, teaching computing and office management.

We still live in deepest Dorset.

Best wishes to all my contemporaries from many years ago!

JONATHAN GREATRIX (84B)

MAWGAN GRACE (91B)

6 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Jonathan keeps in touch with a number of old boys from the same year including Simon and Andrew Menzies, Jonathan

Marsh, Richard Lambert, Bill Macklyn, Tim Harvey, Simon James, William Kanaan, Caspian Crewe-Read and others however I’m getting forgetful. I also see and speak to Malcolm Woodcock regularly and until her move up north, caught up with Candy Jackson on my West Country visits.

I have a huge passion for motorcycling through the UK and Europe and have recently covered 3200 miles though the Dolomites and Les Alpes Maritime.

As well as busy day jobs which include designing furniture and travelling to India regularly and property developing in Hampshire, I am learning to fly a hot air balloon and completed my training in Mondovi, Italy at the end of January this year. I will then apply for a commercial licence and build my hours with a view to flying for companies around the world on 3 month contracts. I pass Shiplake regularly as one of my training pilots lives in Henley and we fly from the airfield on the edge of town.

I have very fond memories of Shiplake and wish you all well on your upcoming big birthday.

MICHAEL EDWARDS (Former Staff)

When Michael Edwards retired from teaching he thought he was looking at a restful life of golf and gardening. But no – this year he’s been juggling Travel Writing with teaching Ex-Pats’ children in Cyberspace.

After a Press Trip to South Africa’s remote Northern Cape where he hunted with the Bushman, Michael was delighted to get the feature story in Timeless Travel. “It was bizarre.

One day I was trekking through the Kalahari and the next I was back on the plane to the UK, reading Ibsen preparing for my lessons. Ibsen’s big in the International Baccalaureate world at the moment.”

“But it’s not all been glamour. I got a request to drive and review a new car but I had to explain that I was banned from driving as I was recovering from a hip-replacement operation – that never happens to Jeremy Clarkson.”

He has also had a Press Trip on the Bernina Express from the ice-cream of Italy to the icy glacier of St. Moritz. There were also visits to Aarhus in Denmark and Germany’s skyscraper city of Frankfurt as well as numerous reviews of U.K. luxury hotels.

Michael always returns to teaching and his classroom is currently in cyberspace. He has plenty of pupils on both the IB-approved “Theory of Knowledge” course and his GCSE English Language and Literature lessons prove very popular too.

JAMES WELSH (88O) 2018 was a memorable year for James on the professional front as he was awarded the title of Professor (of legal education).

James was previously the Co-Director of Programmes at BPP University, the largest provider of candidates for the Bar. James is a qualified and practicing barrister and also a governor at Shiplake College.

Please get in touch with the OV office if you would like to reconnect with any fellow Old Vikings.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 7

OVS BURSARY FUND

OVS Gap Year & Alumni Bursary Fund The Old Viking Society Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund is open to current Year 13 pupils and Old Vikings.

There is up to ÂŁ500 available for volunteering projects, further education or cultural enrichment trips.

The funds are awarded annually and the closing date for applications is Tuesday 7 May 2019.

For further details, including Conditions of Award and an application form, please go to www.shiplake.org.uk/ ovsbursaryfund.

Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like to discuss a

8 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

possible application, please email: oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk.

All applications will be considered by members of the Old Viking Society Committee who will then draw up a shortlist. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to give a two/ three-minute presentation outlining their proposal, which will include their plans and how the fund will assist them.

Recollections of a Burr Boy

OVS NEWS

I suppose that one does look back on one’s childhood with nostalgia, as we advance in years. Memories of experiences that were hard, or sometimes even desperately traumatising get worn at the edges and the corners are chipped off and they are worn down until, in the end, you are left with the kernel, and the kernel is, in my opinion, an experience of a completely different order, worthy of respect, full of lessons and capable of giving an insight into what we did not see at the time.

On the cover of the OVS 2012 magazine was a Burr House photo of maybe 1962. In the centre is Mr Gilliat, my English teacher and housemaster.

Shiplake Court, as it was originally called, was founded in 1959 and I was accepted in 1961 on the basis of an IQ test. There was no way I could have passed Common Entrance. In those early days the interview at Shiplake counted for a lot. No doubt filling a new school that had no reputation was not as easy as Mr Everett might have originally hoped. So I was lucky and was accepted despite my abominable school work and on arrival I was slotted into Burr House under Mr Gilliat.

We were terrified of the man. He was the Snape of Shiplake College, to us. He would roll his voice at you with his characteristic, “Come here, boy!” the tone carrying an element of disdain and the characteristic plosive on the ‘b’ of ‘Boy’ made your position in life very clear. He never demonstrated any affection to any of us, and certainly not to me – and yet he was the one person, after my parents, who had the greatest positive influence on me, of my entire life.

In order to put this into context I will have to give a few details about myself. I could not read until I was 12 and I was useless at all sports.

Prestige is important for children at school, and being useless academically and in sport I had no friends, and in order to make up for it I was a pain in the back side to teachers and boys alike.

This meant of course that I always had plenty of good reasons for feeling a motion in my bowels every time I heard the terrifying call, “Boy!” resounding down the corridors. Shortly before starting at Shiplake my parents, in complete desperation, sent me to see a shrink – a Mr Livie-Noble, one of the leading lights in the area of dyslexia which, though identified in the early 1880s was only now beginning to break the surface in educational pedagogy in the UK, and I must stress, only just. I was diagnosed as suffering from cross laterality dyslexia.

Mr Livie‑Noble’s report finished with the words, “Sadly Mark is not in a position ever to amount to anything.” That thrilled my parents, as you can imagine! But that is where dyslexia stood in those days. It was hopeless.

One day during an English lesson, because I was completely unable to read out loud, I told Mr Gilliat that I had dyslexia, “Dyslexia, boy, is no more than a middle-class excuse for being par-ti-cu-lar-ly lazy!” he said in his slow, deliberate tones, and that was the end of that.

I couldn’t say for sure but I think it might have been in my first year that Mr Gilliat asked me if

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 9

OVS NEWS

I would like to be school Librarian. I was surprised, and so flattered I couldn’t say no. My tasks were very easy. I had to put books away, but as no one in the school ever took a book out that was not much of a challenge. And I had to use gold leaf and a kind of soldering iron to write the catalogue numbers onto the spines of the books. So it was easy, but the biggest advantage was that I had somewhere to go legitimately, when I had free time, somewhere where I could be alone. And as it was a library I started to read for the first time and I absolutely loved reading. I was slow, but I got through The Count of Monte Cristo and from then on there was no turning back, and no stopping me – in all my free time I was in there reading.

One day as I was going through the Library Cards, Mr Gilliat came and told me that he was about to introduce shooting into the school and he asked me if I would like to have a go. Later he took me down to the quarry where he had set up a shooting range and taught me how to shoot. To my surprise I was quite good at it and Mr Gilliat entered me for the Sixpenny Club, where you had to get 5 shots into an area the size of a sixpenny bit. Again, to my surprise I could do it and a cup and a certificate arrived in the post. Shortly after that he asked me if I would like to be Captain of Shooting.

These little steps forward were possibly the only actual successes I had had in all my life. It gave me a boost and a little muchneeded kudos. “I hear you are good at gymnastics,” Mr Gilliat said, one day. Who said I was good at it? How did he know? I was totally amazed and I threw myself into it with even more enthusiasm and the following year I was in the gymnastics display team (see the cover photo of the Old Viking Magazine of 2009).

Time was moving on and I grew. This brought about a minor change in Rugby, but otherwise I was still a pain in the backside and totally useless in all subjects. I was in the ACF and it was at about this time that Mr Gilliat approached me and asked me if I would like to be in charge of the school armoury. We had reasonable number of 303 rifles, ammunition and other desperately dangerous stuff, as I recall – and a massive cast iron door with a key, so I could have all the privacy I wanted whenever I wanted it. Shortly after this I became head of the Army Cadet Force for Burr house and then for the whole school.

10 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

There was no recognition of dyslexia in those days and no strategies for helping people with this crippling condition but there were people with hearts the size of planets who recognised that something had to be done – and Mr Gilliat certainly did everything he could. He gave me responsibility when no one else would trust me to cross the road without supervision – and from that came selfbelief and the first steps towards selfdetermination. To my shame I never recognised what he had done for me until I was in my 50s. I never thanked him as far as I can remember and I seriously doubt I ever gave him any kind of gratification, but my debt to him is gargantuan.

Of course there was nothing that could be done for me academically in those days, and I left with 4 O’Levels (GCSEs) and no A Levels at all, and to everyone it seemed that Mr Livie-Noble’s prophecy was accurate. Nevertheless I did make some advances in life – I was in the 21st SAS for 2 years in the early 70s and I won the BBC Radio Wales Play of the Year in the early ‘80s and I eventually went to university and finished with a Masters in Teacher Training for English Language Teaching.

I have taught freelance and in a variety of schools and universities including Newcastle University.

I would so like to think that Mr Gilliat is still alive so that my thanks to him could be transmitted before it is too late, but I doubt it, tragically – my gratitude to the man is infinite. Like Snape, he proved to be the absolute best, and I was such an insensitive and superficial twit at the time that I could absolutely not see it. Later my shame prevented me from doing anything about it. Now I am over 70, probably twice the age that he was at the time. Thank you Mr Gilliat.

MARK PRICHARD (65B)

Following 19 years at the College, Mike Gilliat passed away in 1984.

Read his obituary here taken from the 1995 edition of The OVS Magazine.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 11

COLLEGE NEWS

Headmaster Announces his Departure During Prize Giving in June, the Chairman of Governors, the Rt Hon Tim Eggar, announced to the pupils, staff and parents that after 15 years as Headmaster of Shiplake, Gregg Davies will be stepping down at the end of June 2019.

Speaking of the announcement, Gregg said: “At the end of June 2019, I will begin my jubilación. For those of you who don’t speak Spanish, the rather dull English interpretation of that is ‘retirement’. I have had many, many brilliant times at Shiplake, and it has been such a heart-wrenching decision to make, but Alison and I feel that we would like to begin our jubilación whilst we are still young and able to do all the things we haven’t had the time or opportunity to do to date!

The school has come a long way since I joined the College in 2004. Not least there is a marked difference in size – both physically and in pupil numbers.

I have often said that schools work in five-year cycles and I have chosen to move on after 15; I believe the College is in a position where it is ready for a different type of leader, but my hope is that Shiplake stays true to its inclusive ethos.

I would like to thank the staff and governors, past and present, for their hard work and dedication to the school, and to the hundreds of boys and girls who have passed through it during my tenure. Thank you also to the Old Viking Society for all the support you have given me and the College over the years.

It is a great honour that I get to share my final year with the celebrations of the College’s 60th anniversary, during which we will see the construction, and perhaps opening, of the Sixth Form Centre and the Boathouse and MultiActivity Centre. Until then... it is business as usual.”

12 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

GREGG DAVIES

Leaving Party

THURSDAY 9 MAY @ 6PM WAS GREGG DAVIES YOUR HEADMASTER? Catch up with former classmates and have a chance to say farewell to Gregg in person at this one-off party for anyone who attended Shiplake as a pupil from 2004 onwards.

FREE entry and FREE arrival drink for those on the guestlist.

Email cbrazil@shiplake.org.uk to be added.

To be in with the chance of receiving ÂŁ125 credit behind the bar, register your group of six or more on the guestlist.

PARTNERS WELCOME Mahiki 2a Kensington High Street London, W8 4PT Please note we have exclusive use of the bar area between 6pm-9pm.

Party goers are welcome to stay in the venue for the duration of the night and into the early hours.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 13

Introducing Tyrone Howe

COLLEGE NEWS

14 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

In November 2018 it was announced that Mr Tyrone Howe has been appointed as Headmaster of Shiplake College from September 2019.

Mr Howe moves to Shiplake from Uppingham School in Rutland, which he joined in 2011 and where he has been housemaster of a very popular boarding house for the last seven years. At Uppingham, the position of housemaster provides exposure to the diverse nature of school life, bringing with it experience and responsibility for a wide range of academic, pastoral and disciplinary issues.

Mr Howe was educated at Banbridge Academy in Northern Ireland and holds a MA Joint Hons in German and International Relations from St Andrew’s University and a Master of Studies in European Literature from Oxford University.

Mr Howe started his teaching career at Marlborough College but left to become a professional rugby player for Ulster, going on to represent Ireland, the British and Irish Lions and the Barbarians. Following his retirement from rugby Mr Howe spent five years in industry before returning to education. In addition to his housemaster duties at Uppingham he teaches politics, languages and business and has coached rugby at all levels of the school including the 1st XV. He is also involved in many other aspects of school life such as prefect training, meeting with prospective parents, and implementing the school’s pastoral strategic plan.

Mr Howe has been a regular on Sky Sports rugby coverage as a commentator and analyst. In wider educational roles, he has delivered talks at conferences and has served on the board that works with eight academy schools in Northamptonshire.

Mr Howe and his wife Alex, who is also a teacher at Uppingham, have ten-year-old twins, Hugo and Georgia, and two dogs – an old man called Murphy and an excitable and ever-hungry Golden Retriever called Simba. He enjoys a wide spread of interests including reading, music and sport and has a particular interest in sports psychology.

The selection process, with the support of recruitment consultancy specialists RSAcademics, was extremely thorough and the school were fortunate to have a very strong field of candidates, including current heads and deputy heads. All the governors, staff and pupils who met with Mr Howe commented on how Mr Howe really understood Shiplake and demonstrated the many qualities required to lead and inspire those around him. Mr Howe has also remarked on how, throughout the process, he has felt a real positivity about the school’s ethos and a tangible sense of community amongst those whom he met.

This is a hugely exciting time for Shiplake College and we wish Mr Howe every success in his new role.

Saturday 22 June 2019 at 7pm 60TH ANNIVERSARY

SHIPLAKE COLLEGE MARQUEE Drinks Reception | Three Course Dinner Live Band and Dancing | Charity Raffle and Auction Dress Code: Black Tie Carriages: Midnight

Tickets cost £70 each and can be purchased online: www.shiplake.org.uk/diamondball Please contact Catherine Brazil by email: cbrazil@shiplake.org.uk or over the phone on 0118 940 5231 if you have any questions.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 15

Farewell to Staff Leavers

COLLEGE NEWS

As Shiplake College looks back and bids a fond farewell to all the Staff who left in 2018, the Old Viking Society welcomes its newest members‌ Mr Darius Bluck Head of Economics and Assistant Housemaster of Everett, is spending the next year traveling the world.

Mr Adam Moffatt Teacher of Psychology and Biology and Orchard Housemaster left after four years at Shiplake to become Head of Rowing at St. Edward’s School in Oxford.

Dr Gareth Hughes Joined Shiplake in 2016 as Deputy Head, Academic. In his time with the School, he coached U16 and U13 rugby, U13 cricket, U15 football, mountain-biking, basketball and the Harriers cross-country. He was also lead guitarist in the much loved staff band Overdue and his best memories are of performing alongside his bandmates at various School concerts. In September, Gareth started a new adventure on the Island of Jersey as Deputy Headmaster at Victoria College.

Mr Duncan Miller Joined in 2013 as a teacher of English.

His roles included Head of Cricket, Assistant Housemaster of Welsh and second in charge of English. Duncan is now working at Abingdon School as Second in Charge of English.

16 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Mr James Arney Was at Shiplake for two years as Teacher of English. He was Deputy Housemaster of Orchard, and coached rugby. He also played a role in the Outdoor Education programme, accompanying Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to the Brecon Beacons. James has now taken a step away from education, and become a Sales Manager of the European, MiddleEastern and African team for a company called Rapiscan AS&E. In this role he works with various Government and Military officials to provide Cargo and Vehicle scanning solutions to counter threats, contraband and trade fraud at ports, military bases, borders and security checkpoints.

Mr Pete Muhley Joined Shiplake in September 2013 as Teacher of Maths. Since then he climbed the ladder to achieve the role of Head of Mathematics and Deputy Housemaster of Skipwith House. He joined the John Lyon School in London as Head of Mathematics.

Mr Duncan Traynor Joined as Director of Sport and Head of PE in 2016. Now he has moved on to Harrow School.

From L-R: Pete Muhley, Darius Bluck, Adam Moffatt, Duncan Miller, Duncan Traynor, Lizzie Morgan, Gareth Hughes, James Arney, Chris Lehane-Kendrick.

Mrs Dawn Wedge Alumni and Events Officer Dawn left the College in March 2018 to work with the customer service team at the Miele Experience Centre.

Miss Lizzie Morgan Came to Shiplake in 2015 as Head of Theology and Philosophy. A year after joining she was made Head of Year 10 Enrichment Week and a year after that, Lizzie was appointed to the role of Assistant Head of Academic Extension/PULSE. Lizzie moved to Warwick School to further her role of Head of Religion and Philosophy.

Mrs Rebecca Parker Left her role in fees and billing at Shiplake to join the team in finance at Pangbourne College.

Mr Chris Lehane-Kendrick Teacher of Maths at Shiplake for three years, Chris has travelled to El Salvador to continue to teach.

Mrs Claire O’Toole Receptionist Claire joined Shiplake in 2015 and left in October 2018 to work as a barista in a coffee shop closer to home.

Mrs Louise Porter Joined Shiplake in 2008 as Gilson House Matron and Girls Sport Coach, Louise left in November 2018 to work locally in retail.

Mr Frank Hardy Left his role as head of Politics and Economics to join the teaching team at Holyport College.

Dr Jane Patrick Physics teacher Jane left us to work in research at Johnson Matthey Chemicals.

Mr Alex Brinkman Left his role as IT Network Manager in December 2018 to spend a short time travelling before moving back home to the Blue Mountains near Sydney in Australia.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 17

Farewell Mr Howorth

COLLEGE NEWS

After eight years at Shiplake College, we said Farewell to Jonnie Howorth at the end of 2018 as he moves on to Rendcomb College near Cirencester to take on the role of Deputy Head, Pastoral. As Welsh Housemaster since 2014 Jonnie and his family were an integral part of the Shiplake community and will be dearly missed. We caught up with Jonnie before he left and asked him some questions about his time at Shiplake.

What have been your highlights of your time at Shiplake College?

On a personal level, Shiplake will always be a huge part of my life. Since arriving I have got engaged, married and had three children, so life has been shaped by living in the Shiplake community.

From a school perspective I guess having been Housemaster of both Lower

18 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

School and Welsh House has given me a good perspective of what it’s like at all stages for pupils throughout Shiplake.

Seeing my first Year 7 intake in Lower School now be in the Upper Sixth is fantastic. They are such a great bunch; in that group there are 5 prefects, 4 Heads of House, 5 members of the 1st XV, 2 members of the 1st VIII and countless talented academics, actors, singers and artists. I have also got to know their parents really well and it’s been a pleasure to share their time at Shiplake.

On the staff side, I have been so fortunate to work with some brilliant Housemasters. Having known Burr Housemaster Adam Mallins for 20 years I will certainly miss working with such a good friend every day.

What have been your Fondest Memories?

My eight and a half years have been full of great memories. All three of my sons were born in our time here so it is all they have ever known and Shiplake will forever be their first home. I have some very vivid memories that will always stay with me from my time here. On the rugby field it has to be the 2013 3rd XV’s last second win over Pangbourne away from home. It was the third game of the season against them, it was one game apiece and we won 22-21. Connor Cummings slotted the conversion from the touchline to win. It was made even sweeter that former colleague Simon Cane-Hardy was the opposition coach! The 15 man lineout that we used to run was always a highlight, despite it rarely working. The 2017 2nd XV were also a pleasure to coach.

Taking over Welsh and winning the Bevan Cup for academics and the Baldry Cup for sport in the same year was a great achievement. On the cricket field, seeing the 1st XI come on in my seven summers in charge was great, winning 12 games last season. Plus the U17s beating Eton and Winchester on their way to the National Cup Quarter-Final was especially sweet.

Every game with the Shiplake Wanderers was good fun and I will miss the on field criticism and off field camaraderie.

Some of the presents bought in the annual Welsh House Secret Santa will also stick with me. However it will be the time spent with students and colleagues that I will miss the most. I have made some lifelong friends here and I look forward to seeing the College go from strength to strength.

having a fantastic and caring Matron, who makes my life a lot easier. Also purple is a dreadful colour so you have to stick together whilst wearing that.

What makes a good Housemaster?

That’s a very hard question and it has been a pleasure to sit on the Housemaster team with some fantastic colleagues. Looking after the pastoral need of 55 teenage boys can have its challenges and I really think you fill a number of roles. You have to be a good listener and patient to start with. The ability to laugh at yourself also helps, because they will laugh at you so it’s easier to laugh along with them.

During the school year you find yourself acting as confident, mentor, lawyer, parent and taskmaster so ensuring you are fair with each pupil is vital. I have found as long as you are consistent with boys and take an interest in their hobbies it goes a long way.

What will you miss most about Shiplake?

The people. Both students and staff. It has been said many times before, but Shiplake is a special place. I will miss the staff library, coffee overlooking the river, prowling the Front Field boundary watching the 1st XI, but mostly, I think I’ll really miss the buzz of my beloved Welsh House.

We wish Jonnie and his family all the best for the future.

What is your favourite annual event?

I have so many. The boys in Welsh always tease me for saying “this is my favourite day of the year!”. I think I say it about the House Athletics, House Music day, Cross Country, OVS touch rugby, Carol Service and House Christmas party. The Shiplake Wanderers v Old Viking Society cricket is also great fun.

What makes Welsh House so unique?

Its location; being that little bit further away from the main school means there is a team atmosphere. Plus we have the run of the Front Field and floodlight tennis court. It also helps OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 19

OVS EVENTS

‘It’s more than a boathouse’ dinner On Saturday 17 March 2018, Shiplake College held the highly anticipated ‘It’s More Than A Boathouse’ dinner to kick-start a fundraising campaign for a proposed new Boathouse and Multi-Activity Centre. Despite surprise wintery conditions brought on by the ‘mini Beast from the East’, there were just over 200 guests, including Old Vikings, staff, parents and governors. Distinguished members of the rowing world including Chairman of British Rowing Annamarie Phelps, the Chair of Henley Women’s Regatta, Fiona Dennis, and representatives from Leander Rowing Club also attended.

20 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Headmaster Gregg Davies welcomed the guests and spoke about the decision made ten years ago to focus energy towards taking the College from being a good rowing school to being one of the best in the country: “First we needed to get the right people in place, and we now have Director of Rowing David Currie and 1st VIII Coach Hugh Mackworth-Praed. We were Schools’ Head champions and semi-finalists at Henley last year and won a silver at the Schools’ Head of the River last week; the time is now right to replace the dilapidated boathouses, which many former pupils at the dinner will have used themselves.”

Amongst the guests, there were the four members of the first crew to race at Henley Royal Regatta in 1964 and three rowing Olympians and Shiplake former pupils, Richard Lester (67S), Ben Hunt-Davis (90W) and Will Satch (07O). Lester has also been a member of the governing body for over 40 years and was presented with a Shiplake rowing blazer by Chairman of Governors, The Right Hon Tim Eggar.

The evening included an interview with HuntDavis and Satch. Ben achieved gold at Sydney 2000 and Will, who is still a member of the GB rowing team, achieved Bronze at London 2012 and Gold at Rio 2016 and is aiming for Tokyo 2020. The guest speakers, interviewed by former Shiplake pupil and current BBC commentator and TV presenter James Burridge (99O), spoke about the teachers who influenced them whilst at Shiplake and their steps to becoming Olympic champions upon leaving the College. They compared notes on what it means to be part of the GB squad now and in the 1990s and about the mental and physical challenges of preparing to race

and what goes through their minds when on the start line. Both speakers advised parents not to push their children too hard if they want them to achieve similar success, but they had differing answers to how they look after their respective Olympic medals.

A live auction, conducted by TV presenter and Old Viking Jonty Hearnden (79O), along with a raffle and silent auction, helped to raise £27,000 for the new development. This facility will see increased and improved boat storage, a workshop, new fitness area, a double-storey indoor climbing wall, a rifle/archery range, storage for co-curricular activities, changing facilities and toilets, and a balcony accessed from the ergo-training area that doubles up as a function room with adjacent kitchenette.

Gregg Davies said, “Thank you so much to all those who braved the weather to attend and help make the night such a tremendous success. Thank you also to the many individuals and businesses who supported the event by providing prizes. Our guest speakers were fascinating and entertaining and were a credit to both Shiplake and their sport. The proposed development is expected to cost up to £2m and this is the first step towards ensuring it is equipped with the first-class facilities required to provide a premier rowing programme as well as exceptional outdoor education, water sports, DofE, CCF and co-curricular activities. It will be so much more than a boathouse.”

The College is still looking to raise over £150k in order to be able to furnish the development with the equipment it needs to make this a truly world-class facility.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 21

Henley Royal Regatta

OVS EVENTS

Henley Royal Regatta 2018, you didn’t disappoint... herewith a review of all the action at this year’s HRR, including J16s, 1st VIII and Old Vikings racing, as well as events off the water!

Regatta fever started early when Shiplake’s J16s qualified for the Temple Challenge Cup on the Friday before. The crew, comprising Seb Hjortland-Marks, Sydney Burnand, Joshua Wombwell, Robert Humphris, Marcus Coulter, Rhys Ash, Matthew Waller, Ben Brockway and cox Tom Wilkinson, were up against mostly university crews, and some school sixth form crews. Hot off the back of gold at National Schools’, they rowed a fantastic time to be one of the 32 fastest crews, out of 55 that entered, to qualify for the Cup. So loud were the cheers when it was announced that they had qualified, that the rest of the crews in the list were drowned out! The J16s were drawn against

22 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Nottingham University and on the opening day of Henley Royal Regatta itself, parents, staff, pupils and Old Vikings lined the towpath to show their support as they cheered the boys on.

Whilst they held their own in the first part of the race, they eventually lost by 2 lengths.

The College’s 1st VIII comprised James Haskins, Marcus Brown, Dom Brown, Fred Peck (18W), Oli Newton (18E), Richard Adams, Alastair Holbrough (18B), Ethan Caldeira and cox Jacob Kirby. In the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup, they beat Stowe School ‘easily’ on the Wednesday and Brunswick School USA by three

quarters of a length on the Thursday, only to lose to Radley College on the Friday. 2018, however, belonged to St Paul’s School as the crew broke the record by 11 seconds. 6:06 will “stand in time as one of the Regatta’s great performances,” comments Junior Rowing News, “A word for Eton, for Radley, for Shiplake, who were all exceptional schoolboy crews. In any other year, we may have had a genuine contest for the right to be called the best.”

opportunity to do a boat naming ceremony.

Olympic gold medallist and Old Viking Will Satch was present as the Shiplake Boat Club flag was lifted off the coxed four, named after Old Viking and governor Charles Eve (79E).

The tent was abuzz for pre-race drinks for each day of Shiplake’s racing and on the Saturday the annual Old Viking Society drinks took place, with numerous former pupils, old and young, popping by to say hello.

There were Old Vikings participating in the regatta throughout the week. Harry Vardigans (14S) rowed for Wallingford RC, Will Carey (16S) and Austin Burnand (17E) for University of London, Jack Peck (17W) for Upper Thames RC, William Satch (07O) for Leander, with Oli Gerrard (16S), Oli Morgan (12O), Michael Glover (13E), Henry Blois-Brooke (17S) and Seb Newman (17O) all in various Brookes University crews. Michael Glover reached his third final in three years, but was unable to make it a triple win as he lost in the Ladies Plate. Henry Blois-Brooke and Seb Newman also reached finals day in the Temple Challenge Cup, but were sadly denied gold.

Jack Harvard-Taylor (08S) once again turned heads being clad head to toe each day in the College’s maroon, gold and black stripes, earning himself the title of ‘Shiplake’s Super Fan’ by the Henley Standard (13 July 2018).

The Shiplake tent will once again be erected at Henley Cricket Club during Henley Royal Regatta 2019. Join us for OVS drinks from 4.00pm on Saturday 7 July.

Off the water, the Shiplake tent located in the grounds of Henley Cricket Club was busy throughout the week. 100 parents and staff joined the Headmaster and governors for lunch on the Wednesday, which was also an OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 23

OVS EVENTS

London Drinks Reunion Thursday 29 November 2018 saw the largest gathering of The Old Vikings of the year, as former pupils and staff from across the decades, along with some of the current staff, got together at our annual London drinks reunion.

Representatives spanning over five decades filled the upstairs function room at the Theodore Bullfrog Pub in Charing Cross, with the first drink courtesy of the OVS. There were groups of 1988 leavers and 2008 leavers who met up to celebrate their 30 and 10 year anniversaries respectively, and leavers as recent as 2018 also came along to reconnect with friends.

officially welcomed on to the committee.

Headmaster Gregg Davies then took the floor and spoke at what would be his last London reunion before he leaves Shiplake in June and becomes an Old Viking himself! Mr Davies thanked the Society for all their support over the last 14 years and said he hopes they will continue to support his successor in the same way.

Chairman of the Old Viking Society, Ben Fitzwilliams, welcomed everyone and new committee members Chris Baverstock and Catherine Brazil were

Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr Nick Brown, who has taught at Shiplake for 19 years, said, ‘It really was a fantastic evening with a warm, happy atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with so many former pupils – it’s great to hear what they have gone on to achieve.’

24 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 25

OVS EVENTS

Top Dog Weekend On Saturday 8 September 2018, members of the College and Old Viking community were once again out in force for an afternoon of fun at our annual Touch Rugby Tournament, Beer Festival and Dog Show.

Thank you to Mr Howorth who took to the microphone to compere the dog show, introducing the dogs and chatting with the handlers as well as drawing reference to the appropriate backing tracks, including Puppy Love and Isn’t She Lovely. Judged expertly (and more importantly impartially!)

by Helen Tuthill from Holybrooks, over 30 dogs entered the five categories: College Housemaster Mr Curtis’s gorgeous Staffordshire bull terrier Pepsi won ‘Loveliest Lady’, Monty, the Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever, owned by the Coe family won ‘Most Handsome Chap’ and Rosie the golden labrador won ‘Dog Most Like it’s Owner’ with nine year old Evie.

The Wallace family pets took home two rosettes with tiny 12 week old Rosie the chihuahua winning ‘I Love My Mini Human’ accompanied by Freddie, and nine year old labrador Beau came 1st 26 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

place in the ‘Golden Oldie’ group. The event finished in style (appropriately to Madonna’s Vogue) with a new category introduced this year – the Dog Fancy Dress Competition, which saw ballerina Ronnie, the wire haired vizsla, take the prize, assisted by his fantastic cheerleading handler Serenna.

Following the dog show, the annual touch rugby tournament got under way, with eight teams battling it out for victory. Described by some members of staff as one of their favourite days of the year, the ‘lightly competitive’ tournament was played with great spirit and sportsmanship.

Teams of Old Vikings, staff, parents and an entry from Burr House students, played a round robin within two groups. The end of this stage saw two staff teams reach the semi-finals, however both lost to teams of younger

Old Vikings (with perhaps some 1st XV players also making appearances).

Old Viking Ian Brown (12S), who is also the rugby club’s strength and conditioning coach, and his team of ‘Ringas and Rangas’, claimed the win in the final – preventing the team of 2016 leavers, led by Greg Cooke (16E) from gaining the triple crown.

Throughout the day there was a barbecue as well as a beer and prosecco tent, sponsored by the OVS. Our younger guests were able to take part in a hoopla game to win treats for their four legged friends and raise money for our Parents’ Association at the same time, and a choice of inflatables and face painting were on offer too.

Thank you to all those who participated or helped out. Next year’s tournament will take place on Saturday 14 September under the new name ‘Field Fest’.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 27

OVS EVENTS

Eton and Shiplake go head to head at the Revival Regatta

The annual Revival Regatta was held on Saturday 15 September and once again, was kindly hosted by Eton.

This year five schools had confirmed attendance so we anticipated an interesting and challenging afternoon!

After meeting at Dorney Lake, all of us sporting our Old Vikings T-shirts, the Eton Captain informed us that the other 3 schools had pulled out at the last minute due to a mix of illness and family crisis – so we were to be head-to-head with our great rivals!

Our first issue was coxes, we did not have one! It was decided that we would split the two eights into smaller boats, ie 3 coxless fours (bowman steering with their right foot)! And a quad (4 scullers in a boat with 2 blades each – bowman steering )! After deciding who would sit where we took our boats and blades to the water and set off up the warm up lane on the enormous Dorney Olympic Lake. The races were going to be over 4 distances, 1,000, 750, 500, and a fast sprint 250 metres. The points system per race would probably have defeated the most capable mathematician! Even the mighty Eton crews looked a tad perplexed!

At the 1000 metre mark, all crews were asked to get into the correct lane. With so many floating buoys EVERYWHERE , it was challenging to differentiate between lanes 3 and 5, being so far from the numbers at the 2000 metre start.

28 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

‘Let the Games commence’ All four crews zig zagged their way down the course, crossing lanes and washing each other down! I guess at a normal regatta this would be frowned upon, however this was a fight to the end. Was it to be Shiplake or Eton?

Unfortunately, we were unable to build on last year’s success and Eton went on to be the ‘Victor Ludorum’ – the winner of the Games – and walked off with the trophy.

Teams and their families retired to the Club House balcony to partake of a sumptuous, and very generous, tea courtesy of Eton and there was much friendly banter.

So, any rowers are very welcome to come along next September to take part in what we are now going to call ‘The Revenge Regatta’.

Lastly, I couldn’t end this note without the special thank you to Dave Currie, and Neil Srivastava, and of course to the Old Vikings who turned up to row on a glorious Saturday afternoon.

ROB ROBERTSON (77B)

OV Annual Cricket Clash After comfortably beating the staff the evening before, Saturday 23 June 2018 saw the OVS Cricket team in a confident mood ahead of the annual clash with the 1st XI on the Front Field.

For the 32nd year in a row the OVS won a ceremonial coin toss and breaking with 31 years of tradition, decided to field first. The decision by captain Sasha Burgess (09W) looked a dubious one as the 1st XI raced to 60 for no loss after seven overs. However 2016 vice-captain Callum Heppner-Logan (16W) stepped up to have both Matt Dalrymple (21 runs) and 1st XI captain Joe Tucker caught in the same over, leaving the 1st XI on 68 for 2. This soon became 68 for 3 when opener Oliver Brown (18S) was bowled by current Master i/c Cricket Mr Howorth for 38, who was roped into playing due to the OVS having a late drop out thanks to to an incurable hangover suffered by 2017 captain Miles Bridgman (17S).

A middle order surge of runs from Freddie Bowcock (18W) with 63 and Josh Howard (54) put the 1st XI in a commanding position. Late wickets

reeled them back in and they finished 248 all out off 34 overs. Four wickets each to Heppner-Logan and Howorth.

The OVS reply started well with 2011 captain James Wood (11W) and 1986 captain Malcolm Liddel-Grainger (86S) playing some delicate shots.

Liddel-Grainger returning for another year after his request to retire was denied. When he fell the OVS were on 32 for 1 and despite some gusty innings from Ian Brown (12S) and Graham Braithwaite (07E) the OVS fell behind the required rate. A last wicket stand of 54 from Josh Raper (05S) and Howorth couldn’t stop the inevitable defeat, in the end by 76 runs.

An enjoyable game and 2019 promises to be another excellent weekend. Date for the diary is Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June 2019. With thanks to Jonnie Howorth for providing this report.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 29

OVS EVENTS

Derek Drury Memorial Gates

In the 2017 edition of the OVS Magazine, we reported that the much-loved former staff member, Derek Drury, had died at the age of 90 on 26 September 2016. During his time at Shiplake, from 1965 to 1973, Derek was master in charge of rowing as well as Skipwith Housemaster and a teacher of history.

In Derek’s obituary, published in The Times in November 2016, he was referred to as ‘one of Britain’s most respective rowing coaches, imparting his knowledge at Emanuel School in London, Shiplake College on the Thames and Canford School on the south coast’. He also coached both Cambridge and Oxford boat race crews, at Bryanston School, and was a hugely successful coach at Leander Club.

To commemorate Derek’s life and service to rowing, members of the winning Leander

30 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Thames Cup crews and other crews he coached successfully, as well as his friends and family, came together to fund the provision of new gates at Leander Club. Shiplake College and the Old Viking Society naturally contributed to these Derek Drury Memorial Gates, which were unveiled at a special ceremony on 3 June 2018.

Amongst those attending the occasion were Old Vikings Richard Lester (67S) and Robert Lester (72S), Simon Varnals (73W), former staff member Stephen Oxlade, and Headmaster Gregg Davies. The gates, which have Derek’s initials DHD intricately woven into the design, sit pride of place within the new entrance to Leander, which was opened as part of the Club’s 200th anniversary celebrations. There is also a plaque next to the entrance in memory of Derek – ‘an inspirational coach’.

Old Vikings Christmas Row

Saturday 22 December saw two teams, made up of mostly recent leavers, come back to the College for the traditional Shiplake to Sonning Old Vikings Christmas row.

Thank you to OV Committee member and rower, Rob Robertson (77B) for providing the following report: Conditions were perfect – no wind, bright wintry sunshine and flat water. Getting the two Empacher 8s lined up at the start was challenging with Headmaster Gregg Davies and Director of Rowing Dave Currie making sure neither crew was ‘inching’ (if not ‘yarding’!) up the course. Two canine lifeguards were also in attendance on the safety launch, prepared to jump in if needed.

The teams followed the ‘Head’ course, upstream to Sonning and past the islands.

All went smoothly with both teams managing the bends and current and arriving at the islands in a dead heat (well, almost). This was repeated going downstream with similar results. To raise the bar higher, a 200 metre finale back to Shiplake landing stage was instigated with ratings exceeding 50 spm with the winners leading only by a very tight margin.

Both the Headmaster and Mr Currie were delighted to see how these young men had developed their rowing skills since leaving and were proud that Shiplake had inspired them to continue in the sport, and for many, to go on to Elite level.

With the increased investment in rowing (new boats, planned new Boat House, hi-tech kit, full-time coach and rowing scholarships) at Shiplake, we can look forward to seeing Old Vikings not only succeed at Henley in the future but on the international circuit also. Sincere thanks to Gregg Davies who in his tenure as Headmaster has supported and fostered Shiplake rowing. Congratulations are also due to the Boatman for maintaining top class equipment.

The provisional date for this year’s row is Saturday 21 December. Please email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk if you would like to get involved.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 31

FROM THE ARCHIVES

SHIPLAKE AT 60 PROJECT

To celebrate the College’s 60th Anniversary, we are excited to have launched our ‘Shiplake at 60’ project. Between January and the end of June 2019 the College will be publishing highlights of what happened in each year of the school’s history. From images to artefacts, stories and other objects, the project will give a real insight into how much the College has grown and changed since its foundation on 1 May 1959, but we shall also see how in many respects the ethos and values has remained the same.

The first artefact is the original advertisement of Shiplake Court House, which went up for sale in 1958. Mr Alexander Everett, the founder of the School, bought it at a cost of £17,500, which equates to about £400,000 in modern currency.

The original listing includes five reception rooms, 31 bedrooms, a boathouse, an orchard, and even the island on which our Year 9 pupils spend a night on every year.

The College will be sharing these artefacts at least twice a week. You can follow the project online by visiting www.shiplake.org.uk/shiplakeat60 and on Twitter at @ShiplakeOVS and Facebook at @OldVikings.

Spotted yourself in the project or in the full archives?

Please let us know so we can start tagging names to pictures...

32 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

60 years of archive material.

View the whole collection by visiting www.shiplake.org.uk/archives

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 33

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Time and the Thames

For the retirement of John Eggar, in July 1979, a tribute was given in the form of a spectacular river pageant, called “Time and the Thames”.

We caught up with OV David Welsh, who was involved in the event, to see what he remembers: scale Henley Regatta. As a finale a good selection of the original ‘Little ships’ gathered for the rescue of our troops from Dunkirk in World War II , organised for us then by Raymond Baxter. They carried exhausted members of the CCF home to safety, accompanied by a heart-rending setting of “God Save the King.”

STANDARD

The script was read superbly by Celia Johnson and Robert Hardy, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude. Lighting was superb and the sound system was breath-taking. For example, in the Second World War scene, I could have sworn there was a squadron of Spitfires flying overhead.”

CREDIT: HENLEY

“Scenes were set on the Thames, factual and fictional. A very wide range of different types of boats took part in them. Avril Lethbridge produced the show, I stagemanaged it, and every boy and member of staff took part. The bank of the river where the landing stage is, was levelled, and space was made to accommodate a large bank of seating for the audience.

Many boats were leant, wherries, Viking ships, the Royal barge for King John, to note some. Ratty and Moly opened the show on a quiet note, as the sun was setting over the island on those balmy July evenings. Scenes from every era followed, including a full

34 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Broadcaster and Journalist John Suchet reviewed the event in the 1979 issue of The Court Magazine.

What is a river pageant, I thought? A performance on a boat on a river? Sounds a bit dull. Somebody said it’s boats going by and telling a story, in this case the story of the Thames. Impossible, I thought. Peter Hall and the RSC, with a bit of help from the LSO, the Royal Ballet and Covent Garden, maybe. But Avril Lethbridge and Shiplake College, with a bit of help from the Henley Youth Drama Shop, some amateur players and a boatman or two. Well, I’ve heard of ambition, but this…

In the event it was nothing less than a pictorial account, on water, in motion, of the history of the River Thames from, roughly, 500 AD to 1979. And that, believe me, is ambition. What’s more, it’s living proof that if you venture nothing, you gain nothing. I’ve never met Avril Lethbridge, but I imagine she’s small and dynamic, with the grip of a vice, the force of a tiger, and the persistence of a psychopathic Jehovah’s witness. If Britain is ever involved in a Third World War, I’ll be happy for our Supreme Commander to be Field Marshal Avril Lethbridge. It could only be marginally more difficult than organising a few hundred people with an age span of 15 to 50 (and more), dozens of boats from Viking warships to canoes, steamships and racing skiffs, making them do as they’re told, and producing a spectacle as original and thrilling as any I can remember.

Not everything was on the water. King John arrived at the river bank on horseback to sign Magna Carta, Anne Boleyn was beheaded in a cloister, a Civil War cavalier shimmed down the roof of a boathouse but always the river was the theme. How subtly we were instructed.

Did you know that William the Conqueror crosses the Thames at Wallingford on his way to London after Hastings because that was the first point upstream where the river could be forded all year round?

That Ann Boleyn was made to wait at Greenwich Palace for the tide to change before she could be transported up the Thames to the Tower for her execution? That boats which took part in the Dunkirk rescue fly a special flag at the masthead bearing the arms of Dunkirk and a St. George’s Cross at the bow? This was more than a pageant; it was a history lesson.

For me, the highlight was the Dunkirk scene. To the taped sound of the voice of Sir Winston Churchill, a flotilla of small craft set off to perform beyond the call of duty, to sail themselves into the history books. We saw the actual boats that did it, proudly flying their unique flags.

Flares streaked into the night sky, we heard gunfire, saw the shells explode, watched the battered soldiers return.

For the first time it was brought home to me just how small and precocious those boats were, what an impossible mission they set

out on. And they came back!

Hitler must have shaken his head in Teutonic disbelief.

Had he been a gentleman, he’d have given up there and then. And here were the actual boats, on the Thames at Shiplake. We saw them set out and we watched them return with their cargo of battered soldiers. What a moment in history, a moment we who were not even born must never be allowed to forget. Had the rest of the pageant been a disaster, this sequence of Dunkirk would have saved it. As it was, it crowned it. The pageant ended with what was, quite simply, the most moving performance of the National Anthem I have witnessed.

Can you imagine deep male voices, to the accompaniment of a full orchestra, largissimo, while silently, gracefully, proudly, the boats of Dunkirk glide by, shell smoke still hanging in the air, the foreground pitch black, the boats bathed in light. It was a homage, not solely to the Queen, nor to the boats, nor to the men in them, but to something infinitely more permanent, that constantly moving arterial vein of England, our lifeblood, the River Thames. “For men may come and men may go, but I go on for ever.”

To view all the material we have from this fabulous event in our history, please visit the College’s online archive www.shiplake.org.uk/ archives.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 35

FROM THE ARCHIVES

36 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

We tracked down the author of the article, Rick Frank (95S) to ask what he remembered about the day and could never have predicted the impact the experience would have had on his journey upon leaving school‌ What are your significant memories of the abseil?

The weather, it was great for both days.

It was also fun to support the 1st VIII rowers from the top of the Church.

Helping boys and staff overcome fears of heights and concurring the challenge through encouragement, and being part of the organisation of the event, working to ensure the safety of the boys and staff.

How thrilling a challenge was it?

Going over the edge is always a challenging moment for any climber or starting an abseil before the rope takes your weight, so it was a thrill every time we climbed over the wall. The distance

we had to cover was quite large, 8,800m (almost 30,000ft), so it required a keen attention to the time and distance we were covering to ensure we covered it in two days. All in all it was a very exciting and fulfilling experience at 17 years of age.

This did set the tone for what came next though, after leaving Shiplake I headed to the University of the West of England to study Biology and subsequently joined the climbing club there. This took me all over England rock climbing and abseiling and to Spain, France and Italy, attempting many routes and outdoor challenges. I have since summited Mont

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 37

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Blanc (4,808M) twice, trekked in Nepal reaching Everest base camp and completed multiple summits, Kalar Patthar and Island peak 6,200M. The thrill of any challenge remains today since moving to Australia, I have taken up skydiving and competed in Australian Nationals Formation Skydiving, winning gold in 2014 as part of a four person formation team!

Mr Matthew Gardner – he got me through my French GCSE retake, even allowing me to arrive to the extra French classes still dripping wet in my sailing wetsuit on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I owe him more than a beer for showing me what dedicated effort and attention can bring you, despite struggling using my first language with dyslexia, let alone attempting a second one.

What are your Fondest memories of Shiplake College?

The grounds, the river, the sailing club, the cross country runs and the annual school summer play, it was always a huge affair set in the grounds.

How did your time at Shiplake College shape your career?

Shiplake always focused on an ethos that hard work pays off and dedication to a challenge will be rewarding. This has stuck with me.

Were there any teachers that had a significant impact?

Mr Malcolm Woodcock – Skipwith housemaster – ‘The Seven Ps’, to always leave things better than you found them and just an all round wonderful man. I would very much like to get in touch with him again to thank him for all he did for me.

What are you doing now?

I live just outside of Melbourne about 25 minutes from Bells Beach, working for Cisco Systems in a Presales role.

I moved down here in 2006 as my now wife’s expensive backpacking souvenir of Europe!

38 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

CELEBRATE at SHIPLAKE

Shiplake is a unique wedding or views celebration located in a With aCollege beautiful 45 acre site and overvenue, the River Thames beautiful 45 acre setting on the banks of the Thames, with guests enjoying and surrounding countryside, Shiplake College provides a wonderful views of the river and surrounding countryside.

perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

We were delighted that Sean Mongan (09E) It was pleasure back Viking chose theaCollege as to thewelcome venue for his Old marriage (05O) when she- chose to hold to,Kate now Mannix wife, Kelly in July 2017 attended by her OVs, wedding reception here at by theformer College in many it was also conducted school August 2018. chaplain Rev’d Robert Prance. As you can see from photoof above, it was wonderful day!

Thethe Church St Peter andaSt Paul is just 100 yardsofaway or alternatively, College The Church St Peter and St Paul isthe just 100 is licenced civil Hall ceremonies.

The Great yards from thefor Great or alternatively, theHall can accommodate up to 200 guests for the College is licensed for civil ceremonies. The Great ceremony whilst the Old Viking Room hosts Hall can accommodate up to 200 guests for the up to 60. ceremony whilst the Old Library hosts up to 60.

The Great Hall and Old Viking Room are also The Great Hall can seat up to 110 guests for fantastic options for intimate wedding formal receptions. Leading from the Great Hall is receptions, or if you are holding a larger the Old Library, which can be used for drinks on

arrival, after the ceremony, or for dancing later wedding, like Kate, a marquee can be erected in the evening.

The Old Library gives a fantastic on Skipwith lawn.

With an exceptional in-house option for more intimate, seated receptions of catering team and a range of rooms and areas up to 50 guests. available to hire, we can provide an extremely The Catering & Events Manager Thomasneeds.

Franks flexible service to cater for youratspecific will ensure that your wedding reception is perfect; Old Vikings are eligible for a they will take care of every detail during the 10% discount onon venue hire preparation process and the special day itself.

Our next wedding fayre will take place on Old Vikings are eligible for a Saturday 27 October 2019.

10% discount on venue hire For more information please go to: For more information please go to: www.shiplake.org.uk /weddings www.shiplake.org.uk/weddings or email: or email: weddings@shiplake.org.uk weddings@shiplake.org.uk OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 39

OVS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Obituaries

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of Old Vikings who have recently passed away.

CHRISTOPHER (Christof) EDWARD PHILIP CAFFYN (85E) 1967 – 2018 Christof will be remembered for his quick wit and ebullient character.

A popular member of Everett House he was known by everyone. Upon leaving Shiplake, Christof attended the Byam Shaw School of Art in London and forged a successful career as a French Polisher and Furniture Restorer.

An uplifting celebration of Christof’s life was held on 6 April 2018 in Eastbourne.

With thanks to Caspian Crewe-Read (84E) for providing us with memories of his classmate and friend.

PETER JONATHAN CLAYTON (81W) 1963 – 2018 Peter attended Shiplake College in the late 1970s. Upon leaving Shiplake he attended the City of London Business School and developed a career in finance. However theatre was always his true passion and he was a firm believer that it could transform lives.

Throughout his life he was a trustee of the National Youth Theatre, an avid supporter of the Born Free Foundation, a long standing trustee of the Criterion Theatre, and in the last decade, involved in raising over £30 million for not-for-profit arts organisations.

A Celebration of the life of Peter was held on Monday 8 October at the Criterion Theatre.

40 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

SIR WILLIAM MCALPINE (Former Governor) 1936 – 2018 Sir William, a railway enthusiast and president of the Railway Benefit Fund, owned and ran Fawley Hill Railway. The private railway is home to a number of prestigious steam trains and pieces of London architecture.

He shared his home, which he built in 1960, with his second wife Judith and since 2004 the couple hosted the annual Hambleden Valley “railway nativity”, a modern take on the Christmas story for which the couple dressed as Father and Mrs Christmas to hand out presents to all the visiting local children.

Sir William was born at the Dorchester Hotel in London, which his family owned, and was the oldest son of Lord (Edwin) McAlpine. His great grandfather was Sir Robert McAlpine, founder of the construction and civil engineering company responsible for building the first teaching block at the College.

Sir William went straight into the family business upon leaving Charterhouse School in Surrey, he was based at the Hayes depot in Middlesex which housed the McAlpine railway wagon and locomotive fleet. This further added to his fascination with trains which started at childhood.

The end of steam and beeching cuts gave him his opportunity – he purchased the last remaining steam engine from McAlpine’s own depot for £100. This was the start of many years purchasing different pieces of locomotives and railway architecture to build up the Fawley Hill Railway so loved by people in the local area.

McAlpine’s crowning achievement was the rescue of the Flying Scotsman in 1973. The LNER Gresley Pacific was marooned in San Francisco following a financially disastrous tour of the States. He bought the Flying Scotsman for £25,000, paid off what was owed to the US and Canadian railways, and had it shipped home via the Panama Canal. After restoration work, the engine returned to the main line that summer. Flying Scotsman remains proudly in service today.

Sir McAlpine joined the governing body at Shiplake following the death of his father, Lord McAlpine of Moffat, in the January of 1990. Lord McAlpine himself had occupied the position since the late 1960s, recruited by then Headmaster Mr John Eggar.

After a significant 27 years’ service to the School, he stepped down in February 2017.

Chairman of Governors, The Right Hon Tim Eggar said of Sir William’s departure: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill for the major contribution he has made to the College over the years. We are saddened to lose the link between Shiplake and the McAlpines, as the family has been such an integral part of the development of Shiplake. Bill’s father was responsible for building the first teaching block at the College! I am sure we will continue to maintain a close bond with the family.’

Bill McAlpine married, first, Jill Benton in 1959; she died in 2003. In 2004 he married, secondly, Judy Nicholls (née Sanderson).

She survives him with a son and daughter from his first marriage.

He is succeeded in the baronetcy by his son, Andrew McAlpine.

OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 41

OVS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Obituaries

LIONEL CHARLES RICHARD WEST (82B) 1964 – 2018 Father of 2 beloved daughters – Theodora (Teddy) age 9 and Georgiana (Gigi) age 5.

His friends during his time at Shiplake were Charles Cantlie, Ross Hepburn and Alex Wilson.

Lionel’s interests were genealogy, heraldry, helping the disadvantaged (championing the underdog as with indigenous tribes in Western Papa New Guinea). He was very artistic and a superb craftsman – who built and designed his home including a panelled drawing room, a Juliet balcony and a castellated rear entrance.

During his career, he helped to develop an automated trading system.

He is remembered for his brilliant sense of humour and above all for his huge kindness.

With thanks to Lionel’s sister Lucinda, for providing us with this tribute to her brother.

The Development and OVS Office supports Shiplake College through contact with former and current pupils, parents, staff and governors. Our community is very important to us and we are committed to protecting your data. We use data to provide benefits such as access to events, reunions and publications and to provide services such as networks, the archives and opportunities to learn about volunteering and fundraising. We process your data in accordance with our legitimate interest in these areas and you will always have the right to opt out. We may contact you by mail, email, telephone and social media. Our full Privacy Notice is available at www.shiplake.org.uk/privacynotice. We aim to keep your data up to date; if you would like to change your details or communication preferences, please contact oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk or on 0118 9405231.

42 | SHIPLAKE AT 60

Keeping in touch

Once a Viking, Always a Viking!

There are many ways to keep in touch with the Old Viking Society: T: 0118 9402455 E: oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk W: shiplake.org.uk/OVS Twitter: @ShiplakeOVS Facebook: Old Vikings Facebook Group: JCR at Shiplake College

Did you know that Old Vikings receive 10% off their children’s fees at Shiplake College?

We accept registrations throughout the year.

If you would like further information or would like to register your child for a specific year group, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Esther Pasmore on 0118 940 2455 or registrar@shiplake.org.uk OVS MAGAZINE 2019 | 43

‘CLASS OF 2018’

A warm welcome to our newest recruits!

Published by: Old Viking Society, Shiplake College Henley-on-Thames RG9 4BW Editor: Catherine Brazil

Design and Layout: Emma Fairclough Design The OVS Magazine is published by The Old Viking Society. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Shiplake College and the OVS. With grateful thanks to all contributors.