College is digging into the past to find former students

A college is digging into the past to find former agricultural students.
Houghall College.Houghall College.
Houghall College.

East Durham College is searching for former students of its Durham-based Houghall campus.

Ahead of the opening, later this year of the new £12million redevelopment of the site, the college is starting to put together a history display of the campus.

Laying the foundation stones at Houghall College in 1937.Laying the foundation stones at Houghall College in 1937.
Laying the foundation stones at Houghall College in 1937.
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Th college already has a sizable archive of photos and articles, dating back to the official opening in 1938, but is looking for any former students or members of staff who may have further memorabilia or photographs of the site over the years.

The campus has had a number of names, Durham County School of Agriculture, Durham Agricultural College, Durham College of Agriculture and Horticulture and Houghall College before being merged with East Durham College in 1999.

A Facebook group, Durham Agricultural College-Houghall - Past & Present, has been set up.

Alistair Cummins-Macleod, director of marketing at East Durham College, said: “The Houghall campus is going through an exciting period, with its first major redevelopment since its opening in 1938.

An aerial view of Houghall College.An aerial view of Houghall College.
An aerial view of Houghall College.
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“We are planning a display to go in the main building and are keen to hear from anyone who may have items we could display, such as old college uniforms or branded items for example.”

People can also email any photos or information about the Houghall campus to [email protected].

East Durham College is also welcoming discussions from businesses about sponsorship opportunities at its redeveloped Houghall campus. Contact Jim Blower on 0191 518 8237 or email [email protected].