Welcome to the Old Princethorpian newsletter, the Princethorpe Foundation's termly e-newsletter for past pupils, staff and parents, old and new.

Our newsletter aims to keep our alumni in touch with each other and news, developments and events across the Foundation.

We have a number of alumni events coming up including our popular Pub Meet at Inside the 22, in Rugby, on Friday 4 March and the 75th Anniversary Open House at Crackley Hall School on Saturday 19 March. Full details can be found in the Events section.

If you have any comments on the e-newsletter or news to contribute to the next issue, which will be published in May, please email us at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

 

Preview

Alumni News

Eggciting New Princethorpe Connect Easter Prize Draw

Online membership of Princethorpe Connect, our alumni network for former pupils, staff and parents from across all the Foundation schools, has been steadily building over the last few months and now stands at over 1,000.

We’d like to see the number of online members increase and we would also like to see our current members engaging more with the platform. To encourage more interaction the Princethorpe Connect Team is inviting you to connect with the platform by Monday 4 April to be in with a chance to win a delicious Easter Egg gift box.

Online membership brings with it many benefits, members receive the termly OP e-newsletter including the latest news and events, are able to view private photo galleries, connect with other online members and access our Careers and Networking pages.

For your chance to win, simply ‘Create a Profile’, or if you are already an online member add to your current profile with a photo, update your work or contact details or invite a friend to join from your profile page. Do any or all of the above at https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/ by Monday 4 April 2022 to qualify for the draw.

The draw will be pulled from all online members who have interacted with the site from 11 February to Monday 4 April and the lucky winner will be notified on Tuesday 5 April.

Good luck to all!

OP Friendly Faces Support The Next Generation Of OPs

This year we were delighted to be able to introduce eighteen new students to an OP Friendly Face during the Michaelmas Term. In universities across the UK, as far afield as Edinburgh and Exeter and Nottingham to Plymouth, the students enjoyed the benefits of a friendly face whilst settling into their first year.

The scheme links past pupils established at university with first year OP students. Providing a friendly, familiar face to meet up with over a coffee (compliments of the OPs) or having someone to call in their new uni town or city, does, we know, make for a smoother experience in those first few weeks away from home. So we are looking to get more OP Friendly Faces on board to widen the support network of OPs in universities across the country for the leavers of 2022.

Many of our current Upper Sixth are receiving offers and will shortly be choosing their first and second choice destinations, so it would be good to know soon who is willing to give them on the ground advice and tips. We are hoping that many of those who were helped last year will be prepared to be a Friendly Face this year, and that many of those already signed up to help will also be prepared to continue.

Lauren Mason, pictured, who left the College in 2021, has already volunteered to help.  She comments, "I am a current student at Cambridge (first year), studying Natural Sciences at Selwyn College. I would love to be a friendly face to anyone coming to Cambridge from Princethorpe, and am looking forward to getting involved."

Comments OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, " We now have OP Friendly Faces in around 35 university towns and cities and would like to expand on that again this year so we can get more of our leavers matched up for the new academic year."

If you are interested in becoming an OP Friendly Face for this year's Upper Sixth leavers please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.
 

 

 

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Our Alumni Are All Around The World

The Princethorpe Foundation alumni network stretches across all four corners of the world as the visual mapping of the alumni we have addresses for shows. Wherever former pupils, staff and parents are now based, they remain a valued member of our alumni community and we are always delighted to hear news of or about them.

Our Princethorpe Connect community now has over 1,000 active members and is an ever-expanding network.

Our highest concentration of OPs is not surprisingly in the UK, with London and the Midlands being hotspots. Overseas we have a sprinkling of OPs living and working across Europe with Ireland and Spain among the top locations. Further afield Australia and the US have the highest number of OPs followed by Hong Kong. Some of the most unusual locations where we have OPs based currently are Mauritius, Barbados, Malawi and Taiwan.

We have alumni representing pretty much every profession and many are happy to act as mentors for fellow alumni.

The Connect community also offers regional clubs to help those based in different continents find each other more easily.

So wherever you live, let us introduce you and help you stay in touch with your alumni community. You can find out more and sign up for Princethorpe Connect here.  

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OPs October London Meet A Great Success

What a fabulous time we had on Friday 8 October at the eagerly-awaited OPs London Meet. The venue, Le Grand Salon Prive, on the first floor of French restaurant, Balthazar in London’s Covent Garden proved to be very popular indeed with some 45 OPs in attendance.

Past pupils from the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s and recent leavers mingled and chatted happily together, reminiscing about Princethorpe and their time at the College. Tall stories were swapped, old friendships rekindled and new friendships made as the guests caught up with each other over some delicious food and drink courtesy of the OPs Committee.

Longstanding Assistant Head, form tutor and Physics teacher, Alex Darkes, who had travelled down from Warwickshire, was kept very busy all evening, chatting to his former pupils.

Just before ten o’clock the Princethorpe contingent, including Peter Rollason, Chair of the OPs, said their farewells before making a dash to the train for their journey home.

It was so good to have such an excellent turnout for our first face to face OPs event since March 2020 and we are looking forward to our next Meet on Friday 4 March 2022 at Inside the 22 in Rugby. If you are interested in coming along, please sign up via Princethorpe Connect here. Places will be limited, so we would encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

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OPs Support Lower Sixth Careers Carousel

To support our Sixth Form CoRE programme we have a number of Old Princethorpian speakers joining us on Thursday 17 February to talk about their journey post-Princethorpe and the different career paths they have taken. Our Lower Sixth pupils will each be attending three of the short talks to gain insights into some of the different options available to them.

The 'Careers Carousel' will broaden their awareness and knowledge on a range of careers relevant to their interests and aspirations and the event will help the students make more informed decisions about their future work options.

Our thanks go to all the OPs who are supporting the event including:

  • Harvey Broadbent - Product Design (Positive Outlook Clothing)
  • Ben Oliver – Psychology (Positive Outlook Clothing)
  • James Ireland - Mechanical Engineering (with Red Bull Internship)
  • Jacob Stone - Medicine (Qualified)
  • Carmen Simpson - Physiotherapy (Qualified)
  • Zoe Hyland - Psychology (Nursing)
  • Etienne Callaghan - Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Broadcast Media)
  • Charlie Rooney - Sports Science (Army)
  • Lucy Coulson - Law (Barrister)
  • James Carney - Real Estate (Property Asset Management)

Later this year we will also be on the look out for any Old Princethorpians who would be happy to help at our Interview Skills day, where the Lower Sixth all prepare their CVs and then take part in short mock interviews providing them with an opportunity to perfect their interview technique, sharpen communication skills, presentational qualities and their ability to respond to feedback. If you think you can help out please do get in touch.

Jock Gillespie Wins Christmas Princethorpe Connect Prize Draw

Congratulations to OP Dominic (Jock) Gillespie (Class of 1987), who was the lucky winner of our Princethorpe Connect Christmas Prize Draw. 

The Prize Draw saw a surge in online membership registrations to the platform, taking us over the 1,000 online member mark just before Christmas.

Jock is pictured with his prize at his home near Newcastle where he has lived since leaving Princethorpe almost 35 years ago.

Jock has worked in the Automotive and Engineering industry since leaving University specializing in HR and Employment Law.
He is married to Justine who he met at University. Jock is a keen outdoor swimmer, a hobby which has taken him far and wide including a swim across the Hellespont and one from Alcatraz to San Francisco.

Good to hear that he is still in touch with a number of people from Princethorpe, both virtually and actually, and always happy to hear from others.

Old Crescentians Enjoy Tour Of New Horton Centre

It was a real pleasure to welcome back a group of Old Crescentians to the Crescent on Friday 12 November to tour the latest addition to the school’s facilities, the new Horton Centre.

This was the first opportunity for OCs to visit the school since the start of the pandemic and was much appreciated by all.

The group of mainly former staff enjoyed some welcome refreshments with current staff before taking in the new facilities. What was once the old nursery building now includes a new teaching room, break out learning spaces, dedicated Music and Drama rooms and space for the school’s After Care Club. Linked by a new corridor, the fully refurbished block makes a perfect addition to the school’s growing needs.

Following their visit to the Horton Centre the group were keen to take a look around the rest of the site. There was plenty of reminiscing, catching up and admiration for the recent developments at the school, including the news of its recent ‘Excellent in all areas’ ISI Inspection.

Present were former Headmaster, Huw Marshall and his wife Magda who had travelled up from Wales, former teachers Anne Boys, Sandra Clayton, Patricia Davis, Clare Gove, Susan Haynes, former nursery manager, Carolyn McGrellis and former parent, Sarah Channing,

Comments, Joe Thackway, Headmaster, “It was great to get the OCs seal of approval on all that has been happening at the Crescent over the past year or so. We hope they enjoyed their visit and we very much look forward to our next OCs event.”

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Alumni Merchandise - Gifts For Everyone

Stuck for a gift idea for the OPs in your life? Look no further as items from our alumni range of merchandise make the perfect present for birthdays, anniversaries or even just for yourself!

Our new Zaini hats and headbands are now back in stock (at £18 and £15 respectively) and there are just a few 2022 calendars left that have now been discounted to £4. 

If you are looking for a gift with a difference you could consider sponsoring a Brick, Paver or Element in the new Science Centre, the deadline for these is Wednesday 1 December 2022. Click here for more details.

Other popular items on our online shop include:

  • Socks with the distinctive Tower design on dark blue background with thin diagonal stripe - priced £9.00 + postage
  • A university style scarf (in 100% wool with navy blue, red and gold stripes) - priced  £31 + postage
  • T-bar cufflinks with a gold Tower design - priced £26 + postage
  • The Old Princethorpian tie. A classic 100% silk tie with a repetitive gold Tower design and thin red diagonal stripes on a dark blue background - priced £19 + postage and packing.
  • Tower pin badge. The 2cm high badge in nickel with recessed metal detail is based on the Tower logo - priced £11 + postage
  • A Spirit Of Family: The First Fifty Years Of Princethorpe College - produced to mark the College's Golden Jubilee this beautiful keepsake is a relflection on the first fifty years of Princethorpe College written by Nick Baker and Alex Darkes, it was published on 1 September 2016 - priced £21 + postage.
  • The Soaring Redbrick Tower Fine Art prints and cards sized at A2 for £40, A3 for £25 and as an A5 greetings card for £3. 
  • St. Joseph's Convent and School Fine Art print for £12.

Stocks are available to order online from Princethorpe Connect, please click here.

 

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College News

Ed Hester To Take On New Dedicated Foundation Head Role

Princethorpe College Headmaster, Ed Hester, is to take on a new dedicated role as Head of the Princethorpe Foundation. Mr Hester has been Headmaster at the College since 2009, with the dual role of Senior Foundation Head. 

This forward-thinking decision by the governing body comes after a review of the overall management and leadership of the Foundation, which comprises senior school, Princethorpe College, prep schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School and Little Crackers Nursery.  

Separating the two roles will mean that Mr Hester will move away from the day-to-day running of the senior school and be able to dedicate more time to the strategic direction of the Foundation as a whole. He will work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Senior Management Teams and staff across all the Foundation schools to develop an ambitious vision and strategy for the next exciting stage in the Foundation’s evolution.  

Comments, Liz Griffin, Chair of Trustees, “The Foundation has evolved significantly over the last ten years. As a result of mergers and the popularity of our schools we have grown from 800 pupils to over 1,400 today and we have over 250 members of staff, what’s more our schools are operating in a complex and ever-changing political, legal and economic climate. We are ambitious for the Foundation and the creation of this new dedicated role will ensure that we continue to develop and flourish.

She continues, “Ed, with his proven leadership and strategic skills, is uniquely placed to fulfil this role. He has done an outstanding job as Headmaster of Princethorpe College, and I am delighted he is taking on the new role.  We understand how important it will be to find the right person to take over from him as Head of Princethorpe College and the recruitment process is already underway, with a view to having his successor in post within the next twelve months. Of course, Ed will ensure a smooth transition and successful handover to the new Head, who will be supported by the excellent Princethorpe Senior Leadership Team.”

Consultants, RSAcademics, are assisting the Foundation with the search for and appointment of the new Head of Princethorpe College. More information can be found here.

Green Light Given For Princethorpe’s New £8 Million Science Centre

Trustees of the Princethorpe Foundation have given the green light for work to commence on Princethorpe College’s new £8m Science Centre.

The Science Centre, which features 10 brand-new, state-of-the-art Science laboratories, will ultimately transform the College’s entire campus allowing other areas to be redeveloped and departments clustered within the main school building.

The project, the College’s largest and most ambitious to date, has undergone a comprehensive and lengthy design, planning, costing and tendering process over the last five years. The contract for the main build has been awarded to Trendgrey Construction Limited, based in nearby Stockton. Headed up by MD Nick Henderson, who has been with the company for twenty-two years, Trendgrey is well-known to The Princethorpe Foundation having completed the Sixth Form Resource Centre at Princethorpe in 2014, The Gables at Crackley Hall in 2016 and the Horton Centre at Crescent School in 2021.

Preparatory work will now begin, before the contractor moves onto site over February Half Term. The construction is estimated to take around 14 months with the building expected to open its doors for teaching in September 2023.

Comments Liz Griffin, Chair of Trustees, “The Trustees are delighted to give approval for work to commence on the Science Centre at Princethorpe. This really is a landmark decision in the strategic development of the College and is testament to the strong position the Foundation finds itself in today. Many congratulations to Trendgrey on being awarded the contract after a very competitive tendering process.”

She continues, “Our thanks go to all the donors who have contributed so generously to the fundraising for the project, our Science Campaign Board, the Science Working Group, our professional advisors, AT Architects, Ainsleys, Richard Strauss Associates and Couch, Perry and Wilkes, and of course the Senior Leadership Team for all their hard work.”

Headmaster, Ed Hester, adds, “It is fantastic that our vision for the future of Princethorpe will now become a reality. This announcement is great news for the Princethorpe community; the Science Centre project brings with it so many exciting campus-wide benefits and these cutting-edge teaching and learning facilities will inspire generations of Princethorpe pupils and staff for years to come.”

Comments, Trendgrey’s Managing Director, Nick Henderson, “It is a great privilege to have been awarded this prestigious contract by the Princethorpe Foundation. We are looking forward to working in partnership to deliver what promises to be an exceptional educational facility and state-of-the-art building.”

Members of the Princethorpe community interested in supporting the project through personal or corporate naming rights, sponsoring an engraved paver, wall brick or Periodic Table element in the new Centre should contact the Development Office for more information at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.

To view a fly through of the Science Centre please visit the school website here.

FAQs

How is the project being funded?
The project will be funded through a combination of generous philanthropic support, fee income and a bank loan.

What will the Science Centre provide?
At nearly 1,800 square metres the Science Centre will provide four Biology laboratories, three Chemistry and three Physics laboratories, two staff bases, two preparation areas, an office, a breakout and study area and additional toilet facilities. The Physics laboratories will be sited on the ground floor, the Chemistry laboratories on the first floor with two Biology laboratories on both the ground and first floor. All laboratories will be fully accessible, with an induction loop system and there will be a passenger lift between the two floors.

When will the Science Centre open?
The build is estimated to last 14 months and it is hoped that the building will be handed over to the school in April 2023, in readiness for it to open its doors for teaching in September 2023.

Where will the Science Centre be sited?
The Science Centre will adjoin the north end of The Limes and will link with the existing building at ground and first floor levels. The main entrance will front onto the Lime Walk.

What are the other campus-wide benefits?
Geography, Economics and Business Studies will be able to move from the outside temporary classrooms into permanent homes in the main building; History and Politics will be clustered in the East Wing; Mathematics, Latin and Technology will gain more space and Sixth Form students will benefit from more extra quiet workspaces for private study. There will be Tuck Shop improvements and we will ultimately gain new additional multi-use outdoor courts for Tennis and Netball.

What about the construction of the building?
The building is of traditional construction, using blockwork infill around a steel frame, wooden trusses with a slate roof, precast staircases and concrete floors. Architectural details mean that The Science Centre will be very distinctive and modern, but will harmonise with the existing built environment at Princethorpe. The building will require in the region of 71,000 bricks, 22,000 blocks and 10,000 roof slates.

How will the construction be managed safely on site with the school in session?
The health and safety of all our pupils and staff is our number one priority. Over February Half Term a secure compound will be established on site. Once term recommences deliveries and construction traffic will come onto site at carefully managed times, accessing the construction area via the road that was put in place for The Limes, near the entrance to the Orchard and behind the Tennis Courts.

Pupils and staff will be given clear instructions as to areas that are out of bounds due to the construction.

How ‘green’ and sustainable is the new building?
This will be an ‘intelligent’ building, driven by an integrated digital Building Management System to optimise heating and ventilation; there will be underfloor heating throughout and it will also have the latest standards of insulation. Infrastructure will be put in place to allow a progression, in time, to Ground Source Heat Pumps, likely to combine gas/hydrogen redundancy for reliability. There will be LED illumination throughout, with presence sensors and daylight sensors to control light levels. Photovoltaics on the roof will have a panel area of 137m2, generating 21.821MWh annually with a Carbon offset of 6.8 tonnes/annum.

An energy performance monitor in the ground floor circulation area and visible to all will give a real-time picture of the building’s energy performance. Locally employed labour and materials suppliers helps to keep commuting miles and transport miles to a minimum, to mitigate our carbon footprint.

How will this affect employment opportunities in our area?
One of the real strengths of engaging a local contractor employing its own labour force for many aspects of the project means that many of the trades will live nearby. Involving local suppliers, too, such as steel fabricators and mechanical and electrical engineering contractors, helps to support the local economy. At the height of the construction phase there could easily be in excess of ten trades and fifty personnel on site.

How can I find out more about supporting the project?
Members of the Princethorpe community interested in supporting the project through personal or corporate naming rights, sponsoring an engraved paver, wall brick or Periodic Table element in the new Centre should click on this link or contact the Development Office for more information at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.

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New Sister Boniface Mysteries Coming Soon On UKTV Drama Channel

Our North American Old Princethorpians were the first to see the new Sister Boniface Mysteries when it premiered on Britbox on Tuesday 8 February. The spin off of the popular Father Brown series, was filmed at Princethorpe over the summer and follows the adventures of Sr Boniface, a Vespa-driving, crime solving, Cotswold-dwelling nun.

Teaser photos from the series can be seen on the link below and the eagle eyed amongst you may spot glimpses of the Chapel and the corridors around it in the shots. 

We have it on good authority that the UK launch will be on (UKTV) Drama on Friday 11 March. Can't wait to watch!

For more information click here.

Cambridge Offers For High-Flying Princethorpe Sixth Formers

Two Princethorpe College Sixth Form students are thrilled to have received offers for places at Cambridge University.

Head Girl, Caitlin Mason, will be reading Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at Magdalene College, Cambridge while Sixth Form prefect and Fisher House Captain, Greg Burford, will read Music at Girton College, Cambridge.

Oxbridge places are always oversubscribed and increasingly competitive, and these talented students have faced a tough selection process consisting of pre-tests, intensive scrutiny of their academic and personal achievements and rigorous interviews.

Their success is not achieved without a great deal of hard work, as well as hours of dedicated support and encouragement from their teachers and parents who have provided individual guidance and support over the past few months.

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, commented, “Caitlin and Greg have earned this success. During their time at Princethorpe College they have not only applied themselves to their academic studies but also to developing themselves as confident and mature young people. Applying to Oxbridge is an extremely rigorous and character-testing experience that seems to get tougher every year. We were delighted to support them with their applications and are exceptionally proud of their achievement.”

We are very proud of them both and of all our Upper Sixth students applying to study at university next year, the majority of whom have now received offers through the UCAS system with many receiving offers from all five of their university choices.

Campus Changes Mark First Signs Of The Science Build Commencing

The first signs of the Science build commencing are afoot, with last Friday 4 February marking the formal end of lessons in the portacabins. The Geography, Business and Economics departments and Tutor groups AEG, FMT, FHB and MSD have now all relocated to new homes as the College prepares for the construction of the new Science Centre.

The Grounds team have been getting ready for the build for a while, working hard to relocate all the beech hedging that surrounds what we affectionally know as the ‘huts’ or ‘the Limettes’. With pupils helping, as part of their Outdoor Education lessons as they worked towards their John Muir Award, the hedging has been replanted on the Orchard Walk, the Nut Walk and up next to Switzerland.

Over the next two weeks the portacabins will be stripped by our Estates Team before being handed over to Trendgrey, the construction company. Then during half term a segregated construction compound will be erected around the site and the access road for the construction traffic behind the tennis courts will be reinstated, before the real work begins.

After nearly twenty years it is the end of an era here at school for the portacabins, but it is not the end of their lives as the lead contractor, Trendgrey Construction, is planning to use two of them as site offices during the build.

We went out to take some last photos today for the archives and popped into the classrooms. Head of Geography, Mike Taylor has enjoyed being based in the portacabins, amidst the Warwickshire countryside, for the last eight years. He is pictured here with his Year 7 geography class.

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Inspirational Prize Giving Celebrates What Makes Princethorpe So Special

Another exceptional year of achievement, progress, creativity and contribution was celebrated at Princethorpe College’s annual Prize Giving Ceremony at the Butterworth Hall, at Warwick University’s Arts Centre on Friday 19 November. Last year’s Prize Giving was held virtually, so to have this year’s ceremony able to take place once again in person felt all the more special.

Before the ceremony, the Old Princethorpians Committee hosted a special Drinks Reception for the returning Class of 2021 and their parents, providing a welcome opportunity for last year’s cohort to get together and catch up.

Chair of Trustees, Mrs Liz Griffin, opened the proceedings, warmly welcoming parents, friends of the College and Princethorpians old and new to the occasion and then Father Alan Whelan MSC then led the assembled community in an opening prayer.

In his formal address, the Headmaster, Ed Hester, gave thanks to all those who make Princethorpe the special place it is. His warm words paid tribute to all that is done by so many in support of the College, the kindness, the compassion and the values that underpin the success stories of so many of our pupils and not just those who received prizes on the evening. He congratulated last year’s Year 11 and Upper Sixth on their resilience and tenacity over the course of the last two challenging years and applauded them all.

All evening the atmosphere was joyful and celebratory and there were superb musical interludes from the school String Orchestra, Concert Band and the Year 7 Choir, whose performance of It Must Be Love was both enthusiastic and uplifting.

Then it was time for the presentation of the awards. Listening to the citations was truly inspiring and humbling. The talent in evidence, the grit and determination, the passion, enthusiasm and commitment were all applauded and honoured.

Finally, we came to the main award, the Princethorpe Shield, the oldest and most prestigious College award presented annually to the student who is seen to embody the spirit and ethos of the College in many facets of their school life. It was a very popular decision this year, with the audience cheering a delighted and surprised former Head Girl, Abbie O’Carroll-Bailey and former Head Boy, Jack Neale who were thrilled to jointly receive the Shield in recognition of their sterling service throughout the course of the pandemic.

Then to close the proceedings the current Head Girl, Caitlin Mason, and Head Boy, Anthony Convey, gave an eloquent vote of thanks. They were joined by Abbie and Jack on stage who added their thanks to the College community for all they had done.

The evening came to a close with the singing of the College Hymn, Here I Am Lord.

The full list of Prize Winners can be found in the Prize Giving Programme here.

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2021 Tower Review Is Available Now

The latest edition of the College’s magazine, The Tower Review, has just been published.

It tells the story of the school year, term by term, reflecting on the whole host of activities, achievements and successes that pupils from Year 7 through to Upper Sixth took part in. It includes highlights such as Prize Giving and the College production as well as reviews of sporting events and House competitions.

2020/21 was an incredible year filled full of challenges, but there were still plenty of wonderful and memorable moments to reflect on. The magazine has been mailed to parents and the Leavers of 2021 and an electronic copy can be found on the school website here.

If you would like to receive a copy please email marketing@princethorpe.co.uk with your name and address.

Princethorpe's Wonderful Winter Landscape

There is nothing like a landscape shot to engage our alumni community. We know you can never get enough and whatever the weather, we get outside with a camera to capture the seasons as they pass.

Just before Christmas we had a real treat when the snow started to fall and your Old Princethorpian Secretary got her wellies on and ventured out into the cold winter wonderland to capture the beauty of it all.

If you missed it at the time then take a look at the gallery for a second chance to enjoy this super snow story!

 

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Train To Teach At Princethorpe Through School Direct

Thinking of becoming a teacher? Then why not consider training with the Princethorpe Foundation.

Whether you are a new graduate or contemplating a career change, we have a wide range of opportunities available across the subjects but particularly in Maths, English, History, Geography and PE.

Though our association with the Lion Alliance, we offer a year’s training as part of the School Direct scheme, leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Placements would be at Princethorpe and also at other schools within the Lion Alliance. Our training is supported by Warwick University, Birmingham City University, Coventry University and by our experienced mentors here at the Princethorpe Foundation.

You can preview the courses on offer here: www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses by searching the database using the details: 1K1 – The Lion Alliance

Our Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, Dr Liz Pyne is also happy to offer advice about the different routes into teaching and what Princethorpe can offer you. Please email Dr Pyne at lizpyne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Further information about the Lion Alliance can be found at www.thelionalliance.co.uk.

 

Development News

Leave Your Mark On Princethorpe

With the new Science Building now given the green light, everyone has the opportunity to leave their mark on Princethorpe College for generations to come.

At a projected cost of over £8 million, the College is committed to raising a portion of the build funds through Fundraising.

There are many ways that individuals can get involved and support, from a major donation or corporate naming rights to smaller one-off donations for names on a Brick, Element or Paver. Our aim is for the Princethorpe community to join together as our vision for Science becomes a reality.

We hope you will be interested in supporting this important project and leaving your mark on Princethorpe’s future.

The deadline for sponsoring a Brick, Element or Paver is Thursday 1 December 2022. For more information, please visit the school website https://www.princethorpe.co.uk/support-us or contact the Development office at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk. It is also possible to pay in installments for these items by standing order, to do so click here to download a form.

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Hidden Princethorpe – An Exclusive Behind The Scenes Tour

On Friday 3 December the Development team welcomed invited guests to Princethorpe for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the College. Organised as a thank you for those who support the work of the school, some 60 visitors and senior staff enjoyed a fascinating evening delving into dark corners and hidden places and discovering the history that has made the Princethorpe we all know and love today.

The College was especially delighted to welcome back as guest of honour, former Director of Sport, Gwilym Price OBE, who reflected on his long association with the school and celebrated its achievements and growth over the years. He spoke warmly of its success with so many children and said, “I am very excited with the latest developments and the proposals for the forthcoming new Science Centre and wish the school well for the future”. 

Our Foundation Archivist, Janette Ratcliffe, began with an introductory presentation to set the scene, she gave a brief potted history of the College from across its 190 years, from its early days as a priory through to its life now as a school.

Then came the tour, starting in the Sixth Form our guests were led down Lower Pugin past the ornate Benedictine room and on up to Maths, and what was the Girls dormitories. Then it was back to the ground floor and G4 for an explanation of an enclosed order and what life was like behind the door with the grille. Then on through the girls’ dining room (DT workshop) and kitchens (that still has a hot cupboard where the food was served) to where the school ended, and the priory began. The tour went into what was the nuns’ library (now a physics lab) before going down to front of house to see the visitors’ guest house. Then up to the Roundhouse, to talk about the burial vault and next door into music technology and what was once the mortuary chapel before visiting the nuns’ sitting room and then on finally to the Chapel.

After all that exploring, the evening finished with a buffet and drinks and plenty of convivial chat. Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who is also known as Mr Princethorpe after so many years as a pupil and then teacher, commented, “Hidden Princethorpe was a unique opportunity to gain an insight to the history and inner workings of the College, we were delighted that our guests were all fascinated by the evening’s talks, tours and anecdotes. We are very grateful for their continued support of the Development Office.”

The event was so successful that the Development team are hoping to host a follow-on event in the summer. For more information on the work that they do, please email the team at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk.

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Support The Princethorpe Foundation Every Time You Shop

AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon that lets customers enjoy the same wide selection of products, low prices, and convenient shopping features as on amazon.co.uk. The difference is that when you shop through the smile.amazon.co.uk web address, AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the net purchase price (excluding VAT, returns and shipping fees) of eligible purchases to the charitable organisation selected by the customer.

So whenever you make an eligible purchase from Amazon via AmazonSmile, the charitable organisation benefits at no additional cost to you.

The Princethorpe Foundation is a charity and, within the Foundation the Development Office work to enable the provision of more bursaries to deserving pupils, to update our facilities and buildings, and to meet our strategic development plans. You can find out more about the work of the Development Office on our school website here

The Development Office is asking the Princethorpe community to consider choosing The Princethorpe Foundation as their nominated charity on AmazonSmile. 

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.co.uk from the web browser on your computer or mobile device.

Can I use my existing amazon.co.uk account on smile.amazon.co.uk?

Yes, you use the same account on amazon.co.uk and smile.amazon.co.uk. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same. Simply visit smile.amazon.co.uk and log in to your usual Amazon account.

Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?

Millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations to charities by Amazon. You will see eligible products marked 'Eligible for smile.amazon.co.uk' on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.

How do I select to support the Princethorpe Foundation when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to smile.amazon.co.uk you need to select a charitable organisation to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping, simply search for and select 'The Princethorpe Foundation'. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.co.uk will result in a donation to support Development Office projects.

How will you use the donations you receive?

All donations received via smile.amazon.co.uk will go towards our Annual Fund. Each year, this fund supports the purchase of necessary academic and extracurricular equipment, ensures educational, enrichment and entertainment opportunities for students, and helps maintain the School’s academic and sporting facilities. Your Annual Fund contributions are at the heart of all that we do, and all that we give to our students.

To find out more about our Annual Fund please visit our website here.

Introducing The Princethorpe Foundation’s Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is the cornerstone of philanthropy at The Princethorpe Foundation and allows parents, supporters, and friends in the wider community to make a voluntary contribution to support the school. Those who give to this fund, including many members of staff, have the satisfaction of knowing that their donations have a significant impact. Such gifts touch the lives of every pupil in all our schools, every day of the year.

Each year, this fund supports the purchase of necessary academic and co-curricular equipment, ensures educational, enrichment and entertainment opportunities for pupils, and helps maintain the Schools’ academic and sporting facilities. The Annual Fund helps us to move forward with our plans to improve and develop the schools and the teaching and learning experiences that take place within them.

Gifts to this fund are unrestricted, allowing the Foundation’s leadership to determine where support is most needed, and can do the most good. The Annual Fund contributions are at the heart of all that we do, and all that we give to our pupils.

Every contribution is meaningful, regardless of amount and many of our supporters choose to make regular contributions, monthly or annually, big or small. These regular donations are helpful and popular as they provide critical and predictable support for the School, year on year, whilst also allowing donors to plan their giving. Those that give regularly, make a significant difference to our pupils' experiences.

Every year, parents, grandparents, Old Princethorpians, staff and friends of the Foundation donate to the Annual Fund. We invite you to help us by donating to the Annual Fund.

To find out more or make a donation visit the school website here.

Generous Donation Supports The Foundation’s Fundraising Efforts

The Princethorpe Foundation has just received a significant donation of £100,000 thanks to the generous philanthropy of a Princethorpe family. At their request, the donation is to be spilt £75,000 towards the Science Campaign and £25,000 as an unrestricted gift to support projects at Crackley Hall School. Gift Aid takes the value of the donation up to £125,000.

The generous donors, who wish to remain anonymous, have children who attended Crackley Hall School and are now at Princethorpe College. Their support will have a significant impact in helping the Foundation move forward with our plans to improve and develop both schools.

This latest donation is another large step towards the realisation of our vision for Science. Together, the gifts and pledges we’ve received, including contributions through naming rights, sponsoring an element, and engraving pavers and bricks, will help to deliver a Science building that provides cutting edge, state-of-the-art facilities that will inspire generations of Princethorpe scientists for years to come.

The new Science Centre, Princethorpe’s largest campus project to date, will cost £8 million and provide 10 brand-new, state-of-the-art science laboratories. It will also enable the College to redevelop and cluster several other departments within the main school building.

Comments Ed Hester, “We are really thrilled with this donation that comes at such a critical time for our Science project. I would like to thank the donors for their generous gift. It is particularly pleasing that this contribution comes from a current Foundation family who can see the positive impact of an education at the schools.”

He continues, “We know that our pupils need the very best facilities to enable them to make the most of the opportunities for their future. The new Science building will provide inspirational facilities but will also enable us to improve facilities for other departments across the school.”

If you are interested in further information about supporting us and the Science Campaign, please contact Steve Kowal at stevekowal@princethorpe.co.uk or the Development Team at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634265.

Foundation News

Popular Foundation Archivist Moves On To Pastures New

Janette Ratcliffe our fantastic Foundation Archivist for the past four and a half years has moved on to pastures new. Janette left us last week for a full-time post at De Montfort University as an Information Governance Officer

Janette has been with the Foundation since August 2017 during which time she has dealt with a vast range of internal and external archive enquiries from past pupils, teachers and people associated with all of the Foundation schools. She was instrumental in setting up Epexio, the Foundation’s online catalogue of archive resources and digitising parts of the collection to enable much wider access for the community.

Her outreach work included work for the 70th Anniversary of the Crescent School, Heritage Open Days (including building a pandemic lockdown new virtual tour), St Mary’s Priory reunions, virtual reunions with former pupils in the USA and North America, Hong Kong and the Far East and Spanish pupils and the upcoming 75th Anniversary Open House at Crackley Hall. Janette has worked with a number of departments - Outdoor Education, History and RS - supporting teaching and learning through the Archives and her input and support for Development and Marketing has been most valuable.

But perhaps what Janette will be remembered best for, is her Twitter feed, @PFdn_Archives, fascinating, absorbing, engaging, always full of interest and surprise. Many of us have enjoyed her wonderful forays into the photos, artefacts and history of the Foundation’s schools. Her Twitter ramblings have engaged and encouraged interest in the archives for us all.

We are enormously grateful to Janette for all the work she has done for us and wish her all the very best for the future and in her new role. She will be much missed but as with all who leave us, she now joins our alumni community and we look forward to engaging with her in new ways over the coming years. 

As for her Twitter feed well we plan to keep that going so do follow @PFdn_Archives for insights into the Foundation's past!

Inaugural Edition Of The Crackley Review

The very first edition of the Crackley Review was published just before Christmas.

The new yearbook records and reflects the school's last academic year. It gives a super insight into life in school and the wonderful learning that goes on day in day out at Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery.

It is wonderful memento for the children and parents, and we know they will have all enjoyed looking through the stories and photos.

Did you go to Crackley Hall School? Why not have a look through, and see what memories it brings back for you.

Thank you to all who have contributed their time and talents to help us put together this Review and who do so much to make this school such a vibrant, supportive and engaging place of learning.

A copy is attached here that you are welcome to download and share with family and friends.

ISI Inspection Finds Excellent Pupil Achievement And Personal Development At Crescent School

The Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby, has received the highest possible ratings across all criteria from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following an inspection in September 2021. The report, which was published in November, consists of two elements, a focused compliance inspection, encompassing statutory standards, and an educational quality inspection evaluating the achievement of pupils, including their academic and personal development.

Headmaster, Joe Thackway, comments “We are thrilled with the report, it is a real vote of confidence for everything we do here at Crescent School and reflects a huge team effort. Every single member of staff shares the same care and devotion to the education and wellbeing of the wonderful children entrusted to our care and I believe this sentiment shines through every word of the report.”

Mr Thackway continues, “Academic achievement and personal development are two key benchmarks for any successful school and being graded as excellent in both of these broad areas demonstrates the incredible talent, commitment and professionalism of our staff, the outstanding attitude and approach of our pupils and the support of our parents.”

During the inspection, the ISI inspectors observed that, ‘Pupils have excellent and positive attitudes to learning’, that ‘They are highly curious, resilient learners’, and that ‘Pupils’ excellent knowledge, skills and understanding are reflected in their achievements across the curriculum’. The report also says, ‘Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage attain well above national age-related expectations’, ‘Older pupils consistently exceed expectations for their age and abilities’, ‘Pupils are consistently successful in entrance examinations to their first-choice school’, and that ‘Many pupils win scholarships for music, drama, art, sport and academic achievement’.

Pupils’ personal development was also judged as ‘excellent’ with inspectors recognising that ‘behaviour is excellent’, that pupils ‘behave with empathy and care towards one another’ and that ‘the open and embedded culture of kindness underpinned by deep mutual respect ensures successful outcomes for all’.

The ISI Inspectors also noted that, parental feedback ‘praised the school’s preparation of former pupils who had successfully and easily transitioned into their new senior school’.

Mr Thackway concludes, “At Crescent School we are committed to providing our pupils with an outstanding all-round education, instilling in our children life-long learning skills while fostering the qualities of kindness, tolerance and mutual respect. I am very pleased that ISI Inspectors have so comprehensively recognised what we do.”

The ISI is the Government-approved body responsible for the inspection of independent schools and they consider every aspect of the provision. A copy of the full report is available from the Crescent School website here.

Events

Old Princethorpians Events Calendar 2021-22

We are delighted to be hosting in person events again. This year's calendar features all our regular favourites, including our popular local spring meet in Rugby, the Saturday Brunch and of course the OP's Summer Supper.

All our alumni, past parents and staff are welcome to participate in any or all of the events. Click here to download the calendar or visit the events page on Princethorpe Connect to register for upcoming events. 

Lent And Easter Services

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC invites the Princethorpe Community to any or all of the Lenten and Easter services at either St Anne's, Wappenbury or the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College.

Wednesday 2 March         
7.00pm  Mass of the Ashes, St Anne's, Wappenbury

Thursday 14 April             
7.00pm  Mass of the Last Supper, Princethorpe College

Friday 15 April                 
3.00pm  Commemoration of the Passion of Christ, Princethorpe College

Saturday 16 April             
8.00pm Vigil Mass for Easter, St Anne's, Wappenbury
                                                            
Sunday 17 April               
8.30am  Easter Mass, St Anne's, Wappenbury
10.30am  Easter Mass, Princethorpe College

For an update on the weekly news in the parish bulletin please use the link here.

Fr Teddy looks forward to meeting you all.

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OPs Local Rugby Meet

Friday 4 March 2022 - 6.30pm to 10.30pm 

The OPs annual Local Meet takes place on Friday 4 March 2022. After a hiatus of two years we will be meeting once again upstairs at Inside The 22, on Lawrence Sheriff Street, Rugby, CV22 5EJ.

Now a live music venue, as well as bar, our guests will also be able to enjoy The SOS Rock Blues Band who hark from Leicester from 9.30pm.

There will be the customary welcome drink or two and the OPs Commitee will be laying on some delicious food, so do let us know if you would like to attend by registering at Princethorpe Connect, so we can cater for you.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Crackley Hall School And Little Crackers Nursery Open Events

Crackley Hall School Open Morning

Saturday 5 March 2022 - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's prep school and nursery in Kenilworth, is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 5 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is an opportunity for parents and children to visit the school and nursery at the weekend. Visitors will have a chance to tour the school, see the facilities and meet pupils and staff including the Headmaster, Rob Duigan. There will be performances and activities showcasing the school.

Crackley Hall School Open Evening

Tuesday 19 May 2022 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Another chance to look around the school and nursery and meet staff and pupils.

All are welcome to both events, please book your place here. Light refreshments will be available.

If you can't make the Open Morning or Open Evening but would like to look around, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Jenny Vaughan on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information please also see our Admissions Update the next edition of which will be published at the start of March.

Crackley Hall and St Joseph's 75th Anniversary Open House and Mass

Saturday 19 March 2022 - 10.00am to 1.00pm

We are looking forward to welcoming former pupils back to Crackley Hall School for our postponed 75th Anniversary celebrations.

On Saturday 19 March (St Joseph's Day) we will be holding an Open House event at Crackley Hall School and all past pupils of the school and of St Joseph's Convent School are invited to join us.

Plans for the event include a Mass from 11.00am to 12 noon, an archive display, music and drama performances by current Crackley pupils and the chance for past pupils to chat and reminisce. Light refreshments will be served.

We have already had high levels of interest in the event and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back.

To register your interest in attending the celebrations please click here.

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Crescent School Open Events

Crescent School Open Morning

Saturday 19 March 2022 - 10.00am to 12.00pm

The Crescent School, Princethorpe's prep school in Rugby, is opening its doors to prospective parents and children for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 19 March 2022 from 10.00am to 12.00pm. This is an opportunity for parents and children to visit the school at the weekend. Visitors will have a chance to tour the school, see the facilities and meet staff including the Headmaster, Joe Thackway. There will be performances and activities showcasing the school.

Crescent School Open Evening

Tuesday 10 May 2022 - 5.00pm - 7.00pm

The school will also be holding an Open Evening in May where parents will be able to tour the school and speak to the Headmaster.

All are welcome to both events, please book your place here. Light refreshments will be available.

If you can't make the Open Morning or Open Evening but would like to look around, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

Please note: 

We have had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2022 entry at the Early Bird Application deadline stage. Many of these applications were from families with siblings already in the school. As a result, we have already allocated all of the available places in these year groups for September 2022. We are now operating waiting groups in these year groups for families who are still interested in a place, should a suitable one become available.

We are currently operating waiting groups in most other years apart from our current Reception and Year 1 classes (Year 1 and 2 for September 2022 entry) where we do have some places available as these year groups each have two classes.

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting in September 2023 and September 2024.

For more information please click here or see our Admissions Update, the next edition of which will be available in April.

St Mary's Priory Old Girls - Fernham Visit - Spring 2022

Following our popular St Mary's bi-annual reunions at Princethorpe and our successful St Mary's virtual reunion in September 2020, we are planning a spring 2022 visit for St Mary's Priory Old Girls (or VSOPs as we like to call them) to the former Benedictine house in Fernham where the nuns from Princethorpe moved to in 1966.

Over the last twelve months we have been in touch with the current owners of the former Benedictine house in Fernham (near Wantage in Oxfordshire). The current owner is very keen to meet past pupils and those who visited the house in the Benedictines’ time and to that end we plan a meeting at Fernham on a Saturday in April or May 2022, with an opportunity to see the house, meet the current owners and visit the nuns’ cemetery. This will be another chance to catch up, chat and generally reminisce.

We plan to arrive there for 11:00am and afterwards adjourn to the Woodman Inn for a delicious lunch. We hope to offer transport from Princethorpe and if necessary, can also meet a train from London at Wantage. More news will be shared as soon as we have finalised the date.

Please click here to register your interest on Princethorpe Connect.

OPs And Former Parents Brunch

Saturday 14 May 2022 10.30am - 12.30pm

We are once again offering OPs, former parents and former staff the opportunity to visit the College and catch up over a full English or a croissant or two. As well enjoying a leisurely complimentary brunch (served until 12.00 noon) visitors will be able to watch Saturday sports fixtures, and take an optional tour of the school campus.  

Former parents will have spent a considerable amount of time at Princethorpe over the years supporting their children, and may be missing their involvement in school life. The Old Princethorpians' Association organises the brunch as an opportunity for all to reconnect with both the College and each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please register on Princethorpe Connect by Monday 2 May 2022.

Please do spread the word!

 

 

Crackley Hall And St Joseph's Diamond Anniversary Gala Ball

As part of the school’s postponed 75th Anniversary celebrations we are holding a Diamond Anniversary Gala Ball on the evening of Saturday 14 May 2022 at Crackley Hall.

This event was originally scheduled for March 2020 but due to the outbreak of COVID-19, it was postponed. Two years later we are pleased to be able to host the event to celebrate this milestone. The event will give past pupils, current and former parents and staff the perfect opportunity to celebrate the school’s success and rich history.

The Gables will be transformed into a party venue for the occasion and guests will enjoy a red-carpet welcome, champagne and canapes, a delicious hot gala buffet, with a choice of desserts, cheese and tea and coffee, followed by speeches and live music and dancing. There will be a pay bar with the facility to pre-order drinks. The fun will kick off with a reception at 7.00pm and carriages will be at midnight.

Heading up the evening’s entertainment will be Revolver, a versatile five piece Midlands-based band who perform classic rock and pop covers from the 50s to the present day.

Tickets cost £40 per head, with a maximum of two tickets available per person and online payment will be taken at time of booking. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. 

Please note, there is a finite limit to the number of tickets available. Once capacity is reached, if you would like to be notified of any returned tickets, please email jennyvaughan@crackleyhall.co.uk and state how many tickets you are looking for. You will then be added to a waiting list, on a first come, first served basis.

The dress code for the evening will be black tie and the equivalent for ladies.

Link for tickets: https://connect.princethorpe.co.uk/event/crackley-hall-diamond-anniversary-gala-ball-2022

Princethorpe College Open Evening

Wednesday 8 June 2022 - 6.30pm - 8.30pm 

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 8 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.  This is an informal opportunity to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils. The Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening. Light refreshments will be available.

To book your place please click here.

Please do spread the word amongst friends and family, all are very welcome! 

 

 

 

OPs Summer Supper Reunion - Calling The Leavers Of 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002 And 2012

Friday 24 June 2022 - 6.00pm optional tour, 7.00pm drinks reception, 7.30pm supper

OPs who left the College in 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012 (or those who were in the same year groups) are cordially invited back to the OPs annual Summer Supper on Friday 24 June to celebrate their respective 50th, 40th, 30th, 20th and 10th anniversaries of leaving.

Leavers of year groups ending in a 0 and 1, who missed out, and other year groups are also most welcome. 

Comments OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, "We know many OPs are keener to come to these events if they can be sure of seeing some familiar faces.  By focusing on year groups ending in a 2, we hope to get a critical mass of attendees, although OPs from other years are of course welcome too!"

The Summer Supper is an established event in the OPs calendar, attracting a large number of OPs, former and current members of staff. The supper is preceded by an optional tour and drinks in the Quad. Every year the OPs recognise long-standing members of staff and say farewell to any staff leaving the College.

Numbers are limited to around 100 guests, so if you would like to attend please go to Princethorpe Connect by Friday 10 June to reserve your place.

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PTA Summer Fête and Motoring Festival 2022

We are pleased to confirm that this year's PTA Summer Fête and Motoring Festival will take place on Sunday 26 June 2022.

This event takes place in the Orchard between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. There is lots of entertainment both for children and adults alike, which usually includes a large inflatable slide for the kids, BBQ, refreshments, bar, pupils’ stalls, over 30 external stalls, a raffle and many, many more exciting things for all the family to enjoy.  

Please add the date to your calendar. 

One of the highlights of the School Calendar is the Annual Motoring Festival, now in its twenty-fifth year.

The Motoring Festival coincides with the Summer Fête and is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There are rally plaques for all vehicles pre-booked by Wednesday 1 June 2022 and there are awards for self-judged competitions.

For more information and for entry forms for the Motoring Fesitval please visit the school website

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Masses For Deceased Members Of Your Family

Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC will be offering Masses for any members of your family who have passed away on the first Sunday of each month at St Anne's, Wappenbury (8.30am) and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels, Princethorpe College (10.30am).

If you wish Fr Teddy to pray for your family members especially please let him know. The contact details can be found on the parish website here.

Fr Teddy is also hoping to add further information to the parish records. If you have a member of your family interred at either St Anne's, Wappenbury or at Princethorpe Cemetery, Leamington Road (the cemetery at the bottom of the College drive) please do get in touch.

 

Old Princethorpian Interview

Guy Cowley

Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living:

When I left Princethorpe I went on to study clarinet at the Royal College of Music in London for four years and then worked as a professional clarinetist for about 18 years. I then re-trained at Newark College in woodwind instrument making and repair.

I now live in Nottingham with my wife Debby and our two sons: Jacob age 7 and Toby age 4. I make and repair clarinets. I make copies of historical clarinets for professional clarinetists and I repair all styles of clarinets.

If you’re interested you can see pictures of what I make on my website: www.guycowley.com.  My wife is a teacher of the Deaf in Nottinghamshire.

Age:

I am 50!

When were you at Princethorpe - years from and to?

I left in July 1989 and was there from age 11 so I guess I started in September 1982

What was the school like in your day?

I remember the beautiful building and grounds and it had a nice atmosphere.

I liked the mix of both priests and secular teachers.

There was a lot of hustle and bustle especially in the mornings, dumping our bags in the corridors on the way to the Chapel for assembly. I once left mine poking out a bit and a teacher got his foot stuck in the handle and fell over!

There were lots of characters, it was an eclectic mix of both students and teachers and it certainly wasn’t boring!  

I had previously been to three schools before I started at Princethorpe and I can honestly say it was the only school I felt comfortable at. I found school life complicated: my son has ADHD and ASD and school can be a little difficult for him and I wonder if I have some similar traits. I was diagnosed with dyslexia while at school.

Princethorpe was a very special school that I have fond memories of. I was able to follow my passion of playing the clarinet. They even let me drop two subjects early so I would have time to practice for my lessons at the Royal College of Music junior department on Saturdays.

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

I think my journey of faith really started at Princethorpe which has since always been an important part of my life. I even considered becoming a monk, but I met Debby so that wasn’t to be! I think there was a caring and understanding ethos at the school and a flexibility to let pupils grow and explore talents.

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

I would say read the book ‘The ruthless elimination of Hurry’ By John Mark Comer, but it hadn’t been written then!

So I would say there is no rush! Be the person God created you to be and not someone else. This may mean accepting limitations as well as exploring talents and this doesn’t mean you can be who you want to be - sorry I don’t go along with this modern idea. I think Thomas Merton may have said something like ‘as you grow closer to God you become the person he created you to be and as you become the person you were created to be you grow closer to God’. I have spent many years tying to emulate other people and at 50 I am only now just learning to accept how I have been wired and trying to embrace this!

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

Not sure? I would want to say Jesus, but I am still walking along this path and it’s a zig zag path!

30 years ago I would have said one of the great clarinetists

15 years ago I would have said one of the clarinet makers

You see the pattern of emulation!

The Church we go to would be very high on the list, it’s called Trent Vineyard in Nottingham check out their website to get a feel for it and visit if you’re in Nottingham…it's something special but as the pastor would say ‘To God be the Glory!’

Maybe John Lacey my dear friend who died of cancer eight years ago. He showed me how to engage with people who are homeless or vulnerable….before I met him it seemed a scary thing to do…but it’s really quite simple…say hello…how has your day been?…do you need any food or would you like a coffee and listen…don’t get me wrong it can still be scary…but God loves them as much as me and you! John had a gift for this but maybe it was that he saw them as sons and daughters of God before anything else.

What keeps you awake at night?

Worry, anxiety! I try to pray to God at these times: it doesn’t necessarily change the situation or make things go away but I try to trust he will walk with me.

And sometimes if I am working on a tricky repair or in the middle of making an instrument I will be thinking about the best way to do things…but this can happen at any time of the day! which can be frustrating for others, Debby sometimes drops in a question about clarinets or lathes if we are having a conversation to see if I am listening!

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?

This is a difficult one, I am not so much the glass is half full as the milk is all off so it doesn’t matter anyway!

I should say one of the many concerts I have been privileged to take part in or one of the clarinets I have made, or pupils I have taught (but the students have really done all the work!). I am very critical of my work. It's very nice to have good feedback when I have done a good job and I like to get this from good players that I respect…I find it hard to separate my playing experience when making an instrument, I am always thinking ‘this better work well when they use it in a concert'. I know what it feels like under pressure in a concert and it's no fun if an instrument malfunctions!  

So I think I will go for giving up alcohol. This was by far the hardest thing I have done, but I have now been dry for two years.  

What’s your biggest indulgence?

It used to be alcohol! I love that!! But now I don’t drink at all so it’s probably watching crime dramas, or buying tools for my workshop…I am always looking to do things better in the workshop. My most indulgent purchase for the workshop is a beautiful German treadle lathe from around 1900…not very economic but the idea behind this was to see how it feels to make stuff on a treadle lathe, makers would have used these in 1800. The first thing I made on it was a clarinet mouthpiece - it was exhausting! I of course have an electric lathe, well two!

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?

Easy: Cooked breakfast with a pint of lager or two with my family!

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?

With my wife and our boys, but where? I would love to live somewhere remote in Scotland or in Germany.

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

So many….Alex Darkes, Peter Jewel, Sue Francis, Mr and Mrs Skiffington, Fr O’Connor,  Fr Whelan, the list goes on!

I had written some memories down which I have deleted as my wife thought they would be edited out!

School concerts, plays and reviews….

Magic dust (iron filings) in Physics with Alex Darkes.

Wearing my tiny squash kit that was probably from my first year into the Sixth Form common room and asking if anyone wanted to play squash…big mistake!

Playing at one of the house music competitions and thinking ‘What am I doing up here?’….strange I decided to make a career out of that!

Sitting in the Chapel at break time when things got too complicated in my head. It was so peaceful. I think this is where my journey with God really started.

I have one sad memory of a fellow pupil Mathew Jacoby. He so very sadly died, I often think of him.

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?

Remotely I am still in touch with Graham Budd, my mum went to school with his mum and they are still good friends So I hear his news every once in a while. Graham is a lovely man.

Is there anyone you would like to track down?

Not really, Sorry! I am not a big one for reunions or social media But sending love to anyone who reads this that I have crossed paths with!

Births, Deaths & Marriages

Charlotte Harris Welcomes Baby Bertie

Many congratulations to Charlotte Harris (Class of 2010) on the birth of her second child Albert (Bertie) Brennan.

Charlotte told us, "Bertie arrived after a speedy and dramatic journey to the hospital on the 16 January 2022. He weighed 7lbs 9oz and is the spitting image of his big sister Aurora-Rose. We are all happy, healthy and enjoying being a family of four, whilst embracing the craziness that two under two brings!"

What fantastic news and we send our very best wishes to them all!

Daughter For First Time Parents Amii and Matthew Hall

Congratulations to Amii Hall (nee Steele) (Class of 2001) and her husband Matthew on the safe arrival of their first child, a daughter Evelyn Elizabeth Hall.

Evelyn was born on 27 August 2021, weighing in at a tiny 5lbs 5oz. 

Amii comments, "She’s growing well, has a cheeky smile and we are enjoying the challenge and the joys of being new parents!"

 

Sophie Hine Welcomes Baby Poppy To The World

We were delighted to hear of the safe arrival of Poppy Elysia Taylor. Poppy is the first child of Sophie Taylor (nee Hine) (Class of 2006) and her husband, Phil.

Poppy made a very swift arrival on Friday 1 October at Warwick Hospital, weighing in at 7lb 5oz.

Poppy is now four months old and loves going to her baby sensory and baby swimming classes.

We're pleased to hear that the new family are doing great and wish them lots of fun in their new adventures together!

Breezy Lake District Wedding Day For Charlotte And Kieran

Congratulations to Charlotte and Kieran Mundy who married in the Lake District on Saturday 5 February 2022.

Charlotte, nee Moulding, Class of 2014, takes up their story:

We got engaged in October 2020 and booked our wedding for February 2022 thinking Covid would be well in the past by then. Luckily we didn't have to wear masks and there were no restrictions on numbers so it was a normal wedding; although we both isolated the week before to ensure we didn't catch Covid and have to cancel the wedding especially for myself working as a nurse on a children's ward.

We always knew we wanted to get married in the Lake District as it is so beautiful and we go there regularly. It always rains in the summer when we go so we thought, booking February, we would get a nice cold, crisp day with blue skies and some snow....... we got that wrong. It rained, it was windy, there weren't any blue skies. When I say windy, I'm not exaggerating. The photographer had his flash gun on a tripod behind us on the lake jetty and it got caught by a gust of wind and fell into the lake. He then proceeded to strip and dive into the lake after it. This was all before the wedding breakfast.

During his speech my dad mentioned my time at Princethorpe, talking about my photography classes with Mr Hubball and choir tours to Barcelona and New York. We went outside whilst all the guests were still sat at their tables and they watched as my veil flew unaccompanied past the window. After a sparkler shot, I had my hair fixed by my bridesmaids and joined the rest of the guests and the DJ for cake cutting and the first dance.

We had a lovely day and as I write this we are travelling to the airport to jet off to St Lucia on honeymoon.

Will and Katie Phayer Marry At Princethorpe

Many congratulations to OP Will Phayer (Class of 2009) who married his wife, Katie, here at Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels last summer.

Will comments, “It was lovely to be back at Princethorpe for such a special day. The chapel still reminds me of school Masses or talks from guests. Now I have another special memory to add, getting married to my wife. It was very easy as a student to take such great surroundings for granted but coming back for special events such as getting married really reminds you how special Princethorpe is.”

Will is currently running his own business as a Registered Firearms Dealer escorting tourists round the UK shooting and acting as a sporting agent. His wife Katie is Head Nurse at the intensive care unit at Willows Veterinary Referral Centre.

We wish both Will and Katie a very long and happy life together.

 

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RIP Ian Moss

Sad news reached the Old Princethorpians that Ian Moss, who attended the College from 1969 to 1972, passed away on Monday 18 October, after a long battle with cancer.

Ian was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend and is fondly remembered by all for his sense of fun, joy, honesty, cheerfulness, support and kindness. He was always willing to help everyone.

Ian's funeral took place at Aberystwyth Crematorium on Friday 5 November. 

We send our sincerest condolences to Ian's family and all his friends.

RIP James MacFarquhar 1970-2021

Just before Christmas, very sad news reached the Old Princethorpians that James MacFarquhar who attended the College from 1983 to 1989, had passed away peacefully on Saturday 4 December.

His good friend Simon Trahern remembers him here:

"I am sad to report that, Old Princethorpian James MacFarqhar passed away in December at the age of 51. He leaves behind his wife Sue.

He attended Princethorpe from 1983 to 1989. He left Princepthorpe having completed the sixth form and went on initially to teacher training at Newman University, Birmingham. Having decided teaching was not for him, he moved to Keele University to read computer programming. From 1995 James was a computer software engineer at BAE Systems. James moved to Hull in 2007 where he met his wife, Sue. James changed jobs to be an IT technician at Hull Royal Infirmary, taking early retirement in 2014.

James was born with severe congenital heart disease (Eisenmenger's syndrome). Throughout his life, he underwent a number of procedures and operations to help to manage the condition and as he got older he constantly outlived his prognoses, eventually becoming a patient with adult congenital heart disease, a speciality that was developed and grew around patients like James.

James and I met in the first few days of starting Princethorpe. James had been moved into C3, the form I was in, as the class’ timetable involved less movement around the school. We quickly became close friends. Our birthdays were within a day of each other. James was instrumental in setting up the Dungeons and Dragons club at the College and we established a close group of friends, spending many hours playing D&D in the school library.

When we left school James and I kept in touch. On one occasion James came to spend a weekend with me in Devon. It was the day of the solar eclipse and we decided to walk up to Dartmoor to watch the event. It seemed like a good idea at the time. It took quite a while as James struggled with the hill due to his health. In true James spirit, he never complained and never gave up.

It was a delight to attend his wedding to Sue in 2010. It really was a joyous occasion. A few years later James was my best man at my wedding. It was an honour to have him as my support and he did a fabulous job keeping me calm throughout the day.

In more recent years, we kept in touch through social media and occasional phone calls. James and his wife Sue enjoyed travelling and we enjoyed comparing the cruises we had each been on. James took up photography which is something he was rather good at, although he would never admit it.

During the last two years, James’ health began to deteriorate. He never let it get him down and he faced each new challenge with optimism and determination. With the pandemic in full swing visiting was difficult but our group of OPs managed several zoom calls with him, sharing news and reminiscing about our days at Princethorpe and the mischief some of us got up to.

James died of heart failure, a complication of his condition, at the age of 51, his life expectancy at birth should not have seen him reach adulthood. Babies born today with this condition have a far better prognosis and the chance of leading near-normal life's partly due to the courage of people like James who initially trialled treatments and underwent the procedures that are more refined and commonplace today."

We send our sincere condolences to James' family and all his friends.

Memory Bank

Update from the Archives and 1940s Crescent School Photograph – Lent 2022

I am sorry to say that this will be my final contribution to the Old Princethorpians Newsletter as I move on to a new role elsewhere at the start of February. An extract from an article written by Jonet Slater for the Peeps magazine of 1964 (reference SMP. 27.3.70) summed up what my time at Princethorpe has meant to me:

Princethorpe must mean all things to all people who have ever been near it, let alone those lucky creatures who actually lived there and learned there (or tried to!), for me it seems to be an amalgam of little things.

The first time I drove up to Princethorpe College, I found myself a bit awestruck by the beauty and magnificence of the buildings and surrounding grounds. Even now, more than four years later, I am still taken aback at how lucky I am to be part of this setting. Researching and then sharing the history of the campus with staff, pupils and outside visitors has been one of the best parts of my role here.

A place, though, is nothing without the people. On a daily basis, it has been wonderful to work closely with colleagues that acknowledge and cherish the heritage of the Foundation and support the archives in so many ways. There is a very special spirit to Princethorpe that welcomes you in and makes you feel part of a family. This is also shown by the active Old Princethorpian community, your relationship doesn’t end after you leave but is lifelong. I would particularly like to thank every past pupil and staff member that I have had the pleasure of talking to and getting to know over the last four plus years in all the Foundation schools. It was a real privilege to hear your stories and the archive has really benefitted from your generous donations of materials. I am sure that the next archivist will be delighted to find themselves welcomed by such a friendly group.

Before I go though, I thought it would be a good opportunity to share a very exciting item with you and to ask for your help once again.

Crescent School Photograph

Thanks to the eagle eyes and expert eBaying skills of Foundation Bursar, OP and OC, Eddie Tolcher, we were able to secure an early photograph of Crescent School shortly before Christmas (see gallery). This was particularly exciting as we have very few records dating from the early days of Crescent School. The seller had listed it as being from 1946 but there was no other information attached. I think that the photograph is a whole school photograph and is likely to date from at least 1947 as the school did not move to Horton Crescent, which can be seen in the background, until then. It is possibly dated even later given the number of children in the photograph.

This is also where we are asking for your help – are you in the photograph and tell us more about it? Do you recognise anyone in the photograph? Can you help us establish a more accurate date? Any help that you can give would be much appreciated, you can email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

 

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Princethorpe College Amateur Dramatics Society – Calling All Thespians

Back in the 1970s there was a thriving and very lively dramatics society here at Princethorpe – oh no there wasn't - oh yes there was! Trawling through some of our wonderful archive material we have found a copy of the cast list for The Red Herrings and Billy Bunter. The programme tell us the stories, Red Herrings – 'The scene takes place on the rocky coast of a British Island under the occupation of the Germans, in the year 1941.' While in Billy Bunter – 'The scene takes place in a typical old classroom at the premises of Bunter’s School at which he boarded.'

There were many starring roles – do you remember taking part? Have you any photographs of the production? As a hint the cast list includes: Anthony Cowland, Alex Darkes (yes, that one), Christopher Marot, Charles Lawton, Melvyn Glynn to name but a few.

What do you remember about the production? Can you get in touch with us to fill in any missing information? Can you remember who was the production director? Was it Fr Teddy O’Brien MSC?

If you can answer any of these questions or have any photographs you would be happy to share we would love to hear from you. Just email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk

Don't forget the Archive Collection is available at https://archives.princethorpe.co.uk/ and you can also follow the Foundation's Archive Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/pfdn_archives.

 

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Check Out The St Joseph's Honours Boards

Hanging on the walls of the back stairs are the old Honour Boards for St Jospeh’s Convent School. They record the names of pupils who received awards at the school over the years and date back as far as 1948. They are a bit inaccessible, but following a request from an old pupil, and with the help of a ladder and a very kind caretaker, we managed to take these photos. We hope you enjoy searching for your name!

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The Arrival Of Electricity At St Mary's

Electricity came rather late to St Mary’s Priory and until the early 1950s all the school lights were provided by acetylene gas that was made on-site. It was often described as poor quality and rather smoky.

The light quality was so poor in fact that the girls tell a story of one of the teachers preparing for bed and accidentally covering her face in boot polish rather than face cream. You can imagine the howls of laughter when the pupils spotted the mistake!

Whilst some of the school lights were changed completely from the gas fittings shown in Senior Study Rooms postcard (SMP.24.2.69), we are very lucky that they adapted the gas mantles in the chapel so we still have the beautiful ornate fittings over the stalls (PC.24.02.280a).

As you can imagine, there was much excitement when the girls returned in September 1950 to find electricity was being installed at the Priory. It quite inspired their creativity - although from reading their poetry you can see that the installation was not without some issues!

The lead photograph some the substantial complex of buildings that were the gas works and they show just how much work went into producing the gas. It is easy to miss the ruins these days, that are situated att he bottom of the Sixth Form Lawn.

The man in the photo is a bit of a mystery and we are still on a mission to find out more information about him - even if it is just his name. If you can shed any light (no pun intended) then do get in touch you can email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.  

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OP Updates

Tony Mogboh Conferred As Senior Advocate Of Nigeria

On Wednesday 8 December OP Tony Mogboh was conferred with the prestigious Award Of Excellence in Legal Practice in Nigeria SAN (Senior Advocate of Nigeria). The award is akin to QC (Queen's Counsel) in the UK.

Tony left Princethorpe College in June 1988 and was Deputy Head Boy when he was here in his final year.

We were really delighted to hear of Tony's exciting news and congratulate and applaud him on his distinguished achievement.

Priory Old Girl Mary Enjoys Return to Princethorpe

A friend of my son and an OP, said to me at a party last September,

“I’m sure I can arrange for you to to visit Princethorpe to see what it’s like now”.

And so during the October half term, I found myself being driven by my son, up the drive of what was to me, Princethorpe Priory. My heart beating a little faster than normal! What a lot of changes but the buildings looked magnificent and when I looked carefully, I could see little bits of the old Princethorpe I knew and last saw in 1966.

Melanie Butler and Alex Darkes were so welcoming – Alex remembering the old Princethorpe as I new it. They patiently let me ramble on about my time at Princethorpe Priory as they escorted us. I was intrigued to see my dormitories, now divided into classrooms and I was able to find the exact spots where my bed had been.  I was even more amazed to see those terrifying little metal platforms outside the windows of the top senior dormitory, which acted as a stepping off point with a harness in the event of a fire!

It was marvellous to see the Lime Walk still there and being preserved – memories of playing Grandmother’s Footsteps came back to me and we walked the ‘jog trot’, which again brought back vivid memories.

I am so glad I came to visit. I was transported into the past and loved seeing the Chapel just as I remembered, with the lovely white marble carved angels on either side of the tabernacle.  I could go on ….. but as I was leaving, I thought what a very impressive school has taken the place of Princethorpe Priory.

Thank you to Melanie and Alex for their time and for allowing my visit, and to Guy Ratcliffe, who persuaded me and arranged the visit and to my son, Tom who drove me.

Mary Shorland Ball (nee Sampson)

If you are interested in visiting Princethorpe for a tour, please email Melanie Butler, OPs Secretary to arrange a mutually convenient date.

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Two OPs With A Positive Outlook

We were delighted to catch up with two Old Princethorpians with a mutual passion for community and sustainability, who have joined forces to run a company spreading positivity across the UK!

Harvey Broadbent (Class of 2008) and Ben Oliver (Class of 2016) have both been on a bit of a journey since leaving Princethorpe College. Harvey went on to study Industrial and Product Design at Bournemouth University, where he learnt the ins and outs of turning a concept into creation and his passion for product development was born. After graduating in 2012, Harvey launched his first creative venture in his spare time, balancing the demands of other roles to successfully set up his own ethical and sustainable clothing brand, Positive Outlook Clothing. Using his love of art and design, along with a non-negotiable stance on quality and sustainability, Harvey began to leave his mark in Coventry, Birmingham and most recently, Leamington Spa. As the founder of the Positive Outlook Clothing brand, Harvey has set out to grow a clothing company specializing in premium everyday wear, made from sustainably sourced materials that have been ethically produced with minimal impact on the environment.

www.positiveoutlookclothing.com

Early in 2021, Ben first met the brand in their pop-up retail shop in the Royal Priors Shopping Center, Leamington Spa, he was an intrigued customer who resonated with the company’s wholesome and progressive approach. He had graduated from Cardiff University in 2020 with a BSc in Psychology with Professional Placement, and had begun turning his interest towards the psychology of consumers and employees within a Psychometrics & Consulting firm in London. However, it was following the COVID-19 pandemic, that Ben’s and Harvey’s paths collided properly and he found himself working alongside his fellow-alumni as the Operations Manager for Positive Outlook. 

The company has recently returned to Leamington Spa once again with their biggest pop-up shop to date, and the OPs are now at an exciting stage with their company - growing their team, widening their product range and launching several community outreach programmes for their brand. The most recent being ‘The Give Back Pod’; a podcast aimed at supporting and endorsing youth organisations up and down the country, discussing the stigmas and stereotypes their young members face and chatting 1-2-1 with the inspiring young people these organisations work with. With Ben’s knowledge of psychology, coupled with Harvey’s passion for connecting people, they’ve started talking to and sharing the stories of local charities doing amazing things to support young people. With the first few episodes already launched, it's safe to say it's definitely worth a listen.

https://thegivebackpod.buzzsprout.com/

Comments Harvey Boradbent, “Sometimes trying to do the right thing can be easier said than done. Who can I help? How do I help? Is what I'm doing really helping? That's how we felt when we started looking for ways to give back as a company. This podcast is our way of helping people bridge the gap between wanting to help and actually know how to.”

As if by chance, their first episode was with another Old Princethorpian, Clementine Milnes, who is the co-founder of a mixed-abilities dance school, Born To Perform, in Northamptonshire. Along with new pop-up shops, product ranges and the online growth of their clothing brand, the team have ambitious goals for their podcast channel this year.

Ben Oliver, added, “It has always been clear to us that we are more than just a clothing company. We all share a purpose that’s much bigger than selling products; it's about leaving our mark on the industry and making a genuine difference to people’s lives across society.” 

So if you are a founder or employee of a charity or youth organisation, or think you could support the company in any way, then Ben and Harvey invite you to get in touch.

If you fancy catching up with Harvey and Ben then the Positive Outlook team will be in their Royal Priors pop-up shop in Leamington Spa for one more month, so do pop in and say hello.

When Harvey left Princethorpe all those years ago, he couldn't have predicted the journey that was to lie ahead. Now, with Ben alongside him, this brand is on course for big things and Princethorpe College will be rooting for them every step of the way!  

You can find Positive Outlook here: 

Shop address: 15-16, Upper Mall, Royal Priors, Leamington Spa, CV32 4XT

Website - https://positiveoutlookclothing.com/ /  https://thegivebackpod.buzzsprout.com

Email: hello@positiveoutlookclothing.co.uk 

Instagram - @positiveoutlookclothing / @thegivebackpod

Facebook - @positiveoutlookclothing / @thegivebackpod

 

 

 

 

 

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Rob Hedderwick Is Below Deck

Avid fans of the reality series, Below Deck, will be interested to hear that OP Rob Hedderwick, who left Princethorpe after Year 11 back in 2018, has taken to the seas to pursue a seafaring life.

After completing an Engineering BTEC, with the country in the thick of Covid, Rob worked in a local supermarket as like many, his options were severely limited, but this did give him a chance to think about what might come next. With his interest in sailing and to advance his engineering skills, he went on several marine engineering, sailing, fire and safety courses to enable him to pursue a career involving boats. His dream was to go to the South of France and dock walk to secure himself a job on a yacht however because of Covid he was unable to do this. Not to be thwarted, he decided to look closer to home for a seafaring job and became a deckhand for Mareel who provide transfer boats for engineers and welders to the North Sea Wind Turbines. After a summer contract (and lots of photos of sunsets) he was armed with sea hours, experience and knowledge enabling him to continue with further courses and gain more qualifications.

With the summer season approaching once again and restrictions being lifted, Rob decided to start looking at the yachting websites at job opportunities in the Mediterranean. An online conversation resulted in a job offer, and within 48 hours of his first contact Rob was on his way to Italy to take up a position as a deckhand on a 56 meter super yacht.

Rob was quick to point out that while he is living on a luxury yacht in Italy, it is hard work but he is enjoying his time learning the boat, new skills and using existing skills. He told us he might even learn some Italian.

It all sounds fantastic to us - enjoy your sailing Rob! 

Zara's Fascinating PhD Explores The Importance Of Children's Hour At The BBC

We were delighted to hear of OP and former St Joseph's pupil, Zara Healy’s research into the BBC and the Child Radio Listener.

Zara, who left St Joseph's in 1988 and the College in 1990, is now a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lincoln’s School of Film and Media. She worked for the BBC as a staff/freelance journalist for more than 20 years. Zara has been working on her PhD thesis ‘Children’s Hour (1922-1945): A history of the BBC’s first radio show for children in Britain’. Her study has assessed thousands of documents at the BBC Written Archives on all aspects of children’s radio production and presentation. The thesis explores how the BBC’s public service mission catered for children and the role children played in Children’s Hour.

Fascinating work that you find out more about here.

The last part of Zara's PhD will be her Viva in April, we wish her all the best with that!

 

Can You Help OP Sol Investigate 'Flockdown'

Do you keep chickens, ducks or other birds as pets or a smallholding in the UK? Not the usual type of question we ask our OPs, but there is a good reason.

If you do OP Sol Elliot (Class of 2018) and her colleagues at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science at the University of Nottingham are interested to hear your views and experiences of Avian Influenza control measures or ‘flockdown’ as it is being called on social media.

Sol is working on the project alongside her Veterinary Medicine studies at the university. The aim of the study is to understand the impacts of the messaging around Avian Influenza outbreaks in the UK on small scale poultry producers and backyard flocks.

If you would be willing to take part in the short survey, please click on the link below. The deadline for responses is 31 March 2022, many thanks from Sol for your help.

Avian Influenza Survey

 

Matt Takes On His First Half Marathon For Myton Hospice

Good luck to OP Matt Jordan (Class of 2018) who will be running the Victoria Park Half Marathon in London on Sunday 13 March.

This will be Matt's first half marathon and he is running it on behalf of Myton Hospices and in memory of his Nanna who was looked after so well by all the staff there.

To support Matt click on this link to go to his Just Giving page.

Fergus Preston Wins Young Chemist Award 2021

Congratulations to OP Fergus Preston (Class of 2013) who has won Scientific Update’s “Young Chemist Award 2021” at a recent conference.

Scientific Update delivers conferences and training courses for industrial chemists and chemical engineers in chemical development, scale-up and many other specialist topics in organic chemistry.

Fergus is currently undertaking a PhD at Dundee University and was asked to give a presentation on his work at the prestigious ACS (American Chemical Society) 25th Winter Fluorine Conference in Clearwater Beach, Florida in January.

After a succesful conference, he is now focusing on finishing his PhD and is currently in the process of applying for jobs and postdoctoral research positions, with an application sent off to the University of Oxford after an encouraging conversation with the professor at the conference in Florida.

A huge well done to Fergus!

Freddie Draper Debuts For Lincoln City FC

OP Freddie Draper who left the College after finishing Year 11 in 2020, made his league debut for Lincoln City in November. He then went one step better when he played for Lincoln in the FA Cup.

Freddie signed for Lincoln City FC joining their Youth Team’s scholarship scheme back in September 2020 and has been combining professional training with the club with studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport.

We were delighted to hear of Freddie's progression and of his first team selection. 

 

 

 

Callum Spencer Takes To The Strictly Dance Floor

What a wonderful treat it was to see OP Callum Spencer (Class of 2010) performing in Week 7's Strictly Come Dancing Results Show. That certainly brought back memories for us all here at the College, as it was only a few years back that Callum and his brother Alasdair performed for us all at Prize Giving in our Golden Jubilee year.

Callum is the one on the right dancing on the bar in the Pros group Irish dance, if you missed it then you can still find the show (Week 7 Results) on the BBC’s website here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8dq

OP Vinson Sharp Drops In To Catch Up

We were delighted to meet OP Vinson Sharp (Class of 1984) when he popped into the school’s reception in October. Mr Sharp was Deputy Head Boy at the College.

He told us, “I don't have any specific memories but attending Princethorpe was an inspiration. I had Richard Attrill as Head Boy and such friends as Paul McAndrew, Michael Brady and Emilio Doorgasingh. I was a full boarder, and it was a very multi-cultural school. I spent many of my boarding days with the son of a Nigerian chief, Tony Okparavero who also spent some holidays at our home with my family and I also shared a room with the most incredibly intelligent Godfrey Tong, I hope to be able to attend some functions in the future.”

We were delighted to hear from Mr Sharp and if you remember him and would like to get in touch please do email us at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

OP Chris Beaumont Plays The Organ At Our Lady Of The Angels

OP and talented organist Chris Beaumont (Class of 2008) visited Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Christmas to play for a Carol Service.

He tagged us on Twitter and we were delighted to hear from him. It has been 15 years since Chris was a pupil and he was clearly surprised by some of the changes!