The final Holy Communion service took place on Friday 12 June, with a very early morning service to commemorate the special occasion. Pupils, although struggling with the early morning, were keen to attend the service which promised to be a memorable communion!
It is customary for the Final Communion service to be held at 6.30am, at the very top of the tower of Skipwith House. A rather unusual place to hold a Holy Communion, it has nonetheless become a Shiplake tradition and was upheld this year. Climbing the narrow, dusty staircase to the top of the tower felt symbolic of the last supper, which took place in the upper room. The view from the tower so early in the morning is beautiful, and the Rev took the opportunity to encourage students – even those without a head for heights – to take photos of the breathtaking surrounding landscape! The pupils were fortunate as the weather smiled down on them, giving them brilliant sun for the outdoor service.
After a thought-provoking and moving service, the pupils headed back downstairs to enjoy a breakfast together. This is always a popular final Friday morning Holy Communion with both students and staff, particularly those moving on and also with those day students who managed to persuade a parent to drive them in for this very early start! It was a very memorable service.
