Charterhouse Court Zero Officially Opened

Natalie Lilienthal reports:

10/06/26: The 2026 Pattison Plate held at Charterhouse School was a doubly special occasion, as it was preceded by the official opening of ‘Court Zero’ and a celebration of the refurbishment of the existing courts, bringing the school’s facilities up to an impressive nine courts.

Headmaster Dr Alex Peterken thanked all of those responsible for the post-Covid Fives renaissance at Charterhouse in his speech before he, Court Zero donor Tom Leach, and Louise Pattison cut the ribbon.

There was a special match featuring OCs Alex Cheung (fresh in from Hong Kong), Stuart Clarke and Mark Platt, and a roster of EFA staff including Chair Matt Chinery, CEO Alex Knight and Tom himself, who is a Trustee. This year’s Pattison Plate was the largest of its kind so far and saw 4 groups of 5 pairs (an eclectic mix of pupils, OCs, teachers and Brigands Fives Club members) doing battle in short, sharp 5-minute matches, ahead of the semis and a final eventually won by Jules Formigé and Arthur Rountree. Meanwhile, the many guests were able to enjoy a BBQ laid on by the school for spectators and attendees.

With thanks to Charterhouse School and Dr Alex Peterken for hosting; Louise Pattison for presenting the Plate; Tom Leach, The Brigands, the EFCT and other generous donors to the refurbishment project, and all the enthusiastic Fives players.