OV’s Holiday Visit

Friday 2 September 2022 brought OV Alan Hughes (Ch 63-73) and his wife Sonya to School from their home in Bettyhill near Thurso. They were joined by the new Head of Alumni & Business Development, Hannah Sparrey, and Alumni Relations Co-ordinator, Amanda Sutcliffe.

This was Alan’s first visit back to King’s in many years and it was wonderful for him to have the opportunity to reminisce and share with his wife what School life had been for him. Although there were no pupils on site as it was still the summer holidays, the teaching staff were in School for INSET, and Alan had a lovely time speaking with OV and King’s Biology Teacher Nicki Essenhigh (Co 84-86), comparing notes with their shared memories of King’s teachers.

A particular joy for Alan was seeing the Michael Baker Boathouse. Alan was a keen rower while at King’s, although with some bittersweet memories, including being ‘bumped’ from the 1st VIII by one of his crewmates, albeit one who then became an Olympic medallist, and no hard feelings were harboured!

Alan also shared how the Fives Courts were not only used for ballgames; for a King’s Fete, the Royal Porcelain Works had donated their damaged and broken ceramics, which were duly lined up in the Fives Courts for ‘players’ to smash in a twist on the traditional ‘knock down the pins’ carnival game.

Alan was a Choir House boarder, so, as we took a walk around the building, the years quickly rolled back; Alan could recall with impressive accuracy where all of his dormitories had been, including where his bed(s) were and even his neighbours.

Alan added, “I just wanted to say a very big thank you for taking the time to show Sonya and I around the School and for making our visit so enjoyable. It brought back so many memories for me whilst at the same time letting me see some of the impressive and imaginative changes that have been made since I was a pupil.

“Sonya said how much she had enjoyed her visit and the chance to learn a little bit about the environment where I went to school. Altogether, we both had a wonderful day!”

We love to welcome OVs back to School, so if you would like to return to King’s for a visit, please do get in touch with us in advance via alumni@ksw.org.uk