Pavilion extension named in honour of former Headmaster

Cricket Pavilion officially opened

On Friday 16 September, the school officially opened the fully refurbished cricket pavilion, with an invited group of former pupils, Old Exonian Committee members, staff and Governors. The original War Memorial Pavilion, opened in 1953 by the President of the OE Club, Mr Charles Goff, was built in memory of the old boys who gave their lives in the two World Wars, thanks to generous donations from many former pupils. It was refurnished in 1987, from a donation by OE Mr R. Troke. It now boasts a fully-fitted modern kitchen, and has been completely redecorated, with new eco-friendly boiler and heating systems, external ramps and a covered viewing area on the ground floor, a renovated clock tower, and a newly-created upper room and balcony.  The major refit has been made possible by the generosity of the Old Exonian Club and the bequest of Mr John Ryton Andrews, the son of a former Headmaster.

From left to right: former Headmaster Mr Neil Gamble, Chairman of Governors Mrs Beverley Meeke, Headmaster Mr Bob Griffin

The school has named the upper room in honour of another former Headmaster, Mr Neil Gamble, who led the school from 1992-2003, and was a major influence upon the development of sport at the school, especially cricket, during his tenure. Neil, who is now the Chief Executive of the Devon County Cricket Club, kindly declared the room open and paid tribute to the school’s cricketing history, expressing his pride in the its all-round achievements. He drew parallels between the character and benefits of the game of cricket and the school’s wider educational work and purpose and he wished the venue and its users every success and enjoyment in the future.