Royal Visit To Weston-super-Mare
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Weston-super-Mare today (13th April) to open Weston College’s South West Skills Campus.
The South West Skills Campus, based at the former Bushacre Business Park on Locking Road, was purchased by the College in 2010 and has undergone a multimillion pound renovation to transform it into a facility for computing, engineering, technology, motor vehicles, and construction.
During the visit, The Princess Royal met key members of College leadership team including Dr Paul Phillips CBE, the College’s Principal and Chief Executive, as well as local dignitaries including the Mayor of Weston and the Chief Executive of North Somerset Council.
Her Royal Highness then went on a tour of the facilities, watched College students working in the engineering workshops, and met apprentices from GKN Aerospace and Rolls Royce, two large companies that have moved their engineering training to Weston College since it opened its engineering centre in 2015.
In the College’s computer numerical control workshop, The Princess Royal turned on an engraving machine that created a commemorative brass plaque, which was presented to Her Royal Highness at the end of the visit.
Following this, The Princess Royal was then invited to try a virtual reality device, before unveiling a plaque to open the campus, signing the visitors’ book and being presented with a Bristol Blue Glass Jug.
Before leaving, Her Royal Highness was given a posy by Herons’ Moor Academy pupil, 11 year old Libby Swinney.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “I am very proud to see where Weston College is today, and how the College has been an influence in the regeneration of Weston-super-Mare through the creation of inspiring facilities and the provision of excellent teaching and learning.
“I am honoured to celebrate the opening of the South West Skills Campus with The Princess Royal, who opened our Loxton campus a few years ago. It was interesting to hear her thoughts on the growth of the College since her last visit, and her thoughts on the importance of increasing the opportunities for women in the fields of science and engineering – something the College itself has been passionately working towards for a number of years.”
