The Farmers' Networking Supper has quickly become a highlight in Princethorpe's calendar of events, drawing former and current Princethorpe families together through their shared experience as members of the farming and agriculture community. This year, we welcomed over 65 guests, and enjoyed a fantastic evening filled with great company, vibrant conversation, plenty of laughter, and delicious food, reminding us just how strong and supportive our farming community is.

Princethorpe's Headmaster, Grove Du Toit, kicked off the evening with a warm welcome, reflecting on the important role our farming families play in school life and how we can continue to support each other. This was followed by an update from Michael Spencer, Deputy Head (Academic), about the progress being made on the Smallholding project, which we launched at last year's Farmers' Networking Supper. Thanks to the generous support of Princethorpe families and friends of the Princethorpe Foundation over the past year, we are now in the exciting position of being able to plan for the Smallholding to open next academic year - an exciting step that will give pupils a real hands-on connection to the land and deepen our ties with the farming world. Michael summarised our short- and long-term goals for the Smallholding; in the first instance to enrich our existing curriculum and co-curricular offer, then to introduce new opportunities for pupils, and in the longer term to consider potential new qualificiations. We continue to seek and welcome advice and discussion with our farming families, alongside continued financial support, so please do get in touch if you have any questions or can offer support or advice in any way, by emailing makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk, or contacting Steve Kowal (Development Director) directly at stevekowal@princethorpe.co.uk.

We were delighted that Old Princethorpian, Biddy Allen (née Baines), was able to join us for the evening and hear this update, as she has a longstanding connection with the college and its land. Biddy was a pupil of the original school on the site, St Mary's Priory, from 1956 to 1964, and is also the daughter of Louis Baines, who served both St Mary's Priory and Princethorpe College as Princethorpe Home Farm Bailiff. She is excited that Princethorpe is honouring its roots in farming and supporting today's community through this project.

Our Guest Speakers, in particular, helped to make the evening special. We were fortunate to welcome father and son duo, Charlie and Luke Weetman, who generously shared their unique perspectives into farming. Charlie shared his experience of running a fifth generation family farm (East Chase Farm, Kenilworth), and his plans for the 2025 Kenilworth Agricultural Show, for which he is Show Director. Luke spoke about his journey into diversification, using his skills as a qualified Plumber and his passion for farming to establish East Chase Distillers. A highlight for the guests was the impromptu pop-up Gin Sampling experience after supper; Luke had brought along examples of his excellent Gin and Vodka, which he generously invited guests to taste.

A huge thank you to Charlie and Luke, and to all our guests, for making it such a special evening. We are so proud of our farming families and look forward to seeing this network continue to grow.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress with the development of the smallholding and continue to foster a connection between Princethorpe College and the broader agricultural community. Your support and involvement are invaluable to us as we embark on this exciting journey to educate future generations of farmers and environmental stewards.

You can support the Smallholding project here.