As has become traditional at the end of June, it was a pleasure to once again host the OPs Summer Supper Reunion at the College on Friday 23 June.

Representatives from the classes of 1973, 1983,1993, 2003 and 2013 returned for their respective 50th, 40th, 30th, 20th and 10th anniversaries of leaving, along with a smattering of OPs from other years and former and current staff.

The evening started with an optional tour of school at 6.00pm ably led by Alex Darkes and Eddie Tolcher. The large group meandered excitedly around the campus, visiting areas such as the Chapel, the Library, the cloister corridors, Roundhouse, the newer Limes Building and Sixth Form Centre before venturing out to see the site of the new Science Centre which is nearing completion just off the Lime Walk.

After a glass or two of Pimms in the Quad, the group was warmly welcomed by Foundation Principal, Ed Hester and invited to take their seats in the Refectory. Fr Alan Whelan, MSC, said Grace and the refectory became a hubbub of chatter and laughter as sat in their year groups or decades the gathered OPs happily caught up and reminisced over a delicious three course meal. They also enjoyed a rolling powerpoint prepared by archivist, Catherine Lewis, which featured images of many of the attendees from year books, prize giving programmes and the College’s magazine, The Tower.

After dinner, Ed Hester, thanked the College’s wonderful catering team and spoke to the assembled gathering about developments at the College, including the new Science Centre, the arrival of new Headmaster, Grove du Toit, and how the Development Office is making a Princethorpe education more accessible for a wider range of pupils, through its Bursary Programme.

Ed then invited Peter Rollason, Chairman of the OPs Association to address the gathering. Peter detailed the work of the Association and the annual programme of activity including OP Friendly Faces, networking, social events and the termly e-newsletter. He urged the OPs to spread the word, get involved and encourage other to join Princethorpe Connect, the College’s online alumni network. Finally, as Ed introduced them, Peter presented gifts on behalf of the Association to one longstanding member of staff, counsellor, Heather Tocher, and six members of staff who are leaving or retiring after serving at the College from between six and 41 years respectively, Anna Jelec, from the SEND Department, Vanessa Rooney, Registrar, Julie Satchwell, Student Hub Manager, Loretta Curtis, Development Assistant and former Registrar, Chris Kerrigan Head of English and last but by no means least, Mike Taylor, Head of Geography.

As the supper came to a happy close, guests mingled over coffee, teachers enjoyed hearing of their pupils’ achievements and plans were made for keeping in touch and more informal reunions in the future.

Thanks go to our wonderful catering team, the OPs Committee and all who contributed to the success of the event.

To see more pics from the evening visit the gallery.

We will shortly begin planning for the 2024 Supper Reunion, which will be aimed at all those with a leaving year with a 4 and will take place appropriately on Friday 28 June 2024.