200 guests attended the Shiplake College Diamond Ball on Saturday 22 June to celebrate the College’s 60th anniversary. The event was also a chance to bid farewell to Mr Davies, Headmaster of Shiplake College, as he retires after 15 successful years.
The evening started with drinks on the front field as the sun set, before guests moved into the stunning marquee, which had been decorated by parent Dawn Greenaway with assistance from the Parents' Association committee. Attendees were then treated to a special three-course meal by Thomas Franks Ltd, which included a salmon rillettes starter, followed by roast chicken with a celeriac and truffle puree and chocolate and Baileys cannelloni to finish.
The evening included a raffle and auction which raised over £10,000. Proceeds are to be divided between the College’s More Than A Boathouse campaign and the Parents’ Association chosen charities this year: Gap Africa, the John Radcliffe Neuro Ward, the OCE Rehab Facility, which were chosen in honour of the support given to Shiplake Pupil, H Greenaway after his life threatening and life changing car accident last year.
Dawn Greenaway, who has had three boys attend the College spanning the last ten years, made a speech reminiscing about her sons' experiences at the College, specifically mentioning Mr Davies and his leadership and commitment to bringing out the best in every pupil. Later on in the evening, there was a chance for guests to have a boogie to brilliant live band, Bloc Off The Wall.
Headmaster, Gregg Davies said: “The evening was a fantastic occasion, with sumptuous food and great company. It combined almost everything that I enjoy, including an energetic band which played some of my favourite 80's hits, so I made full use of the dance floor! The speech from Dawn Greenaway was a real highlight, it was also so lovely for Alison and I to have so many friends there, who we have made since being at Shiplake.”
Shiplake College Events Officer, Catherine Brazil said, “What a fantastic way to mark our 60th anniversary, it really was an incredible evening. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the event and to the members of our fabulous Parents' Association, for all their help decorating the marquee and organising the charity raffle.”
