Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form is sad to be saying goodbye to 5 long-serving staff members this year, who between them, have inspired and educated at the College for 201 years.

Nelson and Colne College plays a pivotal role in the local community of East Lancashire, and has seen many thousands of students pass through its doors since it first opened in the sixties. Many of these students have gone onto fantastic careers and this is largely thanks to the excellent teaching standards that have endured at Nelson and Colne College.

Saying goodbye to the College this year are Roger Richardson, an Engineering tutor with 40 years service, Jim Dwyer, former Head of Hospitality and Catering with 36 years service, Christine Bottomley, tutor in the department of Humanities and Social Sciences with 35 years service, Dave Smith, another Engineering tutor with 33 years service, Christine Farrington, a Section Leader in the Hospitality and Catering department with 32 years service and last of all, Mike Smith, a member of the Senior Management team and Director if Curriculum, with 25 years service.

Their contribution to the outstanding success of the College and it cannot be disputed that they will be sadly missed by both the staff they worked with and the students they have taught. As well as being honoured at the annual Staff Recognition event, the group also arranged a social event, aptly named ‘the great escape’ which was a great success.

College Principal Lyn Surgeon said, “I would like to thank our long serving staff for all the dedication and enthusiasm they have shown for education and Nelson and Colne College over the years. They have provided inspiration and encouragement to countless students during their time teaching at the College and their outstanding contribution to the local community and education in general is commendable. Roger, Christine, Jim, Dave, Mike and Christine will be very sadly missed, and though some of them will return to the College on a part-time basis, I wish them the happiest of well-earned retirements.”