Welcome to the tenth issue of The Old Princethorpian, Princethorpe College's termly e-newsletter for past pupils, staff and parents, old and new.

The newsletter aims to keep OPs in touch with each other and news, developments and events at the College.

This issue includes news on exciting development plans for the College, OPs involvement in College events including its inaugural Careers Fair in April and very sadly news of a number of OP deaths over the last few months.

If you have any comments on the e-newsletter or news to contribute to the next issue, which is due out in the Autumn, please email us at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

The next OPs event is the popular London Pub Meet on Friday 15 June at The Guinea, 30 Bruton Place, Mayfair, from 6.30pm. This event always attracts a lively crowd and we hope to see you there.

Have a great Jubilee Weekend and Summer!

Preview

News

Social Media Update

The College now has a new facebook page, it has been slowing growing in terms of number of likes.

The page can be found by facebook users by going to the following address: https://www.facebook.com/princethorpecollege

We are planning more activity over the coming weeks, so if you havent already please get liking the page.

The College is also embarking into the world of Twitter, we have set up a new Twitter account so please follow us. We are planning to start tweeting very soon!

Find us on Twitter @PrincethorpeCol

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Tower Inspires New Line In OP Merchandise

The Old Princethorpians have added to their range of corporate merchandise with a new Tower inspired pin badge. The 2cm high badge in nickel with recessed metal detail is based on the Tower logo. 

Priced at £8 including postage and packing (UK only, other destinations please enquire), it is hoped that the badge will appeal to both male and female OPs.

Stocks are available now to order your pin please use the attached order form.

OP ties, cufflinks and scarves are also still available, contact Old Princethorpians for an order form.

OP Pin Order p+p.doc

College Unveils Exciting Development Plans

The College has recently unveiled a ten-year capital expenditure building programme to equip the school with thirteen further classrooms, two IT suites, a state-of-the-art Technology Centre, additional sports pitches, a new theatre and more science laboratories.

Comments, Alex Darkes, “We are dedicated to a programme of development which will improve our facilities, enrich the campus and enhance the experience of our pupils as we continue to take Princethorpe College to the top of its game.

"Our proposals enable us to get rid of eight temporary classrooms which have served us well, but our plans show elegant buildings in their place which will enhance the local environment and make the experience for our pupils and the school community so much better. We also have ambitious plans to improve rugby, cricket and netball with new pitches and additional courts; feedback from parents, pupils, staff and neighbours has been very favourable, which bodes well as we await the outcome of our planning application”.

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Premier Division For Princethorpe

In March Princethorpe announced that Headmaster, Ed Hester, had been elected to membership of The Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC). HMC has about 250 members, which are generally considered to be the top independent schools in the country.

Ed Hester, who has been in post for three years, previous to which he was Assistant Head at Rugby School, said that he was delighted to have been elected to membership. “This achievement recognises Princethorpe’s exceptionally high standards of teaching and learning, our superb staff and broad extra-curricular programme. We are up there with the very best schools in the country”.

To become a member of HMC, a school must demonstrate very high standards in all areas of its educational provision including public examination results. The school was inspected last autumn as the final stage in the application process. Mr Hester added “We received an extremely uplifting report from the inspection team, members of which were heads of HMC schools. They commented that although we have grown quickly to just over 800 pupils, we have remained true to our founding ethos, where the gospel values of love, service and forgiveness are central to everything which we do.”

Picture shows from left to right, Ian Power, Admissions Secretary for HMC; Ed Hester and Chris Ramsay, Headmaster at The King’s School, Chester.

 

Career Fair Gets Pupils On Right Track For The Future

Princethorpe's inaugural Careers Fair on Saturday 28 April was a resounding success, according to feedback from pupils, parents, staff, presenters and exhibitors. Success which Old Princethorpians played a large part in, making up around half of the presenters on the day.

An audience of over 700 listened to Sainsbury’s CEO Mr Justin King open the event with an inspirational keynote speech about stepping into the world of work. His message was clear, "Work hard and seize opportunities when they arise".

Pupils from Year 9 to Upper Sixth enjoyed a series of presentations given by parents and Old Princethorpians who represented over 50 careers and professions. Fields on show ranged from medicine and nanotechnology to record producing and entrepreneurialism. With a further 12 stalls exhibiting in the College’s Sixth Form Centre offering advice and information on Gap Years, Universities and major business companies there was a tangible buzz as plenty of informal chat took place answering those all important career questions.

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form and Careers, Mrs Margaret Robinson was impressed with the slick organisation and quality of advice offered by the guest speakers.

"With the world of careers becoming increasingly tough it is vital that Princethorpe pupils feel well informed about the choices they make. The feedback from pupils has been overwhelmingly positive with many having been offered work experience placements with our guest presenters. It was wonderful to see all elements of the Princethorpe community working together dedicating their time to benefit the future of our young people and the involvement of so many OPs was critical to the success of the event"

Our sincere thanks go to: Kevin Cahill, Finbarr Roche-Kelly, Chris Hobley, Rebecca Andrews, Ruth Dyke, Andy Dorward, Oli Perry, Ciaran Murtagh, Peter Rollason, Adam Watts, Paul Cluett, Nick Cahill, St John White, Marc Marot, Paul Yeung, Helen Robinson, Lauren Robinson and Melissa Symonds.

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OP Rod Inspires GTSS Pupils

Old Princethorpian Rod Griffin went the extra mile when he travelled from the other side of the world to offer advice to the College's Gifted and Talented Sportsmen and Women earlier this term.

Rod has been based in Australia for the past 40+ years and works at Ballarat University. In his spare time he coaches middle and distance runners to Olympic standard and after school on Monday 30 April he shared his experiences with the GTSS pupils and their parents, whilst on a seven week trip to the UK with his wife Sandra and friends.

Rod, who attended the College in the late 60s, gave an inspiring talk on his life and work as an athletics coach. Since emigrating he has been closely involved with the development and coaching of many Junior and Senior Cross Country and Middle Distance track runners. Highlights of his career include working with the 5k runner Collis Birmingham who competed at the Beijing Olympics and will be competing again at London 2012, as well as 3k steeple chaser Victoria Mitchell, who has distinctive pink hair.

As a Level 3 Australian Athletics Coach he passed on valuable advice to Princethorpe and Crackley Hall’s promising athletes. He reminded them of the importance of training hard and listening to advice. He talked about goal setting and having a specific focus to enable you to monitor your progress. Rod’s easy manner and cheerful anecdotes went down well with listening parents and pupils.

With London 2012 just around the corner his words had perhaps more relevance than ever with many of us thinking about the GB hopefuls waiting to see if their hard work will reap medal rewards.

Rod was given an Old Princethorpian tie to wear with pride once he is back in Oz. He was delighted to be able to revisit the school and see the changes that had taken place since he was a boy here over 40 years ago.

Matt Strikes Right Chord At OPs Festival Day

Old Princethorpian, Matt Parsons, struck just the right chord when he spoke at the recent OPs Festival Day.

Matt, who left in 2002, described the College as a supportive family, which gave him the confidence to overcome a condition called Erbs Palsy which has affected his left arm.

Told he would never play sport beyond a basic level, his determination proved the doctors wrong with him playing cricket for Northamptonshire. He has also become an accomplished guitarist, with his own indie record label, aptly called Leftarm records.

Matt spoke fondly of his teachers and fellow pupils and how his experiences at the school created the foundations for who he is today. A self starter, with a strong work ethic, he believes in setting himself tough targets in order to achieve his dreams.

Matt, who is based in Rugby, has recently become a Brit Mentor for the British Inspiration Trust, inspiring other young people faced by adversity to discover self worth, self belief and self confidence.

It is hoped that we can encourage Matt back into school again soon to talk to our Sixth Formers and perhaps to help with a bit of cricket too!

Click here to find out more about The British Inspiration Trust.

The Festival Day attracted an enthusiastic bunch of OPs, who enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch, trips up the Tower and a good look round school. It was particularly nice to see OPs returning with their young families including Adam White and his wife and twin daughters and Ben Parker, his wife and their three youngsters.

Our thanks go to Fr Teddy O'Brien and Fr Alan Whelan for conducting the Mass and to all those involved in organising the day.

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Princethorpe Proudly Flies The Union Flag

Princethorpe College Year 7 pupils, Henry Lewis, Miriam Isaacs, JJ Van Wyk and Imogen Butler, hoisted the Union Flag up the school’s flagpole in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The flag will fly proudly from the school’s tower throughout the Jubilee celebrations.

The Diamond Jubilee has been the focus of assemblies this week at the school, with celebratory music, prayers and singing of The National Anthem.  

We echo the prayer that will be said at St Paul's on Tuesday 5 June.

God of time and eternity, whose Son reigns as servant, not master; we give you thanks and praise that you have blessed this Nation, the Realms and Territories with Elizabeth, our beloved and glorious Queen.

In this year of Jubilee, grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God and in devoted service to her lands and peoples, and those of the Commonwealth, now and all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May God bless Queen Elizabeth II.

Events

Eighteenth Annual Hugh Page Memorial Organ Recital

Tuesday 3 July 2012 at 7.30pm
Princethorpe College Chapel

The Princethorpe Arts Society is delighted to present, as part of its Summer 2012 Programme, the Eighteenth Annual Hugh Page Memorial Organ Recital by Tim Campain.

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

For a true Diamond Jubilee flavour the recital will include works by former organists of St George’s Chapel, Windsor and Edward German, George Elvey, William Harris, Henry Walford Davies and William Walton.

This concert will also be supported by Princethorpe organists.

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. 

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

Alex Darkes
Assistant Head - Marketing and Operations

Summer Art And Photography Show And Warwickshire Open Studios

The Summer Art and Photography Show, a celebration of our students GCSE, AS and A2 Art and Photography work will go on show at the Preview Evening on Thursday 28 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm.

If you would like to attend please email Shirley Allen so we can cater for you. Drinks and nibbles will be available.

In addition to the Preview Evening the show will be open to the general public as part of Warwickshire Open Studios. Billed as Warwickshire's premier art event, this is a biennial celebration of the visual arts & crafts, open to all artists and makers in Warwickshire. The event, is now in its 12th year, and involves well over 200 individual and groups of artists who open their studio and gallery doors to the public. Other venues include schools, cafes, churches, village halls and garden and parks.

The additional opening dates and times for the Art Show are:

  • Saturday 30 June - 11.00am to 2.00pm
  • Sunday 1 July - 11.00am to 2.00pm
  • Tuesday 3 July - 6.30pm to 8.00pm


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

For more information visit www.warwickshireopenstudios.org

Image Sticks and Stones by Catherine Fiddis, L6

Seventeenth Motoring Festival and Summer Fete

Sunday 24 June  

2012 sees our seventeenth Motoring Festival at Princethorpe, which takes place on the same afternoon as the OPs Picnic and Summer Fête – 24 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 attached slip, returning it as soon as possible to Alex Darkes, Princethorpe College, Rugby, CV23 9PX.

Please click below to access:

The Motoring Festival Newsletter & Reply Slip - PDF

The Motoring Festival Newsletter & Reply Slip - Word version

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Old Princethorpians' Events - June

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 15 June 2012 from 6.30pm

The popular Old Princethorpians' Summer London Pub Meet takes place on Friday 15 June 2012 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 19 June 2012 
7.00pm for supper at 7.30pm.

A relaxed meeting of OPs over supper in the College's Sixth Form Centre Dining Room. This is to be a farewell to OP and Head of Physics, Steve White who is retiring at the end of this year, and to Fr Alan Whelan, former Headmaster and Head of Religious Studies who is stepping down from teaching to take on the role of Deputy Provincial for the MSCs.

RSVP to Old Princethorpians by Monday 11 June if you would like to come.

OPs Picnic - Sunday 24 June 2012 from 12.00pm

The OPs Picnic takes place on Sunday 24 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 Fête and Motoring Festival from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

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Crackley Hall Nursery and Reception Information Evening

Thursday 14 June - 7.30pm to 8.30pm

A chance to find out more about life in Nursery and Reception at Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth. 

All are welcome, no need to book.

If you can't make the Information Evening but would like to look around, please call on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you. We welcome visitors on most days or, if you have younger children, why not come to our Stay 'n' Play session for 0-4 year olds every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.30am just £2.00 per family.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Summer Open Evening And Taster Days For Year 5 Pupils

Wednesday 13 June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The College's Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 13 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

This is an informal opportunity to look around the school and to meet pupils and staff. Children can participate in fun activities in the different departments and the Headmaster will make presentations during the evening.

Year 5 Taster Days

Taster days aimed at current Year 5 pupils (children born between 1/9/01 and 31/8/02) are now available. These give prospective pupils for entry in September 2013 a taste of senior school life.

The following dates are still available:

  • Wednesday 20 June
  • Monday 25 June

These days will involve a number of classroom sessions, a tour of the school, lunch and other activities, and will run from 9.45am to 3.15pm.

Places are getting snapped up fast, so to avoid disappointment please email Registrar, Loretta Curtis or telephone 01926 634201.

Year 6 taster days will be available in October/November.

Old Princethorpian Interview

Clem Clements

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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Births, Deaths & Marriages

Peter Rex RIP

News of the death of Peter Rex, former Head of History, on Sunday 25 March in Ely aged 82, led to a flurry of emails from former pupils with an illuminating range of memories of the man himself.

Mike Halloran
A true legend is he.  Long Live Rex. Even after all of the years that have passed, I can still hear his dulcet voice banging to and fro in my head.  He loved to correct my Americanisms. We colonials drove the man batty.

I can still recall stories he would regale us with in class about the evolution of the English language. Dunsmore Heath anyone?  Hill Hill Hill to those of us in the know.

Mr. Rex’s historical perspective was vast and frightening and I plan on adding all of his tomes to my collection.

I will admit with some certain glee and snobbery that I probably learned more from that one man than I learned from anyone since then in the subjects that he taught.

At the time… I had no idea about the massive imprint he was having on my small childish American brain, but when I make comments on various websites across the vast electronic world of ours I post as if I were Mr. Rex himself.  In fact I have used "pusillanimous prig" more than any human being should be allowed to, not only in posts on the web, but in everyday conversations. It still works as a very sharp dagger that most people will never ever try to argue with you past the point at which this two-word weapon is brandished.

I mourn for his passing as I mourned for the other larger than life characters in the Wm. Shakespeare that he taught me to love.  

Noel Ruddy
So Mr Rex has passed on. I was very sad to hear the news. He featured large in my years at Princethorpe and, unlike many of his contemporaries, I don't believe he had any nickname.  The call "Rex is coming" was enough to terrify even the hardest! He could be very intimidating but whilst he tolerated no nonsense he had a very sharp sense of humour if he was in the mood. He taught me everything from British Constitution to History to English to RE.  His nemesis in my day was a guy called Bernard Fox - their battles were nigh on legendary! Fond memories. A real character who lives long in the memory, and who will continue to do so.

Chris Hobley
As an ex-Princethorpian I was saddened to hear of the death of Peter Rex.

In Year 7, I was a very nervous child and Mr. Rex found me upset and sitting on my own in a classroom at lunchtime. I felt rather alone as most of my friends had gone to different schools. Despite his reputation, I fondly remember his kindness (without his audience!), and calming words. I jumped to my feet and never looked back!

I don't think he ever realised my appreciation.

Alex Darkes was asked to give the eulogy at Peter's funeral in Ely on Wednesday 11 April. To read the Eulogy click here.

He comments, "There were a few OPs present including Eddie Tolcher, Mike Loughnane, who came over from Cambridge, and Zara Healy. We gave him a good send-off and I think that Christina was very pleased that the day was a true celebration of Peter’s life. Amazingly despite suffering with ill health for many years he managed to write seven books in retirement. He had become totally deaf in recent years. Christina is still hale and hearty and in very good form. Richard, their son, who lives in Cambridge, has six sons who all did their grandfather proud, taking part in the service, either singing, reading or playing the organ."

William the Conqueror: The Bastard of Normandy by Peter Rex and published by Amberley Publishing was released in paperback on 28 April 2012

RIP Geoff Clarke 1924-2012

Former Head of Physics, Geoff Clarke, died on Good Friday aged 87. He had been suffering with cancer for some time. The funeral, conducted by Fr Teddy O'Brien, took place on Monday 23 April at Oakley Wood Crematorium.

Former pupil Martin Holland (1975) attended the funeral and commented, "I went along to say goodbye to a good bloke. The service was introduced as a celebration of a very full life and the stories and reflections made me feel very humble."

"I met Geoff’s wife, Michael and his son, Chris. Chris remembered our year as the one which occasionally popped down for a glass or two of home made beer and cider."

Fellow past pupil Clem Clements, who dropped in to see Geoff earlier in the month, remembers him fondly. "He really was a great teacher, teaching us about things that would prepare us for life as well as Physics. He also spent 14 years in Brunei where he helped set up a Sixth Form School and his wife (Micheal Clarke) helped start the International School where my kids have been all these years. I'm so pleased I got to see him and spend some time with him."

The final word goes to OP, Alex Darkes, "I think that in our time Geoff was one the best things to happen to Princethorpe. He was not only a natural school master but also knew how to deal with people. I found him hard working, inspiring, very reasonable and balanced in his views; he could also turn his hand to anything.

He put a lot of energy into everything he did inside and outside the classroom. He was a big hockey man, too (not that I added anything at all in the sports arena!) I think we must have been the last lot of Sixth Formers he taught because at the end of L6 he took off for Brunei to “top up the pension fund” as he put it. I remember him telling me that in Brunei he would be paid in real money whereas in England he had only been paid in brass washers!"

Tragic News and Condolences

Over the past few weeks tragic news has reached us of the untimely deaths of three Old Princethorpians.

Julian Mynott who left the College in 1986, died, with his youngest son Freddie, in a tragic boating accident near his home at Barford in May.

Nicola Thompson, a member of the Sixth Form between 1991 and 1993, died over the Easter weekend after losing her battle against cancer - leaving two small children.

Alex Chapman who left the College in 1990, was killed in a car accident on the A46 in April.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of their families and friends at this extremely sad time.

Welcome To The World Dylan!

The Old Princethorpian was delighted to hear of the safe arrival at 7.55pm on Monday 16 April of Dylan James O'Keeffe. Dylan weighed in at a healthy 8lb 12oz.

Congratulations to proud mum and dad, Seamus and Elizabeth and of course ML is thrilled to be a grandmother! 

Congrats To Andy and Sonia

Many congratulations to Andy and Sonia Davies, nee Bassan, who married in the Princethorpe Chapel on Saturday 28 April, before a reception in Northamptonshire.

Although bride Sonia was ready to jump the brook in her fantastic strapless wedding dress, plans for photos in the bluebell woods had to be ditched when the wet and muddy conditions got the better of them!

The happy couple jetted off for a three week holiday to the Thailand and Vietnam, and are now set for a five month move to the Czech Republic.

We wish them all the very best for their future together!

Memory Bank

Old Photos Travel Far and Wide

Old whole school photos have been winging their way around the globe over the last few weeks, since we made available spare copies from the archive.

The most popular destination for them has been Hong Kong, followed by the USA and most recently Australia.

Stephen Sturley, now based in New York, was delighted with his photo from 1969-70, which brought back happy memories.

"It was a lot of fun, I had three cousins (Chris and Andy Bean and Peter Palmer) at the school then, so that was very nostalgic as well as remembering old faces of friends.  The power of the human mind is amazing; to not have thought of somebody in 40 years or so and then instantly to be able to recall them!"

We still have some copies available for purchase at £20 unframed plus postage and packing. A few photos are framed, these will cost £30, and are available for collection only. If any OPs are interested in purchasing them please email Melanie Butler for more details. 

Digging Up Old Memories

The recent photo of Peter Rex and the Archeological Club circa 1972 excavating the kitchen midden, dug up some old memories for OP Charles Lawton.

He recalls, "I am in this picture against the tree head hidden on the right. I remember the dig well and we found all sorts of things dating from the days of St Mary's Priory."

He continues, "The midden was on the edge of the woods, behind the gas works. You enter the wooded section of the mile walk, turn sharp left in to the wood and from memory it is just about 5-yards in adjacent to the boundary hedge of the woods.

"The names from the left are Jim Burke squatting facing the camera, standing bending over away from the camera, unknown, squatting in the foreground, Simon Powell, squatting in the background facing camera , unknown, with glasses facing camera Richard Starkey, then me, chap on extreme left I know the face but cannot remember the name."

If you can fill in any of the missing names from the photo, please let us know.

Archive Update - Cataloguing Progress

The College's Archive Project is progressing with pdfs of the catalogues now available. They provide a fascinating insight into the history of the College including key documents such as the deeds, the admissions registers and Year Books, plus information on the Benedictine period, St Mary's Priory and St Bede's.

Comments Librarian, Celia Scott, "What we have currently is a snapshot of the materials we have catalogued up to the middle of May. This gives a flavour of what we have in the archive.

"By its very nature the archive is constantly changing as things are added to it. The next stage will be to digitalise materials with the hope of making the live Past Perfect database available to OPs in the future, so they can search and see the materials we hold in the Archive for themselves."

To take a look click on the links below to the pdfs.

Missing & Found

Sketchy Information On Patrick

The Old Princethorpian has heard from Kelly West, the daughter of Bruce West, an Old Princethorpian from the 1970s, who would dearly love to track down his old friend Patrick.

Information however is somewhat sketchy. Bruce thought that Patrick's surname was Hulligan, but we think that is incorrect.

All he remembers is that Patrick had gingery hair, freckles and big ears! The two boys were very close and the last Bruce heard from him was about 10 years ago when he visited Bruce's father to give him his number, unfortunately the number had been written down incorrectly.

The last the family knew of him was that he owned a pub in London and had two daughters.

Can you help shed some light on Patrick's name and whereabouts now? It would be great to get them back in touch!

Stuart Looking To Link Up Again With Marlon

Stuart Gillespie is trying to trace Marlon Naiken who he boarded with when he was at Princethorpe back in the early ‘80s.  Marlon came from the Seychelles and a Marlon of the same name, based in the Seychelles is on LinkedIn but Stuart has had no success linking up with him.

If anyone out there is in touch with Marlon please let Old Princethorpians know.

Many thanks.

Old Boys Network Helps Track Down Ricky

In the last issue of the Old Princethorpian we put out a plea to find Richard 'Ricky' Relton for old pals Ade Fashade and Guy Gnudi.

Richard got back in touch having been passed on a copy of the newsletter. Appropriately since he was remembered as an all round sportsman, he is now at Green Room Sports, a company which specialises in sports-based corporate entertainment and events.

We've put the friends back in touch, another happy ending!

OP Updates

Check Out Ciaran's New Book

OP Ciaran Murtagh's latest book, Genie In Training came out recently. It's the first in a rib-tickling new magical series

When Jamie's gran gives him a battered old teapot he reckons she's gone doolally! But then he cleans it, and out pops Balthazar Najar, a banished genie!

Balthazar grants three wishes but, for the last one, Jamie accidentally wishes he was a genie . . . He's whisked off to genie school where angry headmasters, deadly magic carpets and exploding lamps are the least of his worries!

Ciaran says, "If you have kids, are a kid or just have a thing for genies give it a whirl!"

Lionel Gibbs

I was at Princethorpe from 1983 to 1988. Originally as a weekly boarder  in the first two years and then as a day pupil for the next three. After leaving Princethorpe I attended Banbury Sixth Form Centre and then Hatfield Polytechnic for a year. I married in 1992 and have four children, who are now nearly grown up, though sadly the marriage ended disastrously a few years ago. After a brief career in catering I went to Strathclyde University and became a Maths teacher.

Last August I married Morag  and we live in Stirling. After 15 years as a maths teacher I am now back in full time education at the Scottish Baptist College studying theology. Once I have finished my studies I hope to enter into full time ministry. This in itself is raising a few eyebrows as my wife is already a part time minister with the local church as well as being the Youth Development co-ordinator for the Baptist Union of Scotland.

I have fond memories of my time in Princethorpe and have enjoyed looking through some of the old photos that appear, including the one from Southam A.T.C which some of us attended. Even in the age of Facebook, I have lost contact with the  friends that I had kept up with for a while. If I am ever in England during the next reunion I will make sure to come along.