Derwen College, in Gobowen, is inviting the community to help celebrate its centenary year in 2027 by sharing stories, photographs and memorabilia – and by bringing them along to a centenary history stall at the Derwen College Fete and Dog Show on Saturday 13 June.
Former and current students, staff, family, friends and visitors are all being asked to contribute memories to help mark this milestone and add to the College’s rich history.
The specialist further education college, near Oswestry, is inviting everyone with a connection, to share what the College means to them. Personal anecdotes, old photos, and archive material will help bring the past to life and showcase the impact Derwen College has had over the last 100 years.
People can visit the special centenary history stall at the Derwen College Fete and Dog Show on Saturday 13 June to find out more about the College’s rich history, and bring along stories, photos and memorabilia to contribute. Alternatively, they can contact the Marketing department by phone or email. Your memories could play a starring role in the centenary celebrations.
Founded in 1927 by Dame Agnes Hunt – a pioneering nurse who refused to allow her own lifelong disability to be a barrier to her ambition – Derwen College was built on the vision of empowering disabled people to learn a trade and gain independence. Over the decades, the college has evolved and grown, while always staying true to Agnes’ vision, and has been guided by forward-thinking leaders and governors, and supported by royal patrons.
Principal and CEO Meryl Green continues this legacy of leadership. Reflecting on the centenary, she says:
“Derwen College has always been about people – our students, staff, families, and the wider community. As we approach our 100th year, it’s the stories and memories of those who have been part of our journey that truly bring our history to life, and we invite everyone to share their memories as we celebrate this extraordinary milestone together.”
The 50-acre campus now includes the Agnes Hunt Village of bungalows, modern student residences, a Student Union building, swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool and a new Nurture building for students with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and complex learning disabilities.
The vibrant Marketplace – featuring a garden centre and gift shop, charity shop, café, restaurant, and mini hotel – offers students real-world employment experience and continues to thrive. The College has also added smaller campuses for day students at Telford and Ludlow.
Today, Derwen College supports young adults aged 16–25 with special educational needs and disabilities. The ambition remains the same: to help students develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible and to contribute to their communities through work or volunteering.
As the centenary approaches, Derwen College hopes to gather as many memories as possible to celebrate its extraordinary journey. Your stories will help honour the legacy of Dame Agnes Hunt and inspire future generations.
To share your memories, photos or information, please contact marketing@derwen.ac.uk or telephone the College on 01691 661234 and ask for the Marketing department or visit the centenary stall at the Derwen College Fete and Dog Show on Saturday 13 June.
