OV Hassan Revisits King’s After 40 Years

It was a particularly special occasion for OV Hassan Usman (H 83-85) to return to King’s for the first time in 40 years, with his daughter, Khalidah, and show her where he and his twin sister, Hussaina (Co 83-85), had spent their Sixth Form.

Hassan remembered the familiar, such as the Science Block and the John Moore Theatre, with a smile, and enjoyed seeing the progress the School had made with more recent buildings including the Art School and the Keyes Building.

The School Gardens, almost unchanged since Hassan’s time, held a special place in Hassan’s memories, as he recalled lessons, picnics and relaxing with friends in the sunshine.

It was important for Hassan to return to College Hall, although he had not expected such strong emotions walking through the doors as memories of exams, assemblies and concerts came flooding back.

From College Hall, a return to Hostel House presented the opportunity to walk across College Green – needing some encouragement to take his first tentative steps on the hallowed grass, a punishable act when he was at King’s!

A quick trip to School House, now home to the Weston Sixth Form Centre, and up to the top floor to get a good view of the pitches across the river, where Hassan had spent a lot of his time as a keen rugby player. Hassan was reassured that today’s pupils take the same route he would have done to reach the school’s fields!

Choir House also held special significance for Hassan, who had spent many hours there with his best friends. Since boarding ceased at King’s, Choir House has evolved to become the English Block. Although modified internally to create classrooms, the very top of Choir House still held the same feeling when it was dormitories and he would visit his Choir House friends.

As Hassan and Khalidah left King’s to visit the Cathedral, they took the same route via ‘The Slype’ that Hassan would have done for Cathedral services during his time at King’s, and current pupils still do.
Hassan returns to Nigeria with our hope that he comes back to King’s again soon – and certainly not wait a further 40 years for his next visit!