Brockenhurst College held two major celebrations in late September; the first a dinner to mark the end of its Centenary year, the second to mark the success of its students.
The Centenary dinner was attended by 46 guests who enjoyed a meal prepared by award winning chefs Chris Wheeldon and Paul Peters of Careys Manor and Matthew Tomkinson of The Montagu Arms. Sommelier David Kubler, also of the Montagu Arms, delighted guests with his excellent choice of wines.
Brock hospitality students helped prepare and serve the meal, which was a ‘learning partnership’ with the two chefs, designed to enhance the student experience. College Governors, staff and a range of Alumni attended the event, including Councillor Maureen Holding, Chairman of the New Forest District Council, and Councillor John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Council.
Guests also took part in a silent auction which raised over £1800 towards the creation of a Centenary Centre, a new state-of-the-art student building intended as a lasting legacy to support Brock’s commitment to excellence in education for the next one hundred years.
Melvyn Cole, Chairman of Brock’s Old Students’ Association commented: “What a glorious end to such a special year for the College; we are delighted to have been involved in this celebration.” The event was marked by the publication of a Brock 100 Commemorative Yearbook, celebrating College events and successes throughout the years.
David Yates, Chair of Governors, noted: “The Brock 100 event was a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the many achievements of this unique and much-loved institution. From its early days in a Sunday school hall, to the present day campus with the very best educational facilities, Brock has played an integral role in the lives of all those who have studied here and those of our local community. I am proud to have played a part in its success.”
Brock’s annual Gala Awards evening celebrated the success of its students, who received awards for an array of achievements including Science and Maths, Practical Learning, Apprenticeships, Computer Science, Public Services, Sports and Performing Arts. A number of memorial awards were also presented to students who had achieved exceptional outcomes through hard work, dedication and commitment.
Many of the awards were sponsored by local and national companies who work with the College to offer work placements, training opportunities or other aspects of students’ learning. Representatives from the sponsors included Travis Perkins, McCarthy & Stone, Norco GRP Ltd, Chewton Glen, GEO Specialty Chemicals, University of Southampton, Echo Pilot Marine Electronics, Doughty Engineering, IBM, Colten Care, Southampton Solent University and Forest Arts Centre.
Susan Phillips, Director of Echo Pilot Marine Electronics said: “We are fortunate to have Brockenhurst College as a centre of excellence in the New Forest. As a high tech electronics company competing in the global market place, we understand that highly skilled and innovative young people are a vital component of future success.”
Student of the Year was Dan Butler, previously from the Isle of Wight’s Cowes High School. Dan commented: “The community created by both staff and students at Brock provides a really important framework on which to build as students and thinkers. It also ensures that you have the support needed to take your academic work to a higher level.” Dan has been selected to study Medicine at Exeter at University.
Winner of the Students’ Union Member of the Year award was Hannah Kynaston, from Hampshire and who previously attended Ringwood School. She remarked: “My time at Brock Students’ Union, and receiving this award, has given me the confidence and credentials to prepare for the world of work.” Hannah has been selected for an Apprenticeship at JP Morgan in Bournemouth.
Chewton Glen Hotel, which works closely with the College on its Hospitality programme, was also named as Employer of the Year at the event. Managing Director,
Andrew Stembridge, noted: “We are committed to supporting the development of a talented workforce in our industry and working with Brockenhurst College and its students enables us to ensure a high level of quality and relevance in employee training.”
Brockenhurst College Principal, Di Roberts CBE, commented: “This Gala Dinner celebrates the success of students who have achieved so much in their time at Brock; the awards reflect our diverse curriculum and community of learners. Their success gives me immense pride in our teaching and support staff, whose dedication makes this College so unique. I would like to thank the parents, families and others who have supported students in their studies and encouraged them to achieve their goals. I congratulate all our students on their achievements to date and I look forward to following their continued success as they progress to higher education and employment; I know that they will make a real contribution to our society and become outstanding ambassadors for the College.”
