On Friday 30 September the sun shone down on a beautiful frosty morning, whilst the Chapel Wardens and Prefects were joined by Bishop Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester. The Reverend Stephen Cousins also joined the service, as did Reverend Sydney Thewsey and senior members of staff to witness the memorable occasion. Head Chapel Warden Austin Burnand offers the following report from the moving service:
‘Friday 30 September was a very important date for both the Chapel Wardens and College Prefects, as this was when we would be blessed into our duties by the Bishop of Dorchester, Bishop Colin Fletcher. The day started off with breakfast with the Bishop, joined by Head of College Emily Wilkinson, Deputy Chapel Warden Ben Tressider and I, Head Chapel Warden Austin Burnand. The service itself followed the lovely breakfast. The service began with a reading by me, which was Philippians 2 vs 1-8, on ‘’imitating Christ’s humanity’’. Following this the Chapel Wardens were brought up by the Rev and were blessed into their duties by the Bishop. Following this, the Prefects were brought up by Deputy Head Pastoral Mr Nick Brown and were also blessed by the Bishop, all shaking his hand and welcoming us into our duties. The service then ended with all of the Chapel Wardens reading out a prayer. Overall, I felt that the service was excellent and well presented by all Chapel Wardens and Prefects.
I would like to thank the Rev for organising the service, Bishop Colin Fletcher for coming to bless us into our duties, along with our rector Reverend Sydney Thewsey for attending. I would also like to thank all the pupils and staff who attended.’ Reverend Cousins added: ‘this is an annual service, held at the beginning of the academic year, where Bishop Colin visits us for the blessing of Prefects and Chapel Wardens as they start their year in office. It is a formal service, but Bishop Colin brings humour and also emphasises the importance of their roles over the coming months. It is a unique service, and unique to Shiplake College. We are very grateful to Bishop Colin who is more than happy to give up his time to come to Shiplake for this.’