The invitation card (attached) serves to remind us of how fortuante the school is to have such a marvellous Drama and Arts Centre. The invitation to attend the opening of the centre on 18 October 2007 was coveted by those who received one, especially by those with an interest in sport as well as the arts, for the guest of hunour was Jack Russell. 

He kept wicket for England for much of the 1990s and since his retirement from cricket in 2004 he devoted himself to painting, something he had been doing while still a sportsman. Chris Alcock, the headmaster, said he could not think of a more appropriate person to open the centre as it overlooked the 1st XI pitch than an international crickter who was also a highly successful painter. 

The photo also attached shows Jack with Claire Weston, head of Art from September 2006, at the opening. He unveiled a commemorative plaque in the foyer of the building and having done so said how impressed he was by the facilities and the work on display. 

About 75% of the cost of the building was provided by the trustees of St Christopher's School, Burnham on Sea, which had closed. Applications for the money from the sale of the school were welcomed by the trustees who decided that the bid submitted by Queen's was the one they most wanted to support. The design of the building was based very closely on the recommendations of Peter Cole, the former Head of Art at the school.