News Archive
Colin Dexter Declares The Vallance Library Open!

Celebrated Oxfordshire author, Colin Dexter OBE, officially opened the doors of Bloxham School’s new library on Saturday (29^th April) as part of the school’s Founderstide celebrations.

The Library – which will be known as the Vallance Library after former Headmaster Michael Vallance- has been 15 months in construction and has cost in the region of £2.6m. Michael Vallance was Headmaster from 1982  - 1991 and now lives in South Oxfordshire with his wife Mary. Both were present together with close family members to witness the opening together with current pupils, staff, parents and Old Bloxhamists and the School’s Council of Governors.

Colin Dexter spoke to a packed school auditorium about the importance and joy of reading and the part that libraries had played in his full and successful life. He speech made it apparent that writings gain had been the after - dinner speaking roster’s loss as he treated his audience to a selection of brilliantly chosen and delivered anecdotes.

Mr Dexter, together with Michael Vallance and the current Headmaster, Mark Allbrook, then moved next door to enjoy a short tour of the new two-storey library before unveiling the commemorative plaque and cutting the ribbon to declare the library open.

The multi- media facility includes a working library space with capacity for the display of 15,000 volumes and spacious seminar and lecture rooms. Extensive use of ICT and the school’s wireless network is incorporated throughout and is particularly apparent in the relaxed reading room where students can browse the internet or newspapers and periodicals over a coffee whilst enjoying views over either the School’s main playing field or the c19 chapel.

Built out of local Hornton stone, glass and steel the impressive building is an imposing hub of the main campus.

Bloxham’s Headmaster, Mark Allbrook said;

“ The Vallance Library makes an important statement about the importance of learning. I believe that we have built a facility in the heart of the School that will enhance and enrich the whole learning experience at Bloxham for generations to come.”

The photos shown here - and many others - are available to view and for sale at www.redfoxphotography.co.uk

The outside viewed from the inner quad

The Headmaster and Michael Vallance flank Colin Dexter

Two internet devotees!

An expectant crowd await the opening

The plaque is unveiled

The ribbon cutting party

I declare the Vallance Library OPEN!

Mary Allbrook and Mary Vallance join their husbands

The doors are open

Part of the working library

The view from the top shelf!

Colin Dexter is pictured with our Librarian team.

Adam Houghton was presented with the short story prize by Colin Dexter

The bursar sees the funny side! On the right is the library's architect.

The relaxed reading room was popular

Comfortable seats

and high stools too

The splendid atrium