THE Oratory School welcomed big crowds on Saturday, as more than 100 guests joined in celebrating the official opening of the school’s ground-breaking Caritas All-Weather Pitch.

Attendees enjoyed watching a double-header of action as the host’s 1st and 2nd XI hockey teams defeated Downe House 3-0 and 3-1 respectively.

It was a fitting way for The Oratory to enjoy their first ‘home’ game having become Berkshire Schools’ League champions at 1st XI level for the fifth consecutive year last term. The 2nd XI also went back-to-back in achieving silverware.

Following the fixtures, guests headed back to the Tolkien Room for a glass of champagne, tea, coffee, cake and other refreshments.

The £1m project is a whole school community effort funded by donations from The Oratory Schools Foundation, The Oratory School Society, present parents and alumni.

The name of the pitch was chosen by Old Oratorian Peter Boos, who provided significant investment into the newest addition to the school’s top-level sporting facilities.

Peter said: “The Peter & Jan Boos Family Foundation is pleased to have contributed to its construction. My years at The Oratory, from 1958 to 1963, shaped my life and gave me the confidence to succeed – and, I hope, to do good things later on.

"That confidence was forged through active participation in school life, especially on the sports fields. Cricket and rugby in particular taught me discipline, resilience, and how to play for something larger than myself.

"I have long believed much of what I achieved in life was built on the skills, character, and confidence I gained at The Oratory – particularly on its sporting fields.

"The name of this pitch, ‘Caritas’, speaks to the understanding of selfless and sacrificial love: seeking and working for the good of the other without expecting anything in return. My hope is that the Caritas message will encourage and inspire all who play here.”

Peter was unable to attend the event but the school was delighted to welcome Peter’s grandson, Gabriel Boos, who joined in the cutting of the ribbon with Immy Martin, 1st Team Hockey Captain.

Matthew Fogg, Head Master, added: “The Caritas pitch is a wonderful addition to the superb facilities we already have here at The Oratory School.

"It is going to be a fantastic venue for our future generations of boys and girls. Most importantly, it marks the culmination of a promise made many years ago when we made the decision to go co-educational.

"It’s a tribute to Mrs Victoria Watson, Head of Oratory Hockey, and the Oratory girls who have shown dedication and determination, winning the hockey league for each of the last five seasons, despite having to travel away to every match and not having the level of home support that we’re so proud of here at The Oratory School. Girls, The Oratory’s reputation for punching well above its weight in sport is very, very safe in your hands.

"The fact we can stand here with the new facility is down to so many people. It has been wonderful to see the whole Oratory Family joining together in this huge group effort. This project would not have been made possible without you; thank you for your support.”

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