Two generations of the same family have studied and worked at Eastern Education Group. Gordon Palastanga studied here in 1961 and has gone on to a distinguished career in machine maintenance. His daughters Lynsey (now Oakley) and Julie (now Evans) have also studied and worked at EEG for many years.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Gordon: I served an apprenticeship with Eastern Electricity Board as an electrician. I went to the College on day release for four years from 1961 onwards.
Lynsey: In 1990, I enrolled onto the Advanced Secretarial Diploma, with Penny Stevens and Pat Pemberton as my course tutors. Soon after learning Teeline shorthand and touch typing, I became a full-time secretary.
After many years of secretarial/administration roles, I returned to West Suffolk College in 2011 – this time as a staff member within the administration team of the School Links Department. A lot had changed since 1990 (but Penny Stevens was still there!). West Suffolk College was the place to go in 1990, and in 2011 was a great place to work. Progression was always available and encouraged for staff and students alike.
Julie: My time with West Suffolk College first started back in 1994 when I was a trainee chef under the expert guidance of Roger Carter, Paul Harding and Mike Mulvihill. 14 years later, in 2006, my parents received a telephone call from Roger asking if I might be interested in a “little job” within The School of Hospitality – I happily accepted, not realising that the “little job” mentioned involved teaching students how to make cakes, pastries and bread! Almost 20 years later, I am still working at WSC (although in a different capacity), continuing to support students within Culinary Arts.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Gordon: Harry Langley was my teacher in electrical installation. Dave King taught me electronics. The College building was very small in comparison to today, and as you walked into college, I remember the refectory on the left-hand side, with a few classes further down the corridor. I attended one day a week; back then it was called ‘day release’, and I attended West Suffolk College from age 17–21.
I have happy memories of going to the Abbey Gardens at lunchtime. Back then the College was small but homely, and I had a laugh at WSC whilst gaining my ONC (Ordinary National Cert) and City & Guilds.
Lynsey: Social events were always the best, especially at Christmas. A great team ethos both on and off site, lasting memories, thank you.
Julie: I have so many memories of both studying and working here at WSC. As a student, I fondly remember a student exchange trip to Belgium where I stayed with a lovely family and cooked at a Belgium college – my job was to make individual portions of traditional English Trifle with fresh custard – I cannot tell you how many times I scrambled the custard! Whilst in Belgium, I also remember purchasing some very stinky cheese, which accompanied us on the long journey home (apologies to Mr Harding!). My stand-out memory of my time so far as an employee at the College, was when I dressed up as a huge pineapple at one of the staff summer parties. Arriving late, I bundled my way through the doors of Australia House just as the Principal, Ann Williams, was giving a speech, to much laughter and table banging at my expense. Thankfully (as my face was painted green), no one could see me turn a deep shade of tomato!
What did you go onto to do after College?
Gordon: I have had my own business in the repair of domestic appliances for 46 years. College was a good foundation for learning.
Lynsey Using the skills developed at West Suffolk College, I progressed in my secretarial career and have loved every minute, although shorthand is a thing of the past now!
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
Gordon: Keep up the good work in education.
Lynsey: Continue to look after each other; the ever-changing world and challenges therein mean we need to be there for each other, more than ever.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
Gordon: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Educate to prepare, it helps an awful lot.
Lynsey: Don’t stress! It all works out in the end.
Julie: Education is important, but it’s equally important to enjoy your time at college; make friends, have fun, but always remember to try your very best!
