A special reception was held on Saturday 21^st October 2017 to officially open the new Fowler Pavilion.

This much-needed state-of-the-art Pavilion was built due to a substantial legacy from the late Yela Fowler, in memory of her husband, Derek, DFM, an Old Framlinghamian. The new pavilion has been built adjacent to the cricket pavilion in a design to complement the existing pavilion and yet reflect some features of the new Sixth Form Centre built in 2014 on the opposite side of the main cricket pitch, The Back.

Although referred to as a ‘pavilion’, the new building will provide a range of facilities to support the school including additional changing facilities and a large function area incorporating a Paddy and Scott’s Café, with spectacular views over the cricket pitch and the astro hockey pitch.

Headmaster, Paul Taylor welcomed guests before the inauguration speech by Norman Porter, former Honorary General Secretary of the Society of Old Framlinghamians, former Scotland Hockey International and former Captain of St Andrews’ University Hockey Team.

In his speech he referred to the historical significance of the occasion: it had been almost exactly 60 years since the Duke of Norfolk had opened the older pavilion – the Norfolks were Howards, and Norman himself came from a distinctly sub-aristocratic branch of the Howards. This was also 60 years after the photograph of the 1957 school cricket team had been taken, featuring three future internationals: David Larter (Cricket), Andrew Hancock (Rugby) and himself (Hockey).

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. He also remarked, that in an age of ever-increasing health problems, due to obesity, it was wonderful to see armies of track-suited youngsters enjoying sport and exercise, as part of the ethos of Framlingham.

Norman then expressed his hope that future generations passing through the building would derive as much pleasure and friendship from sport as he had, and declared the pavilion finally and formally open.