FAIRFIELD Farm College recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with the official opening of an impressive new teaching block.
Hundreds of young people and their families also gathered for an annual reunion barbecue to celebrate the many successes of current and past students.
As part of the celebrations Jane Scott, leader of Wiltshire Council, officially opened the college’s new teaching block which includes six learning rooms, a medical and counselling room and a conference facility.
Councillor Scott said to her audience, “I was really pleased to be asked to say happy birthday to the college – 40 years is a long time.
“Fairfield really does look after some of the most precious children in the county and it gives them that opportunity to really get to their full potential for the rest of their lives. I thank you all for that; the council will continue to work closely with you.”
Cllr Scott’s attendance was particularly valued by one student, who met her whilst working at County Hall and training to be a postman.
College principal Tina Pagett said, “Liam Shepard, a current Fairfield student has spent the past year working one day per week at County Hall in Trowbridge, in the post room.
“Jane has personally supported Liam and celebrated his achievements with him over tea and cake earlier this week. Liam has been desperate to show Jane around his college and for her to meet his tutors and friends. Students were excited to see Jane and share their experiences with her.”
The new teaching and learning block is the last building of a five-stage capital programme that started in 2009. It provides six base-rooms, a medical and counselling room, as well as a self-contained conference facility which is available to hire, providing another work-based learning opportunity for students. The ambitious plans were led throughout by Hetreed Ross Architects Ltd in Bath and Ken Biggs Construction.
Fairfield Farm College, opened in 1975, is a specialist learning college for students with learning disabilities. The 26-acre farm in Dilton Marsh offers day and residential places for students aged 16-25 years.
The college was established as a Rural Training Centre 40 years ago by Ruth and Ken Hester, and later became Fairfield Opportunity Farm in 1992.
