OV Simon’s Reminiscent Return to King’s

OV Simon Webb CBE (H 60-69 and Old St Alban’s) made the most of his return to Worcester for the annual King’s CCF Mess Night, to which all former CCF cadets are welcome, to enjoy a walk around King’s prior to attending Evensong with the current generation of King’s (and Queen’s) Scholars and then the dinner.

Visiting his former boarding House, Simon quickly found his bearings, recognising where the Head of House’s study had been when he joined the House, compared to the one he chose when taking on the mantle, opting for a study overlooking College Green with a considerably better view! Nearby, what is now the Head’s Reception was once the Sixth Form Library, a place Simon described as largely unchanged, recalling it as somewhere to sit quietly and read or study.

The Science Block brought further familiarity. Simon reflected on how exciting it had been as a new building, when Chemistry and Physics moved out of what is now solely the Biology Block – the former two subjects deemed as ‘up and coming’.  He particularly enjoyed lectures in the Science Lecture Theatre, in use by Lower Sixth Chemistry students during his visit, due to the space for a large blackboard and displays. Upstairs to Physics, where he spoke with current Head of Physics, Adam Knights (Hon OV) about the need to encourage more girls into STEM and especially into Engineering (a key aim of his Institution, the Civil and Infrastructure Engineers). He also listened to Physics teacher Tom Pearson (Hon OV) talk his Upper Remove class through a recent test.

Seeing inside the Keyes Building for the first time, Simon was impressed by the scale of the sports provision, although pleased to learn that the swimming pool and sports hall at King’s St Alban’s are still very much in use. As a cricketer at King’s, he was particularly pleased to learn that the nets in the Keyes are used all year round now, not restricted to the summer months.

Revisiting King’s St Alban’s itself prompted vivid memories of early boarding, recalling midnight fire drills using the fire escape, and the range of dormitories from the large, cold, 18 bed one, to the smaller, more comfortable (and warmer!) ones. He had fond memories of games played in the Quad, especially one involving a tennis ball and elaborate rules, and, of course, the cricket net. It was a nostalgic return to a defining part of his school experience.

Returning to the senior school site and what was then called the New Block, now known as the Annett Building, but always the Maths block. Here, Simon retraced his steps to the classroom where he had learned Calculus. An Upper Sixth A-level Maths class was undertaking some revision with teacher Donna Salkeld (Hon OV), all of whom are aiming for STEM pathway careers, including engineering, close to Simon’s heart. With the Upper Sixth shortly leaving King’s for study leave ahead of their A-level exams, conversations turned to how students now mark their final day at school pre-exams with fancy dress and games; a tradition that has certainly evolved.

A visit to the Michael Baker Boathouse brought back strong memories of rowing at King’s, particularly under the guidance of Housemaster Richard Gabriel who, Simon explained, along with the late Tim Watson (Hon OV) and strong support from Headmaster David Annett (HM 1959-1979), pushed the rowers to great success at Henley. Simon was impressed by the number of pupils now involved in rowing and appreciated seeing the names of past Captains of Boats displayed, recognising several from his own era.

Outside in the School Gardens, Simon was pleased to see the current Sixth Formers enjoying the space as much as he had during his time.

With many of his friends going on to distinguished careers in music, Simon was keen to see the music provision at King’s today. In the Music School, which many OVs will know better as Castle House, Simon was pleased to note the modern facilities marked a significant upgrade from the huts he remembered for music lessons! He also had time to review the music scholars’ board and reflect on the “golden era” of music at King’s from the late 60s/early 70s with Director of Music, Simon Taranczuk (Hon OV).

Inside College Hall, Simon found little change, and spotted his own name on the Scholars’ Board, along with many of his friends’, highlighting his era as one of both musical excellence and academic distinction. The hall was set up for the exam season, bringing even more memories back!

Simon’s visit also took him back to Edgar Tower, the place of some of his most influential classroom experiences. He spoke warmly of his English teachers, particularly those who inspired a love of reading and adventurous writing, which ultimately supported his successful application to Oxford. These memories offered a reminder of the lasting impact of dedicated teaching and some of the wonderful characters that have been part of the King’s Staff Room.

Simon’s visit was a thoughtful and engaging journey through King’s past and present, highlighting both the enduring character of the School and the many ways it continues to develop. He was especially impressed by the current generation of CCF that he met, now of course with girls as well as boys.