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Interview: Gareth Shippen (1992 – 1996)
Gareth attended St David’s from grade 8 until matric and says he enjoyed his time at school. He enjoyed sport
and played cricket and hockey where he played for the 1st XI. He enjoyed the tours in sport especially the tour
to Zimbabwe with Mr McMillan and Fr Brewer – a great time was had by all!
Gareth was not the greatest scholar (his own words) but he liked the teachers. He was not good at Maths and
the school suggested that he move down to standard grade but with the help of Mr Nick Davies he managed to
write Maths on the higher grade and get a good result. He enjoyed Richard Girdwood’s English lessons, the
boys used to sidetrack the lesson and most times Mr Girdwood fell for it! He remembers Mr Lambe, Mrs
Marais, Mr Norton and of course Mr McMillan and Fr Brewer fondly as good teachers and mentors.
Sadly Gareth’s Dad passed away on the day he was meant to write his matric Biology paper. Gareth wasn’t
sure what he wanted to do, so his Mom suggested that he try the hotel industry. After attending Wits
Technikon his first posting was to the Protea Hotel Kruger Park where he spent two years before moving to the
Protea Hotel Wilderness.
Gareth now manages The Gannet restaurant in Mossel Bay which is attached to the Protea Hotel. He is
happily married and his wife helps him in the business and he has now started an events business to run in
conjunction with the restaurant. Although the hours are long, Gareth enjoys the creative side of his work and
has lived in Mossel Bay for the past six years.
Gareth has seen Mark Conyers, who manages an upmarket guest house in Knysna recently but otherwise he
reads the old boy’s mail etc to keep up to date with St David’s.
Gareth’s brother Mark, matric 2001, moved to Australia recently and is working in the computer industry.