Agricultural Mechanics Students Return to College After 50 years

Nine ex-students of Norton Radstock College returned to what is now the Somer Valley Campus of Bath College to have a 50-year reunion.

They studied Agricultural Mechanics from 1967-69 and decided to meet up to catch up with each other, share memories and see if the course itself led to the paths they took with their careers.

The alumni had a tour of Somer Valley Campus in Radstock, where they spoke to lecturers from a range of disciplines including carpentry & joinery, bricklaying, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, animal care, stonemasonry, engineering and motor vehicle.

Stuart King, Head of English & Maths at Bath College, led the tour and gave the group a brief overview of how College has changed since they left. He said: “it’s been fantastic having the alumni with us. Hearing their stories of 50 years ago and how successful they have gone on to be is really heart-warming.”

The ex-students very much enjoyed their tour of the College before heading off to a reunion lunch at a local pub.

Steve Crowe said: “Years ago when we studied here it was far more based on mechanical and hand-skills. Now I get the impression it’s much more diverse focusing on many different skills. I’ve been so impressed, especially with the stonemasonry workshop which is a real unique selling point.”

Mike Church said: “Coming back to the College has shown an incredible change. Like everything, including all the people here today, everything has moved on. I have been very impressed seeing the broad curriculum that is taught here, it has really opened my eyes.”

Nick Dee Shapland, who organised the reunion added: “We couldn’t have asked for more this morning, what an enterprising college! Each lecturer has really given us an insight.”