Shiplake College was once again the proud Children's Festival sponsor of the Henley Literary Festival, one of the UK's largest literary festivals. As part of this sponsorship, 15 of our Year 8 pupils had the opportunity to meet some of the amazing children's authors and also have the honour of speaking about Shiplake College and introducing the authors before they came on stage at their events. A big well done and thank you for 'saying yes' and being such fantastic ambassadors for the College to the following:
Cressida Cowell
Mabel Reed-Ryan
Eva Merry
Poppy May White
Chris Smith
Arabella Payne
Amy Longden
Alexander Armstrong
Ali Curran
L Emmett
Hugh Bonneville
Jamie Pattinson-Smith
Mandy Robb-Hootkins
Athena Kugblenu
Osian Harford
A Woodrow
Michael Morpurgo
Dexter Penney
Audrey Edimoh
Jodie Ounsley
Izzy Parker
Z Ahmed
Prior to the Michael Morpurgo talk, a group of prospective families, along with Shiplake pupils Dexter, Audrey and Osian, had the exclusive opportunity to meet Michael during a VIP Reception. Michael came down from the Green Room to say hello to the group and ask a few questions before heading to the marquee for this talk!
Also part of the Henley Literary Festival programme, Mr Howe interviewed England's most-capped men's rugby player of all time Ben Youngs, about Ben's honest and touching memoir Beyond the Line. It was a full marquee event, with Mr Howe asking how Ben's dream career on the pitch was masked by a turbulent life off it. Like the book itself, the discussion was moving and inspirational as Mr Howe and Ben talked about the personal challenges Ben has faced.
