When were you at Princethorpe and what you have done since?
I was at Princethorpe from 1970–1975 having come with several others from one of the known feeder schools at the time in Stony Stratford.
I took a year off after getting my 3 A levels and apart from a very short attempt at Uni I basically moved around from job to job until I was 24. I also ran my own small cleaning business for a couple of years. When a friend offered to buy the business, I leapt at the chance and moved to Germany.
I was 24 and still working in Germany when I stumbled across someone who was paying for his own pilot's license. In the early years I had always thought it would be a great way to earn a living, but being short sighted, had given up the idea. Armed with a little more information and some money I had saved, I came back to England and did my initial pilot's license in three weeks. Since then I have not looked back and now work in Brunei for Royal Brunei Airlines, where I have been for the last 20 years with my wife, two sons and a daughter.
What was the school like in your day?
The school was predominantly run by priests with a few lay teachers. It was fortunately a boys only school. I say that because I know for a fact that if it had been co-ed I wouldn’t have completed my studies.
How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
Because I was in the majority and boarded at the school, I grew up a lot more independent. I had boarded since the age of 10 and only realized the difference this had made when I attended university after having taken a year off. This huge difference went some way to explain why I only lasted a week at Uni.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
I was always told never to give advice unless asked for or in an emergency.
I have of course never managed to do this, as my three kids aged 19, 17 and 15 will tell you. I think there is so much advice out there, I would only add by saying, you have two ears and one mouth which means you should listen twice as much as you speak. Always be prepared to listen to the advice no matter if you like the person or not. Put it into the best computer in the world. “Your Brain”. Throw out the rubbish and don’t be afraid about coming up with the wrong answer. Making mistakes is another word we use for experience. I will also finish by saying it’s best to keep your words soft and sweet, as you never know when you will have to eat them.
Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
I find that because I’m an inquisitive person, I always asked people in my early days about any regrets they may have had. The same things would come up every time and the one I remember the most was that the majority said they didn’t spend enough time with the kids when they were young. This alone normally influences my decisions when it comes to promotions or jobs and I have managed a lifestyle that allows me to spend loads of time with them. I have never given up sport, played rugby till I was 48 and still play football twice a week along side my two sons. Let's face it you're not going to be wishing on your death bed that you had spent more time at work.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nothing, I sleep like a log although being a typical parent I sleep better when all the kids are at home and not out partying. I can’t work out if that’s jealousy or protection.
What has been your proudest moment/ greatest achievement so far?
Easy one here. To have so far bought up three great level headed kids who still enjoy being at home in a harmonious atmosphere and a wife that still talks to me on occasions.
What’s your biggest indulgence?
I always liked the expression, “He who dies with the most toys wins”. I have indulged myself in some great toys. These include motorbikes and an Autogyro flying machine. While never a substitute for family they certainly help pass the time when I’m on my own. There’s no point being the richest man in the graveyard.
If you had one last meal what would it be?
Roast pork, roasted potatoes, lots of crackling and oodles of gravy. Obviously spoon fed at the age of 103.
What is you favorite TV show and why?
Don’t watch much TV as can’t sit still long enough. Normally when I do, it’s football. I’m forever trying to learn a few tricks to increase my own abysmal standard.
If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
Sat on the beach, 10 minutes down the road in Brunei. Sun going down, fire roaring away and the wife, Sarah and kids plus dog all there. The sound of the first beer opening always tops it off.
Lasting memories of Princethorpe?
The camaraderie. Friends you never forget. The hysterical French mistress who we managed to reduce to a bundle of nerves by our lack of enthusiasm. Quite ironically I went on to live in France for two years before going to Brunei and my French is now passable. Oh yes and of course there was Miss Jackson the Secretary at the time. Most of us had a crush on her. In fairness though, being an all boys school she could have had three eyes and we would have still thought she was pretty cool.
Are you in touch with any other old Princethorpians?
A couple of years ago our class of 1975 started meeting once a year. It was great to catch up and I look forward to seeing them all again this summer.
I have also attended a couple of the Pub Meets and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Is there anyone you would like to track down?
There are still lots I would like to catch up with and I will keep attending as many of the reunions that my schedule will allow. Who knows maybe Miss Jackson will turn up one year.
Conclusion: I enjoyed my school days immensely as I have the rest of my life. I have managed to keep my head above water financially by only having one lovely wife, who luckily stops me spending too much on toys.
Someone once said “You can’t help get old, but you can stay immature for ever”. You may change on the outside with the onset of grey hair and the laughter lines (and believe me, nothing is that funny), but on the inside you remain close to what you probably are now. So thrive in who you are today and as some drunk told me in a pub one night
“Life is a sweet shop, but it’s short. So lick all the lollies”
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