Rod joined West Suffolk College in 1976, in the Northgate Annexe studying A-Levels. He enjoyed the bohemian atmosphere of the Annexe and the great lecturers he learned from – in particular Brian Lowry and Gill Reid. Rod’s connection to EEG also stems from his father, who was the College’s first Electrical Engineer in the 1950s, and became the Head of the Department before retiring in 1986.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
I was one of the first kids to go to Thurston – when they phased out the 11 plus, it was one of the first schools built for the new comprehensive system. At 16, I had a choice at what to do, and my dad said, “Why don’t you come to the College”, as he already worked there. I did my A-Levels at the Northgate St. Annexe in 1976-78.
I studied A-Level English, Geography and Biology (Lecturers were: Gill Reid, Kathy Thomas and Brian Lowry). David Slade was Head of the General Studies Department at the Annexe. I think he was a Historian.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
My main memory is of the great lecturers: Gill Reid (English) and Brian Lowry (Biology) at the Annexe in Northgate Street. The Annexe was very convivial; small and seemingly autonomous. The lecturers were very friendly, and the atmosphere was very supportive. It felt very bohemian, often hippy like. David Slade, was Head of the Annexe (General Studies A Levels),
I have fond memories of dissecting rats in Brian Lowry’s A-Level Biology class at the Annexe. The lab was old fashioned, but well equipped.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
My father, William (Bill) Nicholl, established an electrical department at WSCFE in the early 1950s. He had long service at the College and retired as Head of Electrical Engineering and Construction in the 1986 (now deceased). He was originally from Northern Ireland (Cullybackey, Co. Antrim). He returned there in 1991 a few of years after retiring.
He came to the College from Heavy Engineering-Babcock and Wilcox in Renfrew, near Glasgow, where he met and married my mother. Prior to that, he had worked for Northern Ireland Electricity Board in the Ballymena area. He had come from industry and was a self-taught lecturer, and had not gone to university. He was popular with staff and students and skilled at his subject. He was also friendly with Bob Bell, who would become the College’s Vice Principal.
My dad established an Electrical Engineering department at the College, in about 1954 – there hadn’t been one before that. He was appointed as the first lecturer in the role and the department grew around him. He expanded the department over the years. In the 70s, it amalgamated with the Construction Department in a faculty structure, and my dad became overall head of both departments. Jim Froud was his deputy in the construction department
I remember Dave King was Dad’s deputy (electrical) early on, and he became a family friend. Dave was a technological whiz and an amateur radio buff.
In the 70s, the department provided link courses bussing in school pupils from the surrounding community. I remember being a schoolboy at Thurston Upper School and being embarrassed by my dad coming into school and talking to my year group!
What other staff do you remember?
I also recall Kay Pugley – she was the Bursar of the College and was very much like the matriarch of the place. Any course that wanted funding needed to seek her approval.
Desmond Storey – my dad liked him. He had a Scottish connection, and so did my dad. A pleasant man; I had a few conversations with him when I was a student there.
What did you go onto to do after College?
I went on to do a BA (Hons) in Humanities, at Trent Polytechnic, (now Nottingham Trent University). I did a PGCE in Secondary Geography at the University of Nottingham. I then taught Geography for 30 years in Nottinghamshire, Kent and the East Riding of Yorkshire. I ended up as Head of Humanities Faculty, then Head of KS4, and part of SLT before retiring.
I am retired following a teaching career.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
WSCFE provided a springboard into my professional career.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Take full advantage of all the opportunities offered!
