Happy Anniversa-tree Newbury College
Created on 2.6.2009
To commemorate its 60th Academic Anniversary, Newbury College planted a walnut tree at the Monks Lane Campus.
The Principal, Anne Murdoch and Chair of the Student Council Melanie Stevens, helped Electronics Technician Martin Farr, plant the tree at a ceremony in the horticultural gardens. Staff and students gathered to watch the tree planting which was marked by a speech by The Principal. Anne commented, “It will be a lovely addition to the gardens, and the plaque will be a timeless reminder of the sentimental story behind the walnut tree. The College is also burying a time capsule this month, which will leave a piece of Newbury College for future generations.”
Electronic Technician, Martin Farr, nurtured and grew this tree from a walnut saved from a tree at the former Oxford Road College site. In 1996, the walnut tree outside B-block at the old campus began to bear fruit. Martin commented, “The nuts were great to harvest and dry out and providing we got there before the squirrels did, were a tasty treat at Christmas!”
About four years ago, Martin found a bag of preserved walnuts from this tree in his shed and decided to plant them. Out of the three that grew, only one survived and given some tender loving care eventually out-grew the pot. Martin kindly donated this sapling to the College as a memento for the 60th Anniversary, celebrating the past and looking forward to another 60 years of education and training.
Martin added, “This tree is extra special, as we were unfortunately unable to preserve the old tree from the Oxford Road site, so it really is keeping the spirit of the old campus alive.”
Newbury College was opened in the academic year of 1948/49 and was originally called the Institute of Further Education. In 1951, it became the South Berkshire College of Further Education with a Principal as Senior Executive. In 1975 the College was renamed again to become Newbury College, which it remains to this day.