Head pledges closer ties with community

ABOUT 50 people attended a drinks party held at Shiplake College on Monday night.

The college served mulled wine and nibbles to invited guests from the local community including Shiplake Community Choir, the Women’s Institute and sports coaches, as well as former parents and governors.

Visitors were hosted in the Great Hall, which was decorated with art by the college’s sixth-form pupils as well as festive fairy lights and a 20ft Christmas tree. Headmaster Tyrone Howe gave a speech where he updated the guests on the college’s achievements over the last year.

Mr Howe, who is a former Ireland international rugby player, said: “At the heart of everything is the sense of community at Shiplake. We play a key role in the community and that is not lost on us. Most evenings during the week we have a lot of the local community using our facilities.

“That’s what I think is one of the things that makes Shiplake very, very special. We’ve got to make sure that we protect that.” Mr Howe added that he was very keen to look for opportunities for community groups to enjoy the school’s new artificial pitches off the A4155 Reading-Henley road when they are completed by the start of next term.

Former housemaster Richard Mannix, who lives in Lower Shiplake, attended with his wife Fran. Mrs Mannix said: “I forgot how beautiful and lovely the college is, particularly at Christmas time.”