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Tuesday 16th November 2010

Bedford Learning Centre celebrated its tenth anniversary with past students who have gone on to great successes after signing up to IT classes over the past decade.

Individuals who have found work, to companies who have increased profitability by improving staff skills were all invited to join in the Open Day and party.

Among them was Anne Simmonds who signed up as student in 2002 and published her first book in 2004. Her most recent publication is a history of one of Bedford High Street’s oldest retailers: Harrison and Simmonds. 

“My first book was my grandfather’s diaries which I learned to tap in to a computer programme, add the pictures and send off on disc to the printers,” said Anne who husband Michael, is part of the Harrison and Simmonds family which celebrated its 80th birthday in 2008.

Bedford College which runs the Learning Centres in Bedford, Luton and Rushden, opened the first in Mill Street - later this moved to the High Street on the corner with Lime Street. College Deputy Chief Executive David Pridmore was responsible for getting the first Learning Centre off the ground, together with fellow College Director Sharon Chinneck. They both joined the celebration.

“Over 5,000 people  have achieved IT qualifications and have put their new found skills to great use. The Learning Centres are popular for a number of reasons including flexibility. The opening hours made education available to people who cannot guarantee attendance at set times/days each week. The flexibility allows them to fit learning into their lives.”

A birthday prize draw for a Netbook was held among some key learners and the winner was local man John Elwood.

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