It was a beautiful Spring day as we welcomed back over 40 OPs to this family-friendly, annual OP event. The Foundation was well represented, as guests included alumni from every decade of the College's history, parents of former Crescent pupils, and current Crackley Hall pupils.

The morning began with guests jovially mingling and catching up over a delicious brunch, comprising a Full English, pastries and fresh fruit, prepared and served by our wonderful Holroyd Howe team. With appetites well and truly satisfied, Alumni Relations Officer, Caroline Spencer, and OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler, offered a warm welcome to the group, sharing details of future opportunities to return to the College, such as the highly anticipated Diamond Jubilee Ball in celebration of the College's 60th anniversary. A tour of the College followed, including a stop along the Cloister corridor where guests enjoyed spotting themselves in the school photos, and a visit to the Library (formerly the Study Hall). The morning was topped off by a leisurely stroll in the sunshine along the Mile Walk, where the sight and smell of the resplendent bluebells lifted spirits even further.

Comments OPs Secretary and Director of Marketing and Admissions, Melanie Butler, “It was a lovely, relaxed event and so good to see the various OP groups enjoying each other’s company, sharing memories and appreciating Princethorpe in the sunshine, including the little ones; it’s never too early to enjoy a visit to Princethorpe!”

It was particularly special to see old classmates reunite unexpectedly. Former Princethorpe parent and OP, Luke Hedderwick (Class of 1982), was delighted to bump into his school friend, Angus Hudson, and many a memory was unlocked as they toured the school together and noted the changes to the campus. Boarders from the earliest years of Princethorpe's history also enjoyed reminiscing. Former roommates, Andrew Went (Class of 1968) and Jonathan Wheeler (Class of 1972), had no idea the other would be there and hadn't seen each other since they were pupils. They were able to relive shared memories with Paul Carter, who was amongst the first cohort in 1966. We even had multiple generations of families joining us, with OP Max Oxton-Morris (Class of 2002) bringing his father and two children along, and Steve Calcutt (Class of 2015) being accompanied by his parents, wife and child. Such examples are a powerful indicator that Princethorpe's Spirit of Family ethos is alive and well, and the Bluebells and Brunch event remains a highlight on the OP social calendar precisely because it is an opportunity to bring all members of the Foundation together in celebration of the wider community.

Our thanks to all those who attended and to the catering and estates teams who supported the event.

The next date for your diary is the OPs Summer Supper Reunion, taking place at the College on Friday 19 June from 7.00pm. Alumni from all years are welcome, and especially those who are celebrating their 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th and 50th anniversaries of leaving the College. Please visit the event page on Princethorpe Connect for all details and to book tickets. Spaces are limited so book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.