It has been a busy few weeks as we near the end of term, particularly so for Reverend Stephen Cousins and his Chapel Warden team! The Riverside Communion, and the final Holy Communion, have both recently taken place. On Wednesday 14 June, Shiplake College held the annual riverside communion. This is a popular event; set against the banks of the Thames, bringing staff, pupils, members of the local parish churches and other local schools together.
After a welcome from the Chaplain, Revd Robert Thewsey, the Rector of Shiplake, Dunsden and Harpsden churches, led the communion service which included prayers read by the congregation, readings and hymns accompanied beautifully by the brass band. It proved to be a very memorable, moving evening. A refreshments reception followed the service, allowing time for reflection and socialising.
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On Friday 16 June the final Friday Holy Communion service of the academic year took place. Despite the early morning struggle, about 25 pupils and staff, joined by Rev Robert Thewsey, were keen to attend the service which promised to be a memorable communion.
It is customary for the Final Communion service to be held at 6.30am, at the very top of the tower of Skipwith House. A rather unusual place to hold a Holy Communion, it has nonetheless become a Shiplake tradition and was upheld this year in glorious sunshine. It is well worth climbing the narrow, dusty staircase to the top of the tower as the view from the top so early in the morning is beautiful.
Following the short service, The Rev took the opportunity to encourage students – even those without a head for heights – to take photos of the breath-taking surrounding landscape! The pupils were fortunate as the weather smiled down on them, giving them brilliant sun for the outdoor service. After a thought-provoking and moving service, the pupils headed back downstairs to enjoy a breakfast together.