Page 10 - Southwell School The Chronicle July

RITA DAVIES
MAN INSPIRATIONAL GIFT
any of our past and present community will the Municipal Pools. Of course, this was for the superior
be familiar with Rita Davies, who has been facilities and most definitely not because the boarders were associated with Southwell School since 1962 allowed to stop on the way home for a hot pie at Garden
when she and husband Ken enrolled their son Mark (1962-67).
Rita firmly believes that every primary school-aged child should have access to a pool and learn essential swimming techniques and water survival skills. Her commitment
to this belief stems from her own experiences growing
up. During a recent visit to Southwell School with sister Lois, Rita fondly reminisced on her time in the 1930’s at Waharoa Primary School near Matamata. With no pool on the grounds, her father took action and gathered local support to fundraise for a pool. Community members armed with spades, shovels, donated concrete (and a can- do attitude!) successfully built a school pool where Lois received her half-mile certification.
Mark was a keen competitive swimmer, holding both
the Southwell and Waikato records during his time at school. As a day student, he trained in the Southwell pool alongside Glenn Holmes, Jon Jarvis, and other enthusiastic boys who seemed impervious to the cold water. Rita convinced Mr. Wilde, the teacher in charge of swimming, to let the day students join the boarders and train at
Place! A great swim team culture eventuated.
Rita’s devotion to swimming excellence and wellbeing extended beyond her immediate family. She served as a volunteer swim coach during Moss Marshall’s tenure as Headmaster, teaching fundamental swimming skills to countless students and has since been an avid supporter and awards presenter at our Junior Swimming Sports.
Over the years, Rita consistently advocated for a larger swimming complex on the Southwell Campus; a space where every child could learn to swim and grow their confidence in the water. Inspired by the philanthropy of other families, Rita approached the school last year with an extraordinary donation to bring this vision to life.
Thanks to Rita and late husband Ken’s incredible contribution, construction of this impressive swimming complex is scheduled to commence in late 2023. It is with immense gratitude that we recognise and appreciate Rita’s investment in Southwell’s future generations and look forward to another special celebration when the pool is opened in April 2024.