Burr House

Charly Lowndes became Housemaster of Burr House in 2002. Charly teaches Information and Communications Technology at Shiplake and is involved with the CCF RN Section. Charly enjoys offshore sailing, learning French, jazz and blues. Before starting to teach in 1997, Charly was Controller (Radio) for the British Forces Broadcasting Service. He worked in countries including Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Germany, the Falklands, Bosnia, Middle East (in Op Desert Storm). He has commentated on the Port Stanley Sheep Shearing Finals, and from the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, as the Queen inspected the British Garrison.

Charly and his wife Lesley live in Burr House. Lesley also works at Shiplake. They have three sons: a History teacher, an investment banker and a Home Office administrator. Charly’s labradors Bella and Tessa are being trained to sniff out unfinished preps.

Burr has a well equipped computer room also used for 6th form teaching, with 6 PCs and two networked printers. There is a 52” plasma TV. Other facilities include pool and table football, the best sofas in Shiplake and the Burr Diner next to the kitchen.

Charly says “Burr is great because of the boys who live in it. They look after each other, and encourage each other to do their best in work, sport and as people. We have outstanding individuals who inspire others in rugby, rowing, tennis, basketball, and so on – outstanding scholars, actors, musicians and artists. We are modest, and value everyone as much for their effort and personality as for their individual attainment. The Burr family is global: we speak many languages and have many faiths. We welcome visitors – the building is fine, but the House is the people who live in it. Come and meet us.”