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

They studied Agricultural Mechanics from 1967–69, and decided to meet up to enjoy a 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 and joinery, bricklaying, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, animal care, stone-masonry, engineering and motor vehicles.

Stuart King, Head of English and Maths at Bath College, led the tour, and gave the group a brief overview of how the College has changed since they left.

He said: “It has been fantastic having the alumni with us. Hearing their stories of fifty 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 is much more diverse, focusing on many different skills.

“I’ve been so impressed, especially with the stone-masonry workshop, which is a really 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.”