Whilst the annual Shiplake Regatta itself had to be called off due to a torrential downpour, a boat naming ceremony went ahead to mark the arrival of a new coxless pair. Jim Neale, a current parent and also Old Viking, was the highest bidder at the Boat Club fundraising dinner last October and so earned the right to name the newest addition to the Boat Club's fleet.
Jim explains "I chose the name of Peter Caston as he was my cousin who came to teach at Shiplake in 1977. He went on to become Housemaster of Burr in 1980 but was diagnosed with stomach cancer in the autumn term of 1981 and died in May 1982. He was only 33 and his ashes were interred in Shiplake church. His two sons subsequently attended the school and Tom also returned as a teacher and actually help set up the new Lower School for Year 7/8 intake. There are a number of memorials for similar tragedies around the school but not one for Pete, although there is a speech day award in his name."
Jim was joined by Peter Caston's wife and daughter for the unveiling of the named boat. Peter's son Tom, who followed in his father's footsteps into education and is now Deputy Head Pastoral at Framlingham College, was unfortunately unable to attend the event but comments "Whilst my father was in no way a rower (he was 5"9 and slim), he had been offered a professional cricket contract with Derbyshire as a young man and coached the 2nd XI at Shiplake. He loved the College (as do we all) and I always hear what a wonderful and life-changing teacher he was - hard to live up to my end! The boat is a perfect way of keeping his name visible in and around the school, thank you. It was fantastic that my mother and sister were able to make it over for the ceremony; they had a lovely time and were touched by the effort that was made by the Boat Club."
Mr David Currie, Director of Rowing, added that "The new boat will make a big difference to the Boat Club as not only do we need good quality pairs for racing at Great Britain trials, they are also useful for younger or novice rowers as they learn small boats skills, before going into the bigger boats later in the year. Thank you to Jim Neale for his support to the Boat Club and for choosing such an appropriate name."
