Old Princethorpians

The summer of 2016 was extraordinary, and more so as Princethorpe was but a memory of 40 plus years. With my brothers Robert, Patrick and Terry we became the first "four of the same family" at the College.  Our own family gathering of the Cox's was taking place in Abingdon and so it came about the college was also visited, thanks to Melanie Butler. My wife and two sons were so impressed at the stately college, the locality and its amenities, while on-site painters/builders were busy to meet the deadline of the start of term.

The quadrangle, long corridors, ex-dormitories and sports hall all reminded me of the earlier spartan existence as a full time boarder. Names such as Fr Clarkson, O'Connor and O'Rourke, as well as "the gang" Martin Glynn, Mark Patterson and Geoff Carr came back to me. Whilst visiting the refectory I was pleasantly reminded of myself as the Austin House Captain 1972-1973 and the Games Captain 1973-1974 on the honours boards, which was news to my own family!!

Our visit to the Chapel was very mindful of the family spirit that is fundamental to the practices of the College. The present library was where the boarders spent time writing home on a Sunday evening, with the hope of some later cash to be spent at the Tuck shop (long gone now). The tour of the adjoining grounds was a classic case of deja vu as the lime tree avenue and walled path led to the open sports fields and the Mile Walk, as it always has. These and the modern new study facilities and extensions are an asset to the success of the current pupils' education.

After my time at the College I had a fun time in Straford-upon-Avon for a while. This was followed by Health Management at Oxford Health Authority, which later continued at the Department of Health in London. About fourteen years ago we moved to Denmark which has the happiest people in Europe (except for the taxes). My work interests include healthcare standards for transplants and bioengineering, whilst my hobby is beekeeping. Trips to Brussels (see photo with flags) are often where quality standards are negotiated with the European Commission and Member States.     

It was a pleasure to see the College thriving on its educational and special interests programme for all. The website is so informative and I periodically like to view the news on Old Princethorpians as it is an interesting read. So many thanks for the continued work to connect Old Princethorpians from a different era.

Michael Cox, Copenhagen Denmark