Last Friday's Old Princethorpians' London Meet at The Riverside, in Vauxhall, drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 30 OPs from across the decades. 

A warm welcome from the Princethorpe contingent including OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason, (Class of 1977), and beautiful autumn sunshine greeted the OPs as they arrived at the pub. As the sunset and night fell the OPs lapped up the views from the glass fronted bar and outside terrace area which overlooked the Thames with stunning views to Battersea Power Station and back to the London Eye.  

The London meet is now a well-established event in our calendar and many of the attendees were regulars, though it was lovely to see a fair few new faces too. OPs were represented from as early as the 1970s, the 1980s and there was a large contingent of younger OPs from 2011 onwards. Some of the guests had not seen each other for over 40 years but picked up where they had left off. 

Longstanding and much-loved teacher, Alex Darkes, enjoyed reminiscing with past pupils, and as ever it was a delight to see the OPs of all ages networking, swapping stories and enjoying each other’s company. Special mention must go to international OPs, Louise Gusterson (Class of 1983), who was visiting from her home in New Zealand and Ernest Springley (Class of 1975), who came over from Germany for the occasion. 

The welcome drinks and delicious hot and cold buffet laid on by the OPs Committee were also much appreciated by all. 

Our next OPs Pub Meet takes place closer to Princethorpe upstairs at The Fox and Vivian, Clarendon Street in Leamington on Friday 8 March, you can register your interest on our Events page here.