26 June 2010- Wallington Day Fair

This morning started by setting up a stall at the Wallington Day Fair which is organised by the Friends of Wallington Library and Gardens. Two ITEC students from SCOLA gave free reflexology foot massages to the public.

There were councillors selling cakes, the voluntary sector doing raffles and enthusiastic children waiting for the choir to start. The sun shone and a light breeze blew promising that it would be a fun day. Our stall was colourful and well located. We had many visitors who were happy to tell the new Principal of SCOLA how what we offer at the college, changed their life. Many said that without classes at SCOLA they would not know what else they could do. There was clearly a sense that our college community is doing what it is supposed to be doing.

The college's 'Get that job seminar' www.scola.ac.uk/getthatjob and July Learning Month promotion was very popular. I also had the opportunity to put the comments of our community to our Local MP Tom Brake regarding the concessionary fee for over 65's and asked his view on the matter.

It was great to see the SCOLA band there too, led by one of SCOLA's tutors, Maurice Pritchard. They played a few popular numbers and got the crowd's feet tapping.

I had to leave soon after 12 as I had promised to go and participate at the NESCOT open day where there was a promise of an opportunity to dunk the senior management team of the college! It was true and quite fun to watch where and the Vice Principal had no choice but to sit and accept the buckets of water pouring from the top when staff and students hit the bulls eye on the board above her head. An excecllent display of clever and innovative marketing. A joy to be part of and more importantly to have my little pooch Lilia winning the second prize in the best puppy category of the Dog Show. A very good day with memories that will bring a smile to my face.

Saboohi Famili - Principal