Dear fellow Old Hymerian,

It’s a great honour to be your next President. I hope to do you and our great school proud. But I’ll need your help if my time wearing the gong is to have any lasting impact. I’m really keen to inspire as many of us as possible to give back to Hymers, so that future generations will be able to benefit from this very special education.

It sounds corny but Hymers College is much more than a school to me. The years 1975 to 1985 (yes, I am that old) shaped me and still do, every day. I grew up on Fairfax Avenue in Hull, joining the junior school as an eight year and leaving at 18 after being chosen as head boy. I went on to the University of Manchester before starting a career in journalism, first at Viking Radio and the Hull Daily Mail, before joining the BBC as a trainee reporter in 1989. I then spent 34 years as a radio presenter and producer, combining my on-air career with teaching radio at various universities. For the last few years I’ve been freelance, working mainly as an event host.

Our beautiful Main Hall is where I attended the careers event which inspired me to join the BBC; it’s where I did my first public speaking to a large audience; it’s where I performed in one of Neil King’s wonderful drama productions; it’s where I sang as an overawed eight-year-old and it’s where – more than fifty years since my first visit – I’ll be back, this time as your President, speaking at the annual dinner. That’s very special.

But we can’t take for granted that a Hymers education will always be available. Schools like ours face multiple pressures. Many parents are struggling. Mine did back in 1980 when Dad lost his job. I found out (clearing our parents’ house in Hull a few years ago) that it was only through the generosity of the governors and headmaster that my brother John and I were able to stay on.

Today’s equivalent of that help is the John Hymers Bursary Fund, which will be my President’s charity. I’m no millionaire but have been giving small amounts to the school regularly for many years. I’m hoping – if you don’t already do so – that you too will be inspired to support Hymers College and the Old Hymerians’ Association in whatever way you can: https://www.oldhymerians.com/supportus

If you’d like to revive old memories, the top team of Emily Pennack and Jane Kirkby in the Development Office would be delighted to hear from you. Why not have a tour of school, buy a ticket for the dinner, attend the hugely emotional Remembrance Day service or come to a show, concert, sports event or garden party? This was and IS our school, and let’s make sure – together – that it’s here for many generations to come.

A big thank you to the fabulous Mark Bentley for his year as President. You’re a tough act to follow!

Here’s to Hymers College, past, present and future – and the lifelong gift of a Hymers education.

Andrew Edwards

Old Hymerian 1975-1985; President Old Hymerians’ Association 2026-2027