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Alex Darkes

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School Connection:
Pupil – Princethorpe College (1968 – 1975)
Staff – Princethorpe College (1979 – 2024)

OP Committee Focus:
Engagement, Events, Hospitality

What are some of your favourite memories of your time at school?
Early memories from 1968 are of a colossal and impressive monastery in a glorious setting. I remember my first day, my first classroom and most of those who taught us. I used to enjoy canoeing on Switzerland on Games afternoons and I enjoyed the fact that we did serious science lessons in proper laboratories!

Were there any teachers or staff who had a significant impact on you?
The MSCs were a very significant part of setting the overall shape of the school, its moral code – love, service and forgiveness - and its inclusive and tolerant atmosphere. The late Fr Bill Clarkson who became Headmaster in 1969 was a strong influence and commanded colossal respect; he subsequently employed me ten years later as a member of staff. Geoff Clarke, who taught Physics, was also a strong influence. He demanded high standards but was an excellent teacher, and understood and liked his pupils. He also got electronics going as an out-of-school activity, which I greatly enjoyed. I have known Fr Teddy O’Brien for well over 40 years; he taught me maths in Year 10 and is someone who lives out every day the true spirit of the MSC congregation. It has also been wonderful to work with Foundation Bursar, Eddie Tolcher, who is a great friend and a lifelong Princethorpian. I have also enjoyed working with all members of the Foundation Executive Committee and many of the trustees. So many colleagues have become close friends.

How did your time at the school influence your life and career?
It became a major part of my life. I was a pupil for 7 years and on the payroll for 45, so was the hub of most things which I have done, apart from primary school and a few years at college! I was very lucky over the years that I had a very diverse range of jobs, which kept me interested and invigorated.

What is your current occupation?
Now that I am retired, I find it hard to understand how I ever had time for work! I keep in close touch with the Foundation Archivist, Jo Wong, as I took on the voluntary role of Archivist Emeritus on retirement. Fortunately, I have got a good memory of all things Princethorpe! I also love my contact with the former St Mary’s Priory pupils.

Are there any special achievements or milestones you’d like to share?
When I retired in April 2024 at the age of 67, it was the first time I had properly left school! I am lucky that I enjoyed teaching and am pleased that most of my charges survived the experience; I am still in touch with many of them. I was trusted with several building projects over the last 15 years or so; having a laboratory named after me in The Science Centre came as an astonishingly nice surprise and icing on the cake. I also really enjoyed collaborating with Nick Baker to produce a commemorative book, The Spirit of Family, for the Golden Jubilee. When I had completed 50 years at the school in 2022, senior colleagues held an evening reception for me, in The Quad, with about 100 friends and my family in attendance. That was a wonderfully memorable occasion and a personal highlight.

What hobbies or interests do you have outside of your professional life?
I have my father to thank for my interests in all things mechanical and electrical! I am fascinated by anything which has an engine, have several old cars, am a keen photographer, DIY enthusiast, traveller, concert-goer and a ham radio enthusiast, having held an amateur transmitting licence, G8HRH, since 1973.

What motivated you to join the alumni committee?
Spanning a colossal number of years of the College and knowing so many past pupils and members of staff, it’s a marvellous opportunity to continue to cultivate important friendships and to contribute to the school.

How do you hope to contribute to the school community through the alumni committee?
I’m going to be involved specifically with engagement, events and hospitality, so I hope that we will be able to increase the number of past pupils in touch with the school and perhaps provide a wider range of events. I am also passionate about making the school more accessible for those who can’t easily find school fees, by increasing the scope of philanthropic giving for bursaries.