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Welcome to our website especially for former pupils, former parents, and staff of Hymers – we’re pleased you’ve dropped by to take a look around and hope you find it interesting. Whether you’re thinking about re-connecting with an OH or you want to find out about our programme of alumni events, or perhaps you’d like to support us with our current fundraising appeal - you are in the right place!
I am absolutely delighted to be taking the reins as President of the Old Hymerians Society for the next year and my first duty is to thank my fantastic predecessor Helen for having handed over such a flourishing, busy and exciting society. She has led from the front and I sincerely hope to be able to fill her boots (or Louboutins) with as much eloquence and panache!
When I left school in 1997 I was told that although I was leaving Hymers, Hymers would never leave me. If I’m honest I wasn’t really sure what that meant at the time and didn’t fully realise the depth of its meaning until many years into my working life. In 2016 I was working in the Falklands as the Maritime Operations Officer when a Junior Officer was appointed to be one of my watchkeepers. When he arrived and introduced himself I immediately recognised the dulcet tones of a Hullonian and when I asked which fine educational establishment he had attended he said, “Oh you won’t have heard of it, it’s in Hull.” “Try me!” said I and he immediately came back with “Hymers, it’s a decent rugby school…” . The rest, as they say, is history but the shared experiences we had from that decent rugby school made the 8500 mile separation from Blighty seem a little less and made the six month deployment considerably easier.
Now almost a decade later I find myself in the enviable position of presiding over the association I joined by accident a quarter of a century ago. On completing my 20 years in the military my family and I moved north and quite soon afterwards Emily Pennack got in touch with me and asked if I could give an assembly. Of course I jumped at the chance and having been preceded by a trombonist performing the Imperial March from Star Wars I felt completely at home again. Since that day I’ve tried and mostly succeeded to help the Old Hymerians in any way I can. This year will be a proving ground for that commitment and my ability!
I am lucky enough to have served in the Naval Service for 20 years, first in the Royal Marines and then as a Principal Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy. In February 2020 I was medically discharged and there followed the hardest six months of my life as I sought to find a job and my family a home away from the warm Dark Blue embrace of the military that I’d known since leaving Hymers as a Royal Marines scholar to go to university. Thankfully I’m now almost fully integrated in to civilian society and I use my fortuitous position and knowledge to raise the profile of the struggle, both physically and mentally, that Veterans often suffer on leaving the military. You will notice throughout the year a subtle (and not so subtle) military bias in some of the events and in my messaging. One of the most moving events I’ve attended in recent memory is the Service of Remembrance at school where, in the midst of the ceremony pupils stand in turn to remember Old Hymerians who have given the ultimate sacrifice. By the end of the reading fully a third of the senior school is standing. Hymers has a long and proud connection with the military and I hope to highlight this and, where possible, use this fantastic Old School Tie to help Veterans whenever they’re in need.
Thank you very much for getting to the end of this missive. I hope to meet as many of you as possible over this next year.
Will Hairsine, OH 1992 - 1997
President, Old Hymerian Association
Diana Bushby was Director of Music in the Junior School from 1987 More...
Cris and Abbie Newhall participated in the London Marathon 2024 More...
September 1989 saw a major change in the school's history but the presence of girls at the school was mooted early on More...
Peter Bingham took up the post of Head of the Junior School in 1984 and successfully oversaw the introduction of girls in 1989 More...
His daughter contacted the Development Office to find out more about her father's academic history More...
We look forward to seeing many generations of Hymerian for a 2-course lunch in the Gore at Hymers. There will be an afternoon of fun, friendship, and Hymers memories to treasure. There will be an opportunity to meet our Headmaster, Justin Stanley and our current stude… Read more
Save the Date! Hymers Co-ed Birthday Celebration! When Hymers welcomed the first girls through its doors in the 1970's in the Sixth Form and then fully co-educational in 1989 – it heralded a new era of success and growth for the School. The emotions and … Read more
You are invited back to school for our annual Garden Party. There will be the annual cricket match for those who wish to return and play for the Old Hymerian team against Hymers. The Development Office will be taking tours of the school for those of you who haven'… Read more
Old Hymerian Jonathan Clark is kindly hosting our annual OH Golf Day at Hull Golf Club, Kirkella. We hope to see many former students during the day and stay for a fabulous fish and chip supper alongside the presentation of prizes on the terrace after the match. Jonat… Read more
Please see our latest Impact Report which showcases the work that has contributed to our Hymers community in the school year 2022- 2023. Your generosity, whether through giving your time or by making a donation, has an immeasurable effect. This has helped our students to achieve their full potential and realise their dreams.