Daniel and Darius - A journey from Barbados to King’s Bruton

Daniel and Darius have spent the Summer term at King’s on a cricket exchange, and their time with us has certainly be long coming.

They were due to join us last Summer, but due to COVID and the first lockdown, they were unable to make the trip. However, we were delighted that they managed to overcome the logistical difficulties of quarantine and an erupting volcano to finally make their way to us, and they have been a breath of fresh air for us all this term.

They have excelled on the cricket pitch as we would have hoped, and their contribution to the boarding house and King’s life in general, has been wonderful to see. They have absolutely integrated themselves into the King’s way of life, and we are grateful to have had them join the King’s community. What started as a mere possibility following the visit of Sir Garfield Sobers to King’s in June 2019, became reality when former Head of Cricket, Louis Corbin O’Grady, mentioned the various exchange programmes that we have been running at King’s, and so Daniel and Darius made their way to us.

Daniel has very kindly shared his King’s Bruton experience with us and this is what he had to say:

“My experience at King's Bruton has been great. The boys at Blackford welcomed me very well into the House and made me feel very welcome. The Housemaster, Mr. Bunday, has taken great care of me. He has reassured me many times that if I needed something that I can always go to ask him. Each student has treated me well. I also want to thank the matron for taking safe care of me and helping me with everything I needed.

Although I have only been here for a brief period, I have already have so many memories. I have also learned a new sport, hockey, which I haven't played before. I also want to express thanks to Chris White for helping me settle into the unique environment and new surroundings. He has also helped me very much with my cricket in developing new skills and encouraging me to play hockey for the first time, all the while taking diligent care of me in House. I would also like to express thanks to my fellow friends for helping me adjust to an unfamiliar environment, and looking out for me when I did not know where to go for classes. I especially want to thank my new friends: Mats, Charlie, Oliver and Matteo for helping me during this term and welcoming me into the dorm. I also thank Louis Corbin O’Grady for organising and helping make this all happen.

Lastly, I want to thank the Headmaster for accepting me into the School and introducing me to everyone, while welcoming me with his truly kind words and actions. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my stay here at King’s Bruton as it has given me many memories, and I hope I can be here next year to have even more memories and spend time with my new friends. Thank you.”

Daniel and Darius’ Father, Michael, is also very grateful and delighted with the experience that his boys have had. This is what he said:

"It is an absolute pleasure to receive updates from my sons on their experience at King's Bruton. Any apprehensions they may have had initially were immediately dispensed with by how warmly they were welcomed by staff and fellow pupils.

Daniel and Darius have said that their teachers are encouraging and thorough. They also report that the School grounds are beautiful and the food is both plentiful and palatable! We have also been able to observe our sons increasing in the maturity in their communication and approach in general, influenced positively by their boarding at King's.It is wonderful to receive such great feedback, and we are delighted that the experience for everyone involved has been such a positive one.

The Headmaster, Housemaster, Registrar, Coaches and teachers are all timely in responding to our queries. It has been an all-round brilliant experience!"