Old Princethorpians

Many congratulations to OP Laura Brazier (class of 2014) and her fiancé Callum Hassett who got engaged on Saturday 11 June 2023.

Laura told us:

'After a family BBQ held at their house, they went on a nice scenic walk with our dog (Raya) and Callum popped the question mid-walk whilst over-looking a beautiful view.

He had kept it a surprise excellently, as I did not expect it at all, but I was (and am) over the moon!

Our wedding is set for November 2024, so we are now navigating all that comes with planning a wedding (the good, the bad and the ugly!) but we absolutely cannot wait.'

That's fantastic news Laura, we wish you and Callum all the very best for your future together.

Lucy McDermott (Class of 2016) and Matthew Bailey got married at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Princethorpe College on Saturday 5 August. Despite the weather they had a fantastic day!

They thanked Fr Teddy O’Brien MSC for making their day so special.

Many congratulations to Lucy and Matthew, we are glad you enjoyed your special day.

Many congratulations to Ellie Ferris (class of 2011) and her new husband, Josh Thorton, who got married this September.

The couple had a fantastic day filled full of joy with laughter with their family and friends at the beautiful Tythe Barn which is located in north Oxfordshire near Bicester.

Ellie is currently a Senior Accountant with the commercial property development company, Mountpark.

We were delighted to hear their news and wish them both a fabulous life together.

Lewis Dodds (Class of 2013) married Megan Jones on 29 July 2023 at St Mark’s church in Leamington Spa. The reception took place at the bride’s family home in Long Itchington where, after days of continuous rain, they were blessed with warm sunshine and had a wonderful day. They were joined by a number of OPs, including Lewis' sister, Ashley, Millie White, Matt Close, Andy Cooper, Lottie Cooper (nee Brown), Tom Reeve, Michael Suren, Alex McDermott, Toby Inskip and Harry Rowley.

After a honeymoon in beautiful Croatia, the couple returned to Warwickshire where Lewis runs his carpentry business and Megan works for Jaguar Land Rover. As soon as they have finished renovating their new home, they will be living in Leamington Spa with Rudy the Schnoodle.

OP Sophie Rejali (Class of 2017) got married on Thursday 10 August in Cheltenham after meeting her husband, Andy Evans, at university five years ago. The couple had a beautiful day and were blessed with one of the few fine days of August, which Sophie told us was quite fortunate for them as they had planned an outdoor wedding.

Sophie is currenlty a Philosophy teacher and personal development leader at President Kennedy School.

We were delighted to hear your news Sophie. Huge congratulations to you and Andy, we wish you both a very long and happy life together.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Sue Shepherd, former music teacher at Princethorpe for many years.

Sue was admitted to hospital on Thursday 1 June after a stroke. After further strokes she passed away on 22 June. She was surrounded by love and support and it was peaceful.

Sue Francis, former Director of Music remembers her fondly here:

Sue was a highly skilled musician, a superb exponent of early music and a wonderful harpsichordist and pianist. One of our most vivid memories of her performing was as pianist in the fiendishly difficult Schubert Trout Quintet which she played with such expertise along with other members of the music department in the college chapel several years ago.

Sue was on the teaching staff at Princethorpe for many years particularly with the academic A-level music department, as well as being a teacher of individual piano lessons.

Her very solid Christian faith sustained her throughout her life and latterly she was a lay reader and chorister at Holy Trinity church, Coventry. She had absolutely no doubts nor fears about meeting her Lord and Maker when her life on earth ended. She will be sadly missed.

A service of celebration and thanksgiving was held in July but can be viewed here.

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out Sue’s family and her friends.

There will be a memorial mass for Fr Mike Serrage (who's passing we reported in the last edition of the OP newsletter) on 20 October at 10.00am at St John the Baptist in Tamworth followed by the internment at his family grave at Wigginton Road cemetery. Light refreshments wll be available afterwards at the Sacred Heart.

If you are thinking of joining them please let jpbennettmsc@gmail.com know. The mass will also be available online.