The last day of the academic year saw the annual Leavers' Service in the Parish Church, followed by the Leavers' Ball in the Prize Giving marquee later that evening. It was an occasion that marked the Class of 2023 completing their time at Shiplake College though they will continue their connection to the College by becoming Old Vikings.
At the Leavers' Service each year, it is customary for a leaving member of staff to give the valedictum - or farewell address - and this year it was Deputy Head Pastoral Mr Brown, who is retiring after working at Shiplake for 24 years, who gave this heartful and exceptional speech:
'I really wish I’d carried on learning my green plastic trombone! I promised myself I would all those years ago. Back in 2015, I took up the symphonic challenge, where Mr Jones and Mr Curran were offering free music lessons alongside Year 7. For a term, I joined Jai Angel and Harry Batchelor, those well renowned musicians. We even played in a concert – we had one note to play if my memory serves me right. I promised myself that I would continue to learn, and I aspired to play alongside Messrs Jones, Moore and Watts in the brass section of the big band. I even hoped that I might be promoted to a real brass instrument. The problem is I stopped learning. I found excuses not to practise. The green plastic trombone gathered dust in my office until one day it was liberated by the Music Department, to be redeployed to another aspiring jazz musician. I wish I have kept it up.
I wish I had carried on with my piano lessons when I was little. I wish I had carried on playing cricket at a decent level so that, on the rare occasion I play now, I could have avoided the sheer panic of a ball coming towards me in the field or worse, being asked to bowl. I wish I could draw. I wish many things...
Too busy, no time, not good enough, no one to do it with, too scared. The list of excuses goes on and on.
As you all go on your way, to college, to other schools, university, apprenticeships or into the workplace, you will be tempted to drop the things that you are good at. The things that have given you, and most likely others, a lot of pleasure. The things that contribute to your good mental health and wellbeing. The things that are just plain fun.
My appeal to you today is ‘don’t’. Do not give things up, do not find excuses.
At school, all these things are laid on a plate for you. They are timetabled, you have to go. You have to choose something to fill your games or activity slots. But from now on, you won’t. You will have to sign up, join up, join in and make an effort.
I spoke to an Old Viking a few years ago. He was a fantastic singer and, coincidentally a grade 8 trombonist. I asked if he still sang. ‘No’ was the answer. Did he still play the trombone? Again, ‘No’ was the answer. He gave both up straight away in leaving school. ‘No time’.
Trevor Noah is a South African writer, comedian, commentator. ‘Born A Crime’ is a collection of personal stories about growing up in South Africa during the last gasps of apartheid and the tumultuous days of freedom that followed.
'I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done in life, any choice that I’ve made. But I’m consumed with regret for the things I didn’t do, the choices I didn’t make, the things I didn’t say. We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to. 'What if...', 'If only...', ' wonder what would have' You will never, never know, and it will haunt you for the rest of your days.'
There is so much talent in this church this morning. As well as academic talent, there are musicians, actors, artists, photographers, designers, rowers, netball players, tennis players, footballers, cricketers, rugby players. The list is endless. Just take my tutor group. Yes, I’m going to embarrass you all! Lottie and Daina, please keep debating, public speaking and playing netball. Hannah, keep playing netball and football and taking wonderful photographs. Otis, start powerlifting again. Ollie, keep playing sport and Charlie, keep coxing.
Maybe, also, maintain an interest in the subjects you have studied for the last two years. Sam, I forgive you for deciding to read geography at university but please don’t stop reading history books and yes, even Tudor history books! And lapsed geographers, keep colouring in. It’s a great wellbeing tool! Artists keep drawing, painting and sculpting; photographers keep snapping. Musicians keep playing or singing. Sports people, keep playing. Chemists, be careful!
For my part I will try my hardest to complete my bucket list. To walk the Cornish coast path in its entirety. To visit all 42 English Anglican Cathedrals and my greatest dream, to find a part time job which entails driving a tractor!
Alexander Graham Bell of the telephone fame said:
'When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.’
As you move on, please don’t forget this place. It’s a Shiplake thing to keep in touch. We love seeing (not so) Old Vikings and there are so many opportunities to stay connected. Our amazing marketing team do an amazing job at providing these opportunities and Mrs Brazil, our Alumni officer, does so in particular.
If you were hoping for some words of wisdom today, then I am sorry if you are disappointed. Previous valedictions have talked about the journey you are on; about the benefits you have had from Shiplake, but I wanted to look forward. I implore you to keep up with all the extras you have done here, with your friends and with your school.
As I understand it, by being associated with Shiplake College, you have earned the right to get married in this wonderful church. There’s no hurry but bear it in mind! And how lucky we have been to be able to meet and worship here over the years. It is a special place and I thank the Rector for being such a great supporter of the College and especially for his support this term.
There should, of course, be someone else here, taking this service and marking his own retirement. We miss The Rev terribly still but let’s remember his core value, kindness. He would want you to leave here with happy memories, a strong moral compass, some sort of faith, be that religious or otherwise, compassion and of course kindness.
And so, I wish you all every success and happiness in the future. Keep doing stuff, keep in touch with each other, and keep in touch with Shiplake.
My previous school gave every leaver a bible when they left and inside it was a charge – I think it is very appropriate to my message to you this morning:
I charge you never to forget
The great benefits you have received in this place,
And in time to come, according to your means,
To do all that you can to enable others
To enjoy the same advantage.
And remember that you carry with you, wherever you go,
The good name of Shiplake College.
