Old Viking Society of Shiplake College

08/09/2026

Just 4 weeks to go until our annual Festival of Sport, on Saturday 3 October!
There will be Touch Rugby and Netball tournaments during the afternoon, as well as a BBQ and a b**r festival for the whole Shiplake Community. The afternoon will run from 1:30pm - 5pm.
Book your free entry and sign up as an individual or a team for the tournaments here: https://buff.ly/bg62gJp

03/09/2026

We are very saddened to learn the news that Simon Cromack (O89) lost his battle with Glioblastoma on 19 August.
He died surrounded by those closest to him. Everyone in the sends our thoughts and condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
https://buff.ly/5bR9gfN

24/08/2026

Join us on Saturday 12 September, 2:00pm, at Dorney Lake for the annual alumni regatta hosted by Eton College. The regatta is open to all former rowers from Shiplake College. It is a fun, yet competitive, afternoon with short distance races followed by afternoon tea! More details and how to register on the link, or email [email protected].

https://buff.ly/td4Axsp

  Join us on Saturday 12 September for a spirited afternoon of racing at the Old Blades Regatta, hosted by Eton College at Dorney Lake. This informal yet competitive event brings together alumni crews from schools including Eton, Teddies, Radley, Hampton, Canford and Reading Blue Coat. Event Sche...

06/08/2026

Join us at the College for the Festival of Sport on Saturday 3 October 1.30-5pm. Touch Rugby and Netball Tournaments, BBQ and B**r Festival for the whole Shiplake Community to kick start the new school year! Book your free entry and sign up as an individual or a team for the tournaments here https://connected.shiplake.org.uk/events/view/festival-of-sport-2026-1

05/08/2026

Looking for a cracking summer read? This Old Viking Will Iredale's new book is well worth a read!

Following his Sunday Times bestsellers The Kamikaze Hunters and Pathfinders, Will's latest release, Churchill’s Pirates: The Seafaring Heroes Who Helped Win WWII, uncovers the forgotten story of the Royal Naval Patrol Service. Armed with converted fishing trawlers and pleasure yachts, this crew of 70,000 ordinary men and women kept Britain’s vital sea lanes safe in her darkest hour.

Hailed as "SUPERB" by James Holland and "REVELATORY AND THRILLING" by Saul David, it’s a must-read for history lovers this summer.

Click below to read our full Shiplake Connected feature and find out how to get your copy https://connected.shiplake.org.uk/news/old-viking-news/136/136-Churchills-Pirates-The-Seafaring-Heroes-Who-Helped-Win-WWII

30/07/2026

All Old Viking Golfers are invited to the annual Old Viking Golf Day at Badgemore Golf Club on Saturday 26 September 2026. ⛳

Arrival: from 11:00am for a bacon roll and hot drink, first tee-off at 11:30am, with one-course meal provided afterwards (expected to finish around 5pm).

Teams: Organise your own 4 Ball or be allocated to a team. 🏌️‍♂️

Please note this event is not suitable for beginners/novices but high handicappers are very welcome!

You can book your place on the Golf Day at the discounted price of £50pp here - https://connected.shiplake.org.uk/events/view/old-viking-golf-day-2026 look forward to seeing you there!

24/07/2026

Ever wondered how far a bag of coffee beans could travel? Edwin Harrison (99W) asked the same question! Along with his family, and a bag of coffee beans, he is now nearing the end of his 22,000km journey from London to Perth, Australia. Read the full story here: https://buff.ly/2HI9C9C

22/07/2026

We are saddened to hear about the death of John Wood. He was a teacher of Geography at the school from 1962 until 1997. He died on 5 July, aged 97 years old.

His funeral will take place on 7 August, at St Peter's Church in Chalfont St Peter at 2:30pm; all welcome.

https://buff.ly/HFWotTD

08/07/2026

We are sorry to hear about the death of former teacher and rowing coach Stephen Oxlade, who died on 7 June after a short illness. Steve was a Chemistry teacher at the college between 1968 and 1973. He coached the 1st VIII in 1973. He had a natural gift of encouraging others and took great pride in seeing young people grow. https://buff.ly/ihRKYuM

05/07/2026

Good luck to two who are racing in finals today.

Amelia Westbrook (25B) in the Washington boat
in final of the Island Challenge Cup at 11.00am v Brown University. Clap-Out 10.15am.

Jake Birch (OV 22B) in the Thames Cup Final at 12.10am, rowing for London Rowing Club v Thames RC. Clap-Out 11:25 Bay L.