2022 marks 60 years since the Shiplake College Boat Club was established. To mark the anniversary, we hosted a dinner at the College on Saturday 8 October 2022 to celebrate all things Shiplake rowing.
On an evening where there was a real sense of pride felt in the room at what had been achieved over the years, it was with great pleasure to welcome back former Headmasters Gregg Davies (2004–2019) and Peter Lapping (1979–1988), as well as Annabel and Emily Bevan, wife and daughter of Nick Bevan (1988–2004) and Tim Eggar, former Chair of Governors and son of John Eggar (Headmaster 1963–1979).
Additionally, it was fantastic to welcome back to the College rowers and coaches from every decade, Olympian Old Vikings, countless GB medalists, along with staff and parents of current rowers.
The evening started with a drinks reception followed by a three-course sit down dinner in the Great Hall, during which those attending heard from former Shiplake rowers from the last 60 years.
First to speak, from the 1960s, was Mike Shingler (64B) who was one of our first ever pupils, a founder member of the Boat Club, our first ever Captain of Boats, and a member of the incredibly successful 1964 quad. In his address, Mike said “we are very proud to have seen what the Boat Club has achieved today. Thank you, and thank you for everybody and well done to you all.”
Next, from the 1970s, was Ian Cruickshank (73W) who is a massive supporter of the College having been a member of the illustrious 1973 first VIII – the first crew to win a race at Henley Regatta, beating Hampton Grammer School on day two. Ian paid tribute to the numerous coaches that were a part of Shiplake rowing, and shared with the audience how different the boats were at the time – specifically the weight of the boats!
Alasdair Large (84S), from the 1980s, was next to address the hall. A name who is twice on the College’s rowing honours board, Alasdair represented the College at Henley Regatta in both 1983 and 1984. Talking about the cohesion within rowing, Alasdair paid tribute to the College’s impact when it came to teamwork and comradery, and what he gained from his years in the Boat Club.
Next, from the 1990s, was Mark Chatwin (96W). A Welsh House boy who was in the College’s first VIII in 1996, Mark's love of the water has continued as, in addition to being a current coach at Imperial College, he is also the UK representative for Empacher boats. Touching on his journey, Mark reflected on how he went from being initially terrible at rowing to still racing 30 years later!
Nick Quirke (00B), representing the 2000s, rowed for the College in 2000 and went on to win two gold medals for GB Juniors. Starting rowing when he was 14, Nick paid tribute to all of his former coaches at Shiplake, such as Brian McDonald, who together were J14 Champions at National Schools' Regatta.
Next to speak, from the 2010s, was Lucy Walker who rowed for the College between 2014 and 2016 and was a real trailblazer for girls' rowing at Shiplake. The first girls' rowing captain for Shiplake College, Lucy commended the progress Shiplake girls' rowing has made over the years. Speaking to raucous applause, she said “in 2021, like the lionesses this year, the girls did what the boys couldn’t do and brought Henley home!”
Lastly, and bringing us up to date starting from the College’s first ever Captain of Boats in Mike Shingler, were the College’s current Captains of Boats – Fred Fox and Georgia Catlin, who spoke to the audience about their rigorous training programme. Something that has surely evolved since the inception of Shiplake Boat Club.
In his address, Director of Rowing Mr David Currie, touched on some of the historical and memorable moments from his time at Shiplake. On the boys’ side, these included events such as winning the Child Beale Cup at Nat Schools and being in the top two for Schools’ Head for the last seven years, winning the Championship VIIIs in 2017, 2019, and 2022. And, on the girls’ side, winning SHORR Championship quads, gold and silver in the NSR Championship quads, in addition of course to winning Women’s Henley Regatta twice.
As well as thanking the School, Mr Currie went on to thank one individual in particular - Mr Hugh Mackworth-Praed for his commitment and dedication to the first VIIIs. Speaking on the night, Mr Currie said “all of the fantastic results the first VIII have achieved over the last few years have been a product of his tireless work. He always goes the extra mile for his crews as many here will know.” To commemorate this, Mr Mackworth-Praed was awarded a Shiplake rowing blazer.
Last to speak was the Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, who spoke of his admiration and respect for the rowers and their training methods. He said, “my respect for rowing and for the individuals who are involved in rowing has grown and grown. But above all, rowing really fits what Shiplake College is about as a school.” Like those before him, Mr Howe also praised the coaches, calling them heroic, and the best role models for which our current crop of rowers can look up to.
The guests were then shown a light-hearted video which included the offical announcement that a Shiplake Vikings crew will be looking to qualify for the Visitors' Challenge Cup at Henley Regatta in 2023. In addition to the rowers (Michael Glover (13E), Henry Blois-Brooke (17S), Seb Newman (17O) and Will Satch (07O)), pledging to row there were video messages from other 'Shiplake legends' all pledging their support.
The evening also marked the launch of an appeal. The College has been fortunate over the years to be able to provide our top boys’ eights with top-class boats. We are now in the process of looking to supply a similar level of boat to our top girls’ crew, in addition to a new Octuple for our novice rowers.
It was rather fitting to mark the Boat Club’s 60th Anniversary year with a look to the future. A year-long appeal to raise much-needed funds to ensure that the girls’ boats is at the top spec possible and so that we can meet the needs of current and future rowers. We would be grateful for donations of any size via JustGiving. A major gift of £10,000 would allow boat naming rights. Further fundraising initiatives will take place across this year.
During the course of the evening, Victor Durman (64E), who had flown over from Canada for the event, spoke about what rowing at Shiplake meant to him and his crew, noting how winning provided his first real taste of success whilst in education and left him hungry for more. All four members of the crew went on to be successful entrepreneurs, remaining good friends over the decades.
Finally, Jonty Hearnden (79O) thanked the College and the coaches for all that they have done for rowing at Shiplake, with all in agreement with Jony that it is with great pride that they wear the Shiplake blazers on the riverbank at Henley Royal Regatta.
As ever, thank you for your continued support and, additionally, a big thank you to Mrs Catherine Brazil, our Alumni and Events Officer, for organising the evening; and also to Mr Currie for hosting on the night.
