Over 400 alumni and friends joined us for the sixth annual Chill on the Hill reunion at the beginning of half term break. Hillians of all ages (from 18-92) came back to visit the school, and see each other. A former Greenwich pupil summed it up well saying, ‘There is no place that feels more like home to me.'
Another who was at school in the 1960s said 'It wasn't just a lovely day, it was seeing the reaction from those who returned for the first time in many years and how much the school still meant to everyone, and each other'.
In the early years of Kingham, boys who attended came from troubled backgrounds and Kingham was their home. Our Founder, Charles Young made known and stated explicitly that Kingham Hill was not an institution, but a home above all.
The day began with a service in Chapel, led by Revd David Walsh (of Clyde House in the 1970s). Phil Orminston (Durham House in the 1960s) joined him by playing the organ. Phil was a music scholar whilst at school.
Meeting areas were set up so that alumni could reunite with old friends from their time and reminisce over archive photographs.
This year’s event included camping onsite which was a welcome addition to extend the fun. One former Bradford pupil said, ‘To be given this opportunity each year to meet up and reminisce means so much. Camping for the first time in 50 years was well worth it to spend more time in such a beautiful setting. Kingham Hill continues to be a positive force in my life.’
