FORMER students are being urged to share their memories as a college reaches its 70th birthday.
City College Southampton - originally called Southampton Technical College when it opened in June 1952 - is celebrating hitting the milestone this summer.
Hundreds of thousands of students and apprentices have come through its doors – including singer Craig David.
Now former students are needed to help share their memories and successes.
Principal Sarah Stannard said: “This 70th year is a very special occasion for everybody connected with the college, both past and present.
“We have been privileged over the years to support the residents and employers of Southampton by providing education and training that has enabled students and apprentices to develop a wide range of successful careers and make a real difference to their lives.
“To mark the college’s anniversary, we are planning a number of events and there will be an open-house celebration day for the community in June – marking 70 years since the college first opened its doors.
“Please get in touch if you are a former student, apprentice or member of staff and would like to share your memories with us.
“Whatever path you have taken since leaving, we'd love to hear your stories.”
Celebrity chef Paul Ainsworth, who has a Michelin-starred restaurant in Cornwall, Paul Ainsworth at No6, went to the college from 1995 to 1998.
He is a regular contributor to TV cookery shows including Great British Menu and MasterChef.
He grew up in Southampton and studied hospitality and catering before getting his big break in 1998 when he secured a job at the late Gary Rhodes’ Michelin-starred Rhodes in the Square in London.
He said: “I have really fond memories of my time at City College. It was a great place and I made some good friends.
“The tutors inspired me to learn as much about the catering and hospitality industry as possible and enabled me to take the invaluable first step in my career.
“I’m ever grateful for the opportunities that my experience at City College gave me and hope that I too can help others in the industry get to where they want to go.
“I’d like to congratulate City College Southampton on reaching a great milestone and wish everybody there every success for the future.”
To share your memories, visit southampton-city.ac.uk/share
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