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
Chris Cattle
[ITEM_ROLE]
School Connection:
Pupil – Princethorpe College (1976 – 1980)
OP Committee focus:
Communications, Connectivity, and Inclusivity
What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
The art classes with Mr and Mrs Skiffington, and the great culture created by “The Boss”. Also, doing the Mile Walk at lunch times.
Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
Father Clarkson, AKA “The Boss”, Mr & Mrs Skiffington, Alex Darkes.
How did your time at the school influence your life and career?
Princethorpe gave me a unique approach to life, to be kind and understanding of others and to remember your own worth, and to be supportive and confident. Realise your own abilities and guide others.
What is your current occupation?
I am a Bespoke Vehicle Consultant for JLR within the Special Vehicle Operations, Global Business Development Team. I operate out of a high-end Bespoke Commissioning suite that has advanced technical software to enable the creation of non-standard unique vehicles. I am a global Commercial Head that engages with all stakeholders to provide JLR global market editions. I also handle the global elite, ultra-high net worth individuals, and celebrity and VIP clients and cars for film.
What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
I play acoustic guitar and sing in local open mic nights and folk clubs. I also enjoy having some classic cars and belong to some car clubs. I grow my own fruit and vegetables.
What are your future goals, both personally and professionally?
To play better guitar, add more cars to my fleet, and remain healthy and fit.
What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
My love for all things Princethorpe and to help others experience it.
How do you hope to contribute to the school community through the alumni committee?
By offering my marketing and business development advice and experience and to meet families and future pupils thinking of becoming part of the school.