Nigel Hopkins
I am extremely sorry to inform you that our very much loved and wonderful Site Manager and Head Caretaker, Nigel Hopkins, passed away last night. Together with Mr Hulse and Mrs Walters, I met with Nigel’s family this morning. Understandably, they are devastated, and it is with their agreement that we are sharing this very sad news with you.
As a former student at Prince Henry’s and lifelong Evesham resident, Nigel joined the school’s site team in 2000, becoming Head Caretaker in 2010. He played a key role in the day-to-day smooth running of Prince Henry’s, whether it be maintaining an immaculate school site, including decorating and refurbishing many of the classrooms during school holidays; overseeing students playing on the astro turf at lunchtime; undertaking snow clearance to keep the school operational when necessary; and making sure that the school looked at its best for events such as our Open Evenings and Speech Day. He also will have been well-known to the many organisations who hired the school’s facilities, including the Henrician Theatre.
I appreciate how much of a shock this has been to the whole school community. Having spoken to staff before school this morning, the news was shared with our students during Tutor Time and we all joined together in a minute’s silence to reflect on our many fond memories of Nigel and the massive contribution he made to Prince Henry’s. His passing leaves a huge hole at the very heart of the school and our thoughts and prayers are with Sarah, Jack, Max and the rest of his family and many friends.
There is little more I can say, but we will be together to support one another through the next few days and weeks.
Dr Tony Evans, Headteacher
31st October 2022
Nigel was always a wonderful, cheerful presence around the school.
Nigel and I spoke to one another virtually every day at work over the past 15 years. He always had a smile on his face and always knew how to lighten the mood. He was someone you could rely on completely and was always willing to help.
We would regularly discuss his time at the school when he was a student, and the adventures and scrapes he got into while working on building sites.
Only last week he was telling me about a cheeky prank he played on the local community many years ago which caused an uproar and even made the front page of The Evesham Journal. He regularly had me crying with tears of laughter.
It’s hard to believe that I won’t hear him walking the corridors around school anymore with his huge bunch of keys jangling on his hip.
He was a real gentleman and he will be truly missed by all who knew him.
My thoughts and prayers are with Sarah, Max and Jack who I know were his entire world.
Mr Ben Freeman
Senior Deputy Headteacher
Dennis and I are extremely shocked and saddened by the dreadful news of Nigel’s sudden death. Our thoughts are with Sarah and their boys at this incredibly difficult time. My connection with both Nigel and Sarah goes back a very long time both with them as students and then colleagues at Prince Henry’s. Nigel will leave a very large gap in the school community. He was always jolly, helpful and most of all, kind to the students he will be sorely missed.
Mrs Veronica Most
Former Assistant Headteacher (retired 2011)
This was shocking news to hear, particularly as everyone returned after half term. Nigel was a great employee and servant of the school and will be sadly missed. I particularly recall the help he gave to the Drama Department, particularly during show times.
Mr Stephen Cook
Governor
Nigel learnt my name within weeks of me arriving at Prince Henry’s (and used it whenever he said hello). On the Open Evening, he gave me a ride in the buggy across site with our boxes from P-Block. He was such a cheerful, friendly, helpful, reliable person. He will be sorely missed.
Dr Bekah Callow
RE Teacher
Nigel will be sadly missed. A lovely man and a massive contributor to the Prince Henry’s community. Thinking of you and all the family, Sarah. Love from Abi and Alan
Mr Alan Harris
Governor & Mrs Abi Harris, former TA
My memories of Nigel are that he had a warm, glowing smile and was very friendly but there was also a cheeky side to him.
My overall abiding memory would be of Nigel wearing shorts and a t-shirt whatever the weather. Whilst waiting for the buses in the morning and despite Paul standing next to him in a thick coat and woolly hat, Nigel would be there just in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt!
He will be sorely missed.
Mr Matt Cain
English Teacher & Assistant Deputy Head of Year 11
Nigel was such a huge part of school life, who made time for everyone and for whom nothing was ever too much trouble. Aside from wearing shorts, whatever the weather, and the jangling of the huge bunch of keys that always hung from his belt, I’ll remember his great sense of humour, particularly Dr Evans’s first St David’s Day as Headteacher at Prince Henry’s, when Nigel came in at the crack of dawn to cover the signs on all the office doors (including the Head’s) with Welsh versions. It must have taken him ages! His three great loves were his family, rock music (especially his beloved Black Sabbath) and Chelsea. As well as the laughter, I’ll miss his Spotify playlist on the days we were in school during the holidays.
All my thoughts are with Sarah, Jack and Max at this dreadful time.
Mrs Zoe Bradley
Head’s PA
Whenever I ran into Nigel when I was visiting the school during the day, before or after governor meetings or attending other events at school, he was always busily doing something or determinedly on his way somewhere to do something. No matter what he was doing though, he would always exchange pleasantries or make an amusing remark. The striking thing was no matter what time of day or what the circumstances, he always seemed to have a broad smile on his face and happy demeanour – it didn’t matter if he was driving the school mini-utility vehicle with equipment, assisting a member of staff with a problem or even dealing with the more unsavoury aspects of site-management duties, i.e. sorting out pressing problems with drains or toilets. He was an outstanding asset to the school, providing us all efficiently and effectively with wonderful service and dedication over the past few decades. He will be sorely missed by the whole Prince Henry’s community.
Please pass on my heartfelt condolences to Nigel’s wife and family.
Mr Keith Watson
Governor
Great education can only be sustained over a long period if teachers are backed up by strong and committed support staff. Nigel was the embodiment of this at Prince Henry’s. Although principally employed to carry out caretaking and general handyman duties, Nigel’s contribution to school life went so much further. His willingness to help, to take on new projects, his openness and sense of humour all endeared him to staff. He also had an unusual and uncanny gift of building up a rapport with students. In short, he was an integral part of the Prince Henry’s community. A popular and much respected man, he will be greatly missed, but we are grateful that he leaves us with so many happy memories of times spent with him.
Mr Bernard Roberts
Headteacher Prince Henry’s 1993-2012
Nigel has been a constant presence during the 18 years I have worked at Prince Henry’s, and throughout all that time my overriding and lasting impression was of a happy, friendly and cheerful person. Nigel always listened to any requests I made of him and managed to find the time to make things happen. He was so proud of his family, and was willing to go the extra mile for both them and the school. His joy at working with pupils was evident for all to see. The love he demonstrated to everyone was always doubly returned, because everyone could see that Nigel genuinely cared. Larger than life, deeply caring and always wearing shorts, even when gritting a frozen playground, they will be my lasting memories of a great guy.
Mr Martin Brant
Acting Head of ICT
I’m so sorry for your loss, I still can’t believe the sad news. Working with Nigel over the past year, he has taught me so much and would always go out of his way to help others. What shone through most with Nigel was how much he loved his family and how proud of them he was. He loved nothing more than talking about you all, his Sunday motorbike rides with Sarah, his football rivalry with Jack, and his time spent with Max and little Carter. I will be forever grateful for the things Nigel has taught both in life and work. My thoughts are with you all.
Mr Ryan Perks
Assistant Caretaker
In 2018, the school’s agricultural buggy, known as The Gator, was stolen from us. When asked if it was essential to replace it, Nigel told me that it was “like losing my right arm”. That is how school has felt for me this week. Nigel’s presence around the site was a constant re-assurance that all was well with the world and that a steady hand was on the site’s tiller, making sure that school was open and ready to serve the students.
In my role leading the Support Staff team, I worked closely with Nigel for nearly 10 years and held his professionalism and passion for the job in high regard. He was always sure of the correct way to do things, and quick to offer the most effective solution to any problem which came up.
As well as being a colleague, he was also a “work friend”, always willing to listen to news, asking about my family and sharing stories about his. He loved his family very much, and this shone through with the devotion he showed to them if they were in trouble, or when they had exciting news to share. His grandson in particular brought a bright smile to his face over the last year.
During the last week, I have talked to many of the school’s regular contractors that Nigel would deal with on a daily basis and have had to inform them of his passing. All of them have expressed their sorrow and shock at this news, and, like the school’s staff, have offered their sympathy and condolences to his family.
I will think of Nigel every day that I work at Prince Henry’s due to the fundamental role he has played in making it the school that it is.
Mr Alex Hulse
Operations Manager
We were saddened by the news about Nigel, he will be a great loss to the school community.
We always found him to be very personable and flexible and would go out of his way to help us when we were at our most stressed moments in rehearsals and during our shows.
He will be a hard act to follow.
Please pass on our respects to his family
Victoria and Martin
Vale Dance
My thoughts are with the school and Nigel’s family and friends.
Guy
The Arts Society
Deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel. My thoughts are very much with Nigel’s family and all at Prince Henry’s.
Sue Sollis
Henrician Trustee
Oh my goodness, I am so very sorry to hear this sad news!
He was always the most kind and hospitable man. So polite, warm and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. It was always a pleasure to see him. He made us feel very welcome.
Please send my condolences onto his family. Such a shock.
Mel
AVA Dance
Sorry to hear this and how sad.
Condolences, from EODS, to the school and Nigel’s family.
Vicky Stanford-Edwards
Evesham Operatics
Please accept my condolences on the sad loss of Nigel. I have many lovely memories of his help going back over the years when hiring The Henrician for Pyramid Orchestra.
Elizabeth Spencer
My thoughts are with his family and also with those at Prince Henry’s and the theatre who have been touched by this sad news.
Gail
Evesham Operatics
Nigel was a great man who had an impact upon the lives of so many people. He was kind and generous and would always give his time to talk to me throughout my time at Prince Henry’s. He had such a sense of humour and I had so many nice chats with him whenever we saw each other between lessons or at lunchtime. I know his passing was a shock but I’m sure the family can take some comfort in knowing how much he was loved by everyone. I will miss him greatly and school won’t be the same without him.
Mr Jordan King
Head of Year 11
Nigel was a people person – he would hardly use the phone or send an email, but always take the time to visit colleagues in their offices, and it was always wonderful to have a visit from Nigel. I knew he was coming anyway, he had his trademark key-jangle noise which increased in volume as he climbed the stairs to my office. He’d knock exactly twice on the slightly open door, peer his head into the office and say ‘Hiya mate, you gotta moment?’ And I always did – I had every moment for Nigel because he was such a delight to work with, and that he always had solutions for the problems he brought me!
My very last job I asked of Nigel was to find a key for an old display board in school that needed a refresh. Nigel couldn’t find the key, and this problem baffled Nigel for weeks to the point he finally told me we’d have to swap the display board out if we wanted to refresh it. Finally a problem with no solution I thought! Yet just before we broke up for half term there was a tap-tap on my door, he didn’t say a word and I turned around and he was there holding a tiny key with the biggest, cheekiest smile on his face “found it!” he said. And of course he did. We shared a moment of genuine joy and excitement together, over a display board.
I’ve known Nigel for 20 years and many of our local theatre community will have known him for much longer than this. Nigel supported hirers, their shows and the school with their events at the theatre. Nigel frequently painted the stage to make sure it was presentable for our hirers, along with repairing and replacing many of the chairs in the auditorium once they became worn. Nigel would spend time after the school day ensuring the theatre was looking its best, ready for the community to use it – and he had great pride in doing so.
On behalf of all our theatre users, thank you Nigel.
And from me, thanks for finding that key, because I’m not capable of replacing a display board without you.
Mr Samuel Dyer
Marketing, Media and Theatre Manager
I’m so sorry to hear about Nigel, I can’t remember him not ever being at school. A true gent in shorts, who always made time for everyone, nothing was ever too much trouble for him and the ‘takers. He will be missed by the whole school community. Please pass my heartfelt condolences to Sarah and the boys.
Miss Hanna Berry
Former Head of ICT (PHHS 1999 – 2022)
Nigel was a lovely man who always put others before himself. I could go & see him anytime and he was always bubbly, kind and helpful, even when I managed to get locked in the school on a Saturday morning & set off the alarms!! A wonderful person who I will miss dearly.
Mrs Sophie Thorner
Head of Year 9
Nigel was such a friendly figure around the school, he was always cheerful and happy to talk.
Nigel was also kind to the students at Prince Henry’s; he was always a reassuring presence when he came to help injured students who were stranded on the school field.
Prince Henry’s will not feel the same without him and he will be dearly missed by all.
Mr Liam Roleston
Head of Year 10
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of your loss and how much Nigel will be missed. I remember when I first met Nigel in the summer holidays of 2005, just before I started at Prince Henry’s. He was sporting denim dungaree shorts and of course he had his long hair. He was so kind and friendly and really made me feel welcome. Over the years, I’ve really got to know Nigel. He was a regular visitor to our department and enjoyed many a banter with him in Andy Dingley’s room. He could never do enough for us in D&T and he was always popping in to use our machines or get advice from Andy. Whether he was shovelling snow in shorts in the depths of winter or bombing around the site in the ‘Gator’, he always had a big grin on his face and would give us a wave. He loved to tease Archie as he was growing up and always wanted to know how he was getting on. He was very much part of the heart and soul of Prince Henry’s and it is hard to imagine school life without him. We will miss him very much.
Pam, Jeff & Archie Kelly
Head of Design Technology / Teacher of DT
I will always remember Nigel’s smile! A lovely man, nothing was too much trouble for Nigel.
Mr Mike Tennant
Retired Assistant Headteacher (PHHS 1984 – 2011)
I just felt a great need to express my sadness on hearing that Nigel is no longer with us.
I worked very closely with him as Bursar/Finance Officer at Prince Henrys between 2001 and 2007.
He was such a good man; absolutely devoted to Sarah, Jack and Max and always had that cheeky smile..
He was funny, didn’t take life too seriously, committed to his role and a great role model to all.
He is a great loss to all and will be missed.
Lydia
It is not until the loss of a good friend that you realise how precious life is. Some days I would have to stand next to Nigel while he did a job, thinking I could be getting on with something else; but now I wish I could have just one more day stood next to him as he put the world to rights.
I am just grateful for the time we had together.
Paul Bell
Caretaker
I wanted to write and say what a wonderful man Nigel was. I loved working with him and my children loved chatting to him on a daily basis around school.
He had the most amazing personality. He was always helpful and always smiling. I can’t believe he won’t be there anymore. I’ve written to Sarah and I will be attending the funeral. What a sad time for everybody.
Sending love and thinking of you all.
Best wishes,
Mrs Sarah Marsh
Former Head of Modern Languages (PHHS 1995 – 2008)