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Berkhamsted Group | 09.10.2016

David Case remembered at opening of Pavilion in his name

David Case remembered at opening of Pavilion in his name

 

David Case, a talented sportsman who died in a tragic car accident 33 years ago in his final year at Berkhamsted School, will be remembered by generations to come with the opening of a Pavilion in his name at Chesham Road Playing Fields.

 

The David Case Pavilion was officially opened by David’s brothers, Andi and Richard (above), themselves Old Berkhamstedians (OBs), at an event attended by over 250 guests on Saturday 17 September. The guests included many members of the 1st XV school rugby team captained by David in 1982 as well as James Rodwell, OB and member of the GB Rugby Sevens team that won silver medals at the Rio Olympics.

Rio silver medallist James Rodwell (left) with David Case Pavilion campaign ambassadors, from left Chris Nicholls, Andi Case, Sue Rodwell, Richard Case and Sue Wolstenholme.

The contribution made by members of the Berkhamsted School community in bringing the new pavilion to fruition were acknowledged by the School’s Principal Richard Backhouse: “So many people have given their time, contacts and energy with such generosity. And thank you to those who have given financially. Some have bought bricks, pegs or paving stones. Some donated auction lots, or purchased them.

“Particular and special thanks are due to our major donors, including Mr James Owlett whose generous legacy sponsored the clock tower and whose daughter is with us today, but most especially to the Case family. Without your generosity, we simply wouldn’t be celebrating this amazing building today. You have made this building possible, and we’re all delighted that it will bear your family name; we are so glad that three generations of your family are able to be with us today. On behalf of all pupils present and future, thank you.”

The David Case Pavilion and its clock tower, sponsored by a legacy from Mr James Owlett.

Mr Backhouse added: “The David Case Pavilion stands as a witness to the pursuit of excellence and sportsmanship of our current and future pupils: the building literally looks out across the fields on which they play. But it also stands as a witness to the excellence and sportsmanship of one particular sportsman, who graced these fields over 33 years ago.” 

Richard Case (above) explained why the Pavilion was such a fitting tribute to his brother: “David loved sport. Whether it was rugby, hockey or athletics he always gave his utmost. Striving hard to compete and to win; yet he never lost the sheer joy of playing and he had a strong sense of fair play. To me he will always personify good sportsmanship in all its meanings and he demonstrated the Corinthian spirit.  That is why we think he is a great role model for all who use this wonderful new pavilion. We are sure that this building will witness many triumphs for Berkhamsted. ”

David’s younger brother Andi (above) spoke emotionally about what an inspiration David was to him personally and to others at the school at that time, and how he hopes that this Pavilion gives the School a venue to mark sporting achievements at the School and help inspire future sportsmen and sportswomen. 

Before and after the opening celebrations, triumph and sportsmanship were clearly evident on the pitches of Chesham Road Playing Fields. The 1st, U15A and U14B Lacrosse teams earned victories against North London Collegiate while the 2nd XII won their match against St James Senior Girls’ School. A showcase match between the Berkhamsted School 1st XII Lacrosse team, which won the National Schools Championship in 2016, against a team of Old Berkhamstedian lacrosse players who achieved international representation, resulted in the Internationals winning 7-4 (both teams pictured above). Emma Oakley, who captained the Internationals, accepted the winner’s trophy from Mr Backhouse (below). 

On the rugby pitches in the afternoon, Berkhamsted’s teams won nine of 11 matches played against University College School, including a 33-5 win for the 1st XV wearing a special memorial shirt for the game with David Case’s name on the shoulder. A framed version of the same shirt was presented to Andi and Richard Case.

The Pavilion, which includes much-needed changing rooms, a first floor hospitality area with lift access and a balcony overlooking the playing fields, a first aid room and sports equipment storage, was designed by architect Gordon Innes of ConceptWorld and built by Tuskar overseen by the School’s Estates team.

Please find a link below to the report on the 1st XV match v UCS:

 

1st XV v UCS Match Report |External Link

 

 

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