Christmas Is Coming

Another successful Shiplake College Christmas Fayre has triggered the start of the festive season, with a number of events planned before the end of term which are sure to stir up celebratory spirit amongst pupils and staff.

The fayre, held last weekend, generated a charming atmosphere in the transformed sports hall. Decorative chandeliers hung from the indoor marquee to complete the air of sophistication in the room. The tamesis chamber choir were on hand to provide a beautiful live musical accompaniment as guests made their way around the array of enticing stalls.

Christmas decorations and gifts such as flavoured vodkas, candles, limited edition prints and luxury jewellery flew off the... tables. Tasty treats were not in short supply, with pretzels, mince pies and turkey rolls all proving popular. It was the Krispy Kremes, however, which captured the attention of the younger audience. The donuts sold out within 20 minutes. Classics including a tombola and ‘guess the weight of the cake’ competition drew in the crowds, with Leonie Brown winning the crested masterpiece.

The Parents’ Association were delighted with how things went. Chairwoman Katie Sloman commented:”I thought the atmosphere in the hall was superb, and the choir really lifted the event. The stall holders were very pleased with the turnout and their lovely products seemed to be very well received. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved, including the groundsmen who had the arduous task of putting up the indoor marquee, and the Shiplake pupils who worked so hard!” More photos from the Fayre can be viewed in our media gallery (click on the camera icon in the bottom left corner of the screen).

The sports hall will be transformed once again on Thursday 27 November for the Shiplake Winter Concert. This is always a fabulous event which showcases the talents of our musicians. Incredibly, around 250 pupils will be performing. This term’s non-uniform day will also adopt a seasonal theme, supporting Save the Children’s ‘Christmas Jumper Day’. All pupils taking part are asked to donate £2 to this worthy charity, although wearing a Christmas jumper is optional.