OVS
MAGAZINE
2016
www.ovslive.co.uk
Then and Now
Independent Artist Totie Southwell Returns to Shiplake for Filming
The Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund
Also in this issue... Catching up with Illustrator Jenni Desmond Celebrating 50 Years of Welsh House A Round Up of the OVS Touch Rugby Event
Satch
A fond farewell to Mike Edwards
Four years on from the London Olympics and Will sets his sights on Rio
And... News from Shiplake • London Reunion • Upcoming Events • Houses Through the Ages
Upcoming Events Below are the events for the 2016 Old Viking Society calendar
March
May
2006 Ten Years On Reunion Dinner
1970 Decade Reunion Dinner
All Old Vikings who left Year 13 in 2006, or would have done if they had stayed at the College to complete Sixth Form, are warmly invited to a Ten Years On Reunion Dinner. Please visit www.ovslive.co.uk/events to book.
All Old Vikings who left the College between 1970 and 1980 are warmly invited to a Decade Reunion Dinner. Please visit www.ovslive.co.uk/events to book.
Saturday 19 March 2016, 7.00pm Great Hall, Shiplake College, RG9 4BW Dress Code: Smart Casual £5.00 per person
Saturday 14 May 2016, 7.00pm Great Hall, Shiplake College, RG9 4BW Dress Code: Smart Casual £30.00 per person
June
July
Old Boys Cricket Match
Henley Royal Regatta
The Old Vikings cricket will take on the Staff Wanderers and the 1st XI, and all Old Vikings are welcome to attend! If you wish to play on the OVs team, please email Jonnie Howorth at jhoworth@shiplake.org.uk.
Old Vikings are invited to join fellow alumni for a drink at the Shiplake College tent, based at Henley Cricket Club, during the afternoon’s break in racing, on the Saturday of HRR.
Saturday 21 June 2016 Front Field, Shiplake College, RG9 4BW Free to attend
Saturday 2 July 2016 Henley Cricket Club, RG9 3DB Free to attend
September
December
Touch Rugby and Beer Festival
Christmas Reunion Drinks
After the success of last year, a Touch Rugby and Beer Festival will be held, and all Old Vikings are welcome to attend! If you wish to enter a team into the tournament, please email oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk.
Saturday 10 September 2016 2.00pm - 7.30pm New Field, Shiplake College, RG9 4BW Free to attend
The annual London Reunion Drinks will take place this year in the early part of December, to give the popular event a festive feel! All Old Vikings are encouraged to attend, to enjoy a Christmas drink.
Date TBC Location TBC Free to attend
The Old Viking Society 2016 Magazine www.ovslive.co.uk
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joined the team here at Shiplake in February 2015, and have since become heavily involved with the Old Viking Society. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to get to know staff, pupils and alumni from this wonderful College, and I owe them a big thank you for taking the time to share their stories, thoughts and photos for this magazine. Please do get in touch if you have a story or photos to share; we love to hear about the incredible things Old Vikings do when they fly the Shiplake nest. I hope you enjoy the issue, and here’s to a bountiful 2016. Very best wishes Chelsi Challis, Editor
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The OVS Magazine is a publication of The Old Viking Society. The views expressed are not necessarily those of Shiplake College and the OVS. All details were correct at the time of publication, January 2016.
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Many thanks to all contributors: Jerome Kenyon, Tony Hooper, David Welsh, Totie Southwell, Will Satch, Jenni Desmond, Mike Edwards and Hans Wells-Furby.
If you have any news, please contact us at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk, or +44 (0) 118 940 2455 OVS MAGAZINE 2016
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Chairman’s Welcome OVS Chairman Ben Fitzwilliams looks back at an eventful year for Shiplake’s alumni, and contemplates the year to come, which brings its own adventures and challenges Contact me via www.ovslive.co.uk
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et me welcome you to the OVS Magazine 2016. Some changes have taken place since last year’s edition; we are keen to move with the times and hope that you enjoy this year’s new-look magazine. There is also the option to receive the publication electronically; please email your details to oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk if you are not already registered. Joining our mailing list will help you reap many benefits, such as quarterly newsletters and event invitations!
a Decade Reunion Dinner. Henley Regatta is, as ever, an important date in many Old Vikings’ calendar, and we look forward to welcoming back visiting OVs at the annual get-together at Henley Cricket Club, during the afternoon break in Saturday’s racing. The Touch Rugby and Beer Festival takes place in September, and we hope to see many of you playing and supporting! We are excited to announce the founding of the Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund. Please see page 16 for further details.
2015 was quite a year for the Old Viking Society; we celebrated 50 years of Welsh House, welcomed Old Vikings back to Henley Regatta for a drink on us, and enjoyed a thoroughly fantastic day of sporting prowess at the OVS Touch Rugby and Beer event in September. At £1 a pint, I’m sure it was a day most of us will remember fondly (although some probably can’t)! We are also delighted to welcome new OVS committee member Harry Engelen (99B), who joined our ranks at the London Reunion in November.
In the meantime, I wish you all the very best for a happy and healthy year ahead.
2016 holds the promise of many new events. We are hosting what we hope will be the first of many reunion dinners; in March we are celebrating ‘Ten Years On’ for the class of 2006, and welcome all who left Year 13 in 2006, or would have done had they stayed at College until the end of Sixth Form, to return to Shiplake for a celebratory dinner. This will become an annual event for the ‘Class of...’ each year. We will also welcome back OVs in May who left the College between 1970 and 1980, for 4
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Ben
Welcoming Harry to the committee
Presenting Mike with his leaving gift
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Our Mid-20th Century Origins OVS President Hans Wells-Furby considers 2015, previous Headmasters of Shiplake, and events to come in the OVS calendar
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oreign travel has made me rather an absentee President during 2015, but OVS members are kind enough to have a quick word when they spot me in London or at a railway station. I was able to catch up and speak at our November gathering in London, when members responded enthusiastically to the toast ‘Absent Friends’. Our yearly magazine keeps us up to date and the number of lady members at the London event is a reminder that we have been coeducational for a long time. Ladies make a very wide contribution to College life. Some in Everett may remember my wife stressing that back in the 1950s there were limits on the number of women permitted to study in university and hospital medical colleges. There was a major reform in the 1944 Education Act: ‘no woman shall be disqualified from teaching only by
reason of marriage.’ Equal pay came much later. An important Shiplake event in 2015 was the dinner to mark 50 years of Welsh House. It is also half a century since our first London drinks gathering. On the radio, I heard the Special Forces Club mentioned. The most senior members were ladies they had outlived their male WWII team members. I was in Croatia last May, close to where David Skipwith had been captured behind enemy lines. I also passed through Slovenia where, during the last days of the war, John Eggar’s 6th Rifle Brigade had driven from North Venice into Austria, to arrive before Communist forces. John Eggar had been in Italy during the 1944 campaign, and David Skipwith had been with the Sudan Defence Force and then the Long Range Desert Group.
Many Shiplake parents during the 1960s had been in uniform. Seventy years later it seemed right that I should be near to where two Headmasters, both so vital in Shiplake’s early days, had been on active service. From the past to the near future. It is an OVS tradition to hold a big family event once a decade. 2019 - sixty years of the College is getting ever closer. We would welcome fresh ideas about how we can celebrate another milestone please let us know your thoughts. Best wishes,
Hans OVS MAGAZINE 2016
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College News 2015
A Message from the Headmaster “Status: Excellent” 2015 was a fantastic year for Shiplake College: a record intake of pupils, Sixth Form leavers off to Cambridge University and getting through to the Thursday of HRR. All of this in the wake of our latest ISI inspection, which saw us achieve an ‘excellent’ in every single category. Recognition of this magnitude is rare, and places Shiplake amongst the top independent schools in the country. It is clear that the school is going from strength to strength. Fantastic teaching staff inspire young pupils on a daily basis, and we spread our wings to take on all kinds of new challenges; national
Meet the
computational contests, music concerts, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and art competitions. Keen to maintain our rowing and rugby roots, the 1st VIII rowed at the ever-popular Henley Royal Regatta, and Old Vikings flocked to the event to show their support. House Rugby and House Rowing competitions have taken place, and we said goodbye to pupil Fili Savou, who started his career as a professional rugby player with RC Toulon. We look forward to welcoming OVs back to campus, to see how the school progresses.
Head of
Gregg
College Current Head of College Greg Cooke talks to the OVS about life in Sixth Form and plans for the future...
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e began by asking Greg for his College highlights. “Being announced as Head of College was huge, and definitely has to go down as one of my favourite moments! But honestly, I don’t think it tops beating Pangbourne 32-20 away in front of a large crowd of rowdy Old Pangbournians last year! That was a great game and turned out to be one of my last for the College 1st XV, but it’s definitely a game I’ll always remember.” As candid as they come, Greg’s upfront, cheeky manner has meant that Greg is a popular Head of College with staff and fellow pupils alike. So how will he be remembered at the College?
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“I guess being remembered at all is great, especially when there are so many big characters in our year! If I had a choice in what others thought of me, I’d want to be known as someone who was committed, and didn’t abandon something when it inevitably all gets tough.” “I want to study Economics at whichever university is willing to take me on! The long term goal is working in a city in a finance-based job. It’s not a set goal of mine, we’ll just have to see what happens!” And finally, we asked Greg to describe Shiplake in three words. “I could try diverse, because there is such a range of characters here and the mix helps to see so many different views on everything. The school is busy there’s always something happening. And lastly, I think unique... I mean, it’s Shiplake.”
OVS News and Events
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ANY NEWS? Email: oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/oldvikings
Website: www.ovslive.co.uk 1. Touch Rugby Teams 2. Four Generations of Welsh Housemasters 3. Headmaster poses for a selfie with Charles Galligan (15W) 4. London Reunion 5. 2015 Leavers Team at the Touch Rugby 6. 90s Touch Team Mid-Match 7. Max Tilney (91O) 8. Old Vikings at the London Reunion 9. Old Vikings at the London Reunion 10. Vikings at Touch Rugby
Phone: 0118 940 2455 OVS MAGAZINE 2016
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OVS News
Then and Now Totie Southwell returns to Shiplake College to film her first music video, to accompany short film Then and Now with CamelotFilms UK
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fter an incredibly successful 2015, Old Viking Totie Southwell (09S) revisited the College to film her very first music video. We caught up with her to discuss her whirlwind journey in the music industry, and what it was like to be back at school as a rising star. “I was at Shiplake from 2007-2009. I had such a great time and met some of my closest friends so that choosing a best memory is almost impossible. Being part of the shows Slice of Saturday Night and Service 14, as well as going to Barbados on a netball tour are all stand-out memories. Returning to the College to film my music video was incredible. It felt as though I had never
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left; that homely feeling was really “Shiplake was the place nostalgic. Shiplake I fell in love with music.” was the place I fell in love with music and found the confidence to pursue it; I wrote some of my first songs there that I still perform at gigs today, and it never fails to take me back to those moments.” And the future is bright for Totie; releasing a self-titled EP TOTIE this year, and continuing to gig and write music. She is also part of a music collective at The Roundhouse, London, and is able to get involved with a lot of exciting projects with that. Watch this space…
Jenni Desmond Illustrator, picture book maker and Old Viking Jenni paints a picture
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ome of you may remember Jenni Desmond (02O) at Shiplake, as an enthusiastic pupil whose work was covered in doodles. Now an award winning children’s book author and illustrator, Jenni left school with a passion and a talent for drawing, and has turned that into a blossoming career. Here, she talks to us about her time at Shiplake, her hectic schedule and what the future has in store… “I was at Shiplake from 2000-2002. In my first year the girls were in The Lodge (which was then Welsh House) with Mr Gould as Housemaster. We moved in my second year to Orchard House, with Mr Alcock.
“I loved being in such beautiful surroundings, so close to the river and the countryside. “ Stand-out moments for me were coxing the 1st IV, playing the
oboe in music concerts and being involved with drama - we were kept busy at school, which I enjoyed.” Leaving Shiplake, Jenni gained an MA in Children’s Book Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art before securing an agent and a string of book deals, many of which have now been translated all over the world. Titles include Red Cat Blue Cat, The Zebra Who Ran Too Fast, The First Slodge (written by Jeanne Willis) and The Blue Whale. “I have just finished writing and illustrating the next book in my non-fiction series (after The Blue Whale), which is called The Polar Bear. It will be published in autumn. My aim here is to create beautiful ‘coffee table’ non-fiction books that appeal visually to both adults and children, where the information is engaging, accessible and fun. It has taken me a year and a half to thoroughly research polar bears, which has been fascinating. I have also enjoyed using lots of printmaking techniques in this book, mainly drypoint. My next
fiction picture book is also about bears, this time brown bears. Albert’s Tree (Walker Books) will be out in spring, and is about Albert the bear, his favourite tree, and finding friends in unexpected places.” In May, Jenni will be spending a month refining her work in upstate New York on the prestigious Maurice Sendak Fellowship, on a farm previously owned by Sendak (author of Where The Wild Things Are). So an intense schedule for this Old Viking, but with no plans to slow down. Jenni has just started working on a new book and an album cover, and is branching into food illustration too. As one project ends, another begins, and Jenni is very much in demand! Keeping a level head on her shoulders, Jenni commented that “I hope the future will bring more of the same, because for me this is a dream job.” You can find out more about Jenni and her beautiful illustrations at www.jennidesmond.com OVS MAGAZINE 2016
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Leaver’s Address
‘Life rarely follows plans’ Beloved teacher Mike Edwards reflects on his 24 years at Shiplake College, his plans for the future and how, even with the best of intentions, life rarely follows plans...
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o what did I learn from nearly 24 years at Shiplake? Mainly that life rarely follows plans. After my interview with Nick Bevan, then Headmaster, and I agreed, back in 1991, that Shiplake was not the place for me. However, this was all about to change. Three weeks later, after all the other candidates had withdrawn, he rang to say that things had changed. I was appointed as an English teacher, with hints that I could soon become Head of English. I arrived at Shiplake where green huts, serving as classrooms, sat cold and damp on what is the Jubilee Building car park; where Hans Wells Furby barked to get pupils to lessons on time; and where CCF ran on Tuesday afternoons with lessons afterwards in the gloomy twilight zone. Even I fell asleep during my lesson on The Great Gatsby, after a two hour Staff v Sixth Form 5-a-side football match! Sure enough I became Head of Department but it was in Head of Business Studies. Within five years 88% of the Lower Sixth were opting for Business Studies A Level, and English had all but disappeared from my timetable. Growing up, my mother had complained that I was always playing cricket and squash when I should have been
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working. My love of sport saw me promoted to Director of Activities which, in the era before Shiplake’s first specialist PE teacher, was probably not a good move. But my experience of cricket and travel provided me with the opportunity to manage five Barbados cricket tours. Years later, though I hate hockey, I was asked to manage a hockey tour to Barcelona, on the back of my touring experience, and somehow ended up watching Barcelona FC at the Nou Camp on school expenses.
‘Another life lesson: skills are rarely wasted.’ Teaching Business from a Grade C Economics O Level was probably inadvisable so I took a part-time MBA, which put me in pole position for the newly created role of Director of Marketing. ‘Amidst all the adverts, school mags, OVS newsletters and events, open mornings and prep school liaison there were some glamorous marketing trips to Dubai. I was upgraded to Business Class, twice, whilst Nick Bevan grumbled in Economy.’ With memory and eyesight failing, I decided, after a quarter of a million miles of commuting, that it was
time to retire. I hoped to work on my golf, write a book on 1970s nostalgia and train for a swim trek off the Californian Baja coast. None of those three goals have gone particularly well. Instead, I have accidentally become the poor man’s Jeremy Clarkson, writing for a company managing websites for the over 50s. I’ve driven a Tesla Model S to Amsterdam, reviewed a C Max on Ford’s Belgian test circuit, reported on the launch of the 2013 Bordeaux Vintage from the Royal Opera House, and written on ethics, investment and travel. Even better, I had to sample beers, champagnes and wines for the Christmas drinks round-up. Even more to my surprise, I have started playing over 50s football and have a new hero from my team: Ivan, aged 82, continues to play a very shrewd game in midfield. Who needs Christiano Ronaldo?
Mike
The OVS officially said goodbye to Mike at the London Drinks Reunion in November 2015. He was presented with a painting of the College, commissioned by local artist John Yeo. See page 5 for a photo of the painting being awarded to Mike.
Shiplake College bids a fond farewell to these members of staff, who leave Shiplake and join the Old Vikings, moving on to pastures new. We wish them all the best!
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embers from the teaching and support staff left Shiplake over the course of the year to embark on new career paths and adventures.
The most notable departure of course is that of Mike Edwards, who departed at Easter 2015 (see page opposite). In addition, teacher of Theology and Philosophy and Orchard Assistant Housemaster, Jon Brownley, leaves after nearly five years at Shiplake. He has relocated to Chester with his family for a different challenge in a larger school. Claire Guilbert returns to her native France, to teach primary education there. A number of staff left in the summer of 2015. Head of History and Middle Years Coordinator, Liam Morgan, has assumed the post as Head of Humanities at Stantonbury campus in Milton Keynes. Mathematics teacher, Hilda Sarfo Frimpong, heads to a school on the edge of London, for a faster pace of life in the city. Stella Clark, teacher of Learning Development, leaves the College after nine years. She moves on now to retire, relaxing in the sun and taking time to travel.
Rob Jones, having worked as Deputy Headmaster for four years, has taken up the post of Headmaster at Rendcomb College, near Cirencester. Rob is the fourth consecutive Deputy Headmaster at Shiplake to progress directly into a Headship. Estates Manager David Greer retires after 14 years at Shiplake. David gave a remarkable amount of time to the College, and looks forward to travelling the world on his motorcycle, flying lessons, and relocating to Sussex. Christmas 2015 saw Music teacher Chris Ham depart to take up a post at the North London Collegiate School and Joel Rowlinson (Design and Technology) headed to international school Markham College in Lima, Peru. Ross McSweeny leaves the Marketing Department to travel South America. Ross has contributed considerably to the Old Vikings Society. He was instrumental in the organisation and running of the Touch Rugby and Beer Festival and the Henley Royal Regatta get-together, and he will continue to contribute his extensive skills and experience to the society as an Old Viking himself! We look forward to welcoming him to the Committee. OVS MAGAZINE 2016 11
WILL
OVS News
SATCH
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On the Road to Rio As the next Olympics draw ever closer, we sat down with Will Satch (07O) to discuss being the ‘underdog’ in the 2012 London Olympics, hip ops and what it would mean to go to Rio. As told to Chelsi Challis
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t seems like just yesterday that London was gearing up to host the 2012 Olympics and Danny Boyle’s Opening Ceremony made waves. But fast forward four years and that’s where we are now; just around the corner from another potentially record-breaking games. So what have the previous four years held for Olympic rower and Old Viking Will Satch? “Training, and a lot of it! Every time we go out on the water, we picture that Olympic final. It’s less than 200 days away now and the reality and pressure is starting to hit home. It’s a funny turn of events, really; we were the last boat to be chosen for the London Olympics and we went there knowing that it really didn’t matter what the result was. We were major underdogs and were there for the thrill of it; I’m not sure that anyone expected us to actually win a medal!”
For someone with less determination, this might have been the end of a career. But not for Will; considering this a minor set-back, Satch was back in the boat and winning the World Championships in 2013. It was the first time that the GB Men’s VIII had ever won it. “This was a fantastic result and off the back of it I threw myself into a block of winter training, which wasn’t easy.” Since then, Satch can boast two World Cups, and another World Championship, and has no plans to stop there. “Being in an VIII is a different ball game to a pair, but we’re really lucky. We have this amazing camaraderie, and push each other to the limits of our abilities every day. We have training camps, orientation camps and trials before we even reach the Olympics it’s incredibly intense!” Sounds like it’s all work and no play for Satch, but he assures me this isn’t strictly true: “it’s tough to have the discipline to take time off, rest and recover. But I’ve been lucky enough to travel Greek Islands, South Asia and Brazil.
‘Rio is looming and honestly anything can happen... that’s sport, and that’s why we’re there’
But win a medal is exactly what they did: Will and his pairs partner George Nash walked away with Bronze. And that’s when Will hit a wall. Speaking candidly, he admits that “it had been incredible - we’d won a medal on our home turf and been in this party town with a load of other athletes, just living this very special, unique life and enjoying every moment of it. But just two months after this I was in hospital, having a hip operation. All of a sudden you can’t walk. No one can prepare you mentally for such a setback.”
Now, we’re very much focused on getting to Rio. Going to the London Olympics was an adventure but we didn’t feel as though there was any expectation that we’d walk away with a medal. That’s not the case anymore. We’re going to Rio to win a Gold medal. That’s the goal, the aim. But anything can happen on the day - bad weather or a difficult lane and it’s all over. But that’s sport, and that’s why we’re there.” OVS MAGAZINE 2016 13
OVS News and Events
News from Old Vikings
George Davis (13S) spent his gap year at a school in New Zealand, and played rugby for the Marist Brothers Old Boys’ RFC. Returning to the UK, George embarked upon a course at Loughborough University. He started with the university’s 2nd XV, but after just six matches was selected for the 1st XV - RFU National 1. George is currently being coached by former England and Leicester Tigers hooker, George Chuter. Bunty Rowbotham (13B) displayed artwork at the Clarendon Fine Art Grand Gallery Opening in Marlow. Specialising in paintings and sculpture from talented emerging artists, Bunty’s piece was amongst work by influential names. A reception was held to celebrate 25 years of the Shiplake College Expedition Society. Hosted by George Lawley (15O) and current pupil Carl Harris, the event provided the ideal opportunity to reflect on the work done by Gap Africa, and the myriad of activities still to be undertaken in the future. Over 50 Old Vikings returned to the College for the reception, sharing photos and memories.
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It is with sadness that we announce the death of Michael Bartholomew (76W). Michael enjoyed his time at Shiplake. Rowing and rugby were his favourite sports. He had a successful career in hotel management, and married wife Kirsten in 1987. They settled with their two children, Eddie and Lucy. After a brave fight, Michael succumbed to cancer in June 2015. Alastair Norman (76W) and Jeremy Samengo-Turner (77B) attended his funeral.
Rugby star Fili Savou (15B) has signed a three year contract with RC Toulon. Fili joins the U21s, with sights firmly set on breaking into the senior squad in the coming years.
Will Downing (05E), graduated from Leeds Metropolitan in 2008. He has completed a Masters in Strength and Conditioning, working with professional athletes at Wasps Rugby, Queen Park Rangers and British Fencing team. Will is now studying Sports Rehabilitation and will be back into professional sport at the completion of his studies. Will Iredale (94O) recently had his book The Kamikaze Hunters published, which looks into the little-known history of fighting for the Pacific in World War II.
Henry Summers (79S) has joined the team at Parkers Insurance, offering a tailored service to clients, covering a broad range of insurances from Ultra High Net Worth to complex commercial risks. He is proud to offer a 10% discount to all Old Vikings. Call 07733 328 409 or email henry@eparkers.co.uk.
Gavin Berry (64B) and his son Anthony Berry (01E) have made quite the reputation for themselves as reliable and innovative landscape gardeners. Multiaward winning designer and horticulturist Alan Gardner requested their help to construct a show garden for the 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Touch Rugby and Beer Festival a smashing success!
they recognise me? How will we get on after all this time?
‘It was fantastic to see that the competitiveness in them was still alive’
I didn’t need to be concerned. The first Old Boy I saw was Dennis Simmons (88O) - a larger than life character! It was great to see Dennis, together with Julian Buck (88B), Paul Goodsir (87B), Gavin Lake (87E), Chris Haynes (87E), Johnny Bartlett (87S), Mark Lapping (87O) and others back on the rugby field at Shiplake once again, and I was pleased that I had helped engender an interest and love of rugby all those years ago.
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n September 2015, the OVS Touch Rugby and Beer Festival took place. Hosted on New Field, the event saw Old Vikings heading back to the College, bringing the sun with them for what proved to be a fantastic day of unequivocal sporting prowess. Many Old Vikings donned boots and joined in, regardless of whether they were budding sportsmen, or hadn’t stepped foot on a pitch since leaving school. Ten teams battled it out across two pitches to become the reigning champion of the inaugural games... After 22 intense matches, two teams were left standing; the Staff Tall, and the Staff Small. A tight match saw the speedy Small team get the better of the long-limbed Tall, winning the trophy by just three points to two. Returning coach Tony Hooper offers the following message from the event... “What a great day! As I drove down to the College I was thinking to myself - I haven’t seen these boys for 30 years! Will I recognise them? Will
It was fantastic to see that the competitiveness in them was still alive; an attitude which had helped to make them such a successful team whilst at Shiplake. They performed heroically and didn’t look out of place against much younger opposition. I enjoyed meeting the current Headmaster (Gregg Davies), and it was amazing to see him on the field taking part. It was a wonderful day which I will remember always, and I would love to think that this could become a regular event on the Shiplake calendar! I send my best wishes to all those people I met on the day, and to all those Old Vikings who remember me from their days at school. I hope you have a happy and prosperous 2016; keep enjoying your rugby, and I hope there will be another chance to meet up again before too long. I continue to live in Ilfracombe, North Devon, and I would love to see anyone who travels to this area. This year’s Touch Rugby and Beer Festival will take place on Saturday 10 September 2016 at 2.00pm OVS MAGAZINE 2016 15
OVS News and Events
News from Old Vikings
The OVS played cricket against the staff and the 1st XI in June. The matches were closely fought affairs, although the Staff Wanderers managed to edge a victory. The match against the 1st XI went in the favour of the Old Vikings, reclaiming the trophy won in 2014. A group of Old Boys, organised by Robin Parker (65E), visited for a tour of the new buildings and to watch the sporting action! Chris Standring (78E) has pursued his passion for music and has developed this into a thriving career as a jazz guitarist. Chris frequently plays gigs in London and across the world, and is celebrating the milestone of releasing his tenth solo album TEN, in March 2016.
James Hanson (08S), Jack Harvard Taylor (08S), Charlie Ingham Clark (08E) and Jack Thompson (08O) were back in the boat to represent Shiplake College at the Maidenhead Regatta, taking on experienced crews from the South East in the super sprint 4x. They progressed into the final round against Maidenhead Junior quad, the determined crew overcame the well-drilled Maidenhead boat to claim gold! Old Vikings rugby players took on a team of Old Pangbournians in a grudge match in November. The first half of the match saw an attritional toe to toe exchange. Unfortunately, team captain Sam Quelch (11W) took a knee to the jaw which resulted in a significant injury. However, the OVs gradually wore down the resolve of their counterparts in the scrum, and a penalty was awarded, taken by Nick Hartley (10W). Ross Ritchie
(10S) expertly executed three long range penalties. Brave defence from James Wood (11W), Harry Grummitt (10W), Sasha Burgess (09W), Adam Middleton (09B), Craig Henderson (09B) and Zac Bigley (12O) resulted in the OPs failure to break down the resilient OV defence. Neat scrummaging by Jack Cowmeadow (12B) contributed to the game, which resulted in an emphatic 16-12 win for the OVS XV!
The Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund The Gap Year and Alumni Bursary Fund is available to current Year 13s and Old Vikings. There is up to £500 available for volunteering projects, further education or cultural enrichment trips. If you would like to be considered for all, or a portion of, the Alumni Bursary Fund, please send your proposal to Chelsi Challis at oldvikings@shiplake.org. uk, or post to Shiplake College, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4BW. Please include details of how your plans provide education, culture and welfare benefits either to yourself or to the wider community. The next deadline is Friday 18 March 2016. 16 OVS MAGAZINE 2016
Recent bursary recipient, Year 13 pupil Fred Ellis, completed research on a marine biology project on Andros Island in the Bahamas. Working with the Bahamas National Trust, Fred taught children how to swim and worked on the Gulf Reef Rapid Assessment team, collecting data for fish surveys and fish belt transects. He also gained an advanced open water PADI certificate, and became a certified emergency first responder. Fred commented that “I would like to thank the OVS society for providing me with a grant to go on this trip; it is something I will never forget.”
Hosts Mentors Speakers The newly established network for Old Vikings and current pupils. We would like to invite Old Vikings who have followed inspiring career paths, spent time volunteering or pursued their passion, to become involved with the alumni business network. Participation can range according to what suits your schedule, from providing careers advice over the phone or by email, to coming into the College to speak to pupils. The Business Directory on www.ovslive.co.uk also forms part of this network; Old Vikings can enter details of companies for which they work and any discounts offered for fellow alumni. Visit www.ovslive.co.uk to enter your details.
For further information, or if you are interested in becoming a host, mentor or speaker for the programme, please email Chelsi Challis at oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk.
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Shiplake 2014-2015
Shiplake College
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1. Drop Everything and Read 2. Year 9 Raft Building 3. Alfie Sheppard in Oliver! 4. Staff and Pupils Embrace Movember 5. Big Band at Winter Concert 2015 6. 1st XV at Friday Night Lights 7. Staff in Christmas Jumpers 8. Class of 15 Leavers’ Service 9. Art and Photography Pupils in St Ives
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New Old Vikings
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1. Head of College Yeem Chanthanawan and Deputy Head of College Emma Haynes 2. Tom Harman in the 1st XV 3. Headmaster’s Choir Perform at Winter Concert 4. Charles Marsden, Will Janes, Ruaridh Sheppard and Tom Banks at Prize Giving, 2015 5. Harry Chapples at the Leavers’ Service 6. Ruaridh Sheppard and Matt Horsfall 7. Albert Rydevik in Homeless 8. Daniel Digiulio and Jason Chan 9. Katie Webster in Homeless 10. George Lawley, Yeem Chanthanawan, Charles Marsden, Tom Banks and Beth Jones at the 2015 Mock Election
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OVS News and Events
50 Years of Welsh House
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celebratory dinner was held to mark 50 Years since the opening of Welsh House in April 2015. Old Vikings and former staff members returned to the College to enjoy a sumptuous three course meal, honouring a cornerstone of the Shiplake community.
Founding Housemaster David Welsh reminisces about the first few weeks of Welsh House. “Starting Welsh House was a challenge, but extremely rewarding. Converting a run-down Vicarage into a boys’ house was not easy, but it was amazing how quickly the early intakes built up an individual House spirit, which seems still to exist today, judging by the odd comments I have had from present members. I was very young at the start and occasionally taken to be one of the boys by new parents! However, in many ways that was an advantage, especially with older parents who had rather lost touch with the younger generation. It was a memorable and enjoyable evening; I’m glad to have caught up with a member of the original intake into Welsh House!”
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OVS Archives
Welsh, 1996
Welsh, 1984
Everett, 1981
Everett, 1975
Burr, 1998
Skipwith, 2009
Orchard, 2006
Orchard, 1993
Burr, 1996
Houses Through the Ages 1975-2009 Visit www.ovslive.co.uk to see the Archive Timeline of photos and publications
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OVS News
Old Viking and Army Major Jerome Kenyon (77B) on an Army Life and Remembering Srebrenica
Major Jerome Kenyon, during 19 years of active service, found an operational tour to Bosnia in 2000 with the 1st Regiment Horse Artillery the most rewarding. He was then invited back to the country with the Civil Engagement Team and charity Remembering Srebrenica. Here, Jerome provides the OVS with an insight into his experiences, and the powerful reminder of the cost of human lives in war.
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“This visit to Bosnia was daunting. The human cost of the genocide has such harrowing statistics that you can lose sight of each personal tragedy�
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or the last two years, I have been working in Civil Engagement at the Regional Command Aldershot, while also serving as an Army reservist with the newly formed 77 Brigade located near Newbury.
Srebrenica. Remembering Srebrenica organises visit programmes, not only to commemorate those who lost their lives, but also to raise awareness and work on reconciliation and the prevention of genocide throughout the world.
With 77 Brigade I visited Sarajevo in March, to take part in an exercise helping train and mentor local organisations involved in emergency preparedness and response planning.
Having completed an operational tour of Bosnia in 2000, it was fascinating to see the progress made since then, although the visit was of course harrowing at times. Our four day programme was packed and included a reception at the British Embassy (see photo above).
In May, I returned to Bosnia with the Civil Engagement Team at the invitation of a very highly regarded organisation called Remembering Srebrenica, to commemorate 20 years since the terrible events at
For those wishing to read more about Jerome’s trip, visit www.srebrenica.org.uk
The Headmaster invites you to the
SUMMER BALL SATURDAY 18 JUNE 2016 Tickets £65.00 each includes fizz on arrival and three course dinner • Entertainment includes live band, dancing, heads and tails, charity silent auction, tree of promises and cash bar • 7.15pm Pre-dinner Drinks • Carriages: Midnight • Black Tie • For tickets please visit www.shiplake.org.uk/summerball
OVS Archives
Looking
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1. Class of 1989 2. Tom Arnold (14S) at the 2014 Leaving Ceremony 3. Class of 1966 4. Paul Scade (96B) in the CCF Army Section 5. 1989 Cricket Team 6. Johnny Halsall (01S) 7. Sam Laurie (00O), Nick Quirke (00B) and Jack Gregory (01E) as part of the 1st VIII 8. Mark Lauder christens the Ben Hunt-Davis 9. 1st VIII at Henley Royal Regatta, 1989 10. Boat Club 1992 11. Tom McCooke (15S)
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Keep in Touch! WHY? Once a Viking, always a Viking. Let us know your contact details, and we can: • invite you to all upcoming events and activities • keep you up to date with news from the College • keep you in touch with your peers and their achievements • discounts and offers for Old Vikings • network with a variety of OVs’ businesses
HOW? There are many ways to keep in touch with the Old Vikings: • www.ovslive.co.uk • oldvikings@shiplake.org.uk • www.facebook.com/oldvikings • 0118 940 2455 • www.twitter.com/ShiplakeCollege
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Your trusted legal advisor throughout life’s opportunities and challenges
Based in Bloomsbury, we offer an excellent service for all property matters, including sales and purchases and lease extensions, as well as other legal matters.
As an Old Viking and former resident of Skipwith, 1975-1980, Ossie Swaine will provide a stress free and efficient service for all your legal needs. Contact us: • 59-60 Russell Square, London, WC1B 4HP • • +44 (0)20 7631 4141 • • www.bishopandsewell.co.uk • The OVS would like to thank Ossie Swaine and Bishop & Sewell LLP Solicitors for their support with the Touch Rugby and Beer Festival.
www.ovslive.co.uk