The Opening of Bates

On Saturday morning we were delighted to open the new All Weather Pitch.  In suitably wet and blustery conditions for an ‘All Weather’ pitch Sid Inglis  and James Sunley  thanked the team who have brought the dream to reality.  It was particularly special to have James Boggis  (former Elstree pupil) at the opening.  He was the architect of the project and his vision has ensured that the new facility blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Steve Bates did the honours and cut the ribbon.  He also scored the first goal!  The new facility has appropriately been named ‘Bates’ in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to Elstree for over 100 terms.  We welcomed two England hockey players, Tom Carson and Jack Clee, to give  a hockey master class to the boys who relished the opportunity to play on this fabulous new surface.  In the summer months ‘Bates’ will be home to 9 tennis courts and will therefore provide a first class facility for the pupils at Elstree all year round.