Each year, the Bill Eaton Prize is awarded to two Year 9
pupils who have demonstrated the greatest academic improvement since joining
Shiplake. As part of the prize, Bill Eaton himself flies his helicopter to
Shiplake and takes each boy on a magnificent one hour flight.
Bill Eaton is one of our very first Old Vikings who left
Shiplake in 1964. Thanks to the support provided by teaching staff in the early
1960s, Bill managed to attain enough ‘O’ and ‘A’ Levels to progress onto bigger
and better things. Since then he has enjoyed a successful career, still finding
time for his major hobby; flying.
The 2013-2014 winners were Zeb Hjaltun-Rayner and Joe
Tucker, who are in Burr and Welsh House respectively. The boarders, now in Year
10, met Bill on the front field and listened intently as he explained the
mechanics and history of the aircraft. The American helicopter was built in
1998, but is serviced regularly to keep it in tip-top condition.
After the safety briefing, it was time for the first flight and
Zeb took his seat in the cabin. It was both boys’ very first helicopter
experience, and one they are not likely to forget. The flight path took them
down to Highclere Castle, otherwise known as Downton Abbey. They then flew over
the Vale of White Horse, enjoying a perfect view of the famous chalk figure in
Uffington. After returning to the College, it was Joe’s turn to take off.
The helicopter caused quite a stir amongst pupils and we
hope it will serve as extra motivation for the new Year 9 cohort to study hard
this year.
