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Celebrating 150 years. 🏑 Honouring a Legacy: St Charles College Renames Hockey Grounds to Beckett.
As part of their 150th anniversary celebrations, St Charles College, Pietermaritzburg, proudly added a new chapter to its rich sporting heritage. On Saturday, 13 September, they officially renamed the Saints Hockey grounds to Beckett. This is in honour of one of the most distinguished alumni, Malcolm “Mally” Beckett.
“We were privileged to welcome Mr Brett Beckett, son of the late Malcolm Beckett, as our special guest for the occasion.” Prior to the Prep 1st Team hockey match against Umhlali 1st Team, a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the pillar of the new scoreboard. It is now a permanent fixture at Beckett.
Malcolm Beckett, affectionately known as Mally, was also a remarkable sportsman whose legacy continues to inspire. During his time at St Charles, he played four consecutive years of 1st Team cricket and rugby. He captained both in his matric year (1947). After school, he went on to represent Natal in hockey and rugby. He was also part of the Natal cricket squad. In 1953, he furthermore earned national colours as a member of the Springbok hockey team.
Courage and honour
Malcolm is remembered not only for his athletic prowess. He is also remembered but for the values he embodied—courage and honour—both on and off the field.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by St Charles College Principal, Mr van Blerk, alongside Mr Beckett. “With heartfelt pride, we now call our hockey grounds Beckett. The Home of Saints Hockey, a tribute to a true legend of St Charles College.
“As we look to the future, may every young Saint who steps onto Beckett be inspired by the spirit of Malcolm Beckett as well as the great teams of the 1940s. May they play with the same courage, honour, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 — Mr Rowan Irons, Director of Sport.
Read more school news here: https://schoolsthatrock.co.za/
Photo credits: Saysha Baker
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