One of the current highlights in the Year 9 calendar is the overnight camp on Lynch Island in the middle of the Thames, owned by the College. This was first introduced in 2005 by new Headmaster Gregg Davies. Speaking about the enterprise in the 2006 OVS Magazine he said:
"Our 'Island Adventure', perhaps it should be renamed 'I'm a Year 9 get me out of here,' exemplified what Shiplake is all about. A team from the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers came in to put our Year 9 through some initiative and team-building exercises before the boys crossed to our island in the Thames to construct their accommodation for the night. After a shower and breakfast, the next morning, the boys were back in lessons for 08.45. That is an educational experience that prepares pupils for whatever life has to offer."
A full review of the inaugural event was published in The Court
The Army, Navy and RAF sections of Shiplake College were brought to attention for the visit of Captain J.D.D. Murphie. Having previously commanded the Navy in Iraq, and helped to rebuild the Iraqi Navy, he was then the Royal Navy assistant director for policy and plans. The gruelling day of competition included orienteering, skill at arms, raft building, basher building and field cooking, concluding with a formidable log race. Guest Peter Webb, who played a major role in the development of the Army, Navy and RAF sections of Shiplake College while teaching here for 27 years, returned in order to judge the turnout for the Anstruther Cup, awarded for smartness of dress and drill. Accompanied by contingent commander, Major Peter Hose, Captain Murphie presented the cup and the competition shield, won by Burr House.
The banner party led by Julian Kunkler and Daniel Lighter
It was a time for celebration at the Shiplake College hockey club dinner. The 1st XI had enjoyed a record season. They had begun well with a 5-0 win versus Pangbourne College and finished with a last gasp victory away against Bloxham School. The squad finished the season with eight wins and just one draw, a thrilling 4-4 game away to Stowe. At the dinner Chris Alstadt received the 'Players' Player Cup' for his outstanding work in defence. Grant Moseby took the award for 'Most Improved Player' and Leo Robarts with the remarkable record of 32 goals in nine games picked up the 'Outstanding Player' plate. In his speech, captain Ed Blanchard who, along with senior players Will Downing and Leo Robarts received a blazer badge for his contribution to Shiplake College Hockey, praised Peter Gould's skills as a coach and thanked his team for producing the best 1st XI hockey season ever at the college.
First XI Hockey Team 2005
The College community were saddened to learn of the death of our founder, Alexander Everett. Read his obituary from The Court magazine, here.
Our pupils of today are instantly recognisable in their iconic maroon, gold and black Shiplake stripy blazer, but what many pupils and parents might not be aware of is that it was actually only introduced in 2005 and the bold design was created by none other than the headmaster himself!
In the 2004-2005 Court magazine he refers to the new uniform: "I am keen that pupils understand the need to dress appropriately for any given occasion. It was comments from the boys that first made me think about changing the school uniform and introducing a much-discussed blazer."
Also in 2005:
- There was delayed celebration at the boat club after the Schools' Head held at the Tideway, London. Our J16 VIII returned from London convinced that they had put in an excellent row. Yet the provisional results published that evening showed them a disappointing last. Coaches were puzzled that a previously unbeaten crew could be so lowly placed. Master-in-charge of boats, Athol Hundermark, spent a busy few hours investigating and sending e-mails. Eventually the organisers announced that there were two timing errors and unfortunately Shiplake had been the victim of both of them. The J14 octuple tasted defeat for the first time but they were pleased with being placed fifth and the J16 VIII shot through the rankings to seventh when ten minutes were deducted from their time.
- Sixth Former rowers Charlie Jenkins and Martin Haymes represented GB in a pair and powered through to Gold Medals in their final of the Coupe de Jeunesse.
- It was announced that with effect from September 2006, Sixth Form girls would be given the option to board at the College.
- The library was given a facelift, partly funded by the Old Viking Society. The newly named ‘Old Viking Room’ was officially opened at the OVS annual dinner by OV David Sharpe, then managing director of the London Eye. Hans Wells-Furby, the OVS President, gave a short history of the room and its relationship to both the school and the building when it was a private house.
