Awards for College Students

Readers of this Newsletter will know that The Ipswich Society has been developing a link with students at Suffolk New College embarking upon their BTEC Extended Diploma in Business. In this academic year, first year students have included within their marketing assignment consideration of the aims and objectives of the Society.

Seven students were selected by their course tutor, Ian Howlett, to present their assignments to a panel made up of members of the Society's Executive Committee, Sue Partington of Suffolk New College and William Coe. Proposals included new shops for the town, a new sport for the town (paddle tennis), the refurbishment and use of old buildings and, not surprisingly, improving the nightlife within Ipswich for young people. All of them recognised the need to promote Ipswich as a university and education town, able to attract students from both Suffolk and beyond.

Without exception, the students acquitted themselves well and answered searching questions from panel members during what must have been a nerve racking evening for them. Following deliberations by the panel, William Coe presented business idea awards and Jack Chapman presented an award recognising links to the interests of the Society.

Once again for me, it was rewarding to see young people of this College represent themselves and the College in such a positive manner. It was clear they valued the experience and opportunity to debate ideas for the town with William Coe, not only as a local businessman himself but a key player in the important work of Ipswich Central. The Ipswich Society recognises that a prosperous economy in the town is extremely important, something the students are also keenly aware of and hoping to play some part in, in the near future. So, once again, I find myself suggesting that these young people are included and consulted by those organisations and groups considering and planning the future of our town. They have much to offer and deserve the opportunity to contribute. It has been a delight working with students and their tutor at Suffolk New College and the Society would be pleased to hear from others in the education sector who would like to consider engaging with us.

Graham Smith