Old Viking Society Magazine 2017

OVS

MAGAZINE

2017

www.ovslive.co.uk

In this issue...

• • • • • •

Gold at Rio Olympics New Year's Honours Jazz Musician Chris Standring On the Stage OVS News and Events News from the College

Published by:

Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4BW

Edited by:

Chelsi Challis

Content Creation: Kirsty Jelowitz • Chelsi Challis

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OVS MAGAZINE 2017

Contact:

Editor: oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/oldvikings

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/shiplakecollege • www.twitter.com/old_vikings

The Old Viking Society 2017 Magazine

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www.ovslive.co.uk

he OVS Magazine could not exist without the active alumni which Shiplake is so lucky to have; the enthusiasm and zest for adventure is unsurpassable. Keeping that innate sense of community, once our pupils have moved on from the school, is what this magazine is all about.

At the OVS reunion in December, it is clear that the sense of community created within the College stays with its pupils, long after they themselves have departed down paths to face new challenges. Within this bumper issue, we hope you enjoy catching up with news of the College and current pupils, as well as seeing what your peers have been doing.

Make sure to follow Shiplake College and the OVS on Twitter and Facebook, where an active presence makes keeping up-to-date with the everyday news very easy.

To all of the Old Vikings who contributed to this issue; a big thank you for taking the time to share stories, thoughts and photos.

Please do get in touch if you have a story or photos to share. We are always looking to share your news, old and new, so don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Very best wishes Chelsi Challis, Editor

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17 The OVS Magazine is a publication of The Old Viking Society. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Shiplake College and the OVS. All details were correct at the time of publication, February 2017. Many thanks to all contributors.

If you have any news, please contact us at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk, or +44 (0) 118 940 2455 OVS MAGAZINE 2017

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Chairman’s Welcome OVS Chairman Ben Fitzwilliams discusses the year that was for the Old Viking Society, and looks forward to what 2017 has to offer

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t has been another tremendous year for the OVS, and I’m proud to see that events are growing in numbers and variety. Let me welcome you to this edition of the OVS Magazine, where we will explore what the past 12 months had in store for Old Vikings, and the main news from the College.

their classmates, and Old Vikings will be welcomed back to Henley Regatta for the annual get-together at Henley Cricket Club, during the afternoon break in Saturday’s racing. The Touch Rugby and Beer Festival will grow again to include cake stalls, a dog show, a live band and more entertainment for families, creating the feel of a family festival. If you are interested in entering a team, please email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk.

There is also the option to receive this magazine and other OVS news electronically; please email your details to oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk if you are not already registered. Joining our mailing list will help you reap many benefits, such as quarterly newsletters and event invitations!

We awarded Old Viking Claire Venables (10O) with the Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund, who used the fund to travel to America to study at Harvard University.

Two Year 13 pupils also received a portion of the fund; all of these stories can be read on page 32, as well as information and criteria about how you can apply for the fund.

2016 was quite a year for the Old Viking Society; we welcomed the 2016 cohort to the ranks, and invited the 2015 leavers back to the College for a One Year On reunion (page 26). Old Vikings flocked back to Henley for the Henley Regatta (page 17), enjoying a drink on us at the Henley Cricket Club, and the Class of 2006 enjoyed a three course meal in their Ten Years On reunion (page 26). We teamed up with the College and the Parents’ Association to make the Touch Rugby and Beer Festival a resounding success (page 20). We also celebrated record numbers at the London Reunion, which continues to grow in popularity each year (page 26).

2017 has these events and more; the Class of 2007 will return for a Ten Years On reunion in April, following on from the success of last year. Year 13 leavers from 2016 will return to see where the last 12 months have taken 4

OVS MAGAZINE 2017

I wish you all the very best for a happy and healthy year ahead.

Ben

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Will I know anyone when I go back?

OVS President Hans Wells-Furby considers 2016, reunions, and the calendar ahead

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y memory of the 2009 Fifty Years Celebration is moving from group to group all enjoying the day. Some had wisely made contacts ahead of the day though I don’t recall anyone brandishing a mobile phone during the event.

The Shiplake Sixtieth is not far away.

Ideas are welcome about format and as weekends fill up during any summer keep the day free as soon as we announce it.

We all have thoughts about entering a room and not seeing one familiar face, but I would like to suggest that coming to a Shiplake reunion is always ‘worth the risk’.

Memories of people, events and mishaps are effective ice breakers.

Some examples come to mind. At a Christmas lunch dominated by retired former pupils of my own school, I did not actually know anyone. A few faces looked familiar.

We were soon talking about school life around the war’s end in 1945 and after. All this was punctuated by memories of the characters

who taught us all, identified by nicknames… Monty; Dunk; Saffy; Tikker; Boat and Tum. My Oxford College has recently spent two summers celebrating 700 years since foundation. The Rector and the Dons worked hard at hosting gatherings for people much older than them. I went to five events. One for us 1953ers - we know each other too well. We were a bit on the end of a 1943-55 lunch, but dominated the pre-1960 one, with about 200 of us. Everyone assuring each other about being just the same.

The Shiplake Boat Club’s Fiftieth Anniversary Dinner and other rowing gatherings emphasised the lasting effect of literally ‘pulling together’, from Novice IV to possible Henley VIII. My only comparable experience was an early 21st Century reunion of School Rugby XVs from 1948-52. How tiny we were compared with modern players nowadays.

changed. So many OVs, especially our lady members, have never met me. Hopefully we share many of the College values. The support the OVS has from the Headmaster and the Governors is as warm as ever. When being shown the splendid John Turner building the welcome from the pupils was great.

About forty years ago I had a visit from an OV who had left straight from Skipwith in 1966 to the USA and had then served in Vietnam.

Out on the terrace he said to me, ‘you know, this was a marvellous place to grow up’.

I hope those reading these reminisces will agree and make plans to come back very soon.

With best wishes,

Hans

Not knowing anyone? In my first years as OVS President most OVs remembered me from school days.

Two decades later the situation has OVS MAGAZINE 2017

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College News 2016

A Message from the Headmaster 2016 has been a year to remember for Shiplake’s staff, pupils and alumni.

The 1st VIII made it through to the Friday of Henley Regatta for the first time in twelve years - an outstanding feat, and I’m pleased to say that a great number of Old Vikings were present to cheer them on. Shiplake also welcomed the first female Head of College Emily Wilkinson (read more below). Pupils have taken part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, national computing and mathematics competitions, overseas rowing training and racing in the Henley half-marathon, amongst many other achievements.

Meet the

Read all of this and more at www.shiplake.org.uk.

Old Vikings have made an impression this year, both within the College and on a national level.

Will Satch claimed Gold at the Rio Olympics, and both he and Soho House Proprietor Nick Jones were awarded with MBEs. As always, Old Vikings are very welcome to come to the College any time. See what’s changed, what’s new and what’s stood the test of time. Many events are in the calendar for alumni - see back page.

We look forward to welcoming you back!

Gregg

Head of College

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mongst many traditions that Prize Giving brings, none is more hotly anticipated than the announcement of the next Head of College. 2016 was a particularly memorable one, as the metaphorical baton was handed to Emily Wilkinson. This marks a historic moment for Shiplake, as Emily is the first female to be appointed as Head of College.

Emily has been leading the College since the start of the 2016-2017 academic year. She is ably supported by Deputy Head of College Henry Blois-Brooke, and a team of prefects. We caught up with Emily about her time at Shiplake, and how she feels being the first female Head of College.

On my first visit to Shiplake, I fell in love. The grounds, setting and buildings all made the place feel extremely special, and the community feel was so inviting I couldn’t resist. Living with all of my friends and being provided with so many opportunities, literally, on my door step have left me with some amazing memories that I’ll take with me through life.

Aside from being the first female Head, I think I may be remembered as the only Head of College, to date, that has needed their deputy to bend down to make sure we fit in the same photo…

When I leave Shiplake, I hope to go to university (which one is yet to be decided) to study Biology. After which, I hope to become a research scientist, looking into genetic disease. But, between now and then, I also intend to have a good time.

If I were to use three words to describe Shiplake, I’d have to say - somewhere extremely special.

Being the first female Head of College is daunting to say the least. However, I’m extremely excited about the opportunity I’ve been given. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have the interests of the girls at heart, and so far all of my suggestions have been taken on board. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the year will throw at me, and what I can add to the College.’

Emily

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OVS MAGAZINE 2017

Highlights from the College

To read the full stories, please visit www.shiplake.org.uk Innovative boarders' activities prove popular amongst all pupils

Old Vikings achieve MBEs

Sponsored walk raises over ÂŁ12,000 for charities

Shiplake receive glowing GSG review

Celebrating 7 years since the first Year 7 cohort joined

Headmaster Gregg Davies appears on ITV's Good Morning Britain OVS MAGAZINE 2017

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College News 2016

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rama at Shiplake is, as ever, unique and innovative. It has been an incredibly busy year for our thespians, with two large productions, GCSE and A Level examination pieces, year-group specific performances and a trip to the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe!

The Junior production of Rudyard Kipling’s muchloved The Jungle Book was a resounding success; the classic Disney playlist, a modern take on costume to portray the animals of Mowgli’s jungle, and an immersive set made for a fantastic evening of drama.

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rt continues to grow and flourish in the contemporary John Turner Building, the standard of work produced by pupils is outstanding.

Annual House Art competitions and exhibitions see crowds of family and friends head to the Great Hall to admire the hard work of Shiplake's budding artists and photographers.

The Scruffy Penguin Theatre Company headed to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, in order to perform in the world’s largest arts festival. The troupe performed Lightless, an original piece of drama based on the life of refugee and political activist Gulwali Passarlay.

The piece received high praise from audiences, including comedian Russell Howard. The performances were called ‘thoughtprovoking, excellent performances’ with ‘an excellent script, which did real justice to an excellent book.’

The Music Department has also impressed over the last year.

Concerts take place at Spring, Summer and Winter, and the level of these are incredibly professional.

Families and friends alike pack into the Sports Hall in order to enjoy the concerts. Photos can be viewed at www.flickr.com/shiplakecollege. All are welcome to join the Shiplake cohort at the upcoming concerts; please see 'Dates for Your Diary' on the back cover for further information on this.

As all Lower School pupils take on the challenge of learning an instrument, members of staff are now joining them in this tough task! It is not uncommon to see the

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Deputy Head Academic in a flute lesson with Year 7 boys! This is all leading towards the new musicians playing in the Orchestra in the Summer Concert; all Old Vikings are warmly welcomed to attend!

The popular Lunchtime Concerts are now a hotly-anticipated part of the calendar; pupils who are new to performing gain experience, and seasoned veterans impress audiences at these informal concerts. Professional musicians are also attending to give masterclasses in various instruments. Music BTEC is growing in popularity; a recent concert saw a packed Lecture Theatre enjoy a concert by two Year 13 musicians.

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s I write this report at the half way point in the academic year, reflecting on the amount of training sessions and fixtures that have happened at Shiplake College already, I can only sit back and admire the effort and determination of all those students and coaches who have contributed towards so much taking place in terms of sport.

In rowing, pupils have continued to train long and hard throughout the ever changing weather conditions, in order to prepare themselves for the demanding regattas that await them in the coming months. The senior crews enjoyed a tour of America, culminating in their participation in the prestigious Head of the Charles Regatta, in Boston. The strength and depth of rowers coming through the lower years of the school is also positive, with over 50% of Year 9 pupils taking rowing as their Games option.

In rugby, the U16A and U15A teams had highly successful terms, winning the majority of the fixtures.

The 1st XV made steady progress throughout the season with some excellent wins. Without a doubt the highlight of their season came in November when the team hosted King’s College School, Wimbledon at Henley RFC for their annual Friday Night Lights fixture.

With the support of nearly the whole school as well as family, friends and alumni, Shiplake were narrowly beaten.

Girls sport continues to thrive and grow at Shiplake, with our ever increasing numbers. Girls have been playing regular and competitive fixtures in hockey last term, and are now playing in the Henley Schools Netball League.

Duncan Traynor, Director of Sport

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ince the start of the academic year the CCF has been working hard to develop and engage the cadets in a variety of different areas. The Year 10 recruits have been learning a range of brand new skills and getting used to the aims and ethos of the CCF, whilst the older cadets have been learning advance skills and developing their leadership.

At the beginning of the year, the different disciplines of the CCF attended field days. Since then each section has been working its way through their respective syllabuses, in preparation for the next field day in March where we will test what the cadets have learnt.

In addition to that the Year 12 cadets have enrolled on a BTEC level 2 in teamwork and personal development in the community, and one Year 13 cadet is enrolled in a new initiative and working through an ILM Level 3 in Leadership and management.

The RAF have attended two flying experience days at RAF Benson. During the summer the Army cadets attended a week long summer camp in Penally near Tenby in South Wales and a number of Royal Navy cadets attended a Royal Navy summer camp on HMS Bristol in Portsmouth. Cadets also attended some of the many courses and activities available to them via the tri-service adventurous training centres.

Our summer camp this year is a challenging expedition in Scotland. The cadets and staff will travel from the south shores of Loch Lomond to the summit of Ben Nevis using a variety of modes of transport.

The whole route is a distance of approximately 140km and will hopefully be challenging but also rewarding and fun - a great way to end the year!

Stephen Macpherson, Head of Outdoor Education

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THE SHIPLAKE WATCH We have teamed up with the Danziger Watch Company to bring you a limited edition collection of 250 unique timepieces in four different variations.

This precision wristwatch is water resistant to 30m and has a Swiss movement inside a classically elegant design, ideal for the office or the weekend.

With every watch purchased a contribution is made to College funds to help fund future developments.

Visit www.danzigerwatches.com and go to the special watches page for more details.

Don’t forget to enter promotion code SHD1 to get a discount at checkout.

For more information and questions, please email: info@danzigerwatches.com

Old Vikings merchandise is now available Visit www.ovslive.co.uk or www.shiplake.org.uk to view and order the full range of products 10 OVS MAGAZINE 2017

Ed Bowers The Power of the Podcast

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fter graduating from Durham University with a 2.1 in Sport Exercise & Physical Activity, I wanted to start my career in the sports industry. I saw an opportunity in the industry to create a better awareness in how sport students can apply their degree in the sports industry, and started my company Education2sport Limited.

Education2sport Limited is about how education can be applied in sport. The answer is through Podcasts! Podcasts are gaining in popularity, and you will be shocked how much FREE and rewarding content is out there which can support your self-development.

Five months ago, I launched ‘The Sport Industry Access Podcast’; the show is about providing real life career stories from professional experts who have experience in the sports industry. For example, I had the privilege to interview three special guests who are part of the Shiplake College Network. In episode 2, I interviewed Gregg Davies about his professional rugby refereeing career and how that experience supported his role as a Headmaster. In episode 11, I interviewed a role model of mine, former Deputy Head Shane O’Brien, about what attitude you need to compete in the Olympics to deliver success. Finally, in episode 15, I interview a good friend, Joe Southwell, where we discussed his new fitness business, J.S Conditioning and how his Sport Science degree supported him through his new career venture. These three interviews all have a thing in common; they all provide a story with employment tips, which can inspire you to take action, taking responsibility of your own career journey, especially in the sports industry.

So far, I have launched 38 episodes, today the show has reached it’s 1,000th download, in over 70 regions around the United Kingdom and 43 countries worldwide. Not bad for having an office in my mother’s dining room based in a small village of Lincolnshire, with a golf club and a local shop!

By writing this article and reflecting back from the start of the year, I am proud how the show has grown.

By not getting carried away, and relating to my personal expectations, there is still a long way to go with regards to my long-term goals and vision to this podcast venture. As I said to my special guests in my last podcast report, I need to keep my head down by working hard and delivering more inspiring interviews with an aim to build partnerships with companies who can add more value to the show in the near future!

If you haven’t listened to Gregg’s, Shane’s and Joe’s interviews, you should! Below are details where you can listen to the show.

How to Listen to ‘The Sport Industry Access Podcast: iTunes: http://apple.co/1TpdZdW Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-sport-industry-access-podcast Website: http://education2sport.com OVS MAGAZINE 2017 11

A Focus On: Mobile Phones Shiplake Switches Off Headmaster Gregg Davies explores Shiplake’s controversial decision to ban mobile phones around the College site. In a world which is increasingly obsessed with the latest smartphone, taking the decision to switch off was not done lightly. Gregg explains why...

A familiar morning routine; you wake up and the first thing you reach for is your phone. Scroll through the BBC news app, check Facebook – maybe a few Sky Sports notifications. In this technology-driven day and age, the thought of leaving the house without a mobile phone is a daunting one; the prospect of being off-thegrid isn’t one that fills most people with ease. But in a world where everyone is constantly contactable, there is a certain irony in the lack of interaction people are now experiencing.

(Un)social media poses the constant threat of isolation and, worst still, cyberbullying. Preferring to

communicate from behind a 5-inch screen, there is increasingly a genuine danger that children are missing out on vital social interaction which shapes so much of their lives and attitudes. Moreover, the apparent desperation to only showcase the highlights reel, can lead to people (particularly teenagers and young people) to feel left out and depressed, worried that their lives aren’t as exciting as their peers. It is suddenly very easy to hurl abuse anonymously online, or from behind a Twitter handle. People adopt a technological identity that can be far removed from their biological one. More and more, we are living our lives through technology; electric cars, smartphones, laptops, tablets. You name it – there’s an app for that. We have grown up with technology, and it’s not necessarily a good thing.

Technology certainly does have its place in education.

Styles of learning have evolved with the introduction of technology. Classes are made more dynamic with the help of computers; homework is more accessible with online platforms; tricky subjects are conquered Pupils are still encouraged to use technology within lessons.

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with interactive games. Pupils are able to take a quick photo of notes on the board, or the whiteboard tables we have installed in a number of classrooms. Pupils can access resources online to aid understanding of topics outside the classroom; sites such as Google Classroom, YouTube, Kahoot! and BBC Bitesize are increasingly used.

However, whilst the use of tablets and laptops are encouraged in class at Shiplake, the use of phones has recently been restricted in order to benefit the pupils’ social skills. Shiplake College have taken drastic action: switching off. Mobile phones no longer have a place in the Shiplake grounds during the working day.

Whilst the accessibility of education and learning is heightened with the use of technology, increasingly I have noticed that our pupils are losing the key skill of social interaction. Connectivity is getting in the way of experiencing and communicating in real life, and pupils are losing the ability to engage in social dialogue.

The subtle nuances of conversation are lost within electronic communication; it is simply not enough to read information; one has to see and hear intonation and gestures.

It’s not just within school that I have noticed the increasing use of phones. It seems to be a nationwide epidemic; in waiting rooms, on public transport, in lifts – even in restaurants – it seems that people would prefer to exist in the bubble created by the apps on the phone that communicate with others. Society is losing the ability to translate the visual cues that are so inherent in face-to-face conversation.

The announcement that the College was banning mobile phones during the school day was, initially, met with uproar from pupils and celebration from parents.

However, over the course of the Autumn Term, pupils have noticed a change in themselves. They stay at the lunch table longer; lunch is no longer a rushed meal and then back to House to their own zone to communicate without actually speaking to anyone. Downtime is spent with classmates and peers, playing sport and having actual conversations.

Phones are less and less of a crutch to pupils. This is a change particularly noticeable in Sixth Form boys and girls; their ability to discuss and debate issues and events has been perceptible in class and houses.

Pupils’ well-being has improved as a result of this; being outside, interacting with peers and seeing the world around them has relieved the pressure of constantly showcasing life online. One overheard comment has been that it has been ‘liberating’; the children no longer feel the social pressure to upload a virtual minute-by-minute diary through posts, likes, snapchats, instagrams, tweets and such like. Whilst technology furthers life and learning in many ways, it has been a very positive step for the pupils of Shiplake to step out from the screens and see the world around them.

If you need us, send us a letter. Or better yet, knock on the door.

What do you think about the decision to ban mobile phones? Email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk with your thoughts.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 13

Will Satch

on winning Gold

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OVS News and Events

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016 was an incredible year for Will Satch (07O). Last year, we reported how Will was headed to Rio with everything to play for, eager to make a name for himself in the Men’s Eight. And this is exactly what he did; following a stand-out performance by the nine men in the boat, they walked away with a Gold medal - the first time the Men’s Eight have won Gold since the 2000 Beijing games.

‘I started the season confidently. We were extremely lucky to have Jurgen Groebler coaching us - he is the most successful Olympic Rowing Coach of all time! We put our trust and confidence in him. We’d trained at the Altitude Camp in Lake Sivretta, which is 2000m up in the Austrian Alps, followed by a finishing camp in Italy.

The lead up to the Olympics was a long process, but the team had the endurance to keep plugging away with sheer grit. Dealing with 9 different mentalities is very different to rowing in a single or a pair!

the boat out of the water and walked it out from the pontoon there was a man in a suit at the top of the stairs. He was waiting to take me off for a random drugs test. This took an hour/hour and a half to complete so the moment was spoiled momentarily. But after that I returned to celebrate with friends and family at the Olympic party zone. With that gold medal around your neck there was free food and free drink 24 hours a day.

When we landed it was overwhelming to step off the plane and see all the waiting faces. Going through the terminal it was just an endless line of signatures and selfies that went on for hours, it was awesome! It was a non-stop celebration with family and friends.

I haven’t decided my plans for the future yet, but maybe potentially doing a different boat. I have put a lot of work into rowing in the last 10 years and I feel like there is more to give.

If I could give a younger me advice, I would be more open to everything in life. Maybe I would follow up the rugby path for a little bit longer...

I really miss playing but obviously “I couldn’t wait for a rugby and rowing don’t really go cold beer after we won hand in hand! Maybe I would also try the race but there was a something else that is not rowing or man waiting to take me rugby.

Rio in general is a very special place in its own way. It’s quite corrupt but that is the beauty of the whole thing - it felt like Rio really was on the edge but you turned up and it was all right on the night. In Rio we off for a drugs test... that When I look back at the journey from had Christ the Redeemer looking momentarily spoiled the starting at Shiplake to now, having over us with Copa Cabana beach moment!” influences like Athol Hundermark and Ipanema beach just a few as my coach, Simon Dennis as my miles away. It was a stunning venue tutor and Shane O’Brien as the deputy head at the with breath-taking scenery. time, was huge. One lasting memory that immediately During the racing I was just trying to read our main comes to mind is winning my first ever race with Timmy rivals, the Germans, the Olympic Champions. It is almost Crewdson as the cox. He was a friend that tragically died instinct for me now to get that boat in front and keep three years later. it there. This is the mind set and it’s intense, especially I have many memories of Shiplake that will stay with me when you are at the front of the boat and you’re trying for a lifetime, including a lot of funny ones that I can’t to lead it! You can train and you can think about it but it mention! Shiplake is a very special place and gave me all boils down to that day and how you read the race. many opportunities, for which I’m very grateful.

Crossing the line was almost a feeling of relief instead of ecstasy. The job was done. It is not until you come home If I could give budding rowers any advice, it would be this: it is a long path, don’t stress yourself out about and get back to the simple things in life, like visiting scores that you’re not getting. If you’re enjoying it school, driving your own car, petting the dog - that’s do it, and if you’re not don’t do it. This is probably an when it becomes a realisation that you are an Olympic unorthodox way of selling rowing but there is not a lot champion. of recognition or fame - you do it because you love the As we paddled back to celebrate with Jurgen it was sport. very surreal - this is what we had practiced for every Congratulations to Will Satch, who has been awarded day of the week in the freezing cold, rowing 220kms a an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, in recognition of week. Our coach was smiling for the first time in four his services to rowing. years. I couldn’t wait for a nice cold beer but as we took OVS MAGAZINE 2017 15

OVS News and Events

The Revival Regatta

Old Viking Rob Robertson tells of how old rivals came together on the Thames, taking on a revival regatta to rival Henley...

On Saturday 17 September 2016, a team of Old Vikings joined other Old Boys' teams from well-known rowing schools including: Eton College, Reading Blue Coat School and Hampton School for an afternoon of racing. Just to raise the bar even higher, several of these boats contained Oxford or Cambridge Blues!

The fight was on!

Shiplake’s scratch crew were drawn from several vintage years. We were able to come third in the overall event, narrowly missing out on beating Eton’s first eight. Prior to the Saturday of the race, the team had only had one outing, rowing from Shiplake boathouse to Sonning... followed by a team talk over a much-needed restorative beer!

This event has been running for some years and is steadily growing in size. Eton fielded four ‘eights’ this year, and many other schools new to the race entered. Staged on the iconic 2012 Olympic lake, with its superb facilities, it makes for hard fought, yet fun competition.

A HUGE thank you to Neil Srivastava for co-ordinating our attendance! Also to Director of Rowing Mr David Currie and Boatman Barry for delivering and collecting the Shiplake eight, as well as providing all the kit in excellent order.

Rob Robertson (77B)

Crew: Sam Laurie (00O), Rob Robertson (77B), Will Carey (16S), Charlie Jenkins (06O), Hamish Brown (00W), Neil Srivastava (00B), Jeremy Woodman (00S), Harry Berkley (15S), Cox: Ollie Napier-Munn

Fancy joining in next time?

This year, the event will be on Saturday 16 September 2017 at Eton Dorney and Shiplake plans to enter two eights. Come and have fun with other OVs and bring friends, family, children, dogs – all very welcome. Refreshments plus sandwiches and a selection of cakes and scones for competitors and guests are served while the scoreboard is counted up and the prize presentation made.

There are 3 races: 1000m, 500m and 250m sprint to finish. Crews can change round after each race to make sure everyone has a chance to compete. Tops will be provided for all competitors.

If you are interested in taking part please contact the Alumni and Events Officer by email at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk or call 0118 9405231.

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Reuniting at the Regatta

T

he 2016 Henley Royal Regatta was an event to remember.

The Shiplake College 1st VIII gave an exceptionally strong performance, reaching the Friday of racing after beating London Oratory School, and America’s Choate Rosemary Hall on Thursday and Wednesday respectively. Pitted against favourites Westminster, the Shiplake crew had a tough race on the Friday, and put in an unrelenting performance. However, it wasn’t quite enough and they narrowly lost.

The 1st VIII, made up of Seb Newman, Will Carey, Oliver Gerrard, Tim Waller, Tom Scott, Christian

Hjortland-Marks, Will Dolin, Henry Blois-Brooke and cox Jamie Pond reached the Friday, making it the first time in 15 years for the College.

Old Vikings descended on the Cricket Club on the Saturday, as is now tradition, where a dedicated Shiplake College tent was put up, and plenty of beer and Pimms was provided!

The Regatta is always incredibly popular, with a number of Old Vikings returning from across the country to attend.

Old Vikings are invited to the Shiplake College pitch at the Henley Cricket Club on Saturday 1 July 2017.

Photo from left to right: Edward Adler (06B), Geoff Jones (06E), Headmaster Gregg Davies, Rollo Sparkes (06B), Ian Brown (12S), Julian Kunkler (06W), Phil McIntosh (06W), Charlie Jenkins (06O) OVS MAGAZINE 2017 17

OVS News and Events

Nick Jones Old Viking and Founder of the Soho House Empire

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ntrepreneur, restaurateur and founder of the international Soho House empire Nick Jones (81W) invited us to the newly opened Soho Farmhouse in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, to see the stunning facilities and have a candid discussion about Nick’s time at Shiplake, and his plans for the future...

Nick discussed his time at Shiplake. Having arrived in 1981 with dyslexia, Shiplake was a welcome change from school life to date.

‘Shiplake College was brilliant for me; it immediately welcomed me and gave me the confidence to get through school life very happily. My first memory of being at Shiplake was that it felt much freer than what I was used to - the sports that we were doing were more what I wanted to pursue - such as rugby, rowing, and tennis. It was just much friendlier. My best memories of the College were the friends I made, and the culture of the school. It was very helpful for me and aided my development and confidence.’

So what is life like at the helm of an international franchise?

Nick went on to discuss how Shiplake helped to influence the career path which has brought him to where he is today.

So what does the future hold for Soho House?

‘I remember clearly sitting down with the career master and he said Nick, I think it’s only catering! Luckily, I liked people having a nice time! I was interested in that. I pursued it as a career, starting work in a kitchen and then taking the leap and opening my own business.’

And that business has grown astronomically and today Nick is a highly successful entrepreneur.

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‘Every day is different when you create and run a company - choosing new sites, designing new sites, meeting chefs, going to finance meetings - every day is very varied and, usually, it’s not in the same place. Soho House has grown into other countries around the world and so there is a lot of travel involved. The great thing about what I do is that it’s so varied, and I think that’s important.’

‘We have lots of new houses opening in different countries - more in the UK, America and more in Europe, so we want to grow this over the next few years, along with everything else that we offer - public restaurants, Cow Shed, and Soho Home.

What is the best piece of advice Nick would offer to pupils today?

‘The advice I’d give to anyone is to always follow your passion.’

Michael Emmanuel The French Horn

W

e caught up with Old Viking Michael Emmanuel (85O), owner of The French Horn in Sonning, to discuss careers, memories of Shiplake and how it feels to be a Shiplake parent (of a current Sixth Former).

'I always knew that I’d be going into this industry, because of the advantages my parents had given me growing up. It's the hospitality industry; it’s a way of life, it’s not work and it’s great fun. I’m very lucky in this job that people come to me to have a good time and be happy. There really aren’t many jobs that could say that about their clients. If I didn’t run The French Horn I’d like to do something sports-related, possibly coaching in some form because the reward of seeing young people achieving is something quite special.

My first memory of Shiplake College was Peter Lapping asking me why I’d like to attend Shiplake. I had so much fun at that school, and I had a lot of opportunities with sport. Sport was amazing. The reason I chose Shiplake for my son was because I had so much fun there myself and I thought if he had half as much fun as I did he will have an absolute blast at school.

A school doesn’t need all the bells and whistles to be a great school. It needs great teachers and they will encourage pupils to be happy, and if they’re happy they will learn. That’s really why I sent him [my son] to Shiplake.

I have many hobbies, and these are mostly sportsrelated. During the winter I enjoy skiing, then in the summer months I enjoy racing and sailing. I really enjoy spending time with my children and I feel very blessed as they are also keen on sports.

I went to work in France straight from school, despite a report from my French teacher saying 'this boy will never reach an examinable standard please remove him from my class'! I was told that to be as good as a Frenchman you have to be better - my advice for work!

My plans for the future are definitely to sort out my work life balance; I do enjoy what I do but one can’t go on at this pace forever! I'd like to grow and improve my business and spend more time with the children. I'm so proud of my two children’s achievements.'

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 19

OVS News and Events

Touch Rugby and Beer Festival

Following the success of the inaugural Touch Rugby and Beer Festival, the event was held again, much to the enthusiasm of rugby-keen Old Vikings.

Ten teams battled for the prestigious honour of winner...

W

ith ten teams signed up to play, and the addition of a dog show, the Touch Rugby and Beer Festival promised to be a fun day for all the family. Saturday 10 September dawned grey and rainy. However, an overheard comment from a rain-soaked supporter - ‘what’s rugby without a little rain?’ - seemed to be the mantra for the day, as players defied the wet and mud and slid into spectacular tries.

The Parents’ Association kicked off the afternoon with a busy dog show, judged

by Naughty Mutt Nice owner Aspen Weatherburn. Over 20 dogs entered the five categories. A buzzing cake stall was also on offer, as was a barbecue and snack bar.

the staff game as they were still drawing at full time. In a surprising turn of events it was the runners-up from the group stages that both won their place in the final. Leavers 2016 II were to battle it out against Staff Tall Plus Arney.

It may only have been a ten-minute final, but it was all to play for: every minute was filled with tension and near-tries, and the spectators gathered around to watch.

The Leavers 2016 II were announced the winners, scraping victory by three points to one. Jonnie commented: ‘it was a tough match! We ended up taking on a staff team, so it was even more imperative that we won! Most of us haven’t done any sport or working out all summer and it was a bit of a shock to the system to return to racing around a school sports field, but a brilliant day!’

"What’s rugby without a little rain?"

The touch tournament saw three staff teams take on leavers from 2012, 2015, 2016, the 1980s, parents, current pupils and even a community team, made up of Shiplake parents, Old Vikings and willing volunteers. It was a very diverse offering on the pitch and that only served to add to the excitement – touch rugby is a brilliant sport for all ages.

Leavers 2016 I, led by Phoebe Eggar (16W), and Mr Mallins’ team were victorious in their respective groups. They went through to take on the runners-up of the opposite groups, Staff Tall Plus Arney and Leavers 2016 II, led by Jonnie Reed (16B). The semi-finals saw the two Leavers 2016 teams play each other and the two staff teams play each other.

The semi-finals were incredibly close, with a ‘drop-out’ style golden try required in 20 OVS MAGAZINE 2017

The rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the spectators; family and friends braved the autumnal weather to cheer on their respective teams. The day was not just about rugby. For the more daring of attendees, an inflatable bungee run and gladiator joust proved popular. For the slightly older attendee, a range of beers were available - provided by Old Viking Alasdair Large of Keystone Brewery - and all of them were amply sampled!

The raffle raised over £115 for the Sports Tour Fund, which will go towards helping budding athletes participate in the international sports tours.

Thank you to everyone who battled the elements to make the day a great success.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 21

On the

Stage We caught up with Shiplake Old Vikings who have followed a career in the arts since leaving school

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OVS News and Events

F

A

reddie Greaves (09B) gained a BA in Acting and shares his advice on a career in the arts.

lbert Rydevik (15S) left Shiplake to pursue a passion in film-making, and has gained a place at the prestigious New York Film Academy.

It is not everyone who could say that an injury was a blessing in disguise. However, Albert Rydevik isn’t your typical 20 year old. Coming to Shiplake College in 2013, Albert moved away from his family home, joining Year 12 as a full boarder.

A challenge for anyone, but for Albert it was potentially a career-making move. ‘I really wanted to come to Shiplake to pursue rowing.’ However, following an injury to his back, Albert was left unable to row.

‘Suddenly I had time to fill. I had never considered acting, but with my injury leaving me unable to row, I thought I would try my hand at Drama, and I absolutely loved it.’

Albert dropped both of his A Level subjects - Business and PE - to take up English and Drama.

This passion, discovered at Shiplake, has gone on to fuel Albert’s career path since.

‘I have just returned from Sweden, where I was an Onset Assistant Director on crime drama series Before We Die, which premièred in Stockholm in January. I am now studying at the New York Film Academy, alongside working for the filmmaking department creating short films.’

So what does the future hold for this bright star? ‘I have one year of study before I decide whether to continue on at university, or to enter the world or work.’

E

d Pinker (09O) left Shiplake and trained at East 15 acting school. Here, he shares how his time at Shiplake shaped his view on acting as a career.

‘I received my Bachelors degree in Acting from East 15 in 2012.

Since then, I’ve been working predominantly in theatre. I’ve worked at the Old Vic Tunnels, Regents Park Open Air Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Arcola and many smaller theatres.

Without a doubt I wouldn’t have been accepted to drama school without (former Shiplake Head of Drama) Catherine Saker. She taught us to push ourselves non-stop, and not to settle for average performances.

She taught me the best work ethic, and for that I’m eternally grateful.

“Someone will take a chance and your world can change in an instant” I am now looking forward to transferring to New York with the Roundabout, by JB Priestly.

‘Shiplake played a crucial part in inspiring me to act. When I arrived at the age of 13, I was feisty and mischievous to say the least, with little idea about my goals. Despite my lack of concentration, Shiplake continued to support me. They helped me discover what it was that I enjoyed, after Catherine Saker encouraged me to audition for Pirates of Penzance.

To my complete surprise, I got one of the lead roles, and haven’t looked back since!

“There wasn’t a time at Shiplake that I didn’t feel valued and appreciated” Since leaving Shiplake I’ve been carving a career as an actor.

I graduated from the Drama Centre in 2016 with a BA in Acting, and I’ve signed with Independent Talent. I’ve since landed a part in Ridley Scott’s new TV series The Terror in September 2016, and I’ve been working on that since. In late January I start work on a new ITV series called LIAR. My advice to aspiring actors would be to work towards a goal. In an industry as brutal and competitive as the arts, you need to have something to work towards. Finally, be thickskinned and persistent; taking rejection is a crucial part of surviving in the industry. It took me four years before I got a place at the Drama Centre - so definitely persevere!

Starting out in this career, you will spend a lot of your time auditioning and getting nowhere.

It’s not a career for the moneydriven or uncommitted. But if it’s truly what you want to do, it will happen. It might take two months until you ‘make it’; it might be 20 years. But if you’re really driven, time won’t matter.’

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OVS News and Events 24 OVS MAGAZINE 2017

New Old Vikings

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OVS News and Events

10 Years On

O

ver 30 Old Vikings from the Class of 2006 returned to the College in April to celebrate it having been a decade since their leaving the College.

Familiar faces mingled and reminisced, before enjoying a sumptuous three course meal and wine. Charlie Jenkins (06O) gave a speech, and former Chaplain Robert Prance was in attendance. It was a wonderful evening and we hope that the Class of 2007 enjoy their Ten Years On event on Saturday 1 April just as much.

Leavers: One Year On

Leavers from the Class of 2015 returned to Shiplake College for an enjoyable evening of food, drinks and conversation, catching up on what has happened over the past year. Leavers from the summer of 2016 are warmly welcomed to return to the College on Friday 23 June for a drink and a barbecue. See where a year has taken your friends and classmates. The Old Vikings cricket team will take on the Staff Wanderers, so do come along to support them first.

O

London Reunion

ld Vikings from across the years gathered together in the atmospheric Victorian Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall, at the beginning of December.

The annual London Reunion has grown in popularity over the years, and we were pleased to welcome new Old Vikings to the OVS, who had recently left the College, in 2016, as well as OVs from across the years.

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Chairman Ben Fitzwilliams and President Hans Wells-Furby spoke at the reunion, before old friends, classmates and members of staff (both past and present) caught up, reminiscing over their time at Shiplake.

All are welcome at the next London Reunion, which will provisionally take place on Thursday 7 December 2017.

Further details will be released in due course.

News from Old Vikings

Mixed Doubles Old Viking Paul Aitchison (04O) is part of successful comedy sketch group, Mixed Doubles.

The comedian travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe in August 2016 in order to perform at the arts festival with his group.

As well as finding popularity at the Fringe, the foursome have also been featured on the BBC’s hit show Sketchorama, as well as BBC Radio 4’s Pick of the Week. The group won ‘The People’s Choice Award’ in 2013, and continue to go from strength to strength.

Henley Royal Regatta Michael Glover (13E) and James Hanson (08S) both enjoyed victories at HRR. Michael, who rowed in the Oxford Brookes M8+, beat Harvard University to win the Temple Challenge Cup.

Thank you to Nigel Smallbones (67E) for these photos from the mid‑1960s.

Any familiar faces?!

James, who rowed in the Upper Thames M4-, got to the final of the Wyfold Challenge Cup, narrowly missing out on victory to Switzerland’s Grasshopper-Club, by just one length.

Mark Ellis: Life in America

Charlie Jenkins Joins Staff

It has now been over 30 years I have made my home in New York. Our daughter Rebecca went off to Tulane University in New Orleans this year. Our son Zach is a couple of years behind her and focused on a place at university to study electrical engineering. We have a wonderful life here and that is added to by our strong ties to England and the wonderful friendships with my Shiplake friends. Those have never lessened and have grown in so many ways over all these years.

Old Viking Charlie Jenkins (06O) has taken up a position as Strength and Conditioning Coach at Shiplake College. Charlie, who himself was a keen rower during his time here, left Hinksey Sculling School to take up the position here. Charlie is working with all pupils, and dedicating time to coaching the girls’ rowing crews.

From a business prospective, we successfully sold the business I was CFO for to SC Johnson this year and they have asked me to join them as their Vice President of Business Development which is an interesting expansion of my career and one I relish.

It may bring me to Europe more and hopefully give more opportunity to see my Shiplake friends. I wish everyone well.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 27

OVS News and Events

Averys Management Averys is an established, independent block company, owned by Mark Avery (78B), offering comprehensive residential and commercial management services to corporate clients, residents’ associations, lessees, freeholders and developers. Taking pride in and being passionate about our work, we recognise the importance of our clients’ assets, in this ever-changing and challenging market. Our strategy is based on

transparency and accountability, having efficient systems in place and a friendly team working closely to serve our clients’ needs wherever possible.

Averys is accomplished in both effective communication skills and a 'hands-on’ approach to management and welcomes enquiries from OVs at favourable rates. Averys also offer a sales and letting service within central London. Feel free to contact Mark via www.averysproperty.co.uk.

Ruairi van Raalte Ruairi van Raalte (15W) was born in the States in 1996 but raised in England.

He played hooker for the Wasps Academy, Oxfordshire, and the Henley Hawks.

He also played for the England Lambs U18 team eight times. We caught up with Ruairi when he visited the College to talk about his plans for the future.

Ruairi is currently living in Palmerston North on the North Island of New Zealand.

He loves living in NZ, and enjoys the lifestyle and culture. In 2015 he made the move to play with the Utiku Old Boys and in 2016 he played with Wanganui in the Heartland Championship. He will return to New Zealand this month (following a break in the UK) to fulfil a 2-year contract with Manawatu Turbos playing in the ITM Cup. His favourite memories from school are without a doubt Friday Night Lights!

Ruairi’s advice for aspiring rugby players is that they should do 'all the extra stuff’ – all the runs, the lineout practice, goal kicking and remember to eat healthily. Taking advantage of all the things on offer and making the most of your time at school are also high on his list.

The 1st XV rugby team enjoyed a masterclass with Ruairi in November. He ran a hooker workshop, teaching the boys some key tips and tricks and how to be successful on the playing field. It was an insightful afternoon of rugby and the boys were grateful to have Ruairi’s input.

40 Years of Friendship

Titus Drummond Whilst on leave from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, June and July 2016, Titus Drummond (75E) spent just over two months riding a 500cc Royal Enfield around the top half of India. Seeing meteorite craters, ancient rock art, the Himalayas, balancing stones, temples galore, the butterflies his grandfather donated to the Bombay Natural History Society in 1921, the tomb of Mother Teresa and the waters of the Ganges splash around his feet, he would have done the bottom half too but he ran out of time...

After India, Titus proceeded to Sri Lanka where he covered another thousand miles on a hired Bajaj, specifically visiting the pole sitting fishermen at Galle and the megalithic burial site at Ibbankatuwa.

Titus expects to return to sea (and more adventures) mid August.

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Four OVs enjoyed themselves in the summer of 2016, having made friends during their time at Shiplake in the 1970s. From left to right: Peter Ruffell (78W), Miles Brazier (78W), Russell Brazier (78W) and Rory McGuigan (78W).

Peter comments: ‘we have known each other since Shiplake and have remained close friends ever since.

Here’s to the next 40 years!’

Staff Bid Fond Farewell The Shiplake College community has bid a farewell to much-loved members of staff, who depart from the College to pursue new adventures and follow new career paths. School Accountant Kim Burrell leaves after 11 years in the role. Head of Physics Luke Cottrell leaves after five and a half years here.

Luke, a popular member of the Science Department, has been an integral member of the DofE team.

At the end of the 2016 Summer Term, we also bid farewell to Director of Sport James Gaunt, Head of Business Andrew White, Head of History Catherine Munro, English teacher Emma Armstrong, Science teacher and Gilson Assistant Housemistress Rebecca McKellar, Science teacher Nick Sexton, Mathematics teacher and OV Chris Ellaby, English teacher Jane Redley, Theology and Philosophy teacher Tristan Elby, History teacher and Skipwith Assistant Housemistress Vicki Stratton, Business and Economics teacher Kevin Bloor, and Catering Manager Blain Shepherd.

We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

Sir McAlpine Steps Down as Governor Sir William McAlpine has stepped down as a Governor of Shiplake College after a significant 27 years in the post. Sir McAlpine joined the Governing Body at Shiplake following the death of his father, Lord McAlpine of Moffat, in the January of 1990.

Congratulations to Felicity and Toby Raper (08S) on their wedding, in March 2016.

James Burridge Many would have heard OV James Burridge (99O) during the 2016 Wimbledon action on the BBC; a successful sports commentator, James has enjoyed a flourishing career in journalism since leaving Shiplake.

In addition, James currently presents the Football League magazine show Late Kick Off. He started his career at The Sunday Telegraph and Eurosport, where he reported on the World Cup in 2002 before joining the BBC in 2003.

James will be interviewing sporting legends Andy Goode, Zinzan Brooke, Alex Gregory and Crista Cullen at the College's Sports Tour Fundraising Dinner on Saturday 4 March.

Sir William, who has spent his life working in the family construction business, was able to carry on the prized, started by his late father, of a helicopter ride for boys who have shown the most progress throughout the year.

Headmaster Gregg Davies commented: ‘both William and his wife Judith have been highly supportive of me and of the College in general. I wish him all the very best for the future.’

Deakin & Francis

Inspired by Scandinavian Pirates, the Hairy Viking Collection of cufflinks features some of the world's most innovative cufflinks.

Designed and hand-crafted by Old Viking James Deakin (94E), this collection was made from sterling silver with a rose gold-plated finish, ruby eyes and quirky hairy beads.

Visit www.deakinandfrancis.co.uk to see a wealth of other unique and unusual designs.

Dominic Parnell Old Viking Dominic Parnell (14B) made a splash at the Metropolitan Regatta at Dorney Lake, winning the IM1 coxless fours in July 2016.

Dominic, who joined Shiplake on a rowing scholarship aged 15, won national schools' medals in eights and fours. He has since gone on to be selected for the England squad, after earning a senior England selection and taking on the home nations.

Dominic also reached the quarterfinals of the Wyfold Cup at the HRR, alongside brother Nick.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 29

OVS News and Events

Chris Standring Chris Standring (78E) left Shiplake College with a passion for music, making that passion a successful career. Kirsty Jelowitz caught up to see what was next in the pipeline...

I

had attended a secondary school for two years before I came to Shiplake, but I had a really hard time keeping up. I was shy, and large classrooms with 30 people were somewhat daunting to me! My parents took me out of school and sent me to Shiplake, and it was like starting again, which is something I needed.

Shiplake allowed me to bloom in my own time. I’m not sure that “influence” is the right word to describe Shiplake, but it certainly got me up to speed, and allowed me to practice and the teachers encouraged my guitar playing.

"Encouraging a passion at a young age is a thing to behold, because that is the one thing that is going to blossom eventually anyway. You can’t stop a drive that is bigger than you. So why not embrace it?"

I was always a part of several bands at Shiplake, and we would rehearse in the water tower. That was great fun.

We even played a couple of concerts in the Great Hall.

Malcolm Woodcock was my first music teacher who had a big impact. I liked him because he saw potential in me and was so encouraging.

My parents gave me a mono record player for my 13th birthday and I devoured music. At that time I was nuts about a Dutch guitar player called Jan Akkerman who was in a band called Focus. I bought all their albums.

There was a big progressive rock phase at this time and as pretentious as it all was, I ate it up.

I had toy guitars every birthday from age two until I was old enough to hold a real one. I was six years old at that time. I remember the day well. I think when you play at such a young age, the instrument chooses you, not the other way around! I also play the keyboards (not brilliantly), and I regret not honing that skill as a youngster. I didn’t come from a particularly musical family, but they are all music lovers. None of my close 30 OVS MAGAZINE 2017

relations played to any high level or pursued for too long. I was the only crazy one who thought it might be a good idea to keep going.

So what advice would Chris give to starting musicians?

Nerves aren’t necessarily a bad thing. For me, I remember back in music school that being nervous caused a little anxiety in my head so I would start to ask myself if I really knew the music I was playing. I would totally get in my own way and before you knew it, I would blank and lose my place in the music. I realised later that if I really knew the music inside and out, then no matter how nervous I was, it couldn’t affect the performance because I had been so thorough. But sometimes it takes a while to build that confidence.

Preparation is the key. Know the music as well as you can. (Or any subject for that matter.) But also know that it’s just music. That’s all it is.

And does he still get nervous?

I haven’t for a long time but I’m very familiar with it. I have a big concert coming up which is a live recording/ filming with an audience. In my head that all seems quite scary, but psychologically, if I can just get out of my own way and play the music, it will all be just fine.

I used to teach for many years. I haven’t given a private lesson for about 20 years now though. It is something I may do again but I’m on overload as it is at the moment.

I do have several guitar instructional programs online however. Go to www.playjazzguitar.com to see them all.

"Balance is the key to a happy life."

For many years I had an unhealthy obsession with music and as a result I missed out on having a family. I’m trying to turn that all around but it may be too late. Music can be all encompassing, but family and friends, that is the true meaning of life. That is what matters most.

Chris has since moved from the UK to a sunnier climate in LA.

I really miss Marmite, a British sense of humour, the architecture, cobbled streets and the sense of sophistication. But there is much I don’t miss about England too. I get to come home once or twice a year.

I have been an American citizen for about twelve years now. I definitely feel more akin to the American way of life. I have lived here for about 26 years. When I come back to England I do feel a sense of familiarity, but not belonging. So I guess Los Angeles is home.

I have this upcoming UK tour culminating with a live concert/recording/videotaping at Cadagan Hall in Chelsea on Sunday 5 March, with special guest Mica Paris. It actually came about because I got to know a promoter who brought me over to Saint Lucia to play a show last year and we became good friends.

JazzFM in London were also a part of it. It was their idea to put on another show with me but record it for a future album and film it at the same time. I said why not. Then we thought about bringing in a special

guest. We asked Mica and she said yes. I also have an 8 piece string orchestra and 4 dancers so it is quite a lavish production. Other than that I need to start work on a new album this year which would be released beginning of 2018. So there’s lots to do.

"If there was one piece of advice I could pass on, it would be to follow your passion. That is the one thing that sticks with you and enables you to surmount hurdles along the road."

When you are not passionate about something it is too easy to give up. But if you have an inner drive that gets the best of you, and you can find out how to monetise it, you can have a fabulous life!

Chris’ book, Something in the Stars, is now available on www.amazon.com.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 31

OVS News and Events

Bursary Fund We heard from three Old Vikings about their experiences, gained with the help of the Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund. To apply for the fund, please email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk with your proposed trip and 250 words on why the society should choose to support you

by Monday 3 April 2017.

Without the OVS Gap Year and Alumni Fund I wouldn’t have been able to travel to the United States, to attend Harvard Summer School and study political communication and Muslim politics. I got to meet new people, and learn from renowned political experts. The seven week intensive courses covered a semester’s worth of content, which created its own set of challenges but was ultimately incredibly rewarding.

This has contributed to the work on my Master’s programme which I’m currently finishing in London.

I would highly encourage past and present students who are considering further study beyond University to apply for the OVS Gap Year and Alumni Bursary fund.

The experience was a once in a life time opportunity which will help further my research in the political and social factors surrounding the rehabilitation and support of exoffenders.

Claire Venables (10O)

In July, I went to Athens with my youth group from church to help with the refugee crisis. We worked and stayed at the Athens Christian Centre who were linked with the charity CRY (Care and Relief for the Young). It was a tough but amazing experience.

We mainly worked at the camp at the port in Athens called Pireas. There were so many tents pitched. We set up a screen and speakers to show the children some films, made sandwiches to hand out and took games to play with the children, like skipping and football. We heard some of their stories and many of them were heartbreaking.

We also went to the 2004 Olympic basketball arena which was being used as a warehouse to store supplies, where we spent a day sorting through boxes to make sure they were ready to hand out. I want to say a massive thank you to the OVS for supporting me to go on this trip.

Orla Brown (16S)

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Last summer I spent five weeks travelling around Thailand along with 10 days in Cambodia. These days were spent volunteering at Treak Community Centre, a charity funded school based in the heart of Siem Reap. The school survives on donations from the UK to employ staff and relies massively on the use of volunteers; without this the local community would lack education.

For the short period that I was there I felt such warmth from the teachers, pupils and locals and this proved to me that I had to do my bit. Most of my time was made up producing a film for the charity. I went from class to class capturing the exciting lessons that the teachers and volunteers put on.

Outside the lessons the children would learn how to brush their teeth, eat healthily; it is clear how happy and excited the children are from being at school. This was by far the best decision I’ve ever made and I’ve made so many special memories from it.

Cam Whitelaw (16S)

Old Viking Maddie Reynolds undertook the epic challenge of swimming across Lake Geneva

F

or most, swimming across Lake Geneva perhaps isn’t the idea of a holiday.

But for motivated Old Viking Maddie Reynolds (09O), it was the perfect break.

Following a period of 10 months of injury Maddie was finally given the all clear to recommence “light exercise”. Having been informed that she was not allowed to run any marathons or to row, she took this as a challenge and searched for a swim to train for not quite realising where this would lead her.

In her own words she describes the journey...

“Eleven months later, after a lot of training, blood, sweat and a fair few tears my swimming partner Sophie and I were standing on a boat in Villeneuve, Switzerland. We took the plunge and swam out to our starting point at Chateau De Chillion. This was 69.8km away from our finish point of Bain De Paquis.

The swim is run by the LGSA who are regulated by Channel swimming rules. Once we started the swim

we were not allowed to touch the boat, be assisted by other people, wear a wetsuit or change our swim rotations once in the water. Our plan was to swim in 4 hour cycles, relay style. In theory this should have meant that after three 4 hour cycles each we should have reached Bain De Paquis.

As the buzzer went we ran into the water, blissfully unaware of the challenges that awaited us. Currents and wind would make our journey that bit harder and longer than originally anticipated. Due to the large size of the lake there are a lot of currents.

Three cycles of 4 hours, high waves, winds and 6 hours of darkness later, I was fatigued, emotionally wrung out and seriously wanting to just go and curl up in a ball. But with my partner we worked out we both needed to do another 4 hours each.

We rallied together and with amazing support from our crew, we finished in style. In fact, we did the fastest swimming we had done in any of our cycles - all this in the blazing sun.

Finally, we walked onto the beach at Bain De Paquis in Geneva, surrounded by family and friends, after 30 hours and 42 minutes of swimming in the vast expanse of the lake.

Without Sophie I may not have even made it onto the boat to begin with and I am eternally grateful to her. As a team we could not have made it without our joint hero Graham (our support crew) who kept us going for 30 hours and made sure we finished and achieved the accreditation.

So far I haven’t been able to return to the lake without feeling ill but I’m sure that will be replaced in time by a feeling of accomplishment. We are part of a small group of less than 30 people to have swam the length of Lac Leman.

Looking to the immediate future, I hope to accomplish the triple crown: Manhattan, Catalina Channel and the English Channel in 2017/2018.

Good luck to Maddie in all her endeavours - we look forward to hearing how she gets on in the 20 Bridges Swim in Manhattan on 8 September 2017.

OVS MAGAZINE 2017 33

OVS News and Events

Chris Cracknell

C

on the Olympics, life in Fiji and what the future holds...

hris Cracknell (00O) has recently returned from living in Fiji, coaching the Olympic Rugby 7s team for their Gold medal.

Here, Kirsty Jelowitz catches up with the year that was, and what is to come in 2017...

What a momentous year for 2016 has been for you! As Assistant Coach of the gold medal winning Fiji Men’s 7s team. How special was the Olympic experience?

The experience of the Olympics was very special to me for a number of reasons. Sadly, my rugby career was cut short by injury and I was given the opportunity to go out and work with the Fiji national rugby sevens team. This meant that I could follow my dream of going to the Olympics but in a different capacity as a Coach.

It was fantastic to work with a country as humble as Fiji.

Before I went I wasn’t aware that this was to be Fiji’s first ever medal of any kind. To be a part of that success was an amazing experience for me and to work with such great people and a nation such as Fiji was a fantastic opportunity.

I was only 28 when unfortunately, injury struck.

I didn’t necessarily plan for what was next - I had done a fair amount of coaching, including at Shiplake College and internationally with the England women’s sevens team in a player-coaching role capacity. I didn’t necessarily know that was the route I

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would go down. I spent 3 or 4 months in and out of hospital because of the severity of the injury, battling with infection in the wound after the operation.

I had a 4-6 month period of not knowing what was next or which way to go so it was relief when the opportunity to go to Fiji arose. I was relieved to get out of London and experience a different and new culture and lifestyle. It turned into a career move rather than being about that in the first place.

You spent many years touring the world on the HSBC Sevens World Series with England 7s. What are your best memories from those events and which were your favourite places to visit?

Dubai and Hong Kong are fantastic places to go and play. My personal favourite is the Wellington Sevens in New Zealand. It is the first tournament I ever won playing for England and I love the NZ culture – it is a fantastic place to go and visit, I have lots of friends there so it is like a home away from home. Anyone who plays rugby will know or come to realise wherever you pitch up to a rugby club you almost inherit 30, 40 or 50 mates. It’s a great culture in the sense that when you move to a new club or place you all of a sudden have friends and people that look out for you.

I have been very, very lucky to travel to the places I have travelled to. I still travel a lot now and I have friends all over the world in South Africa, New Zealand, Fiji, Dubai, America etc. It gets expensive when it

comes to wedding season - air miles come in very handy!

What’s the best bit of advice you could give to Shiplake College pupils about following their dreams and reaching their potential?

I am a big believer in life that everything happens for a reason but you have got to put in the effort. I was always very lucky that my family consistently gave me the opportunity to do whatever I wanted to do. Mum and Dad always supported me to the hilt and because of that I always believed in myself, that I could go and do the things I wanted to do.

The fantastic thing about Shiplake College is that it gives you all of those opportunities.

My advice to the students would be to make the most of the school and its facilities. The rest will fall into place. Anything that doesn’t fall into place you will learn from and you will become the better person for it. I learned this the hard way.

It is about learning from your mistakes and moving forward.

Would you encourage pupils to travel?

Yes 100% - the world is such

a small place. I lived in Fiji on the other side of the world and could be home in 24 hours.

Cultural experiences are hugely important. In Fiji we had morning and evening prayer sessions and sermons. One day, someone said what are the three most important things in life?

At the time I was sat there on my phone texting home and my colleague sitting next to me was checking social media.

I did think to myself a car, or a house. Having been forced to retire early from my rugby career I felt that the world owed me one but by the time I had gathered my thoughts all the boys in the room turned around and said food, shelter, water.

That moment for me was such an experience. It made me realise that what is important in life aren’t necessarily the things I was thinking about. These guys come from such humble beginnings and background.

Everything they do, they do for their family. Certainly, coming back to the UK experiencing the Fijian culture has changed my perspective but also has made

me realise that you have to take every day for what you can get out of it.

What’s next for you?

I have been very lucky to coach and go to the Olympics – never say never but I feel now is the time to move away from Sevens and explore a few other business opportunities and a few other things in rugby that I want to do. I feel like it is a turning point, move forward and go on to other things. Now is very much an exploring period of looking at other businesses and other opportunities and trying to keep within the game as much as possible.

What is your abiding memory of the College and how did Shiplake help you in your later career?

When I was at Shiplake, the school was fantastic at giving boys the opportunity to not necessarily stick to the norm. It gave me the opportunity to play many sports and didn’t try and force me to become an academic

which I certainly wasn’t - any teacher that taught me will definitely testify to that! My abiding memory of school is that it gave me a good education and the ability to believe in myself.

I was encouraged to make the best of what I’ve got and not pressurised into thinking that I needed to be an academic to move on in life.

The school has grown massively and has moved on so much since I was here. Shiplake gave me the foundations to be the person I am today. The opportunities that I have got through life have definitely come from having a great education at Shiplake.

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OVS Announcements

Marjorie White, 1929-2016 Marjorie was a great believer in community and supporting those around her. Within the close community of a boarding school these were invaluable assets. When, in 1988 Marjorie agreed to provide shortterm cover in the English Department, few people realised what an important role Marjorie would come to play in Shiplake life. Although working part-time Marjorie was ever present, with her husband Malcolm, at Sunday morning chapel, pouring coffee afterwards, and ensuring that newcomers felt included in the community. Marjorie and Malcolm, a fascinating man from another era, who had bowled at Bradman and flown Spitfires, were also frequent supporters at cricket, hockey and rugger fixtures.

Having served as Head of English at Gillotts, Marjorie brought a wealth of teaching experience to both English and Learning Support Departments. Many pupils have Marjorie to thank for their progress in developing their language skills.

Many of us have memories of Marjorie singing with the choir and helping out younger musicians at the concerts or carol service. Come summer Marjorie was a tireless supporter of Malcolm Woodcock's Summer spectaculars. Whether it happened to be Jesus Christ Superstar, The Mikado or one of Malcolm's ambitious creations Marjorie would spend hours developing the choreography. In retirement, cycling down the hill from her home in Binfield Heath, Marjorie continued to be a great supporter of Shiplake College, attending performances and Old Viking reunions.

Marjorie died in July 2016 and the warmth of tributes, from the many who gathered for her Memorial Service, gave some indication of how important Marjorie had been to so many, within the Shiplake community, Henley and beyond.

Thank you to former staff member Michael Edwards for providing this touching tribute to Marjorie.

Derek Drury, 1926-2016 I was a school boy at Shiplake College from 1967-1972 where Derek was a Housemaster and Head of History. In the spring of 1968 Derek put a group of hopeful boys together and sat us in a rowing trainer which was fixed to the river bank, to see if he could turn us into a rowing crew. That spring there was born a group of us that would one day become Shiplake College 1st Eight. Over the next four and a half years under Derek Drury’s expert guidance and watchful eye he turned a very fortunate collection of boys into competitive strong young men, who learned lessons in responsibility, brotherhood, fair play and that nothing is achieved without hard work and dedication.

Lessons that would stay with us our lifetime and nurture close friendships that have endured to the present day. All this was another layer of our education solely due to Derek. During those years from 1968-1972 Derek coached us every day, sculling from the landing stages at Shiplake up to Sonning Lock – technique training, stamina training, and racing. Derek was in the mix, sculling alongside us, rowing the one and a half minute intervals himself too. From sculling we honed our skills that eventually saw us progress to training in an eight, skills that reflected Derek Drury’s famed rowing rhythm and synchronisation that were the hallmark of a 'Drury’ crew. It was a discipline that again was another part of a life education… to work as a team, and to be a team player.

Derek’s enthusiasm and ethos saw this crew have more successes than disappointments; he also fundraised for a new boat which contributed to our fair share of silverware. I think we all felt we were very much a part of Derek’s rowing family, and were probably not fully aware at the time of how very lucky we were.

Looking back now as I am writing this, it strikes me that Derek Drury gave up a huge amount of his time for us even though he had a wife and a young family, as well as all his other professional duties in education. Derek was always mild mannered with his mentoring of us, encouraging with our successes and never making or taking issue if we underperformed or underachieved, his manner firm yet always mild. When we won events I have an overriding memory that Derek just stood back and let his young men take the limelight for that moment in time, knowing probably that he had made a difference, a difference that we could one day take with us in our own lives. I believe for me that was his greatest success. Dear Derek Drury, what a man – all of us far richer for knowing him.

Thank you to Mike Fabb (72E), 1st VIII Captain, 1971-1972.

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Jason Cleaver (83W), 1964-2016 My earliest memory of Jason was of him playing rugby for the first time in his life at 3rd form. The following term we were all playing hockey. Jason spent a great deal of time in goal and introduced a new technique for catching the ball. Unable to get a ball with his stick during a short range fight, he would deliberately fall on to it, and hope it was still there by the time he landed. To some extent this was successful, although occasionally he got hit in the ribs by a stick! He switched to rowing. This he did not like as it involved great physical effort, but his mother and father told me one summer holiday that he was to continue with this as they had never seen him in such great shape, and I had to override his wishes and tell his Housemaster (Bob Esau) that he had to row. He was involved in Drama and had a role in every school play; the

soothsayer in Julius Caesar, and in other productions a worker bee, a teacher, a comic farmer. By the time he was in his final year he had the lead role in And Then There Were None. We stayed friends after school and kept in touch, by going to see films and theatre shows together.

In the summer of 1986 horror befell his family; his grandparents and parents were murdered. When Jason was told of the event the following day he knew he only had his sister left. They stayed together, sharing two homes over time. Jason filled the shoes of his father and walked his sister up the church aisle and surprised many with his speech to the wedding party. Jason moved into his own home but always kept in touch. After the death of his parents and three years after leaving Shiplake, Bob Esau kept in contact with Jason and between them agreed to have the Welsh house library re-stocked and named after Jason’s father.

Captain Steve Morris, 1922-2016 After serving 25 years in the Royal Army Physical Training Corps, Steve started working at Shiplake in 1963, primarily as a PE and Games Master and also training the CCF. He retired from the College in 1988 and moved with his wife, my mother, from Caversham to Holmer Green in 1990 to be closer to his daughter (me) and his grandson. Unexpectedly his beloved wife, Doris, died the following year. My father lived independently until March 2016 when he sadly passed away aged 94 years after a short illness.

Thank you to Steve's daughter Jill Hagley for the tribute to her much-loved father, Steve.

Last year Jason found himself being the subject of a fly on the wall documentary, 24 Hours in A&E (series 10 episode 23). Jason, with unexplained blindness, and I sat in A&E for over 12 hours; me making conversation, getting him food and escorting him when he was taken in and out of various departments. All the time, the cameras in the waiting rooms were watching us. We wondered what impression viewers would get of us and it dawned on us it might be of a couple that lived together – we did our utmost to drop hints we were not!

Jason had a rollercoaster of medical issues in the final year of his life. Already a diabetic, he had a number of unexplained health problems resulting in being put on various drugs, some causing deep depression and had an effect on his employability. Jason died in his sleep of natural causes. 51 is too young.

Thank you to Matthew Palmer (82B) for providing this tribute to his friend.

Trudy Wilson, 1924-2016 Trudy taught for several years at Shiplake; she loved the College and often reminisced about the students she had and how much she enjoyed teaching them. It was a very happy and positive final post in her long teaching career.

Upon leaving school, Trudy worked as a teleprinter operator for the signals section at RAF Heywood. From 1946 to 1948 she volunteered in Warsaw, Poland, first as a member of the Council of Foreign Voluntary Agencies, then with Save the Children. In 1949 Trudy trained as a primary schoolteacher where she met Raymond. They married in 1950. Trudy worked at a number of schools before joining Shiplake College, where her focus was teaching pupils with dyslexia. Her husband Raymond was a Governor at the College for a number of years.

Trudy passed away in May of 2016, at the age of 92.

Thank you to Trudy's daughter, Moira Wilson, for the touching tribute to her kind-hearted mother, Trudy.

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Keep in Touch!

WHY? Once a Viking, always a Viking.

Let us know your contact details, and we can: • invite you to all upcoming events and activities • keep you up to date with news from the College • keep you in touch with your peers and their achievements • discounts and offers for Old Vikings • network with a variety of OVs’ businesses

HOW? There are many ways to keep in touch with the Old Vikings: • www.ovslive.co.uk • oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk • www.facebook.com/oldvikings • 0118 940 2455 • www.twitter.com/old_vikings

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

Come along to one of our upcoming Open Mornings if you are interested in sending your son/daughter to Shiplake: • Saturday 18 March 2017 - 9.30am • Saturday 30 September 2017 (Sixth Form only) - 9.30am • Saturday 14 October 2017 - 9.30am We accept registrations throughout the year. If you are interested in registering your child for a specific year group, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Esther Pasmore, at registrar@shiplake.org.uk or on 01189 402 455 OVS MAGAZINE 2017 39 Further information is available at www.shiplake.org.uk

Dates for Your Diary Thurs

Fri

30 March

Sat

1 April

Tues

Soloists' Concert

Ten Years On Reunion

Spring Concert

7.00pm Great Hall Shiplake College

6.00pm/6.30pm OVR Shiplake College

7.00pm Sports Hall Shiplake College

23 June

Fri

OVS Cricket vs Staff

23 June

Mon

26 June

Sat

1 July

Boat Club Dinner

Summer Concert

Henley Royal Regatta

7.00pm Leander Club Henley-on-Thames

7.00pm Prize Giving Marquee Shiplake College

4.00pm Henley Cricket Club Shiplake College

9 Sept

Sat

OVS Regatta and Dinner 3.30pm & 6.30pm Shiplake College

Sat

23 June

5.30pm Front Field Shiplake College

7.00pm Great Hall Shiplake College

24 June

Sat

Fri

One Year OVS Cricket vs 1st XI On Reunion

5.30pm Front Field Shiplake College

Sat

4 April

11 Nov

9 Sept

Sat

16 Sept

Touch Rugby Tournament

Revival Regatta

2.00pm New Field Shiplake College

2.00pm Dorney Lake Eton

Fri

17 Nov

Thurs

7 Dec

Christmas Fayre

Friday Night Lights

London Reunion

10.00am - 2.30pm Sports Hall Shiplake College

7.00pm Henley Rugby Club Henley-on-Thames

From 6.00pm Location TBC London

For further information and to book tickets (if required) for events, please visit www.shiplake.org.uk.

Alternatively, contact the Alumni and Events Officer at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk or call 01189 405 231.