On Saturday 20 September we were delighted to welcome back to Princethorpe some of the ‘Old Girls’ from the College's predecessor, St Mary’s Priory, for their annual alumni reunion.

St Mary's Priory was the home of a community of Benedictine nuns who purchased the estate at Princethorpe in 1833. Having commissioned the build of the Priory and established a small boarding school in 1835, they continued over many years to develop the Priory buildings and grounds that form much of Princethorpe College today, the most notable addition being the historic Our Lady of the Angels Chapel. You can read more about the fascinating origins of Princethorpe College on the school's website, here. 

The St Mary's Priory alumni are therefore vital members of the Princethorpe Foundation family and the group is affectionately known to us as ‘Very Special Old Princethorpians' (VSOPs).

This year we also had the pleasure of welcoming some new faces to our gathering, deepening our connection to the past even further and enriching our understanding of this period in our history. Paula McCarthy and her daughter, Sara, were able to join us, having recently been in touch with our Foundation Archivist to share with us their family connection to the Priory. Paula's grandfather was Henry Flavel, the Manager of the Priory's gas works, and her uncle, Michael O'Flaherty, was the Site Manager. There was much delight and nostalgia when Paula and Sara met the VSOPs on Saturday, as many of them remember well Michael's constant presence around the Priory.

We also welcomed Una Power for the first time, niece of one of the nuns at the Priory, and it was wonderful to see new friendships made as the guests revelled in their shared history.

The annual get-together allows for plenty of time to chat, reminisce, and take a wander around the College to see how it has changed over the years. After an initial welcome by Alumni Relations and Development Officer, Caroline Spencer, guests were treated to a fascinating presentation by Foundation Archivist, Jo Wong, who shed light on the original Old Princethorpians Association and their efforts to strengthen the bonds between all 'Old Girls' and the school. It was encouraging to see how clearly the vision for today's Old Princethorpian Association mirrors that of our predecessors. After the presentation, guests perused a carefully curated display of artefacts to bring elements of the presentation to life.

After lunch - a delicious spread laid on by our dedicated caterers from Holroyd Howe - VSOP and OP Committee member, Mary Wheildon, updated us on her latest trip to Zambia with fellow VSOP, Maria-Cecilia Cordoba Good. She showed us video footage and photos of their visit to a school supported by Mary's Meals - a charity that Mary passionately advocates for and supports, and that many Princethorpe pupils support too through an annual fundraising walking challenge.

After lunch we took our guests on a tour of the College and returned to the Nun's Library for cake and coffee and a final chance to chat. It was a joy to witness the warmth with which the guests greeted and conversed with each other, and how highly they regard the College. Guests and staff alike departed with a renewed sense of community, shared history and friendship.

Thank you to all who came for making it such a special day. We're looking forward to next year already!