When Kenneth walked through the gates on a quiet morning he had only planned to pop in on the off-chance, a spontaneous detour driven by a gentle pull from the past with a photo in his hand. It had been 77 years since he first set foot here as a ten-year-old boy in 1949, spending a single, cherished year within these walls before earning a scholarship to Kingston High School. Kenneth wanted to try and retrace his steps and find the building that was in his memory so clearly. 

Stepping inside the Main Hall, time seemed to fold in on itself. Ken stood quietly, soaking in the grand architecture and the warm, familiar light. He looked toward the stage and pointed out his old spot right on the front row, his eyes lighting up as decades of memories came rushing back. An additional treat for him unfolded by meeting Mr Stanley and and chatting about his love of reading, Latin lessons and how Hymers has set him up in life. 

As students moved between lessons we took a seat on a wooden bench. As the bell rang, the Quad burst into life with the chatter and laughter of pupils rushing between lessons. Ken sat comfortably amidst the gentle bustle, deeply content simply to be part of the rhythm of Hymers in 2026 and taking his cap off to greet the students as they walked past. Watching the current generation tread the very same paths he once walked brought a quiet joy to his face.

After some time spent sharing stories, hearing about his late wife, Dotty and their time together over the years and their move back home from Australia.He left with a full heart and a bright smile, happy to have taken a chance on a visit and knowing that no matter how many years pass, he is still a part  of the school's story.