Old plumptonians association Messageboard

This messageboard is available to all OPA members to tell us what you are doing now, your news, memories of College life.

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Contacts 63/64

Peter Crowe-Swords - 02-01-2012

I am looking for contacts for the 63/64 graduating class. Currently living in Calgary, Canada but do return to the UK frequently. Following graduation in 64 worked for University of Reading before going to Canada. Returned to the UK in 69 and worked for Unilever Research for 2 years.Returned to Canada where I worked for universities and ICI for a number of years before setting up my own Milking Equipment Company and finally retiring 2 years ago. Look forward to catching up on info from class mates Thanks - Peter

College History

Sue Martin - 20-10-2011

Hi everyone, The 'Friends of Plumpton College' is a new group set up to support the College’s Charitable Foundation. If anyone is interested in joining The Friends or in joining a working group to help progress this work please do get in touch either by e-mail sue.martin@plumpton.ac.uk or by ringing on 01273 892051. The Friends held a very successful event at the end of September which was a talk on the history of the College and Wales Farm. We will probably hold a similar event in March 2012. Currently we are asking people if they could put together a few pages on their memories and stories of their time whilst at Plumpton and since leaving so that these might be kept in the College archive. They make fascinating reading so do try to find the time if you can. (e-mail to me or send to the College Addressed for my attention please.) It is surprising how interesting simple stories and memories can be! From new buildings, changes in use of buildings, people and incidents remembered and who married who! Happy Days

Hi all

Eddie Boyes - 08-09-2011

Remember with fond memories my time at Plumpton College and would really like to hear from anyone who remembers me from the 1982 - 83 NCA course. Now working as a salesman selling fencing including agri fencing, so still vaguely still in the industry. I have been married twice before, first wife was Sarah Osbourne who used to serve our evening meals but unfortunately it didn't work out, and four beautiful children and four grand children. I am now married for a third time and happily i might add to Alyona who i met on a visit to the Ukraine and am now living in Petworth, West Sussex. I particulary remember Sarah and her red ford poplar we always seemed to be on the same short taster courses together before we both started college proper in the same year, also Gudrun and Carol Dearing, Seamus and the guys on the poultry course always a laugh in the same halls and upto no good generally, i have calmed down now ! So if you remember me get in touch i would love to hear from you

Time to remember?

Michael Buck - 22-07-2011

Like most people I look back on the time I spent at Plumpton, both as a student and working on the farm, with very fond memories. It is now fast approaching 50 years since our course and I would be delighted to hear from anyone who was at college during 1962-63 with a view to getting together to celebrate this great milestone. I am still in touch with Mike (Roly) Hill, Peter Haworth-Booth and Geoff Watson. Could be an excuse for a great party?!

The sad news of the death of Edward Hill

Sharon Hill (boobier) - 12-05-2011

If any of Ed's college friends wish to pay their respects the family will warmly welcome them to his funeral on Tuesday 24th May at 2:00 pm, All Saints, Crowborough

Students in 1966-67

Howard Middleton-Jones - 16-04-2011

Hello all - I am searching out for students who attended Plumpton during the academic year 1966-67, especially any of those on the NCP course. If anyone is still around perhaps they would contact me or leave a message here. It would be great to hold a reunion next year or whenever possible As a 'nudge' I ran the swimming club/team while I was there.. Howard

Help run the OPA?

- 24-01-2011

We are always looking for help in running the OPA, this does not involve a huge commitment and apart from various reunions and Open Day there are few 'all day' events. An interest in the past / present / future of the OPA and Plumpton is the most important consideration. If you would like more information or might have a interest, please contact me. opa@plumpton.ac.uk Dan Leggett - Acting Chairman

Re-union 1961/62

Liz Quilter [ Broadbent] - 20-01-2011

Calling all students who attended in 1961/62. The re-union to mark our 50th anniversary is to be held at the College on Sunday 3rd July 2011. Wrack your brains for details of anyone else who may have been there and please let me know, however vague! Contact me at lizq@peelings.co.uk

Looking for old photographs and other interesting things!

Sue Martin - 19-01-2011

I am working at Plumpton and am mounting a display of past and present Plumpton College for Open Day 2011. If anyone out there has any old photographs from the very earliest days in the late 1920's up to the 1950's, particularly the early ones and during and up to the end of the war, please do get in touch. Also year or class photos from the early days up to 1953 are sought. Many thanks Sue Martin. sue.martin@plumpton.ac.uk

some memories

george arnold - 14-01-2011

At the time I attended Plumpton the farm bailif was MrSampson? the dairy section produced a cheese Pont-l'Eveque a soft cheddar, the horticultural dept was trying to develope a tomato variety which if I remember was called Plumpton King, during that perod the tomatoes in the salads had all the seeds removed for propogating, I don't how well the tomato went, I have still in my possession dried grasses we had to collect for a project George

A student in 57/58

David Martin - 25-12-2010

I was one of those students who lived at Middleton Manor that was ruled by Mr Catt.I enjoyed my time at Plumpton and certainly made use of the things I learnt there. I spent 3 years at Rothamsted Research Station before heading to New Zealand where I did several years of soil and fertiliser research before moving into private industry mainly agrochemicals. I retired some years ago from a small firm that i partly owned and have now moved to Australia. I my time in NZ I met Charles Routen and Murray Seward from the same year at Plumpton.

update

Anthony Patten - 01-12-2010

Student 53/54 worked on 54/55. Still play with Ferguson Tractors. Member of SEVAC and can register your tactor with the DVLA Hope to see you all March 14th 2011

Any one there

George Arnold - 24-10-2010

I attended Plumpton 46/47 Mr Jessie was principal I was one of four on a government grant, at that time some of the students were ex army officers, Miss Mc Gilafrey? lectured dairy, Mr Hickingbottom Poultry, Some names Don Cook, Brian Jackson, Philipa Foreshew Ron Davis it's along while ago and the memory is not what it was, perhaps someone will say hello George

Heather Woodland

Martin Burgess - 12-10-2010

Heather died in a tragic M/C accident near where she lived in Wales, Des Lambert will have more details

Floss Munday

Veronica Rodgers - 22-09-2010

My Aunt who was Floss Munday who worked at the college from 1948 for many years.Died on the 19th Sept 2010. She now joins her husband Les Cottingham who also worked at the college he died in 2000.They were both dedicated to their work as well as to each other. R.I.P.

does anyone know

Rob Whitnall - 20-09-2010

I today found out that Heather woodland died, does anyone know what happened? She was at the college in 91-93 I think. Still can't believe what I heard so any info would be good. Cheers Rob

70/71 Reunion

Maggie Kent (nee Moore) - 08-09-2010

Any one who was at college 70/71. We are organisig a reunion for October 23rd 2010. Do get in touch for details.

Death of Leslie Holmes

Beverley Holmes - 26-06-2010

I am the widow of Leslie Holmes who attended Plumpton in 1956-57. I would just like to let anyone know who is interested that Leslie died suddenly of a heart problem on March 20, 2009. He had been retired for just a year and a half, but continued to live life to the fullest and enjoyed being a grandfather for 3 short years. Please feel free to write to the above e-mail address. Sincerely, Beverley Holmes,West Kelowna, British Columbia.

March 1949- March 1950

Mary Mather (nee Shearmur) - 26-06-2010

I did my year's 'practical' at Plumpton before going to what was then the Essex Institiute of Agriculture at Writtle. I worked in the Horticultural Dept with Mr Streeter and land girls Floss Mundy & Win Mitchell. Miss Clark was head of Department. I lodged in Mrs Banks' cottage on the corner of the main road The land girls all lived in a house close to the Hort. Dep and Farm Lane and we all had our meals & bathed in the college itself.

1990-92

chris andrew - 09-04-2010

hi everyone , i was at plumpton for two years, if you were there you would probably have known me as (swanny). i have many great memorys of plumpton college and often wonder what all my old friends are doing hope to hear from someone cheers .

1973/4

Roger Storey - 02-04-2010

Would be great to hear from anyone who was on the 1973 ANCA Machinery course. Am now working for Agco as Area Service Manager covering East and South England for MF visiting dealers from Lincolnshire down to Dover and Southampton. Was working in export markets as Service Manager mostly in former Soviet bloc countries. Work from home, in Ely, Cambridgshire now.

Research into anyone remembers my father attending Plumpton

Sheila Wellstead nee Weavers - 01-11-2009

I am piecing together information life of my father Ernest Walter Weavers who took the opportunity offered when leaving the army at the end of World War II to train in a new trade going into Agriculatural and wishing to move out of London into the countryside. His first farm job was Summerford Farm Withyham and he was there from 1951 to May 1953. He died just 10 yrs later in 1963. If an 'Old Plumtonians' can provide information PLEASE contact me.

THE SENSIBLE OND YEARS

BERT REYNOLDS - 29-08-2009

Hi to Sarah , Matthew , Gudrun and all the others. Came across this site while looking to see what my eldest son can do for his studies. For thise that remember me , I have been living and working in France for 21 years - married for 17 years - 3 children and stuck in the corporate rut as sales director for a French company manufacturing printer consumables . Travel extensively , often to the UK and would love to meet up with any of the poor sods that spent two years of bliss with me. I keep in touch with Radlet , whom as you can uess has been working his nuts off ever since he left Plumpton ! Au revoir Bert

Sarah

Matthew Ayling - 17-08-2009

Have you still got that Red Ford Pop? Will never forget having to drive it in the rain! Glad to see several names I remeber from long ago. Now an Instructor in my own right, teaching Vehicle Breakdown and Recovery and picking up cars when not out teaching. Good to hear from you and Gudrun. All the best Matt Ayling

Anyone from that era?

Richard Simhon - 14-07-2009

Went to the Open Day for the first time in many years. The college has expanded hugely since I was last there. Would like to hear from anyone who was at Plumpton between Sept 83 to June 86

Any bodyKnow him

John Lamb - 05-07-2009

What a good site Does anyone know the Whereabouts of a Michael Dixon or Jan Pirrie Horti.57/58. I would love to hear from anyone from that year. I am in contact with David Francis

Hi Sarah

Bob Dickenson - 13-06-2009

Shy - definitely; but I'm sure the boots were blue spotty ones Stuart. Please pass on my regards to Gudrun. (OND 80-83).

Hi Sarah

Stuart West - 27-05-2009

Remember you well a shy girl with pink spotty boots or was that Gudrun ? Anyway doing well on the South Downs taken over from my father running an arable and beef farm. Have close contact with the college as my wife is a lecturer there. Have three children and dare I say one grandchild !My son Jason finished Plumpton last year and at the last count there has been 12 West's attending the college .

Hi, would love to hear from anyone who was at college the same time as M

Sarah Dean - 18-05-2009

Hi, Would love to hear from anyone who was at college the same time as me. 1982 - 85 I keep in touch with Gudrun, now married to a Trawlerman who runs his boats out of Whitstable. Carol Dearing (AKA Zoe Chipman) is gettin married. She is a qualified Horse Whisperer. Neville Smith is doing well on the IOW and has two adorable children . Me, married for the 2nd time and have 3 boys. Went to the Plumpton Horse Show this Sat May 16th 2009 and my the College has changed and grown. Wish they'd had horses when I was there. My Mare is 20 but we got a 3rd in Veteran and 2 Clear Rounds. Would love to hear from anyone who knew me at college. Hope you are all keeping well Sarah

Reunion

Jill Bowen (Streeten) - 09-05-2009

A number of us from 1959-60 have been meeting annually at Plumpton since 2002. This year our reunion is on 28th June and we welcome all those from our year and any others who would like to join us on that day. Please contact the college or me if you would like to spend a really enjoyable day with old friends. My email is bowenjill@hotmail.com

Storms of 87

Paul Barnett - 13-04-2009

I was studying Ag eng at Plumpton during the storm of 1987 Wondering if anybody remembers me????? Popped to the college late last night looks like a lot of changes... Half moon still there not sure if its still a Pub??? paul@horseboxrepair.com

Horsey girls 95-97?!

Emma Sharp (Morris) - 18-03-2009

Hi there, would love to hear from anyone studying equine from 95-97. I am now married, have been for 9 years, to Russell Morris who was a ND3 in 97.We live in peasmarsh near rye with our two children, a 5yr old girl and 18mth old boy.I am at home with kids at present but did work as a groom until 2001, worked in a pharmacy until having our second child. Russ works for network rail now.We both had a great time at plumpton can't beleive it was 12 yrs ago now.

Just been thinking .....

Carol Dearing - 05-02-2009

that it's been 25 years since I last met some of you! Ahhh the memories! Fert Sacking on the downs in the snow, swimming in the river with the Machinery boys in the summer, long walks on the downs, freezing our bits off so we could give the rugby guys oranges at half time, blobbing out in the bar, getting chips and a Spring roll from Greay Agnes's in Kemer on a Friday night ............. Thanks to you all - it was a great year!

correction

Liz Quilter [Broadbent] - 20-01-2009

My last message should read: Re-union for 1961/62 students. Sorry! Sian, I knew your Mum at Plumpton. I believe she did the poultry course. Do get in touch with more news. Liz Scott and Phil Love I remember you too! My e-mail is: lizq@peelings.co.uk

1962/3 re-union

Liz Quilter nee Broadbent - 12-01-2009

Several of us are keen to organise a 50th anniversary re-union in 2011. If you attended during the year 1961/62, please get in touch. Perhaps you would also pass on this message to any appropriate op that you may be in touch with. I look forward to hearing from you. Best wishes, Liz

Re: Phillip Sharpe

Dan leggett - 22-12-2008

Our only records show that a Phillip Sharpe attended between October '31 - June '33. Having been on the Agriculture course. He then went on to work on a farm and later joined the Metropolitan Police. OPA Chairman

Graduate 1934

Robert Bimrose - 07-12-2008

Hi I am the grandson of a graduate who attended the college from 1931 to 1934, a Phillip Sharpe. He's still alive and 'working' in Coolum Queensland. He continues to mount specimans for the Queensland Herbarium along with other work, mainly translating German documents into english. I am trying to compile a history on my Grandfather and was wondering if anyone out there can provide some information on how I can access any possible materials, records or photos on Phillip or other items relevant to the time he was at the college. For those interested he became an 'expert' in the seges (cyperaceous) of Queensland and has 5 plants named after him (which he discovered or identified). Any assistance would be appreciated. Robert

anybody out there

kate tomlinson (now vogel) - 16-10-2008

Just trying to catch up with past friends living in the states with a sophomore daughter following in moms footsteps as an animal major

mother

sian hodgson - 27-09-2008

my mum attended the college in the early 60s does anyone remember her Ann Mary Clarke, London

From the distant past

Francis Beal - 31-08-2008

1944-1946 Did 2 very happy years at Plumpton, stayed in agriculture for 8 years then changed to auction sales and became an auctioneer in fine art and general sales. Would be pleased to hear from any one of those years.

'Old timers'

Howard Middleton-Jones - 10-08-2008

Hi Phillip - and anyone else out there who attended Plumpton 1966 - 1967 I was on the NCP course while at Plumpton and enjoyed it very much - as a memory 'jolt' I was the instigator of the swimming team and we had many a happy time in Brighton I now teach Archaeology for the Continuing Adult Education at Swansea University. I still swim BTW..! It would be good to contact and meet up with any of you some time Contact me on howardmj@yahoo.com

OND 1980-83?

Bob Dickenson - 28-07-2008

Any ONDs from 1980-83 out there wishing to meet up for a pint in Brighton, please let me know: Bob Dickenson rdickenson416@talktalk.net

Miss

Annie Maew Thompson - 22-07-2008

To all... I just wanted to say a big thank you to Plumpton, all the staff and the students that made my years a memorable one. I am still working within the outdoor industry but not in the field I trained in! Environment and conservation is what I do now. I’m now thinking of going into Field Biology and Countryside Management, as this would be the most logical step for me... All the best and kind regards Annie X

Open Day

Lynda West - 14-05-2008

Came down from Wales so my son could see the college and what a good day we had. The open day was fab and even though it has grown since I was there 23 years ago it still feels the same.My son was impressed and will be thinking about coming when he finishes his BTech ND Agri.

any horsey people 92-94

sarah lowden - 18-04-2008

Would love to hear from anyone who was there when i was.

Re: Louise Jones

sarah - 12-03-2008

hi everyone just to let you all know that Louise Jones has sadly passed away on the 27th Febuary 2008 her funeral was 12th March 2008. She had a beautiful send off lots of family and friends, rest in peace greatly missed love ya loads

for lisa smart(medhurst)

Lisa Anne Penfold - 01-02-2008

Hi i remember you very well i was doing ncmh when you were doing ebm i remember when you were given lawyer as a present from the owners i still have photos of me riding him in a lesson at collge would love to hear from you i was lisa cutting now lisa penfold married with 2 children nahan 10 and aimee 5 would love to hear from anyone else who remembers me too YTS 87-89 NCMH 89-90.

1987

patrick - 06-01-2008

hi i am patrick .i was on full time poultry.picked as football captain,also played hockey.any one from1986-1987.like to hear from you.email me .patrick@frambroadband.com

Old Timers ?

Philip Love - 30-12-2007

Any old timers out there? Attended mid-60's. Great rugby team and a couple of good friends. Can't remember names 'cept Roly Broughton (in NZ now and doing fine). Kemp ? Pritchett ? Made it to USA via Canada beef ranches. Retired Sheriff's deputy in Santa Clara county, CA after 30 years. Drop me a line if we spent time at the school.

Old Timers Ooops......

Philip Love - 30-12-2007

Philip Love...drop me a line at e-mail: onebadbrit@yahoo.com

hi........

laura rigg - 25-12-2007

hello there just wanted to say how much i miss going to plumpton college and how i miss every one in the animal care unit inclueding the animals i might be coming back to do a part time course in animal assisstant or simalar!!!! iv started nursing for humans but doesnt feel right xxx

Maiden name Medhurst

Lisa Smart - 17-12-2007

Hi to all my fellow students, what a brill time it was. Have been married now divorced and have a daughter of 12 years still living in east sussex but now work in a funeral directors. Would love to hear from anybody who remembers me and catch up with everybodys lives.

Update

Leslie Holmes - 04-12-2007

Further to my message earlier in the year, I have now retired and living in Westbank, British Columbia. Have been doing some consulting for farm appraisal companies on a part-time basis. Not sure if I will be able to afford my aircraft for much longer, but have been lucky enough to have used it for work in my travels round the country for 15 years. Would like to hear from any 1956-7 students - my address is laholmes@axion.net

Hi.

Glynn 'Spud' Goddard - 21-11-2007

I saw a message from Tim Styles, it's good to see a name from the deepest past. I am still in infrequent contact with Alan 'hewi' Hewison, who now lives in Devon. He spent many years in dairying.If anyone knows of Tristram Q Roffey, last heard of in Canada, I'd like to hear.I left farming for rural policing in 1976; I've just retired after the 30 years to the pension. I now tutor for the OU and work at an FE college part-time. Wish I still had the 'beetle'! And Yes, the food was fabulous, especially at Christmas. Though the additional protein in the lettuce was a frequent cause for comment during the summer. I hope that all who knew me have a Merry Christmas and a fine future. Spud.

Reunions

The Committee - 19-11-2007

We are always glad to help arrange any reunions / small gatherings of ex students or year groups. We could help with the catering for you and arrange for a tour of College if you wish,for most people a weekend would be best and we would ask for a reasonable amount of warning. Thank You

Home coming

Ken Colburn - 30-10-2007

Hello to all from the class of 64-65. I left the UK to pursue a farming career in South Africa in 1973 and have finally made my way back home 33yrs later to retire and have settled in Salisbury,Wiltshire. I visited the college with my family on the 20th of October and was delighted to have met a current lecturer Mr Phil Hart who I am very grateful to for showing me around, the memories came flooding back. I am trying to get in touch with anybody that knows me from my years at Plumpton. Glad to be home, I look forward to any contacts thank you. My email: jancolburn@btinternet.com Ken Colburn

looking

- 06-10-2007

Hi im looking for anyone who was at plumpton through 87-90 doin YTS horse course87-89 and NCMH 89-90 would love to hear from any one i was lisa cutting. Am married with 2 children doing freelance grooming close to home live in iden nr rye in east sussex.

Looking

Adam Brough - 14-09-2007

Hello, I'm looking for people who did FD in Agriculture in 99-00, NVQ in Countryside Managment 00-01 or NC in Countryside Management 01-02. And anyone else that may remember me even if you weren't doing those :)

1966-67 students

Howard Middleton-Jones - 04-08-2007

Hello to all. I was wondering if any student from the years 1966-67 were 'lurking' around, especially any on the NCP course. Hopefully we can get in touch and possibly meet up at Plumpton some time. Howard Middleton-Jones Swansea

Hello from New Zealand

Judith Walker - 19-06-2007

Hello to anyone who may remember the farm secretaries who frequented the halls of Plumpton from 1980 to 1982. Found this site whilst browsing supposedly hard at work. Now living in Auckland, New Zealand with my two children where I have been for the past nearly eleven years. If anyone is planning a visit I would heartily recommend this wonderful country - freedom of spirit and all that - and am always pleased to hear from voices from the past. Hope everyone is well and happy. Judith x

OPA reunion sunday 17th 2007

chris - 19-06-2007

It was good to see old student from the pass who join us for lunch and a tour around the college on sunday. just like to say thanks for stawberry and cherry we had at lunch time. it was good fun. hope to see you all next year. chris .isted

any old students from1982/3

Sarah Osborne - 17-06-2007

Hi there, although I wasn't a student a t Plumpton, I was one of the girls who used to help serve the evening meals in the dining room. I also remember all the great discos there. Married a student(Eddie Boyes 1983) but didn't last. Last year through Friends Reunited got back in touch with Nigel Woodrup 1980-82. He had a motorbike accident in 1985 and is paralysed from the chest down. He and I have now been together for over a year and hopefully by the end of the Summer he will be in Sussex again at the moment he lives in Devon. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers either of us Sarah email sarahos@fsmail.net

Nice to see you

Den Boryer - 11-06-2007

Hi Ann, nice to see you on web page all the best Den Boryer

Linda West ?

Andy Wilson - 14-05-2007

As of '84 - '87 ? Planning 20th anniversary in July, please get in touch.

to liz scott

frederick crowther - 04-05-2007

hi liz small world we have got to get together im not really that far from you 772-532-5339 is my # if not i can see if i can find you on the net dkdingo@yahoo.com is my e mail take care rusty

Hello to the old timers

John Parsons - 03-05-2007

I was at Plumpton in 1959-60 and married Sandy Richards have four daughters and lots of grandies we now live in Australia and will be visiting the U.K in June 2007 we would very much like to contact as many of our old class mates as possible. Heres hoping to here from you John Parsons

Gidday from Australia

Mark Walker-Wilson - 14-04-2007

Hey there everyone that knew me from 2000-2001. I am now living in the tropics in Queensland, Australia with my lovely fiancee. There are not that many farming jobs in this area so I am working as a concretor for now. Life is good. I am glad to get away from the cold. Take care

Rusty Crowther.

Liz scott - 07-04-2007

Hey there Rusty,I am near High Springs. Lived in Florida for 24 years. How about we get together if you are ever up here in North Florida. We are just finishing building our house. House warming Party on May 15th.

very old plumptonian

frederick crowther - 27-03-2007

well folk i was there in 1966 - 67 good memorie,s great rugby and good friends, i now live in florida usa. and have for many years, traveled the world and worked on a cattle ranch in Texas as a real cowboy also rodeo achivements bull rider ,calf roper would love to hear from any 66-67 oldies take care and have fun Fred Crowther (rusty )

Many thanks!

Carol Forrest - 09-03-2007

I have to say, I learnt so much from my time at Plumpton. It was a very special learning curve! How many are given the chance to tend vines, made there own wine and able to gain the knowledge from a master. Chris Foss instilled us with his passion of wine and encouraged us to a point of no return. Thank-you for that! Remember, how could you not! You are in a very special place!

Hello everyone

Jonathan Wilkins (Fly Boy) - 25-02-2007

Agrigulture 1997-2000 As its now ten years since we first all met up at Plumpton i thought it appropriate that i let you all know what ive been up to. Well after leaving Plumpton in 2000 i worked on the hill next door at Falmer for Wests, two years on from that i moved to Essex to work as farm foreman on a large arable unit. In 2005 i moved back down to Kent and after a temparary spell with Velcourt i decided that id had enough of late nights and early mornings and not having a life and gave it all up. Im now working at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent as Airfield Technician, or in other words i look after the airfield and organise events etc. Im still flying and fly as part of my job, ferrying aircraft to and from other airfields. Im also member of a flying club at Shorehsm where im training in aerobatics. I still spend alot of time in Sussex, my girlfriend lives in Newick where im still very active in the bonfire society. There are a couple of weddings happening this year, and both thanks to a Plumpton education might i add as both happy couples are ex students.... Becky Gingell and Rick Smith are tying the knot in Sept and Gavin Holman and Jo Frewin do the deed in June. Blimey, i went out with Jo in my middle year....how scary, it could have been me!!! Anyway, i dont care what anybody says...after ten years you really do miss the college and the fab life we had there, it was great! Hi to Des, Dave Lamb, Dave the Warden, Julian (Pedro the chef), June Wells, and not forgetting Dan the pig man (I havnt forgotten Dan, i will take you flying very soon). Oh and hi to Caroline Wootton in the equine dept. Take care everybody.

Time flys

Michelle Brandon - 01-02-2007

Hey First off hi to Pat Luke, just read your message and it sounds like your doing alright for yourself, hope you get back into your pigs soon, are you still in contact with sarah? Well i left in 1999 as i was pregnant with my son, i cant believe it was 7yrs ago. Russell and i live in eastbourne now, we haven't had anymore children but have afew chickens along with my 3 dogs and have been fostering dogs for the rescue centres on and off. Would be nice to see how some of my fellow classmates are getting on nowadays. Take care of yourselves, Michelle xx

Where have the years gone

Nigel Miller - 31-01-2007

I was one of the last group of students resident at Middleton Manor 1967/68. You may remember me as Dusty or my trusty old Morris 8 1937.That was the date the car was born!!I regret I left agriculture in 1976 and went into the Sports trade where I am still . I also became a retained Fireman in my village of Storrington West Sussex in 1974 and recently retired in 2004 after 29 yrs srevice.I have been married for 30 yrs. 3 children ages 27,25.22 all of whom have got through University with decent degrees obtaining good jobs and myself left broke.This week I drove through Plumton ,passed the Half Moon pub. Happy memories and we did return all their ashtrays when we left college. I would love to hear from anyone of my year and catch up. I am still a man of a few words!!! which is why I became a salesman. I eagerly await .Regards Nigel

Agrics rule Ha ha

Pat Luke - 30-01-2007

Hi everyone, i was at Plumpton from 1997-2001 and i enjoyed every second of it! I would love to hear from the guys i worked/learnt with, those were the days!!! Got 2 say hi to Dan the Pig Man, have to love him, learnt everything i know from him. (I will be back with the piggy's soon)! When ileft the college i started working at a kennels and cattery, then went on to managing a cattery in Lingfield, back at the kennels & cattery now, but hoping to move away to work with pigs again. Got to remind you all to come to the Pumpton College Open Day on the 12th May and come see us on the OPA stand! That includes everybody who went to Plumpton College. Take Care everyone, see you soon XXXX

Hello

Lynda West - 24-01-2007

Still living in mid wales with husband Jim Ballard and children Chris 16, Sophie 14, and twins William and Maisie 16 months. Chris is in his final year at Brymore School in Somerset, specialises in a land based education from 13 - 17. Jim has got my old job of milking the 200 plus Friesian/ Holsteins and rearing the calves. Dont think I will be going back to milking in the near future with 2 lively babies and I am home chooling my daughter.

oopps

Elizabeth Scott - 16-01-2007

I think I was there 1967/68,

My How things have changed.

Elizabeth Scott - 13-01-2007

I was at Plumpton in 1968/69 I think. Would love to know where other guys my year are now. I have lived in Florida for 24 years now.stumbled on this site online. Shame it is'nt more active.

E Mail Update

Tim Stiles - 13-01-2007

Hello after many many years. Thanks for keeping me in touch: web site is good, nice and clean and simple to use by the those of more advanced years! Many very enjoyable years farming were finished nearly twenty years ago. I am now a jobbing builder in deepest, darkest Dorset. Though we live in a farming community and are surrounded by downland. All the best to any NCA folks and indeed those who did the Management course afterwards. Best years I can recall. Do today's students in the new dining hall still get the superb meals we used to have? Those Sunday roasts were to die for!.

Update via E Mail

Leslie Holms - 12-01-2007

This is definitely a voice from the past - I was a student in the General Agriculture program 1956-7. The Principal at the time was N.J.D. Nickalls. The VP was Mr. Greenwood I think. I was lodged at Middleton Manor and have fond memories of the almost country gentleman atmosphere that prevailed there - certainly worth all the bike rides to the main college for some of the classes. I left the UK in 1961 to attend the University of British Columbia, and subsequently worked for Farm Credit Canada in BC - later entering private business in agricultural consulting and valuations. Now that I will be retiring in September, there have been a few glances back as it were, and somehow came across your web page. I had no idea OPA existed. Do you have a Members at Large membership category? Is it all possible that some of my class-mates are still lurking in the Sussex countryside? Would be delighted to hear from you. Leslie A. Holmes

Hello

Alan Bate - 11-01-2007

Hi to all of you i knew from 1987 to 1990. Please get in contact it would be great to hear from some OPA's again. My news;- married last September 2006 1 no stepson (16 going on 30) now working for the AA all the best Alan

19 Years fly by !

Chris Bones - 10-01-2007

Anyone who was around at this time please contact as would be interesting to discover if anyone has any photos of my eighteen birthday kicking around ! Hope everyone is keeping well and a special hello to Mr Bishop. Kind Regards and fond memories Chris Bones, now married, two children, mortgage and in responsible employment!

hi everone

cher gill - 05-01-2007

hi everyone at the college and the plumptonians i was at college with happy new year to u all hoping to start a new job soon at a cricket gound things going really well for me hope every ones well cherxx

John Stevenson

John Stevenson - 03-01-2007

John Stevenson ( 1965/66) Retired from ADAS in 1997 and started work as winter host in the Med with Airtours which we did for 6 winter seasons. Am now working for a hotel in Malta as a host/dance leader.

Personal update

Anthony Patten - 31-12-2006

I was a student at Middleton Manor 1953/4 and then stayed on to work at Wales Farm 1954/5. I am a member of SEVAC and The Ferguson Club. I have three working Ferguson TE20s [two diesels and one tvo] . I am in the process of fitting an engine into a TEF [diesel Fergie] to get it back on the road! Anyone likely to be passing in my area give me a ring for a meeting. Tea is always on the go! Happy New Year to all Tony Patten

1951 - 1954 students

John Brasier - 21-12-2006

1951/52 Student 1952/55 Pigman at Plumpton Would love to hear from former students/staff from my time at Plumpton. Retired as principal of Merrist Wood College of Agriculture and Horticulture in 1991 after 14 years in that post. Agricultural adviser in Hungary, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine - now largely confined to Ukraine

hi

Natalie Morgan - 14-12-2006

I'M NOW MARRIED AND LIVING IN WEST WALES AND AM A HOUSEWIFE. I'M LOOKING TO GET INTO CONTACT WITH VICTORIA GOODSELL, IT WOULD BE NICE TO GET INTO CONTACT WITH HER. WE FELL OUT, AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AMENDS. PLEASE CAN YOU GET IN CONTACT WITH ME.

christmas wishes

sid.beard - 21-11-2006

I send good wishes to all old Plumptonians,particularly those of my vintage1936to1944.I had the good fortune to view the college this summer with my wife Helen ne'Coward known during her W.L.A. service as "Johnny" We were escorted by the principal who I have known since his interview when he joined the college staff. I have always thought what a wise choice we governors made at the time. I recently received a letter from John Ticehurst saying how pleased the founding fathers would be to see how their creation of 1926 has blossomed and I heartily agree. Finally my good wishes to all O.Ps and I trust your time spent at the college will have been memorable.