The Master’s Report on his IOW Break – Day 3

THE PLUMBING SCHOOL, ISLE OF WIGHT COLLEGE, morning

After breakfast the coach took us to Isle of Wight College, founded 1951. It is the Island’s ‘mini university’ and offers a broad curriculum from Entry up to Level 6. The largest subject areas include engineering and construction. We were greeted by the Director, Ros Parker, and her excellent staff who looked after us impeccably.

In a special ceremony, also attended by the Island’s High Sheriff and by the Deputy Lieutenant, we awarded 6 students with Plumbers’ Company Certificates of Excellence. 2 awards to highly-valued staff members were also made. Our party was then shown around the new Plumbing & Heating workshops where we were honoured to ‘cut the ribbon’ to signify the workshops’ formal opening! To cap a revealing and inspiring visit, much appreciated by our party, our lunch was prepared and served by IOW College’s catering students, ably mentored by their teaching staff, and very scrumptious it was too!

This visit was a great opportunity for the Plumbers to show their active support for the UK’s Further Education colleges and the fine work they undertake to prepare the plumbers of tomorrow. The Isle of Wight College is clearly in the vanguard. We were very impressed by the commitment and energy of students, staff, and leadership.

CARISBROOKE CASTLE and CARISBROOKE CASTLE MUSEUM, afternoon

One of the Island’s most recognisable landmarks, Carisbrooke Castle, on the western edges of Newport, has been an artillery fortress, a king’s prison, and a royal summer residence for centuries. We arrived soon after lunch to take in the panoramic views from the castle walls, wander in the moat, discover the castle’s nooks and crannies, and see the well-known Carisbrooke Donkeys at work!

On arrival, our group enjoyed a short talk about the Castle, plus guidance within the Museum, led by expert volunteers. Thereafter we were free to tour the castle, own of the jewels in England’s heritage’s crown, at our own pace. Then the coach headed back to the Lakeside Park Hotel in the late afternoon and thus the 2024 Master’s Break was concluded.

CLOSE

We give special thanks to our coach driver, Darren, with his knowledge of the IOW and his ready wit. We also sincerely thank the staff at the Lakeside Park Hotel, particularly Gill, who looked after our Plumbers’ party so well and were excellent colleagues in the months of preparation. Indeed, we thank the staff at all the venues we visited for the excellent service.

Finally, we offer much appreciation all our Master’s Break guests for their support, encouragement and patience, and for throwing themselves into the events with gusto! We hope they enjoy their piece of Jo Lester pottery as a happy memento of the IOW.

David & Kathy