Meet the OPs Committee
The Old Princethorpians Committee is going from strength to strength. The Committee has recently welcomed some new members and now numbers 20 with additional support from key Foundation staff.
The committee comprised of past pupils from across the decades and associated schools of the Foundation, former parents, form and current longstanding members of staff and representatives from the current Sixth Form student body.
Image Caption: OP Committee Meeting, 14 January 2025
Back Row (L-R): Alex Darkes, Peter Rollason, Steve Kowal, Tom Gleghorn, Grove du Toit, James Davies, Ed Hester, Nick Brosnan, Eddie Tolcher
Front Row (L-R): Nigel Bromley, Chris Cattle, Libby Williams, Lottie Jones, Laura Brazier, Toni Reszka, Caroline Spencer
The Committee meets three times a year and conducts its business over a very pleasant supper in the new Sixth Form Centre.
If you would be interested in attending a committee meeting or possibly joining the committee, please contact the OPs Secretary, Melanie Butler by emailing Old Princethorpians.
The Committee’s raison d’etre is as follows, to:
- Act as link between past and current pupils, their parents and former staff
- Keep in touch with past pupils and facilitate their friendships and networking opportunities
- Celebrate the achievements of alumni
- Involve alumni with the life of the College through events, communications, careers, philanthropy and fundraising
- Uphold the ethos of the school and promote its interests
The work of the OP Committee is underpinned and directed by these foundational pillars:
- Communications, Connectivity and Inclusivity
- Careers, Networking and Volunteering
- Engagement, Events and Hospitality
- Philanthropy and Development
- OP Leadership and Responsibilities
Nigel Denton
[ITEM_ROLE]
School Connection:
Pupil – Princethorpe College (1977 - 1982)
OP Committee Focus:
Careers, Networking, Volunteering
What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
The swimming pool! Playing in the badminton and Hockey teams. Also, being in several musicals over the years, and day trips to France.
Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
Fr O'Connor, Fr O'Brian, Fr Hewitt, and Mr Skiffington.
How did your time at the school influence your life and career?
It’s very difficult to say, as I lost academic interest from the third year, But Princethorpe continued to support me and I knew it to be a place I could come back to at any time if I needed any advice, which I did some years after leaving.
What is your current occupation?
My current job title is Assistant Professor with WMG at the University of Warwick, and Deputy Senior Tutor to the School of Engineering. These roles are basically teaching and student wellbeing.
Are there any special achievements or milestones you’d like to share?
Realising that money is not everything and time has a larger value. Having realised that, I went to University at the age of 27 for my first degree.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
Musical theatre - I joined a local society at the age of 15 and, whilst still a member, I have not been on stage for a few years due to some work conflicts. SCUBA diving, which I started in 1996 whilst travelling around Australia (it seemed the best way to see the Barrier Reef!). I have been an instructor since 2001 and have dived in many places around the world.
What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
Being local, over the years I often dropped in to the Summer and Winter fêtes. It was at one of these that Alex Darkes approached (collared?!) me, saying that this committee was being set up, and he asked if I would like to be involved.
What are your future goals, both personally and professionally?
At this point in my life, I'm looking at retirement! Not sure of exactly when, but it is not that far away. Otherwise, I still have some travelling to do, and diving, so long as the body allows it.