Shirley Hall & The Pupils’ Social Centre
When Shirley Hall was completed back in 1957, it was a magnificent Hall and performing space in honour of my distinguished predecessor Canon Fred Shirley. It was opened with glitter and tiara by the present Queen’s mother. Over the years, the big basement had become a cluttered collection of useful but incoherent rooms and it is one of the most pleasing and satisfactory elements in the Precincts project that the whole area is now open, modern and very attractive. The main feature is a Pupils’ Social Centre (for day and St Augustine’s pupils to have their morning break from lessons and a Sixth Form club in the evening. Muffins and espressos have replaced old style ‘tuck’, and the whole space can now be used in a whole variety of ways. This area will be called ‘Chums’ after a gift from OKS benefactors; alongside it are updated classrooms and a brilliant University and Careers room which is now quite rightly positioned at the centre of the School!