A century of Turner family dedication and service to Kingswood College is honoured through the naming of the Turner Astro.

Kingswood marked a significant moment in its sporting and institutional history on Saturday 21 March 2026 with the official naming of its AstroTurf facility as the Turner Astro. The ceremony took place at 14h45, shortly before the First Team Girls’ Hockey fixture against Cambridge High School, with the full school community gathered alongside staff, Old Kingswoodians and invited guests to witness the occasion.

College Head, Mr Leon Grové, formally welcomed members of the Turner family and addressed those present, reflecting on the significance of the family’s longstanding contribution to Kingswood. A blessing of the facility was offered by Rev Tim, after which the Astro was officially opened by Robert Turner (OK 1975), who cut the ribbon and responded with a warm and heartfelt message of thanks on behalf of the family.

Mr Grové and the Turner family were joined by the Chair of Council, Mr Richard Gaybba (OK 2001), Old Kingswoodian Club President Mr Chris Hobson (OK 1990), members of the sports department, Heads of School Mrs Tracy van Molendorff (Hon. OK) and Mrs Carissa Wilson (OK 1995), and a number of Old Kingswoodians. Pupil leaders present included the College’s hockey captains Rogan Goliath and Megan Sheard, together with their respective vice-captains, Sivu Raco and Iminathi Rungqu. Senior School pupils were also in attendance, lending a strong sense of shared occasion and school spirit to the proceedings.

Among the direct Turner family members present were Robert Turner (OK 1975), Colleen Miles (nee Turner), Shane Turner (OK 2004), Cameron Turner (OK 2007), Keith Turner (1980), David Turner (OK 1982), Mike Turner (OK 1996), and Ros Turner (late Neil Turner (OK 1961) widow) who were accompanied by their wider family members and guests for the occasion.

In naming the Turner Astro, the College renews a legacy once marked through the former Turner Field. With the sale of that ground some years ago, the visible tribute to the family gradually faded from the daily life of the school. The naming of the new facility therefore restores and renews that acknowledgement, ensuring that the Turner story remains part of the living heritage of Kingswood.

Over generations, the Turner name has become synonymous with service, leadership, loyalty, and quiet, steadfast contribution.

The family’s connection to Kingswood spans more than a century, beginning with the enrolment of Henry Neville Turner in 1912. Their involvement has at times been remarkable in scale, a point highlighted by College Head, Mr Leon Grové, in his address.

He noted the significant contribution of Neville Turner (OK 1916), who served on Council for 43 years from 1929 to 1972 and was a driving force behind early Foundation initiatives and fundraising along-side friend Duke Wellington – efforts that shaped the College’s future.  His generosity extended to the building of the original Wyvern Clubhouse, the home of Kingswood’s community still today.

Mr Grové also reflected that the Turners have shaped Kingswood in countless small ways across the life of the school – in 1976 alone, ten Turner pupils were enrolled at the College alongside a member of staff, while in the same year Robert Turner (OK 1975) formed part of Kingswood’s last unbeaten First XV rugby side.

The Turner legacy has extended beyond sport into academic and boarding life. Edgar Turner (OK 1949) served as the College’s final Latin master, and Anne Newham (nee Turner OK 1979) and Cathy Turner (OK 1983), were among Kingswood’s first girl boarders – pioneers who, quite literally, helped Kingswood take its first steps towards becoming the inclusive school we are today!

Across different generations, the family has also produced five Head Boys, including Shane (OK 2004), Cameron (OK 2007) and Keith Turner (OK 1980) (all present at the ceremony). The late Neville (OK 1916) and Lawrie Turner (OK 1944) were also Head Boys in their time.

The Turner Astro now takes its place among the College’s landmarks. The decision to name the facility was formally ratified by the College’s Heritage Committee, reflecting Kingswood’s commitment to the careful stewardship of its traditions in recognising those who have shaped the life of the school.

In his address, Mr Grové reflected on the deeper significance of the moment:

“This astro is more than a facility. It is a space where generations will train, compete, grow in character and build friendships that will last a lifetime. It will echo with the same values the Turner family has lived out for over a century: commitment, humility, leadership and service.

In naming this astro after the Turner family, we are not only honouring the past, we are setting a standard for the future. To the Turner family, thank you for your extraordinary contribution to Kingswood College, for your loyalty across generations, and for the example you set for all who pass through these gates.

May Turner Astro be a place where excellence is pursued, character is formed and community is strengthened, just as your family has done for over 100 years.”