Charterhouse celebrated the opening of Court Zero with its largest-ever Pattison Plate tournament.
The Fives community at Charterhouse proudly celebrated a major milestone on Friday 8 May with the official opening of the newly refurbished Court Zero and the renovation of five additional courts. The event took place alongside the annual Pattison Plate tournament, which pairs staff and pupils as playing partners and continues to be one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Fives calendar.
The opening brought together a wide and supportive community, including Old Carthusians, parents, members of the OC Fives Society, representatives from Brigands Club, and the Eton Fives Association, whose collective contributions made the refurbishment possible. Their generosity reflects the enduring strength of the School’s Fives tradition and its wider network.
“Fives is a journey,” noted Tom Leach, whose support played a pivotal role in the Court Zero refurbishment and who has worked closely with the School’s pioneering First Year Specialists (Year 12s) over the past four seasons.
The transformation of Court Zero represents a significant investment in the future of the game at Charterhouse. With its upgraded facilities, the court now provides a high‑quality space for training, recreational play, and competitive tournaments, offering pupils greater opportunities to engage with the sport at all levels.
During the opening, The Head, Dr Alex Peterken, expressed his sincere thanks to all those who supported the project, with particular acknowledgement to current parent Tom Leach. His generosity, alongside that of many others, has ensured that Charterhouse’s Fives facilities continue to evolve in line with the School’s ambitions for the sport.
Following the opening ceremony, 30 boys and 12 staff and OCs took part in the Pattison Plate. The final was won by Arthur (Fifth – Year 11) and Jules (First Year Specialist – Year 12), 12–9, against Francesco and Matteo (First Year Specialists) after a superb and closely fought game. With 21 pairs taking part, it was the highest number so far.
It was tremendous fun to play in the Pattison Plate on such a lovely evening and to see both staff and pupils giving it their best in a fantastic event to cap off a momentous Fives season at Charterhouse.
Bertie, captain of fives
The renovation works, along with the opening of Court Zero, stand as both a celebration of the School’s heritage in Fives and a forward‑looking step that will help ensure the game continues to thrive for generations to come. |
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