We recently heard from Richard Moore about his life after leaving Hymers Collge and his love for radio:

I joined Hymers in the Junior School and left in the Sixth Form in 1990. I subsequently studied Marketing at the University of Teesside. Upon graduating the average graduate salary was in the region of £12,000, so I took a route into sales which promised the glittering heights of commission and a company Mondeo!

After spending a couple of years in ethical medical sales, I become increasingly interested in computers and network technology and enrolled in a part-time MSc in IT at the University of Huddersfield. This led to a career in technology sales and leadership roles specialising in student safety and cybersecurity. Today I live in Cheshire with my wife and son, and work for Cisco as a Cyber Specialist.

My time at Hymers witnessed a shift from traditional public school to a much more modern independent establishment.  Computers came in for the first time, with a small lab of Commodore Pet and later BBC Micro machines. Who could ever forget Mr Harston. In 1989, the school became fully co-educational. Digital Photography was yet to be invented, and I could often be found developing photos in the school’s darkroom – many that were used in ‘The Hymerian’.

My life friends are those who I met at Hymers, amongst others Justin Whitford, Chris Netherwood, Richard Martin, and Mark Dixon. All of us except for Mark now live away from the region but get together at least once a year for ‘the old boys’ weekend away.

My favourite teachers were those who adopted an approach of mutual respect while making lessons fun. They were a departure from the authoritarian past. Mrs Wright in Geography stands out for me as a brilliant teacher who got the most from her students.

Back in my teenage years, I built a small FM radio station at home in Swanland. Over the years lots of Hymers friends got to present programmes or showcase their fledgling bands on the station – Geoff Harrison (known as Harry G) being a stalwart with his indie music. Chris Wilkinson, David Bakes, and Justin Whitford among others.

My interest in radio continued throughout my university years where I did occasional work at some independent local radio stations across the northeast.

Following a 20-year hiatus, I recently rekindled my interest in radio by joining community station West Hull FM as Technical Director. We broadcast to Hull on 106.9FM 24 hours a day, as well as globally online and smart speaker. Our Ofcom charter is to produce original radio content that involves the community, while being relevant and entertaining for the community.  We also provide media training for a wide cross-section of people. Staffed 100% by volunteers, the station relies on local businesses for donations and advertising to cover running costs.

We warmly welcome new members of any age to get involved either on or off air particularly if you have local knowledge or something interesting to say. Sponsorship also starts from just a few pounds a day and can get your message to over 100,000 adults in the area (shameless plug!)