An independent Suffolk school has celebrated the opening of a new pavilion to match its “great sporting traditions” and inspire future generations.
The new Fowler Pavilion at Framlingham College was built with a “substantial” legacy left by the late Yela Fowler, in memory of her husband Derek, an Old Framlinghamian.
A reception held recently to celebrate the pavilion’s opening featured an inauguration speech by Norman Porter, former honorary general secretary of the Society of Old Framlinghamians and an ex-international hockey player for Scotland.
Mr Porter, who was also the former captain of the University of St Andrews’ hockey team, noted the historical significance of the occasion – almost exactly 60 years after the Duke of Norfolk opened the older pavilion.
The Norfolks were members of the noble Howard family. Mr Porter said he also came from a “distinctly sub-aristocratic” branch of the Howards.
He added that it was also 60 years since a photograph was taken of the 1957 school cricket team, which featured three future international players – David Larter, who played in 10 cricket tests for England, rugby player Andrew Hancock, who scored a famous try for England against Scotland in 1965 and Mr Porter, who won a dozen caps for Scotland’s hockey team.
“Fast-forward 60 years and sport at Framlingham College is still flourishing and it is great that Fram finally has a pavilion worthy of these great sporting traditions,” Mr Porter added.
He also remarked that in an age of health problems and obesity it was wonderful to see “armies of track-suited youngsters” enjoying sport and exercise, as part of the ethos of Framlingham.
He expressed his hope that future generations would derive as much pleasure and friendship from sport as he had, and declared the pavilion finally and formally open.
The new pavilion has been built in a design to complement the cricket pavilion it neighbours, while also reflecting features of the new sixth form centre built in 2014 on the opposite side of the main cricket pitch. It will provide a range of facilities including additional changing rooms and a large function area incorporating a Paddy and Scott’s Cafe, with “spectacular views” over the cricket pitch and the new astro hockey pitch.
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