Old Princethorpians

Sad news reached the Old Princethorpians on Wednesday 4 March that former Princethorpe teacher Stannard Silcock, had passed away earlier that day at the age of 85.  Stannard or Stan taught RE, English and Maths at the College between 1979 and 1983 but was particularly renowned for his cricket and rugby coaching skills.  He left the College to go back to his native South Africa to the role of Headmaster at the first multi-racial school.

The news brought forth a flood of tributes, messages of condolence and support from past colleagues and pupils for Stan's daughter and son, Catherine and Donald, both Old Princethorpians.

Here are just a few of them:

A truly wonderful man who kept you hanging on to his every word. His life time stories fascinated me and I was so very lucky to have had him as a teacher. He brought light into the classroom and inspiration to those around him. God Bless Stan Silcock and his family. A sad time and my thoughts are with you all - Andy Lucas 78-85

I am saddened to learn that Mr Silcock is no longer with us.  He was a much loved teacher, and a great man.  I looked up to him. Finbarr Roche-Kelly

Very sad news, Stan was a lovely caring man. Bernie Moroney

Very sad news. What an inspirational man. RIP Stanx Nic Rae

Stan's funeral Mass took place at Christ Prince of Peace RC Church Portmore Park Way, Weybridge, on Friday 13 March 2015 and was followed by the crematorium in Kingston on Thames and a wake at the Old Crown Pub in Weybridge, Surrey.

His ashes were scattered on the beautiful Cromer cliffs on the day that would have been his 86th birthday - Saturday 18 April.

Our sincere condolences go to Cat and Don. May he rest in peace.

Congratulations to Lucy Coulson and Jonathan Williams (who spent several summers working in the Princethorpe Estates Department) who have announced their engagement.

Lucy who attended Princethorpe from 2002-2009 says, “Having first asked me out at the top of the Princethorpe College Tower five years ago, Jonathan proposed at the top of the Empire State Building whilst on holiday in New York and I said yes. We have no firm plans for a wedding date yet as we have an exciting move to Manchester and I have a final year of training to get through first."

Congratulations to them both!

Congratulations to Elizabeth (Libby) Gorin (nee Sharpe who attended Princethorpe from 2000-2005) and husband, Andrew, on the safe arrival of their first child, George. 

Gorgeous George arrived at 5.59am on Tuesday 10 March weighing 6lbs 13oz.

Libby says, "We're all doing well, really enjoying adjusting to life as parents. George is a very happy little chappy and starting to smile! I'm looking forward to taking him swimming for the first time in a few weeks."

Congratulations too of course to doting grandparents Eileen (longstanding Princethorpe Maths teacher, who retired last year) and her husband Geoff.  George is the couple's fifth grandson.

We wish them all well.

A beautiful spring day saw Lauren and Matt take their vows at St Mary’s Church, Cubbington on Friday 17 April.

The wedding reception followed at Wetherle Manor with Old Princethorpian friends in attendance to help join in the celebrations. 

The couple are now touring South East Asia, we wish them a wonderful future together.

Huge congratulations to John Naylor (1994 to 2001) and his new wife Tricia Rosas who married in the beautiful San Diego sunshine on 7 April 2015.

The couple met in Paris where California girl Tricia was studying. John works as a stock broker for Northampton based Cave & Sons and Tricia works as a translator and also as a blogger working with brands portraying their image on social media.

We wish them every happiness together!

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It was with sadness that we learned of the recent death of former member of staff - Paul Norris. Paul joined Princethorpe in 1978, following the closure of St Paul’s teacher training college at Newbold Revel,  where he had served for many years, training generations of History teachers. He became our Director of Studies, with responsibility for the 6th form and used his contacts in higher education to successfully guide countless Princethorpians through the university application process. In a less health-conscious era, Paul was rarely seen without his beloved pipe, even taking it onto the cricket pitch when occasionally asked to play for the staff team! He was also a keen tennis player.

Paul retired from teaching in the late 1980s and was able to devote more of his time to research and writing. He was a distinguished academic, with a strong faith, who was passionate about his subject, publishing a number of works about his native Kenilworth including Jackender: Memories of a Kenilworth Man. His time serving in the army in India, spawned Willingly to War 1939 - 1945: An Emergency Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army.

Paul’s grandson, Ben Buckley, is also an Old Princethorpian.