Sunshine, Stories, and Schooldays Revisited for OVs John and Richard

A blazing summer’s day set the scene for a special return to King’s this month, as OVs John Pickup (Cl 52-63 and Old St Alban’s) and Richard Cunningham (Cr 59-66 and Old St Alban’s), accompanied by their wives Sue and Hilary, stepped back onto familiar ground. For John, it was his first visit in decades, and one filled with memories at every turn.

John and Richard’s older brother, Bruce (Cr 53-62 and Old St Alban’s), had been inseparable from their very first day at St Alban’s, a friendship that endured throughout their school years and beyond, until Bruce’s passing a few years ago. They had shared a passion for sport, with John going on to Captain both the 1st XI and 1^st XV, playing alongside Bruce in those formative years.

Their visit began at King’s St Alban’s, where a very different kind of school tradition was underway: Year 6 pupils gearing up for an end-of-term water fight. John, who had boarded there from a young age, was amused to find this was one ritual he didn’t recognise, although he enjoyed walking the familiar hallways and seeing the mostly unchanged Chapel. Richard, who had been a day boy at St Alban’s, similarly had mostly fond memories of his time there, especially the treat of being picked to “man” the hand pump for the old organ and keeping the organist playing! While the group wouldn’t have minded being caught in the crossfire of the water fight to cool off, the pupils and staff proved far too courteous to drench their visitors.

From there, a stroll through the School Gardens led to the Michael Baker Boathouse, where the view from the “prow” of the building, across the river, prompted fond recollections of walks to the playing fields. For John, the Gardens themselves held particular significance, especially memories of time spent in the summer house.

A highlight of the visit was College Hall. Arriving just ahead of the end of term Senior Assembly for the Fifth, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth forms, John slipped quietly up to the gallery, which had been his old vantage point. He was struck by how little the scene below had changed over the years.

At Edgar Tower, now home to the Classics department, echoes of the past remained strong. Once the setting for John’s Sixth Form study, its views over College Green were as distinctive as ever, even if its purpose has evolved. They were all pleased to note that the longest serving classroom was still in use!

The tour continued through the Science block, where the layout sparked recognition, despite the welcome addition of modernised labs. A final stop at the Keyes building showcased just how much the School has grown, particularly in sport and drama. As a lifelong cricketer, John was especially impressed to learn that cricket is now a year-round pursuit at King’s, with indoor nets available even in the depths of winter in the Keyes sports hall.

For both John and Richard, it was a chance to reconnect not only with the School, but with the shared memories and friendships that began at King’s all those years ago.