Brooksby College marks 75 years in style with historic reunion
Past and present staff gathered with alumni, community leaders and guests to celebrate the 75th anniversary of students being taught at Brooksby College.
Distinguished guests included His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Richard Clowes, Mayor of Melton, Councillor Siggy Atherton, and the Bishop of Loughborough, Rt Rev Saju Muthalaly.
The day began with welcome drinks at Brooksby Hall before guests were greeted by Corrie Harris, CEO of Loughborough College Group, which manages the Brooksby site, who opened the event with reflections on the college’s enduring impact on the region.
This was followed by a speech from the Mayor, who explored the history of the college and its transformation from a 1950s Farm Institute into the respected specialist land-based college it is today.
A highlight of the celebration was a series of personal reflections from three key figures who have shaped Brooksby’s story across different eras – Malcolm Britton, former head of agriculture and student services; Andrew Wolfe, ex-chair of governors, former estates manager, and Brooksby agriculture alumnus; plus James Fryer, the current Brooksby College principal and agriculture alumnus
Their stories offered a rare and heartfelt insight into the college’s evolution, from its agricultural roots to its modern role within Loughborough College Group.
The event also welcomed two special guests from the college’s earliest days: Glenis Sharp, one of the first members of staff when Brooksby was still a Farm Institute in the 1950s, and Arnold Browne, a student from the same decade.
Their presence provided a living link to the college’s origins and the decade that saw its transformation into an agricultural college.
Following afternoon tea and the opportunity to browse a series of curated historical displays, guests embarked on a campus tour - a chance to revisit familiar spaces including the college’s on-site farm, and to discover the many developments of the last 20 years.
These included the state-of-the-art glasshouses, the modern Animal Care Centre, and a first look at the brand-new Agri-Tech Centre, currently under construction and set to open in autumn 2026.
Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, CEO Ms Harris, said: “Brooksby College has been a cornerstone of rural education for 75 years.
"This celebratory event brought together the people who built its legacy and those who continue to shape its future. It is a privilege to honour such a remarkable community.”
James Fryer, principal of Brooksby College, added: “Brooksby’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep community roots.
"Seeing alumni, former staff, and distinguished guests walk the campus together - from the historic 16th Century Brooksby Hall to our very newest developments - truly captures the spirit of what makes Brooksby so special.”
Brooksby College is hosting an Open Day on Saturday May 16, from 9.30am to 1pm when visitors can find out why it is the leading destination for land-based, animal, equine, and sports education in the region.
It is a great location to learn if you want to work with animals or manage the countryside.
Go to www.loucoll.ac.uk/open-day/brooksby-college to find out more.