09 September 2008
Farnborough College of Technology celebrated 50 years in education with staff, students and guests enjoying a day of festivities. Staff donned academic gowns and proved quite a spectacle as they crossed the A325 outside the College. Police were on hand to assist with the procession of 400 staff in gowns and mortar boards as they processed to the chosen venue, a landmark new building at Farnborough Aerodrome.
Guest speaker Professor Sir David Melville gave an uplifting speech and spoke of his fondness for the College and the marvellous work done with Further and Higher Education students. The Principal, Christine Davis, thanked the Staff, Students, and the Governing body, she explained it was appropriate that we held our celebration at the aerodrome as it was the born out of the amalgamation of the Royal Aircraft Establishment and the then fledging Farnborough College.
The event was hosted by BBC Radio Breakfast Presenter, Fred Marden, a former Head of Media and Creative Arts at the College. The staff enjoyed short readings by students and staff, music from the Thamesis String Quartet and two films produced by (BSc Hons) Media Production students Jonny Horne and Tom Blount. Each department at the college put on an exhibition for students and colleagues on the theme of the last 50 years, this included live 50’s music and Jive dance from Performing Arts students.
The Principal, Christine Davis, commented ‘The day was a marvellous success and a wonderful way to start the new academic year'