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Crawley College gave residents an opportunity to take a stroll down memory lane recently.

Earlier this month, service industry students at the college held a very special afternoon tea to celebrate the town’s 75th anniversary.

Locals snapped up tickets and enjoyed a sumptuous serving of tea, cakes and sandwiches, with virtually everything – including the bread – made by hospitality & catering students and served by cabin crew and travel & tourism students at the college.

Jean Elmer has lived in Crawley for more than 60 years, moving to Tilgate with a young family, and she was one of many reminiscing at the event.

She was also full of praise for the students’ efforts. She said: “The students were smiley and they must have been under a lot of pressure, facing so many people. The food was very tasty.

“I want to say a huge thank you to the tutors, the students and the organisers for celebrating Crawley becoming 75.

“I have been here since 1958, when we arrived at Tilgate with an eight-week-old baby. We moved to a three-bedroom house, having a choice at the time of three or four. There was no pavement, no local shops – vans used to come around with the necessities.

“I am grateful for my life here.”

Vicki Illingworth, Principal of Crawley College, added: “What a truly lovely celebration of the town’s anniversary.

“It was wonderful to share the occasion with so people who have seen the town grow and develop.

“The students did a fabulous job at putting together a beautiful afternoon tea, filled with treats and to such a high quality – they should be extremely proud of their work.”

The college’s 58 Restaurant is open to the public, and available for bookings. To find out more, visit www.crawley.ac.uk/58restaurant, call 01293 442218 or email 58restaurant@crawley.ac.uk

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