Staff Members Bid Farewell

At the end of the spring term, the Shiplake College community bid a fond farewell to two much-loved members of staff; Bursar Mr Neil Walne and Digital Librarian and Orchard House Tutor Miss Claire Knight. Miss Knight leaves after three years at the College to assume the position of Librarian at Reading Blue Coat School, whilst Mr Walne, who has been at Shiplake for 11 years, leaves to become the Bursar at Pangbourne College.

Mr Walne began working at Shiplake shortly after Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies joined the school, after a successful career in the army. The two have created a balanced and harmonious working friendship, which has helped to see the College go from strength to strength. Neil has had a great impact on the College; as Mr Davies commented, ‘it is not simply the job of the Bursar to say ‘no’ all the time. Neil has had a great influence on the College, and has been a great friend to me. We have balanced each other well, with Neil often being my voice of reason and logic. It is with a very heavy heart that we bid him farewell.’ Many of the jobs for which Neil has been responsible happen ‘behind the scenes’ but are some of the most important in the school, helping to ensure the smooth-running of the College.

Neil has said of his time at the College: ‘I will miss all the staff, many of whom were here well before me and with whom I have worked for nearly 12 years. I am sure that many schools are the same, but I do find Shiplake a friendly and supportive environment. I felt that this was the place for me after my first visit, as a potential candidate for Bursar, seeking a change after 23 years in the Army. Above all, it is the ‘little things’ that you take for granted that I will miss the most once I’m gone. I never cease to be impressed with the view as you drive in the main entrance, with the College buildings against the green of the 1st XI cricket pitch. Having taken many visitors around, I have never met anyone who has not marvelled at the view from Skipwith terrace down to the river – that image will remain for me in particular. My stand-out memory would be the opening of the John Turner building. The project was completed on time (just!) and was such a significant achievement for the whole College. It was the largest construction project to date, and took place in the heart of the campus during a normal school year, so pupils and staff had to cope with a lot of disruption! Shiplake has changed tremendously over the last few years, not just in pupil numbers, but in the continuing quest to improve the teaching and learning environment for pupils. In speaking to prospective teaching staff, many sight the flexibility and willingness to change that is in contrast to many bigger schools. There is no doubt that the College’s reputation has changed, particularly in the local area – and long may this continue.

I have found my time at Shiplake challenging, hard work and fun in equal measure. I will miss the many friends I have made very much. I wish my successor, Mr John Ralfs, the best of luck, and hope that his time at the College is as satisfying and rewarding as it has been for me.’

Neil has worked closely with not only all of the support staff, but the teaching staff as well, developing strong working relationships that have made him highly respected and loved in the Shiplake family. Although Mr Walne is moving on to another school, he will still be very much present at Shiplake, as his son, Josh, remains at the College. He commented: ‘On a personal level and as a parent, I feel enormous pride every time I see my son representing the College on the sports field, and will definitely continue to do so. I hope to keep in touch with everyone, and look forward to seeing you at the touchline of the rugby pitch come September!’ Before Neil joins Pangbourne College, he will take a little well-deserved time off for a family holiday, before commencing duties at his new school for the summer term.

Miss Knight joined Shiplake when the John Turner building was newly completed, and the shelves in the Thinking Space were empty. She has since transformed it into the heart of the College, where pupils enjoy lessons, private studying and research. The shelves are filled with books, and pupils have found that the extensive digital facilities available have aided learning outside the classroom immensely. Claire also held the position of tutor in Orchard, and frequently brought home-baked snacks in for her tutees – something which will be sorely missed! Claire said of her time at the College: ‘I will miss the community here, and I have made some lifelong friends. I will of course also miss the Thinking Space! I have some fantastic memories of my tutor group and the English lessons held in the Thinking Space; enjoying baked goods together and seeing the boys reading and talking to them about their chosen books. I am looking forward to becoming the Head Librarian at Reading Blue Coat, but as I am just across the river I am eager to keep in touch, and stay up to date with Shiplake’s progress!’

Both Claire and Neil will be deeply missed, but we hope to keep in touch with them both as new members of the Old Viking Society. We wish them all the very best for the future and their new adventures.