A Shared Return to King’s

It was great to see two OV friends, Rupert Thomas (Cl 83-92) and Andy Jenks (K 81-91) return to King’s together during the School holidays. They were joined by Rupert’s family, and his brother, OV Alex’s (Cl 85-94), children although Alex was unable to be there.

Rupert lives in America and had returned to the UK to visit his parents and brother, catching up with OV friends along the way. He took the opportunity to pop back to King’s show his children and nieces the location of the many stories from his and Alex’s formative years at School! Andy had not returned to School for a proper visit for many years, despite living within walking distance, and had jumped at the opportunity to join Rupert.  OV Adam Winter (Cl 84-94) hosted the group, both as a friend and King’s Director of Operations, along with Alumni Relations Co-ordinator Amanda Sutcliffe.

While remembering their past, the returning OVs were keen to see evolutions around the site, including how the gym of their day (a small room behind School House) has been replaced by the impressive Keyes Building sports facility. A quick stop at the swimming pool too, which had been open air when Andy started at King’s; recently renovated, it was very difficult to resist on such a hot day. The sports hall, next to the pool at King’s St Alban’s, brought back many memories both of sporting fun and exams!

As the group moved around the site, Andy and Rupert happily shared memories from their time at school, although many are not for publication! Very sporty, Andy had spent much of his time on a pitch: Rugby, Hockey, Cricket. While also a keen rugby player, Rupert had channelled more of his energy into Rowing, taking his crew to Henley and leading from the front as Captain of Boats. The Michael Baker Boathouse, therefore, was a key stop on the walk around, a significant improvement on ‘The Shed’ of Rupert’s days. While there, they visited the boat garage and chatted with King’s Boatman, Will Bird (Hon OV) about rowing at King’s today.

College Hall was another significant building for the visitors, one that held many memories not only from schooldays but also events attended as OVs. Rupert and Andy were sad, though, to learn that the Undercroft was no longer under the school’s purview, as it had been a haven for their respective sixth forms, away from the prying eyes of teachers!