On Saturday 27 April, Shiplake College opened its doors to welcome over 100 former pupils and staff to celebrate the School's Diamond Anniversary, with a very special lunch in the Great Hall.
Representatives from every decade were in attendance including two former staff members David Welsh and Hans Wells-Furby who both joined the College 59 years ago back in 1960. Welcome drinks were served in the Old Viking Room where guests chatted and reminisced. Three out of the four members of our 1964 rowing crew were once again reunited, smiling for a picture next to their names on the Rowing Honours Board.
After finally getting everybody together for a group photograph out on the terrace, guests were seated for lunch and officially welcomed back by President of the Old Viking Society, Hans Well-Furby, who also said grace. Following the smoked salmon starter, former pupil and Chairman of the Old Viking Society, Ben Fitzwilliams (87S) stood up and proposed a toast to current pupils. This was then reciprocated by the current Deputy Head of College, Sophia Hahn, who toasted all of the former pupils.
Guests were then treated to a delicious main course of roast beef with all the trimmings, prepared by our onsite caterers Thomas Franks. Following the main course, former Headmaster Peter Lapping, who was in attendance with his wife Diana, stood up and toasted the governors and former staff of the College. This was followed by a heartfelt toast from former staff member Ian Lowry, to each of the College’s six Headmasters, and their wives and families. The College was delighted to host representatives of four of our Headmasters: in addition to the Davies’ and the Lappings, Annabel Bevan, the widow of Nick Bevan and their two children attended as well as two of John Eggar’s sons Robin and Julian.
Dessert was the now signature Shiplake dish, ‘Shiplake Mess’, followed by a toast from one of our first ever pupils, Mike Shingler (64B), who thanked the College and the Old Viking Society for hosting the event. Current Headmaster, Gregg Davies then stood up and gave a most inspiring speech about how ‘Nothing changes; Everything changes’, pointing out how much the College has progressed in sixty years, yet how the ethos is exactly the same as it was on day one.
Visitors were then given the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane, with a tour of the College grounds and buildings before meeting back in the OVR for coffee and petit fours.
Alumni and Events Officer, Catherine Brazil, who organised the lunch said: 'It was an absolute pleasure to welcome back so many former pupils and staff to celebrate such a milestone in our history. There really was a sense of celebration as we looked back at what the College has achieved in sixty years. The fact that so many of the people that make up our history were in attendance made it all the more special!"
The 60th Anniversary lunch was just one of the ways the College is marking its anniversary. Follow the Shiplake at Sixty project here. The College will also be hosting a lavish Diamond Ball in the front Field Marquee on Saturday 22 June. More information and tickets are available here.
