College – Issue 38

“ We were lucky, our families were really great and gave us some fantastic opportunities to get out and about and see such a lot. ” TimSeeto

free time exploring London.

For Hugh, a highlight was seeing Arsenal play West Ham United at West Ham’s stadium, while for Tim, it was being taken on a tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground by his host brother, George Wilson. The sheer scale of London, its well- known buildings, and the use of tubes and trains were eye-openers for both boys. “We were lucky, our families were really great and gave us some fantastic opportunities to get out and about and see such a lot,” says Tim. A keen cricketer, he was attracted to the exchange by the possibility of playing cricket sometime in the future at Tonbridge. “I’d love to be able to do that if we have another cricket tour.” Cricket was also the catalyst for Hugh, who “trailed along” behind his older brother on College’s 2018 cricket tour to England. “Our family went along as supporters, and I saw some of the magnificent schools our boys played against, and thought I’d love to be able to have that kind of educational experience.”

was offered the opportunity to host Ashley Dodd from Tonbridge earlier in the year. Being away from home for six weeks, with only the occasional Skype session with family, has made both Hugh and Tim more self-reliant and independent. They expanded their horizons, their experience, their food tastes, their thinking. “I’d recommend the experience to anyone,” says Hugh. “To get out of the fishbowl – Christchurch is not very large – and have a look at what’s out there beyond.”

Featured photos of Tim Seeto and his time in the UK.

So, it was a no-brainer when he

College Issue 38 2020

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