Garry joined EEG as a lecturer in 1989, in the recently formed Hospitality department. He progressed to Course Director, then Senior Lecturer. In addition, he was Branch Chair of one of the two College unions, working with principals and senior managers. He has wonderful memories of the students that developed their careers with him and his colleagues.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Prior to West Suffolk College, I had spent my entire career as a manager in the Hospitality Industry, from Trainee Manager through to a proprietor of my own businesses. I volunteered to teach basic English to ex-offenders and found a love of teaching, so I sold the businesses, went back to university and completed my teaching qualifications, and it was from there I applied for the post at West Suffolk College. I never wanted to move into management again as I loved being with students and teaching. My years spent as a manager were useful in my role on the union though!
I joined the very recently formed Hospitality School (it was called a Unit then as I recall) in August 1989 as a Lecturer in Hospitality Studies. Initially, I taught on the newly validated National Diploma (ND) and the 14-16 CPVE programme. I became the Course Director for the ND, and introduced the HCIMA Professional Certificate, which was then the precursor to validating an HND. We ran the Certificate alongside our contemporaries at Suffolk College, sharing the teaching commitment between us – an unusual scenario at the time.
I then acted as Programmer Director for its replacement – the degree in Hospitality and Event Management – which accounted for a large part of my teaching time by then. I did, however, continue as Course Director for the ND and maintained my teaching of the ND students, including on a Thursday evening in the training restaurant. It was wonderful to see young people progress from being almost unable to even speak to a guest, to organising and creating a themed event, and then to actually supervising that event in a live environment for 60 guests.
At some point in the mid-90s I was made a Senior Lecturer. Aside from my role in the Hospitality School, I also served for a number of years on the College Academic Board. I carried out cross-college teaching observations, was Branch Chair of the teaching union (NATFHE/UCU), and acted as a Trustee of WSC Education Opportunities Trust. From around 1992, I also acted as an External Verifier for Pearson, which the college always supported me in.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
So many! In particular, it would be taking my National Diploma students to work on events such as corporate and state dinners and functions. These included many years spent serving afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace (where I was once ‘presented’ to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and to which I did eventually get invited to as a guest!). Other events were: White’s Club at Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show Royal Gala, The Science Museum, The Natural History Museum, HMS Belfast, The Banqueting House, the British Open at Royal Birkdale and St Andrew’s, The Farnborough and Paris Airshows, Leeds Castle and Highclere, to name just some.
For many years, I served as Chair of NATFHE (later UCU) and I always believed that between three principals (John Shipston, Nick Foster and Anne Williams), David Howells, Mick Fell, myself and the other union reps, that we maintained a harmonious (most of the time) and fulfilling working relationship. I always felt it was a privilege to be elected and represent my colleagues, and I was fortunate to meet and work with so many excellent lecturers right across the College. It’s also wonderful to see how students have progressed. I still have lots and lots of former students who keep in touch via social media, from as far afield as New Zealand; some own businesses of their own now, some are high achieving managers and business consultants, and some are in totally different occupations, but it was the opportunities offered by their college course that kick-started it for each of them.
Another memory is of Principal John Shipston, who loved dressing as Santa each year. In fact, he often borrowed a Santa suit I had from my previous life as a night club manager. Also, when I started, we still had a staff private dining room with subsidised meals. This was located where the College shop used to be, in Edmund House.
What were the origins of the Hospitality department?
From memory, we started in 1987/8 in Australia House, where the Salon is now located. Then in 1989, we moved to our current location. In that year, they hired Bob Kells and me, and we came to expand the provision from City and Guilds to National Diploma.
While I was there, I saw several Heads of Hospitality. Gary Williams was the person who interviewed me. Then, followed: Martyn Wagner, John McArthur, John Nutt, Mike Mulvihill, Loannis Koursis, and Carmel Asbury.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
My wife, Marie, worked at the College for many years; initially as a part-time lecturer, then for Work Based Learning, then being the lead for the College’s work at Center Parcs Elvedon, and finally in the Teacher Training area delivering Assessor and Verifier Qualifications across all sectors.
What did you go onto to do after College?
I was lucky enough to be in a position to ‘retire’ at age 55, however I continued to work for Pearson until 2020 as an External Verifier and a Centre Quality Reviewer and Examiner. Pearson invited me to become an International Verifier, and, for a number of years until I stopped working altogether, I completed Quality Reviews in schools and colleges around the world who were offering British validated programmes. This was genuinely both fascinating and rewarding, and I visited educational establishments in Africa, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Dubai, Lithuania and Italy.
I also acted as an Examiner for the Institute of Commercial Management. Apart from the actual visits, the majority of this was completed online, which meant my wife and I were able to travel and could spend the winter somewhere warmer, usually Malta, and we continue to do so.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Look forward to the next 100. The success of any organisation is down to the
people that work there; the College has been incredibly successful, which clearly tells you about the people that have worked, and continue to work there.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
For students – college is a great time in your life, enjoy every minute, but don’t forget to grasp the opportunities it affords you. For staff – ditto the above!
