Grand Opening of Sports Complex - A J Murtagh ex Master i/c Cricket and ex Housemaster of No.5 and No.7
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But Malvern doesn’t do razzmatazz, I said to myself as we searched for our table in the new Hospitality Suite, with flashing lights, loud music and colourful displays erupting all around. Well, it does now, I was forced to reconsider when the stage was illuminated with brilliant spotlights picking out the Malvern crest, looming large and luminescent, as a spectacular backdrop. Then the Head called us all to order to say Grace and the world tipped back on its axis.
“Of course, this used to be a swimming pool,” I told my neighbour, “and you’re sitting in Lane 4.” “Rubbish,” she scoffed, “Pour yourself another glass of wine.” But she had to eat her words when Lord MacLaurin, the Chairman of the Council, made that very point in his welcoming speech. We were all there to celebrate the opening of the new Sports Complex and I don’t suppose there was a man jack amongst us, either in his cups or not, who was not greatly impressed by the stunning building and the fabulous facilities. The cricket nets alone, opened earlier by Michael Vaughan, were to die for and brought to mind the old shed we used to practise in during wet weather down at Hampshire – and we were professionals! Not to mention the new (proper-sized) swimming pool, fitness suite, dance studio, squash courts, shooting range and other state-of-the-art amenities incorporated in this……. this……. complex. Aptly named, because I had got lost in it earlier.
Over coffee and chocolates, the suave and avuncular figure of TV presenter, John Inverdale, took to the stage to introduce his sporting guests for an informal question and answer session : the aforesaid Michael Vaughan, Jason Leonard, ex England rugby player, ex-England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, ex-England cricketer Graham Gooch and dual Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes. Inverdale is a past master at gently extracting anecdotes and indiscretions from his guests and, one after the other, they all entertained us with fascinating and humorous insights into the world of professional sport. Like many, I guess, I could have stayed all night. Alas, I had to go and I knew that my impression of the whole occasion as being a rip-roaring success was confirmed when I saw all the taxis lined up outside. You always know it’s been a good do when taxi drivers mill around in little groups, looking impatiently at their watches.
Prep School Days
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Saturday 17th October and Sunday 18th – the weekend continued with more events to celebrate the opening of the Sports Complex.
On Saturday, 17th The Downs, Malvern College Prep School came to try the facilities out for themselves. Mark Cox, Director of Sports Liaison at the College said “Friday night’s Gala Dinner was followed the next day by a taster day for The Downs, Malvern College Prep’s year 7 and 8 pupils who were able to try out the new sports facilities. These activities ranged from Fencing, Basketball, Indoor Hockey, and Climbing, to the use of the Rifle Range and Fitness Suite.
On Sunday 18th October five preparatory schools (TDMCP, The Elms, Abberley Hall, Winterfold House, and S. Anselm’s) brought teams comprising pupils from years 5 & 6 who all took part in a range of running, throwing and jumping events as well as obstacle and relay races run by ‘Sportshall Athletics’. Ed Parsons from Sportshall Athletics was ably assisted by a number of College students, who were team managers and officials for the day. With parents cheering on from the viewing gallery it made for a fantastic atmosphere and all had a fun time. S. Anselm’s from Derbyshire traveled the furthest distance of all the teams competing and theirs was the winning team of the day. Our congratulations go to them and our thanks to all those who supported the event.