Two former Isle of Wight College workers have been honoured for their incredible dedication and longevity.
William (Bill) Smith and Ken Killeen, aged 101 and 100 years respectively, were the guests of college Principal Ros Parker OBE.
Bill was Head of Food and Fashion from 1971, at the same time as Ken was Registrar.
During their celebratory lunch, another former employee, Leslie Vernall-Levins — a sprightly 84 — who was enjoying Christmas lunch in the restaurant with a group of friends, came across to say hello.
Ken had interviewed and appointed Leslie as a switchboard operator at the college, a role she subsequently held for six years.
Bill oversaw construction of the college restaurant and brought in a specialist team from a brewery to build the bar area.
His love affair with the Island began when he spent his honeymoon here in 1950, having travelled by train from Gloucester.
He recalls:
"The sea wall at Ryde was full of couples, who had come to the Island to spend their £47 end-of-year tax refund!"
Ken Killeen was born a stone's throw away from the college, at the junction of Hunnyhill and Banner Lane, where his family ran the Castle and Banner pub.
Bill says the secret to his good health and longevity is daily swimming and push-ups.
To celebrate his 100th birthday he swam 136 metres to raise money for the NHS.
Ros really enjoyed spending time with Bill and Ken and is looking forward to hosting a reunion for people who worked at the College in the 1970s.
If this applies to you, or if you know anyone who might wish to attend the reunion, email [email protected].
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