Sir William McAlpine has stepped down as a Governor of Shiplake College, after a significant 27 years in the post. Sir McAlpine joined the Governing Body at Shiplake following the death of his father, Lord McAlpine of Moffat, in the January of 1990. Lord McAlpine himself had occupied the position since the late 1960s, recruited by then Headmaster Mr John Eggar.
Sir William, a railway enthusiast and president of the Railway Benefit Fund, owns and runs Fawley Hill Railway. The private railway is home to a number of prestigious steam trains and pieces of London architecture. Sir William, who has spent his life in the family construction business, was able to carry on the prize started by his late father of a helicopter ride for boys who have shown the most progress throughout the year. This has become a much-valued tradition at Shiplake, which has since been taken on by Old Vikings Bill Eaton and, more recently, George Graham.
Sir William commented: ‘it has been a great honour to have been a Governor at Shiplake College. The school has gone from strength to strength over the past 27 years. I have seen (Headmaster) Gregg Davies arrive, and, under his careful and considered guidance, the College has grown dramatically. This has been physically, in terms of the construction of modern buildings, the number of pupils, and also in terms of its reputation. Shiplake College has long been a part of my life, and I will continue to help in any way that I can.’
Chairman of Governors The Right Hon Tim Eggar says of Sir William’s departure: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bill for the major contribution he has made to the College over the years. We are saddened to lose the link between Shiplake and the McAlpines, as the family have been such an integral part of the development of Shiplake. Bill’s father was responsible for building the first teaching block at the College! I am sure we will continue to maintain a close bond with the family.’
Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies commented: ‘Both William and his wife Judith have always been highly supportive of me, and of the College in general. I wish him all the very best for the future.’