THE PAVILION, THEN AND NOW

Expert workmanship over the last 18 months has seen a huge transformation in the first phase of the refurbishment of the Pavilion for Fettesians of today and tomorrow.

The extensive roof work was overseen by a specialist heritage roofing consultant who has some interesting historical connections. His great great grandfather laid the original slates on the Bryce Building; his great grandfather was a roofer involved in the Pavilion when it was originally constructed in 1906, and he himself worked as an apprentice roofer on Arniston when it was constructed over 50 years ago now.

The Pavilion was built in 1906, in memory of John Shapland Yeo (Staff 1882–1904), teacher of Maths and Science. He was Housemaster of School House and then Housemaster of Carrington. Yeo died whilst in service, which caused deep sadness amongst the entire Fettes community. He was remembered as a hero with an understanding heart, brave, honest and kind. Old Fettesians organised an appeal in his memory to which there was an outpouring of generosity, generating the funds to build the Pavilion.

For well over a century the Pavilion has been at the heart of sporting life at Fettes. We are deeply grateful to the Old Fettesians, parents past and present, The Fettesian Trust and other friends of Fettes who have made generous donations to restore the Pavilion to its former glory.

We are also deeply grateful for the support from benefactors who have remembered Fettes in their wills. One such benefactor is Patrick Croker (Staff 1959–1965), or Paddy as he was known. Paddy came to us from Brasenose College, Oxford and very soon made an impact on Fettes life. During his time here he was Head of History, Moredun House Tutor, Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Coach, CCF Officer and President of the Debating Society.

On the games field in all seasons his voice rang out to inspire, rebuke, instruct and exhort. Cricket was perhaps Paddy’s greatest love, and he gave untold hours to fielding and net practices. Everything Paddy Croker did at Fettes he did wholeheartedly.

It is also fitting that the family of Frans ten Bos (Gl 1951–1955) agreed to direct his generous legacy towards this project. The Pavilion will have been at the very heart of Frans’ time at Fettes, given he was an impressive member of the famous XV which did not lose a school match in five years, before he went on to play rugby for Scotland. Frans not only made his mark on the sports field, but also became a valued friend to many fellow Fettesians. He remained a genuinely proud Fettesian throughout his life.

To mark their tremendous contribution their names and those of several other significant donors to this project are displayed on new corner stones for the Pavilion.

The Pavilion is now fully reroofed in historic rosemary tile. The lead work that had been missing or in poor condition has been re-instated. The rear slated roof panel has been redone using traditional Scottish slate and original methods. The main cupola has been entirely refurbished and reglazed.

We hope that you will agree that this work has already significantly transformed the Pavilion, ensuring that this iconic Fettes building remains the motivational, historical and nostalgic place it has always been for our teams and their supporters. Further phases of work are planned in due course, including a new water supply and additional electrics as well as extensive refurbishment to the rear areas and we will be sure to keep Old Fettesians posted about this much-loved Fettes landmark.

In the meantime, the next time you come back to Fettes, please make sure to visit the Pavilion to see for yourself the difference donations make to Fettes College.

Internally the walls have been stripped and the boss plaster repaired and painted throughout. The sub-floor and the floor have been fully repaired with the addition of spike-proof carpet (for cricket spikes). The original honours boards for both boys’ and girls’ teams have been remounted on the walls in an easy to view format which will be brought up to date with current teams. A large screen has been installed to feature a scrolling display of original team photos. The screen can also be used to support teaching and other presentations in the main gathering space. There is now a full digital network and Wi-Fi coverage.

All the woodwork has been repaired and replaced where necessary and repainted. The drains have been improved and to the exterior, there is now block paving and some landscaping including dwarf roses in suitable Fettesian colours.

Over many years, legacy gifts left to the Fettes Foundation have enabled the College to achieve so much, including the Pavilion transformation. Future legacy gifts will help us to develop and support the ambitions of Fettesians for generations to come.

If you would like to make provision in your will for Fettes, after looking after loved ones, you will be helping the College sustain its future. However large or small, your support will be greatly valued and will make a profound difference to the lives of future Fettesians. Please do not hesitate to contact Rachael Melrose in the Development Team to find out more or to discuss this further. Rachael can be contacted by phone on +(0)131 311 4758 or by email r.melrose@fettes.com