On the evening of Friday 10 May, Princethorpe College hosted a memorable dinner at the College’s Sixth Form Centre, bringing together 80 members of our vibrant community. Old Princethorpians, current and former staff, as well as current and former parents, gathered to celebrate our rich sporting heritage and to look ahead with excitement to the future of sports at Princethorpe.

Guests were welcomed on the Sixth Form lawn with drinks, enjoying the beautiful surroundings and reconnecting with old friends. As they made their way inside, they were greeted by Ed Hester, Foundation Principal, who set a warm and welcoming tone for the evening.

The dinner featured a series of inspiring talks, starting with OP Dan Skelton, racehorse trainer. Dan spoke fondly about his time at Princethorpe, highlighting how the experiences and values he gained here have shaped his successes today. He also shared how he has recently taken up cricket to help relax and provide a balance outside of his family and work commitments. His reflections on the significance of maintaining physical activity and finding joy in sports resonated deeply with the audience.

Following Dan's heartfelt speech, guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our talented catering team.

After dinner, Nick Cook, a distinguished friend of the College and former English cricketer, took the stage. Nick shared captivating stories from his cricketing career and discussed the invaluable lessons he learned through perseverance and teamwork. His engaging talk concluded with a lively Q&A session, where guests had the opportunity to ask questions and gain further insights into his experiences.

The evening reached its pinnacle when, Headmaster, Grove du Toit presented his vision for the future of sports at Princethorpe. Grove spoke passionately about the College’s commitment to expanding and enhancing our sports facilities to better serve our pupils and community. He outlined ambitious plans that promise to elevate Princethorpe’s sporting programs, fostering an environment where our young people can thrive both competitively and personally. His vision includes new initiatives and improvements designed to attract and support our pupils, ensuring that Princethorpe remains at the forefront of school sports.

Grove’s address was met with enthusiasm, reflecting the community’s shared excitement for the future. His vision highlights the College’s dedication to nurturing future generations of athletes and reinforcing the importance of sports in personal development.

As the evening drew to a close, guests mingled and continued their conversations, leaving with a renewed sense of pride and anticipation. The dinner was not only a celebration of our past achievements but also a powerful reminder of the potential that lies ahead. It reinforced the strong bonds within our Princethorpe family and our collective commitment to nurturing future generations.

The event was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the participation and enthusiasm of our alumni, staff, and parents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening so memorable. Here’s to the rich sporting tradition of Princethorpe College and to the exciting future that awaits.