The announcement of the £500k Lottery Grant for outreach, coupled with the presentation of £180 by Oliver North and Jean Cook from Surbiton Waitrose (Community Matters Scheme), made it a double celebration last Thursday as Hillcroft College held its annual Celebration of Achievement. The Grant means that Hillcroft can continue with its mission of providing education, support and hope for the many women who otherwise would be unable to access this type of opportunity.

The great news was welcomed by students, past and present who had come along to help the College celebrate. The invited speakers including Mayor of Kingston, Ian McDonald, former student and patron Barbra Hosking CBE, along with local author and broadcaster Alison Baverstock, inspired everyone with their words of support and encouragement.

After lunch and a few words from Deputy Chair of Governors, Sue Budgen, student Sheila Doherty was presented with her Adult Learners Week Certificate – Sheila has overcome huge personal obstacles during her life and is now close to completing her Access Diploma before moving onto University in the autumn and is representative of just how well Hillcroft’s unique offering works.

The event was brought to a lively conclusion by local singer/songwriter and future star, Aaron Norton who got everyone moving with a mixture of his own compositions and covers of well known songs.