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 Bromley
[ITEM_ROLE]
School Connection:
Pupil – Princethorpe College (1980 – 1985)
OP Committee Focus:
Communications, Connectivity, Inclusivity
What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
APD (Alex Darkes) was an amazing form teacher, Sister Helen was so encouraging in my first year; just lots of kind teachers and lots of fun. I could write a book on the adventure!
Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
Alex Darkes, of course. Mrs Carpenter and Mr Wier – all helped me find a love of English, and I passed my O-level a year early. I really enjoyed Mr Cooper in Biology and Mr Kitterick in Geography, and Mr Harwood was a character! Our Art teacher, Louis Skiffington, was a legend and sparked in me a life changing love of art. Also, Fr O’Conner was so charismatic and had a huge influence on me.
How did your time at the school influence your life and career?
It massively broadened my horizons, made me more sophisticated and taught kindness. It also made me resilient. Princethorpe gave me a love of English and Art and that has given me a career that I love.
What is your current occupation?
I’m still a marketing person – and still love it.
Are there any special achievements or milestones you’d like to share?
Professionally - I won a Marketing Society Effectiveness Award for TNT, and an Autocar Best Product launch for Lotus Emira. Most importantly, though, I have done something I love and met amazing people. Best of all, my daughter came to Princethorpe and she flourished because of the wonderful staff and the spirit of the school.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
Cars and golf.
What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
I’ve helped on the Fundraising committee and have helped with marketing, working with Alex Darkes and Melanie Butler, so I would love to continue this through the Alumni Committee.
What are your future goals, personal or professional?
Well, who knows! Keep working as long as I can and keep being involved with life. I just try to be kind and help out.
How do you hope to contribute to the school community through the alumni committee?
I hope to bring my expertise to the Communications Group.