Bit of background, where you live, what you do for a living:

Mexican and Spanish citizen, based in Mexico City. Director at CitiBanamex, one of Mexico's leading financial institutions.

Age: 63

Years at Princethorpe:

I was a full boarding pupil from September 1976 to June 1977. At that time, I was 13 years old and in C Form (C3).

What was the school like in your day?

We had a very active schedule. We woke up when the bell rang across the dorm corridor at 7.00am. My dorm mates were Noel Ruddy and John Relton. Breakfast was served from 7:30am to 8:00am. I still remember the Weetabix, toast and boiled eggs. Father Clarkson was always walking around the tables, making sure there was no fighting amongst students for the toast! Then we had classes until 3:30pm and Tea from 3:30pm to 4:00pm; great sandwiches! We gathered at 6:00pm in the Study Hall (today's Library) for homework. Dinner was served at 7:30pm and lights were out at 9:30pm. We had some free time before lights out.

Weekends were great. The boarding pupils, under the full programme, had all the school facilities to enjoy. Sports were practised both days - Rugby, Badminton, Tennis (Summer), Swimming (Summer), plus walking in the woods and by the lake. Some Saturdays we were taken out by one of the priests to Leamington Spa for a spot of shopping.

My brother, Victor, and I also had the privilege of being invited to spend weekends with some of our peers and their families. I'd like to mention Paul G. Cluett and family (Coventry) and Norman Barrett and family (Welford-On-Avon).

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

Princethorpe has been amongst my best life experiences. Moving abroad at that age (13 years old), attending a full boarding school with limited contact with my parents and no Spanish-speaking friends at all - just my brother Victor - was a great challenge. At that time there was no iPhone, no Zoom, no email; just mailed letters that were exchanged with my parents and friends once a month. Study and sports (representing Benet House) was the name of the game. It was great!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Enjoy every minute and take advantage of your age. Pursue learning, activities and sports. Stay away from friendships that do not add anything of value to your life.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your life?

My parents!

What keeps you awake at night?

Opportunities that I need to develop to continue growing on all fronts, personally and professionally.

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?

I have three: Building a family (three great children), my professional career built at Citi for over 40 years (starting as a trainee in 1985 and reaching a Senior Executive position within the bank today), and being able to look after my parents and be close to them until the last day of their lives.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Golf, hamburgers, fish and chips, tequila and red wine.

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?

Hamburgers.

What is your favourite TV Show and why?

Top Of The Pops and Faulty Towers. These were the most popular TV shows back in 1976. We gathered in the TV room on Thursday nights to watch them. I do not have any favourite TV show nowadays, in fact I do not watch TV!

If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be and who would be with you?

Playing Golf at St. Andrews Old Course and traveling across Europe with my parents (RIP) and family.

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

There are many. Teachers: Father Clarkson, Mr O'Grady (Maths teacher who lived next door to Princethorpe), and Mr Moroney (Biology teacher and Rugby coach); winning the Badminton championship at Princethorpe for Warwickshire schools; school day-trip to France; school day-trip to Wimbledon; Rugby matches at Princethorpe; Sunday masses at the Chapel, Sean O'Brien (good friend and sharp guy from C1), Seamus Edney (he was my 'Best Man' during my Catholic Confirmation at Princethorpe); the famous Nurse - a very scary and tough woman!

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?

Steve Evans, Paul Cluett (I also recall his great parents, Gonzalo and Rosemary), and Paul St. Aubyn; he spent his honeymoon in Mexico back in 1990, and I took him and his wife to see the pyramids, bullfights and Mariachis, and to sample various tequilas!

Is there anyone you would like to track down?

Anyone who recalls me! Get in touch with the Alumni team at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk and they have my consent to pass on my contact information.

See, also, the Missing and Found section of the OP Newsletter Lent 2026 issue for José's school photo; maybe you can spot yourself or a friend!