For 75 years spectators stood on the Berryfield touchline, enduring rain, wind and snow, wondering when they would get a purpose-built stand in which to shelter.

The Berryfield Stand is now Open

The new Stand was opened in warm sunshine on Saturday 9th September 2006 on Wycliffe College's rugby field, The Berryfield.  The stand can seat 128 spectators and provides shelter from the wind and rain for both supporters of the College teams and their opposition.

General Graham Fawcus, the new Chairman of Council, welcomed many OWs and friends and asked Mr Howard Thomas, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby from 1998-2005 to unveil a plaque marking the occasion.  Mr Thomas was accompanied by Adam Balding, a senior player from Gloucester Rugby Club. 

Mrs Sue Barry, whose father, David Paine, had been a pupil, housemaster and rugby coach at Wycliffe, unveiled a further plaque marking David's contribution to the College over many years.  Her brothers, Robert and Philip Paine (both themselves OWs) and their wives together with David's Barry and Paine grandchildren and great grandchildren.  To complete the great family reunion, both Howard and Sam Paine, Philip's elder sons, played in the Wycliffe XV that afternoon.

Graham Fawcus then paid tribute to the generosity of Old Wycliffians and the estate of the late Ken Lewis and to the tireless work of Robin Kirby, an Old Wycliffian and member of the Council of Governors, all of which combined to make the building of the stand possible.

A Wycliffe XV then played a XV from Crawshay's Club in South Wales.  In a thrilling, fast-moving and high quality match Crawshays won 28 points to 17.

In the evening, a celebration Dinner was held in the Wycliffe Sports Centre attended by 150 OWs, Governors, Staff, both Teams and Guests, a fitting conclusion to a successful day.

Update March 2006

On Saturday 9th September, the Stand will be officially opened by a rugby personality, there will be a rugby match between the school First XV and an invitation side, followed by a dinner at school. Would you please make a note of this date. An invitation to the dinner will be sent to you in due course.

Our fund has recently been enhanced by an increased donation from the Wycliffe Endowment Trust following money received from the estate of an Old Wycliffian, the late Ken Lewis.

However, there are still ancillary items we need; additional donations would therefore be very much appreciated from those wanting to be associated with this project. I am sure you will agree the Berryfield Stand will contribute to the other recent facilities in improving the profile and standard of Wycliffe sport.

Please contact the OW Office or print off the form (Click here) and send it in with your payment.

I look forward to seeing you 9th September for the opening and the dinner. It will be quite an occasion!

Yours Sincerely

J SH 1955-1962

We need a final push!

For those who have not been approached by their captain, have mislaid their previous form or have just “been thinking about it”, there is a donation form on this page. Fill it in NOW and be part of the team! You can gain your place in Wycliffe’s history by sponsoring a seat for life for just £200 or you can make a donation - any amount will be gratefully received.

Please contact the OW Office or print off the form (Click here) and send it in with your payment.

For further information please contact Robin Kirby (J SH 1955-1962)

Tel: 01792 230220 or Email: arkirby@tiscali.co.uk

Thank you for your help.