Chester Memories: West Cheshire College makes call for capsule

By Chester Chronicle on Jul 10, 09 11:21 AM in 1900-1999

DO YOU have any memories of the West Cheshire College, old or new?

As work begins on the college development programme costing £70m, stories or memories are needed for a new virtual time capsule, entitled Past Times@West Cheshire College.

They will used for a new memories section of the website.

If you are a current or former student or member of staff, what memories or stories do you have to share about the college?

The name 'West Cheshire College' only came into existence about 22 years ago, although the College's history stretches back more than 100 years.

It was initially just going to be a learning institution for the City of Chester but it later grew to serve the rest of Cheshire and the Wirral.

Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century when a number of scientific and philosophical societies, including Chester School of Art, were formed in the city.

The demand for further education increased, which saw the college developing more courses and skills for both men and women - women's provision being more domestic while men were offered engineering and construction-based courses.

By the 1950s so many courses were being developed that further education had to be offered at five sites across Chester just to accommodate the students. These were at Watergate Street, Grosvenor Street, Love Street, City Grammar School and Technical Annex and George Street School.

Land was purchased in Eaton Road, eventually ending up as the home of the first dedicated campus for the College at Handbridge. This was formally opened in 1963 at a cost of £500,000.

If you wish to add your memories, stories or pictures to the college's virtual time capsule, you can e-mail or post them (no stamp needed) to Past Times@West Cheshire College, Freepost CS554, Ellesmere Port Campus, Ellesmere Port CH65 5AB.

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