Old Princethorpians

Glorious Warwickshire sunshine greeted us at The Windmill Village on Friday 8 April for The Princethorpe Open 2011, in aid of the College's forthcoming sports tour to South Africa.

The golfers: Nick Cahill, Sean Kerrigan, John Shinkwin and Teddy O'Brien representing the venerable Old Princethorpians. Teddy, a late stand in for our injured captain, Peter Rollason, who had been forced to withdraw due to a particularly aggressive blister on his big toe. God bless Fr Teddy for stepping in. He'll be the last person to let you down. He does funerals for a living.

Our ragtag four ball got off to a steady start with thirteen points off the first three holes. Particular credit goes to John Shinkwin, as slick as minestrone soup, as he steered his way to back-to-back pars and a bogie. From Lapland to Siberia that's good golf in anyone's language. 'El bandito' O'Brien, was also cruising around the course. In more ways than one. His buggy didn't seem to have any brakes.

By the turn we were not far from our target 40 points and there was only one man not pulling his weight. Cahill's tee shots were further right than Jean-Marie Le Pen at a Kentucky barn dance. Even Hypotenuse would have difficulty figuring the angles to the pin from his drives. Until, that is, the inspirational suggestion from playing partner Sean Kerrigan to ditch the driver in favour of a five wood off the tee. Cue an almost Lazarus-like comeback. Lazarus was a great man but he couldn't hit a five wood like Nick Cahill.

As we stormed on towards the clubhouse Sean Kerrigan showed us how it was done. He played like Robin Hood in the Nottingham Super League. Magnificent. I don't know what Kerrigan had for breakfast that day but he knocked the snap, crackle and pop out of the back nine.

All-in-all we scored a respectable 79 points. Sadly, not enough to beat a winning score of 90 by some embarrassingly young prodigies. But, just when you thought it was all over, Sean Kerrigan won three golf balls for his scores on the par threes.

Eat your heart out Harold Pinter. Drama with a capital D in Warwickshire.

With grateful thanks to the College for its sponsorship of the OP team.

Princethorpe is to move to six form entry this September for the first time in the College's 40 plus year history.

After a exceptional exam session in January, some 135 children have now accepted places for the next academic year, necessitating a move to six rather than five Year 7 forms.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, comments, “This is fantastic news for the College and testament to the dedication and hard work of all our staff. We all know that the economic climate is tough, but the College’s distinctive Catholic ethos and approach to pastoral care seems to set us apart and resonate with parents and pupils."

"Competition for places was high and we are excited to have such a fine and talented group of children joining us in September.”

From left to right image shows incoming Year 7 pupils Emma, Nat, Imogen, Aidan, Miriam and Luke with Ed Hester.

Old Princethorpians were out in force on Friday 4 March for the annual Leamington Pub Meet.

The Star and Garter, Warwick Street was the venue for a goodly gathering of some 25 past pupils and former members of staff including Colin Morgan and Ed MacFetridge.

As well as the OP stalwarts, new 'old' faces abounded in the shape of Phil Taylor, Andy McGrath, Matthew Atkins and Scott Geraghty.

The current staff including some OPs were also well represented by Ed Hester, Alex Darkes, Mike Taylor, Steve White, Simon Peaple, Sean Philpott and Peter Griffin

To coincide with Princethorpe’s Charity Day on Friday 20 May, the College welcomed Mr and Mrs Wallis and their daughter Ellie to formally open the refurbished fitness suite. The Wallis Fitness Suite has been dedicated to the memory of Old Princethorpian Alex Wallis who tragically died on New Year’s Eve 2010.

Headteacher, Ed Hester gave a brief speech outlining how appropriate it was to dedicate the newly equipped gym to the memory of Alex.

"Alex spent many hours in the gym working hard to improve his physique. He was a dedicated sportsman and would have loved to have seen the improved facilities we now have. This room will serve as a daily reminder to us all here at Princethorpe of Alex’s time with us."

Mrs Christine Wallis unveiled the glass plaque which reads simply 'The Alex Wallis Fitness Suite. In memory of Alex Wallis OP’. Mr David Wallis expressed his gratitude to everyone present.

Year 10 fitness students were quick off the mark to try out the new equipment which includes two new Concept rowers, a treadmill and weights rack.

A range of fund raising activities were coordinated throughout the day to raise money for Warwickshire’s Air Ambulance. The Air Ambulance was at the scene of Alex’s road traffic accident.

Guess the weight of the cake, cake sales, gerbil racing, welly wanging and a penalty shoot out against Lee Carsley (Coventry City Football Captain) were amongst the activities on offer.

The total raised by students during the day was a fantastic £2,500.

Image shows from left to right Mrs Christine Wallis, Neil McCollin, Ellie Wallis, Ed Hester and Mr David Wallis.

A week later on Saturday 14 May it was the turn of some 30 Old Girls to return to Princethorpe for the St Mary's Priory Reunion, with many travelling from far and wide for the day.

The ladies, many of whom were boarders, attended the school run by the nuns from the 1940s to the mid 60s before the MSCs took it over. Former teacher, the amazing Miss Peeke, now in her mid 90s, led the throng, who enjoyed a sociable lunch chatting over old times, photographs and memorabilia. A slightly more sedate tour took them to corners of the College dear to them, including the Chapel and former dormitories.

Local historian Len Bowers, also in his 90s, came along accompanied by his daughter Lena, to gather final bits of research for the book he is writing on the Priory.

The ladies very generously donated over £250 to the restoration of the Round House.

The Old Princethorpians annual Festival Day on Sunday 8 May was a real family affair. The turnout was stronger than ever with some 100+ attendees, including OPs ranging from those here at the College's early beginnings such as guest speaker Marc Marot, Ernest Springley and the Peacock brothers, to younger OPs who left a few years ago including Sarah Trussler, James Lakey, Michael Edwards and George Lucas.

Former staff John Miller and Robert Startin were welcome additions, as was Fr Teddy O'Brien who conducted the Mass.

It was lovely to see so many children enjoying the event including the five lovely Contreras girls, Verity Hull, Grace Marot, Sophie Glassborrow and Benedict and Francesca Symonds.

There were three OPs, Kevin Cahill, Luke Hedderwick and Mike Fletcher who came with their families including sons, Ciaran, William and James who are all starting in Year 7 next September, so we even had a future generation of OPs present!

Mass was followed by a lovely buffet lunch, tours round the College and even up the Tower, plus a Mile Walk Trail and archery to keep the younger visitors happy.

The collection at Mass in aid of the MSCs work in South Africa raised just over £200.

Next year's Festival Day looks set to be Sunday 13 May 2012.

Saturday 3 September - 11.30am kick off

The third John Shinkwin Trophy match is scheduled for the morning of Saturday 3 September, just before the beginning of term.

It is hoped that moving the match to a weekend will attract more spectators for this pre-season clash between the College 1st XV and the OPs from 2010/11.

All the junior teams will be on site training and will finish in time to watch the game too.

There will be a bar and post match dinner for the players.

All are welcome to attend and see if the Old Boys can pull off a third victory in a row!

Tuesday 5 July 2011 at 7.30pm · Chapel

The Princethorpe Arts Society is delighted to present, as part of its Summer 2011 Programme, the seventeenth annual Hugh Page memorial organ recital by Tim Campain.

Tim is the Director of Music at Warwick Road United Reformed Church, Coventry.

The recital will include music by Purcell, Elgar, Walton, Bach, Strauss & Vaughan Williams and will be followed by refreshments in the cloister.

This concert will be supported by Princethorpe organists Daniel Leung and Christopher Beaumont OP.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please.

Tickets £6 adults, £4 concessionary, including refreshments.

Free tickets for Princethorpe and Crackley Hall pupils and all children. 

Tickets £6 adults, £4 concessions including refreshments. Children free.

We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk or complete the attached booking form and return to the College c/o Alex Darkes.

Hugh Page Organ Recital No17 5 July 2011.doc

Thursday 30 June - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

Work by Princethorpe students taking GCSE, AS & A level Fine Art and Photography will form a stunning exhibition in the Sixth Form Centre Atrium on Thursday 30 June. 

All pupils, parents, family, staff, OPs and friends of Princethorpe are welcome to attend, so please spread the word amongst any interested art lovers.

The show will be open from 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Wine and nibbles will be available.

RSVP for catering purposes to Lynne Dyke by Wednesday 22 June.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art and OP (1985-1991), "This is a great opportunity to share our students' fantastic artwork with a wider audience and to welcome more art lovers to Princethorpe."

Image shows Lumières de Paris, acrylic on paper by Ben Farr, AS Level.

Sunday 26 June

2011 sees our sixteenth Motoring Festival at Princethorpe, which takes place on the same afternoon as the Summer Fête and OPs Picnic – Sunday 26 June - and as usual there will be displays, stalls, sideshows and other attractions for all of the family.

Invitations have been extended to motoring clubs and already many parents and friends have agreed to bring along cars, motorbikes and commercials. There will be rally plaques for all pre-booked vehicles and awards for self-judged competitions.

Usual road run at 11.00am…

There will be another informal morning road run of about 30 miles through local countryside, with a route book. Vehicles taking part in the run need to arrive at Princethorpe for 11.00am. Food will be available for a nominal charge on return to Princethorpe at lunch-time, or feel free to bring a picnic.

The Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. We are also still keen to hear from anyone in the motor trade who might be able to sponsor one of the awards. Motor clubs will be most welcome; please get in touch.

If you can help or would like to bring a vehicle along, please complete the slip on the attached document returning it as soon as possible to Alex Darkes, Princethorpe College, Rugby, CV23 9PX.

Motoring Festival 2011.pdf

Saturday 25 June 2011

After 28 years at Princethorpe, Sue Francis, Director of Music is to retire this summer at the end of the Trinity Term. To celebrate her fantastic contribution to College life a musical swansong is planned for Saturday 25 June.

Being Sue, she would prefer a fun, interactive musical farewell, rather than a formal concert, so plans are afoot for a ‘Music in a Day’ event which all present and past pupils, music scholars, parents and staff are invited to participate in. The day will comprise a choral workshop of some pieces for all abilities and will culminate in a Mass in the Chapel featuring the pieces practised in the afternoon.  

The day will run from 10.00am to around 4.30pm, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided. Those just wishing to come along to the Mass/Performance and Tea should arrive for 2.30pm.

The day is really gaining momentum now with considerable interest already shown by past and present pupils and staff. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis, so please let us know by Friday 10 June if would like to attend by emailing melaniebutler@princethorpe.co.uk also indicating what singing part you are.

There's a whole host of OP events taking place in June, literally something for everyone, so we hope to see OPs and their families soon!

London Pub Meet - Friday 10 June from 6.30pm
The popular Old Princethorpians' Summer London Pub Meet takes place on Friday 10 June 2011 at the new venue of The Guinea, 30 Bruton Place, Mayfair, W1J 6NL (off Berkley Square, nearest tubes Bond Street and Green Park) from 6.30pm.

All are welcome to come along for a drink and a catch up!

Open Supper Meeting - Tuesday 14 June 2011 7.00pm for supper at 7.30pm.
A relaxed meeting of OPs over supper in the College's Sixth Form Centre Dining Room.

The event will be a special 'Farewell and Celebration' evening for our 'guest of honour' Sean Philpott, OP  and longstanding Biology teacher and Head of Junior School/Year 8, who is leaving Princethorpe at the end of the summer term after a massive 33 years as a teacher and another four as a pupil.

If you would like to come along to give Sean a good send off please RSVP to Old Princethorpians by Monday 6 June so we can cater for you. There is no charge for this event.

OPs Picnic - Sunday 26 June from 12.00pm
The OPs Picnic takes place on Sunday 26 June  from 12.00pm on the College's North Lawn by the big cedar tree. This is an informal opportunity for OPs to picnic together before the College's annual Summer Fete and Motoring Festival from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Wednesday 8 June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The College will hold its annual Summer Open Evening on Wednesday 8 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The event is mainly aimed at prospective pupils and their parents, but any OPs wanting an informal opportunity to look round their old school and meet staff and pupils would be most welcome too!

Children can participate in fun activities in the different departments and the Headmaster will make presentations during the evening.

Year 5 Taster Days

Following Open Evening we will be holding three taster days aimed at current Year 5 pupils (children born between 1/9/00 and 31/8/01) these give prospective pupils for entry in September 2012 a taste of senior school life.

The following dates are available: 

• Wednesday 22 June
• Monday 27 June

These days will involve a number of classroom sessions, a tour of the school, lunch and other activities, and will run from 9.30 to 3.30pm.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book a place or for more information on the admissions process please email Registrar, Loretta Curtis or telephone 01926 634201.

Age: 26

When were you at Princethorpe?
1999 (Year 9) – 2003 (Upper Sixth)

I grew up in Shropshire before moving to Warwickshire and Princethorpe when I was 14 in 1999. I completed the rest of my school days at Princethorpe and left at 18 to go to De Montfort University in Leicester to study Design Management.

De Montfort was the only Uni I applied to as I had achieved an A at A-Level in DT and it had the course I wanted to go on. Much to the dismay of my former teachers I am sure, it wasn’t to last as I was offered a job in Somerset with Leading National Hunt Trainer Paul Nicholls and seized the chance.

All my life I have been working with and surrounded by horses and the people in that industry (my father is a five time Olympian show jumper) so it was something I felt comfortable with accepting. After two weeks I was promoted to Assistant Trainer and at the end of the season finished second in the National Hunt Trainers table, the following year and everyone since, we have won the title and set many records along the way.

My day to day job is to look after the 160 horses we have in our care in Ditcheat, Somerset including legends like Kauto Star, Denman and Big Buck’s and the owners of the horses. I am regularly racing all around the country and l love the job I do.


What was the school like in your day?
It was a friendly but professionally run machine with high moral values, there was and I presume still is, a high religious undercurrent but that didn’t stop those in power having the foresight to bigger ideas; just as I left there were massive expansion and redevelopment that has undoubtedly brought the school forward. The teachers were great and understood and wanted to understand the pupils. I certainly wasn’t the easiest person to have in a class-room but we all got through it; I saw it as character building for me and those around me!

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?
A lot of the teachers, especially the sports staff helped me to develop into the person I am today. At Princethorpe I felt under no pressure to be a number, all the pupils were allowed to be their own person and positive traits were nurtured. There was also a strong sense of decency and competition that I hope I have now, a sort of ‘expect to win or succeed, but be prepared you don’t always’. All this said, the biggest influence on you at that age is your friends, and I had a great few friends of a similar mind-set to me.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Try your hardest and put in all the work necessary. I was a bit blasé about some aspects of school and know now that I could have done better. To all the employees at work I say, 'Do everything to the best of your ability, as if you are going to do something do it right.' I should have applied this to myself 12 years ago really but it’s something you learn I suppose. After trying your best don’t forget to have as much fun as possible however!

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?
My father Nick. He has an unbelievable work ethic and is the most reliable person I know. He would say ‘don’t ask someone to do something you are not happy to do yourself’, that’s great advice in the big wide world as it helps you gain respect and climb the ladder. I have also been lucky enough to meet Sir Alex Ferguson on a number of occasions due to him being an owner with us; his zest for life, dedication, longevity and memory is unreal! For someone to operate at such a high level and remain so human is rare in a modern media driven world.

What keeps you awake at night?
Horses kicking the stables! Not sleeping due to a worry is a bad thing as most of the things we are worried about we can’t control.

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?
As a team-member here we have won most of the biggest prizes in our sport with the best horses for generations so to pick out one is difficult, however my fist taste of Cheltenham Gold Cup glory was unbelievable and it lasted for months. The only prize that eludes us is the Grand National.

What’s your biggest indulgence?
Well I’m not a skinny lad, so in terms of food it would be a hard choice of about 100! I do like watching good films or TV series when I have time. Sky Plus ensures I don’t miss out when I’m at the races.

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?
Rib-eye steak and chips then chocolate roulard.

What is your favourite TV Show and why?
Lie To Me, House and Game Of Thrones are awesome and have lots of British actors in them which is great. They are big budget series that last longer and hold more suspense than a film.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?
I would be in the Turks and Caicos Islands, a beautiful place with my girlfriend Grace. However it wouldn’t be when The Cheltenham Festival was on!

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:
Well the teachers won’t be impressed as they never had the privilege of finding out most of my lasting memories! Here’s one though... One day me and an un-mentionable friend were on the way to hockey and were walking through the main building with our hockey sticks out, swinging by our sides. On passing one of the bag racks we had noticed a yogurt had fallen out of a lunch box and was sitting all alone in the middle of the corridor. One of us took the initiative and swung the stick at the yogurt which exploded all over the walls; it was some horrific GM product that glowed neon on the white walls. Needless to say, it went unreported!

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?
My best friend is someone I met at Princethorpe, Tom Ellis, a local lad whose family have been at Princethorpe for generations. I’m still friend with a few others and will be forever I expect.

Is there anyone you would like to track down?Not really; I see the people I got on with best a lot of the time. I wouldn’t mind meeting a few of the teachers who were unlucky enough to have suffered my presence whilst trying to conduct themselves professionally; I think it’s good to have reunions as opinions change in different circumstances and I would certainly attend one.

Robert Whitehouse (1992 – 1999) married Sarah Robinson (1997 – 1999) at Warwick School Chapel on October 30 2010. The Princethorpe Hymn, Here I am Lord, was included in the service.

The couple met at an OP reunion three years ago where, over several drinks in the White Horse in Leamington, they decided to run the London Marathon together. Love blossomed and Robert proposed to Sarah in Pitlochry, Scotland, in February 2010.

Many Old Princethorpians attended including bridesmaids Rosie Newton, Sarah Jacques and Louise Grindal, and ushers Richard Whitehouse, Angus Mitchell, Edward Gardner and Mark Bates. Other past pupils who attended were Charlotte Isham, Kate Gasser, Thomas Webb, Richard Palmi and Kieran Harris.

The couple honeymooned in Marrakesh and Ireland. They live in Kenilworth where Robert is a solicitor in Stratford and Sarah is a PR consultant and has just qualified as a counsellor.

OP and Warwickshire and England cricketer Ian Bell got wed in his home county on 6 April and he was the one bowled over by his beautiful bride Chantal Bastock.

The Coventry-born international cricket star, tied the knot during an intimate ceremony at the Mallory Court Country House Hotel near Leamington, attended by close family and friends.

Following the wedding ceremony, guests, which included many of Bell’s England team-mates, took to the hotel’s grounds to enjoy the hottest day of the year so far.

And a huge round of applause from their guests erupted as the newly-married couple entered the banqueting suite for the wedding breakfast.

Bell, a 28-year-old batsman, also plays county cricket for Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

He was awarded the MBE for his role in the successful Ashes campaign of 2005. And in November 2006, Bell was also awarded the prestigious Emerging Player of the Year award by the International Cricket Council.

Chantal looked stunning in a traditional full-length gown. The happy couple later honeymooned in the Maldives.

We wish them both well for a long and happy future together!

It is with great sadness that we record the death of our Chaplain, Mrs Heather Harris, on Friday 13 May 2011, after a short illness bravely borne. 

Heather became Deputy Head of Princethorpe in 2001 when St Joseph’s School in Kenilworth merged with the College. In that role, Heather had responsibility for the staffing of the school and also taught RE, but her special skill was in supporting staff and pupils with her patience, kindness and compassion. It was these strong inter-personal skills which led her to relinquish her Deputy Head role in 2009 in favour of the Chaplaincy. Heather was always surrounded by a team of helpers from the staff and student body where supportive relationships were built on warmth, tolerance and mutual respect.

Princethorpe’s Chaplaincy and teaching occupied most of her time, but she enjoyed the pleasures of her family, garden, the church and travel.

Heather’s strong faith was both enviable and infectious. On a daily basis she lived out the Christian values of love, kindness, service and forgiveness and always had a good word for everyone. She was modest, selfless, good humoured, had a keen sense of fun and was scrupulously fair.

Heather Harris’s gentle, caring and thoughtful nature touched all of the Princethorpe community and her death leaves a huge gulf in the school. We send our deepest sympathy to her family and we remember them in our prayers.

Her funeral fittingly took place in the College Chapel on Saturday 21 May at 12 noon, followed by a reception in the Sixth Form Centre. This was a beautiful but understandably sad occasion for all those involved.

E D Hester
Headmaster

Over the years Princethorpians have had many a choice nickname for their beloved teachers.

A prize goes out to the OP who can correctly identify who all the following nicknames belong to:

1. Killer
2. Skip
3. Sodium Sid
4. Spanner
5. Windy
6. Skids
7. Action Man
8. Ali Baba
9. Stack
10. Trendy
11. The Boss
12. Bonehead
13. Piggy
14. Batman
15. Cornflake

Email your entries to Old Princethorpians by Monday 27 June. Should there be more than one completely correct entry, the winning name will be pulled out of a hat.

Good luck!

Thanks to the eagle-eyed Richard Butler who got in touch after the last issue of the Old Princethorpian to shed some light on one of our archive photos.

Comments Richard, "The event is Prize Giving Day of 1992. I recall that Ann Widdecome was invited to speak because she was a convert to Catholicism."

In the picture, front row, from left to right (apologies if surnames slightly misspelt) Frances Rechton (Deputy Head Girl) David Reti (Head Boy), Spencer McGaw, Ann Widdecombe, Stephen Nosowski, Catherine Silcock (Deputy Head Girl), James Webb and Headmaster, Charles Sweeney.

The decades rolled away and memories were dusted off in late March at an Archives Soiree in the College library.

Past and present staff, Old Princethorpians and local historians gathered to pore over some of the 4,000 photographs amassed from the time of St Mary's Priory and the transfer to the MSCs in 1966, through the 70s, 80s and 90s to the early 00s.

The evening was part of a new project to systematically archive Princethorpe documents, photographs and other memorabilia.

Celia Scott, the College librarian together with local resident and past parent John Dyke, are in the process of sorting and cataloguing all the material prior to storage in a new purpose equipped, temperature and humidity controlled archive room within the College.

Comments, Eddie Tolcher, Foundation Bursar and OP, "In the process of gathering all the material together we have come across some items that are a complete mystery to us. It was great to have such an enthusiastic bunch shed some light on the names and events that are such a formative part of the College's history."

Anyone interested in coming to further archive events should email Celia Scott

The recent Festival Day brought memories flooding back for Michael Cooke, OP (1974-1981).

Michael is married to Maria, with four kids (one now at University so when he is not at home the house seems a lot more spacious!)) and living in Buckinghamshire.

Having worked for many years in the environmental field, mainly for chemical companies (too much travel to countries in Europe, USA and Asia), at present working as Pharmaceutical Business Director (but still having to travel too much!).

He has fond memories of chemistry with Harold Crossley (pipe in hand), the preparation for the musicals (sitting in the orchestra rather than on stage), being allowed to express oneself doing Art A Level with Mr Skiffington, the bus trips from Leamington which were not as much fun as getting to school on my motorbike and playing rugby in the snow (unfortunately only in the 2nds!).

He would like to get back in touch with the following old pals who he has lost touch with.

Nick Ollis, Chris Fitzsimons, Antony Macken, Michael Burdett, David Gould and Rob White.

Can you help, if so please email Old Princethorpians.

In June of 1998 I visited Princethorpe with my mother and father who sat patiently while I did the entrance exam. I was greeted by one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever met, his name was Father McManus, along with Berty his dog. I received the good news that I had passed my entrance exam and had a place at Princethorpe starting in Year 8.

I attended Princethorpe from September 1998 through to GCSEs in 2001, during which time I played for the school rugby team and enjoyed many of the school trips to Davos skiing & to Normandy.

The friends I made at school during that time I am still in touch with on a monthly, if not weekly basis. Low and behold they too are self employed now and doing very well for themselves. With the wonders of social networking keeping in touch has been made far easier.

During my final year at school, I went for work experience to the Brandon Hall Hotel, where I was soon snatched up by the Head Chef there (Chris Durden). I was the youngest chef to be employed by the large prestigious hotel chain (Forte Heritage) and during my time there I studied at Stratford Catering College for two years. After this wonderful experience I decide to leave the trade as I was still a young man and the anti-social hours were proving difficult.

I followed in my father’s footsteps for a while into the motor trade, but it was not for me so I looked for a career that I could really get hands on with. I decided to go to Sparsholt College and study Countryside Management for two years during which time I had the opportunity to train to use a chainsaw. This marvellous invention sparked a different way of thinking in my mind and after finishing the course I then moved back up to the Midlands to study at Moreton Morrell in Arboriculture.

Since then I have worked for several large Midlands based companies in arboriculture and decided to make a go of it for myself, setting up Heartwood Tree Services in October 2006. Since I have been self employed I have gained some very prestigious contracts for instance with Northampton Borough Council, Rugby School and Braunston Marina. I have also been approved for apprenticeship schemes with Moreton Morrell and currently have two apprentices about to complete this fledgling course with me. We are always looking to expand and establish links with other bespoke and prestigious organisations whose values are the same as our own.

Over the last year I have also got involved in the charitable work of the Rugby Round Table, this is a wonderful way for me to give something back to the local community.

On the personal front in August last year I proposed to my partner and childhood sweetheart (Kerry Marriott) in front of several thousand people at the fantastic Stanford Hall Fireworks Display. It was a tense moment as I first displayed the ring in its presentation box to the family in front of me, then presented it to her, a moments silence followed which felt like hours, until she smiled with a warm look of love and loyalty followed by the words “Yes I’ll marry you, just sit down before I go red”. The crowds of people around clapped and cheered and saluted their glasses. Success! 

We have set the date for the wedding as 21 July 2012, a venue is still to be found. Or maybe it’s been under my nose this whole time.....

As regards to business my aim is to keep at a level where the service will always be unrivalled and the quality of work to match.

Princethorpe has and always will be the foundation for my morals, my opinions and my behaviour among peers and to work. I appreciate everything the College has given me.

Guy Rylatt (1977 - 1982) married Peggy in November 1985, so they have just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

He still lives in Coventry and has never lived outside of the city.

He worked for the Royal Mail for 22 years, mainly as a Delivery Manager. In 1999 he obtained a professional qualification for the Institute of Management Services (IMS) and became an Industrial Engineer for Royal Mail.

He left Royal Mail in 2006 and is currently working for the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) as a Work Study Officer. He is currently on a secondment to the Intervention Department of the SRA as the department's Contract and Relationship Manager.

Anyone who remembers Guy will recall being tormented by him playing the bagpipes! However, he has been quite successful in this discipline. Following a period of time playing for the best pipe band in England, he was asked to play for a very well-respected band in Northern Ireland. From there he was asked to join one of the best bands in the world, Field Marshal Montgomery's Pipe Band, also based in Northern Ireland.

He has had the honour of winning two world championships in 2002 and 2004 with them, a feat that he believes has not been achieved by any "true" Englishman (i.e. one without any Scottish ancestry) before.

He also played the pipes in the interval act for the Eurovision Song Contest when it was in Birmingham in 1998.

Guy was diagnosed with asthma in November 2010 which has sadly meant he is unable to play any more. Although only 45, he now has a lung age of 74. He has never smoked, but had a particularly bad lung infection in 2009 and it appears that this is the problem stemmed from.

A big well done goes out to Old Princethorpian Luke Hedderwick who successfully tackled the Three Peaks Challenge on Friday 13 May in aid of two local charities,  the Rufus' Friends' Fund and the Leamington & District Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society which supports local people who have MS.

The challenge involved reaching the summit of the three highest mountains in Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scarfell Pike) and Wales (Snowden) in less than 24 hours, including driving time.

No mean feat as there is a minimum of 11,000 feet of ascent, 25 miles of walking and total road travel of approximately 460 miles.

Luke was at Princethorpe from 1976 - 1982. He is now a chartered surveyor and runs Riverline Development Limited, a commercial property and railway property consultancy in Rugby. He is married to Ruth and has three children, Hattie, William and Robert. 

He says of the challenge, "It went really well, we did it in 23 hrs and 35 mins.  It was tremendously hard work, no sleep and lots of effort but I thoroughly enjoyed it!.  We did Ben Nevis and Snowden in pretty good time, but Scarfell took us longer becuase the weather was so appalling (gales, rain and low cloud at 3.30am makes it a fairly surreal experience!). We also had a 40 minute detour because the car park was full at Snowden! "

"Although my muscles were a bit achey I didn't get any blisters which was very good news! In the process I will have raised in the region of £3,700 which i am very pleased with!"

One of the charities, The Rufus' Friends Fund, is particularly close to Luke's heart. Rufus Hedderwick had severe learning difficulties, was well known for his cheerfulness and love of life, and his highly developed sense of fun which included others as well as himself. The Rufus' Friends' Fund was set up by his family after his death in 1990.  The charity funds much needed holidays and short breaks for people with learning difficulties and their families, who would otherwise be unable to afford them. The fund helps eight to ten local families a year.

Luke would be very grateful for any further sponsorship, please email him at Luke Hedderwick.

Many thanks.