Year 13 pupils started today with an early rise, for the annual pre-Ascension Day celebration, where they travelled to Maidensgrove for a prayer, a game of rounders and a breakfast buffet.
Although some students were still bleary-eyed from their early start, they set off in their pyjamas and hoodies to Maidensgrove, where the sun was out. Ascension Day is the celebration that marks Christ’s ascension into Heaven, on the Thursday 40 days after Easter. Traditionally, services are held on hills or high points and Maidensgrove is the highest point in the area, and a stunning setting for the celebration.
The morning started with a prayer led by Reverend Stephen Cousins, allowing the leavers to reflect on their time and experiences at Shiplake. After the prayer, students were given bubble making devices to represent them letting go of their sins. The annual rounders game followed, where two teams were picked and captained by D Anstey (Head Chapel Warden) and O Rait (Deputy Head Chapel Warden), with the Headmaster refereeing.
Anstey’s team fielded first and were brimming with confidence given that most of the squad was made up of members of the cricket 1st XI with captain M Dalrymple bowling! With Rait’s team batting, they made up a total of 21 ½ runs, thanks to some very impressive performances from the girls. The pressure was on for Anstey’s team to perform, and with perhaps some questionable decisions made by the Headmaster, his team ended on 20 ½ runs, meaning Rait’s team took the win!
Whilst the students were working up an appetite, Mrs Cousins had produced an incredible breakfast buffet of fruit, pastries and doughnuts. Everyone then headed back to school in time for their first lesson at 8.40am. This was not only a special service for the leavers but also for Reverend Cousins, as it marks his last Ascension Day at the College, before he moves on. A big thank you to Mr Curtis and Mr Duncan for driving minibuses as well.
