A long, lazy sunny day at Cothill with cricket, rosé and friends in abundance is a joyful occasion.  This year was no exception but also tinged with some sadness as it marked the end of an era.  After almost 40 years, PC has retired from Cothill. This moment was marked by over 250 guests - alumni, parents and former staff.  All reminisced about all the items and gifts created under PC's supervision in the woodwork room and celebrated the gentle and instinctive care he provided.

Alex Kidd - not even born when PC started working at Cothill - also left us for pastures new.  Initially as a cricket coach and latterly as a sports teacher, it was the years as the 4's houseparent when Alex probably had the biggest impact.  Known for his 'pied piper' effect, Alex would care for the young and sometimes slightly wobbly, first time boarders and equally, their anxious parents.

Old Cothillian and former Headmaster, Duncan Bailey spoke movingly about the understated but enormous contribution made by PC over all those years.  Rory Griffiths, Director of Sport regaled guests with stories of Alex's many accomplishments along with tales of mischievous deeds.

We were delighted - but not surprised - that so many wanted to come and say 'goodbye' and 'thank you' to PC and Alex.

Simon Murdoch captured the day perfectly in photos which you can access in the gallery linked below.  For privacy reasons they are behind a log-in.  If you are not already a member of Cothill Connected, please take a moment to sign up via the link in the top, right corner - it will be worth it!