On Sunday 6 September, we were proud to celebrate a new chapter for Rackets at Haileybury with the official reopening of the refurbished Rackets building.
Following more than 70 years without significant investment, the project marks an important moment for the sport at Haileybury. Carried out entirely in-house by our Estates team, the project includes a newly fitted kitchenette, updated safety features, a new viewing platform and a revitalised social space where pupils can spend time together off court.
Made possible through the generosity of a group of donors and supporters, including the Tennis & Rackets Association (T&RA), the refurbishment has created a welcoming and practical environment for current and future generations of Haileyburians.
We were delighted to welcome Rackets supporters back to Haileybury to celebrate the reopening, including Old Haileyburian players, parents, families and friends. Guests heard from the Master, Eugene du Toit; Old Haileyburian and longstanding supporter of Rackets Deane Pennick; and former parent and donor Tony Dalwood.
Deane reflected on the importance of the Rackets building as much more than simply a place to play sport. For generations of pupils, it has offered a place to spend time, talk and find friendship and support, creating a community that can last long after pupils leave Haileybury.
“Rackets is a community on and off the court. You don’t have to be good to be a part of it.”
He also reflected on Haileybury’s proud history in the sport and the opportunities ahead, from the achievements of players including Tom Billings and Mark Farmiloe to more recent success at the National Schools Championships. With the girls’ game growing rapidly, there is much to build on for the next generation of players.
Tony spoke about the wider role sport can play in developing confidence, communication skills and ambition, and in encouraging pupils to go out into the world and “make a difference”. He highlighted Rackets as something distinctive within a Haileybury education: with only a small number of schools playing the sport, pupils have opportunities to compete at some of the country’s most historic venues and become part of a lifelong network.
He also reflected on the opportunities Rackets had created for his own children beyond their time at Haileybury, illustrating how the friendships and connections formed through the sport can continue well beyond school.
Both speakers paid tribute to the partnership between the Rackets community and the School in bringing the project to fruition. Deane particularly thanked the Master for recognising the importance of the project from the outset, as well as the T&RA and the many donors whose support made the refurbishment possible.
We were also honoured to welcome former parents Sue and John Palmer, with Sue officially reopening the building. The ceremony was followed by the annual Richard Palmer Memorial Match, held in memory of their son Richard, an Old Haileyburian who was killed in action.
The reopening was both a celebration of Rackets’ history at Haileybury and an exciting step towards its future. Above all, the refurbished building preserves something that has always made Rackets special: a place where pupils can play, talk, form friendships and find a community that can stay with them for life.
We look forward to seeing it filled with many more matches, conversations and happy memories in the years ahead.
If you missed the reopening and would like to see the refurbished Rackets building, please contact association@haileybury.com. We would be delighted to arrange a visit.