Pupils from Year 9 English, accompanied by Head of English Mr David Sharkey, were given the opportunity to attend the Henley Literary Festival last week. The Festival, which is now in its ninth year, offers over 170 talks, question and answer sessions, performances and workshops throughout September, taking place in venues across the picturesque town of Henley on Thames. Events vary from current affairs to sport, but the Shiplake boys were audience to a discussion about World War I.
The discussion, which was held at the Kenton Theatre and led by former Shiplake College teacher Mr Jon Cooksey, was centred around Frederick Kelly and Rupert Brooke. The English students learnt how Frederick Kelly, a musician, composer and rower for Henley’s own Leander Club, and Great Britain, recorded his war-time experience in a diary from 1914 to 1916. The written record offers a moving insight into the Royal Naval Division; sailors who found themselves deployed on land as soldiers on the front line. During this deployment, Kelly became acquainted with Rupert Brooke, the renowned World War I poet, who is perhaps best remembered for his sonnet The Soldier.
Former Shiplake teacher Mr Cooksey spoke on the subject as the basis for his new book, Kelly’s War, which details the remarkable story of unfalteringly brave Kelly, who inspired respect amongst those who served with him. The book promises to be a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the era’s unsung heroes during some of the most deadly battles of the Great War. The Year 9 pupils thoroughly enjoyed the event, which will provide a helpful foundation for future study of literature from World War I.