Thursday 14 May marked Ascension Day; a celebration that marks the Christ’s ascension into Heaven, on the Thursday 40 days after Easter. The celebration, also known as Holy Thursday, is observed by the Christian Church to mark the day that Jesus, in the presence of his 11 apostles, was taken up to Heaven in his resurrected body. Traditionally, services are held on high points or hills.
Year 13 Shiplake students received an early morning to celebrate the occasion, heading out to Maidensgrove - the highest point around - to play rounders at 6.30am! The early start and cold morning did nothing to deter students; still bleary-eyed and, in some cases, wrapped up in pyjamas, the pupils piled into the minibuses and headed to participate in the annual rounders game. Through prayer, the College leavers were invited to reflect upon their time at Shiplake.
Deputy Head Chapel Warden Emma Haynes had the following to report on the match:
'The strong turnout of students meant that two teams could be formed, one captained by the Head Chapel Warden, and one by the Deputy Head Chapel Warden. The teams were able to play seven outs. Despite the wind and the constant threat of rain, the matches were competitive, and thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. The game had an incredibly close final score, finishing with just half a point between them: 10.5 points to the Head Chapel Warden’s team, and 10 to the Deputy Head Chapel Warden’s team. The early morning match meant that quite an appetite had been worked up! Luckily, Reverend Stephen Cousins and Mrs Marion Cousins were on hand with a big breakfast, and the students enjoyed a well-deserved meal of fruit, sausage rolls and doughnuts, before heading back to school. It was a fantastic morning and, despite the very early start, highly entertaining.'
The Ascension Day service for Juniors took place once back at school. Head Chapel Warden Barney Aldridge gave a welcome speech, and an address was given by Reverend Nicholas Cheeseman, thee Vicar of All Saints Reading and Assistant Area Dean of Reading. Prayers were led and blessings given by the Chaplain; a very touching service to mark a momentous day in Christian teachings.
