The sun was shining, and the bluebells were thankfully still in bloom, as we welcomed back a lovely mix of OPs, former staff and former parents to this popular, annual OP event. It was especially lovely that some, who attended last year, brought with them other OPs for whom it was their first return to the College since leaving as pupils. Amongst the gathering were pupils spanning every decade of Princethorpe College history, as well as current parents of Crescent and Crackley pupils. Babies and young children were also in tow!

After a warm welcome from Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, the group happily mingled in the Refectory over a delicious brunch comprising a Full English, pastries and fruit. With appetites well and truly satisfied, the guests were led on a tour of the College by Alumni Relations Officer, Caroline Spencer, and OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, where former pupils and staff enjoyed spotting themselves in the photos along the Cloister corridor, and all could take in the splendour of the Chapel. A group photo was taken in another heritage location, the Quad (complete with Union Jack as part of the College's VE 80th Anniversary celebrations), and the morning was topped off by a leisurely stroll in the sunshine along the Mile Walk.

Comments, Melanie Butler, OPs Secretary, “It was lovely, relaxed event and so good to see all our alumni groups enjoying each other’s company, sharing their memories and appreciating Princethorpe in the sunshine. It was particularly lovely to have generations of families attending, including our youngest visitor at just a few months old. It’s definitely never too early to enjoy a visit to Princethorpe!”

If you missed out on Bluebells and Brunch this year, do look out for the invitation next year. Our next OP event is a highlight of the OP Calendar - the Summer Supper Reunion - taking place on Friday 27 June, honouring those who are celebrating their 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th anniversaries of leaving the College. Other year groups are welcome to join us, but spaces for this event are limited so do sign up as soon as possible if you'd like to come, by visiting the Princethorpe Connect Events page. Here you will also find details about the Princethorpe Summer Fest, taking place just two days later on Sunday 29 June; this is a day-long event (11.00am to 7.00pm) for all members, past and present, of the Princethorpe Foundation, as well as the general public and we would love to see you there!