The Rt Revd Dr John Thomson, Bishop of Selby, was the speaker at Selby College’s 23rd annual Awards Evening ceremony, held at Selby Abbey on Friday 11th December.
Around 200 VIPs, staff members, family and friends gathered in the historic venue to enjoy an evening celebrating over 80 award winners who were applauded for their effort and achievement across all subject areas.
The key speaker for the evening was the Rt Revd Dr John Thomson, Bishop of Selby, who spoke about the many forms that education can take throughout our lives, reflecting on his own childhood and school days in Uganda , East Africa, where he lived for 12 years before his family moved back to the United Kingdom. Addressing the students, he said: “Education should be deeply treasured and welcomed. It provides a journey of opportunity for us all to learn from one another, to explore the mystery and meaning of life. It allows us to grapple with deep questions about what life is about and by doing so helps us become better informed.”
Guests included the Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor David Jeffels and the Chairman of Selby District Council, Councillor Richard Sweeting, as well as the Mayors of Selby, Goole and Tadcaster, Councillors Gavin Harding, Ian Blackburn and Don Mackay. As the main company sponsor of the evening, Doosan Babcock’s Commercial Manager Doug Skelton presented the Engineering Awards. There were also attendees from local and regional firms and groups who sponsored the individual awards, including Portakbin Group and Selby Carentan Twinning Committee. Awards were sponsored by companies including Drax Power Ltd, Forevermore, Greencore, The Press Association, JWPCreers Ltd, Thornes Independent Ltd, The Institution of Engineering & Technology, The Selby Times and RSM UK.
Della, the former Student Union President (pictured with Bishop John) gave her vote of thanks to all at the college and said: “Selby College was always to be my preferred choice of college. From its outstanding Ofsted reports and pass percentages to its modern and unique facilities, it certainly offered everything I desired from further education. Throughout my time here, members of staff have always honoured their students with the greatest attitudes towards the subject they teach; each one acting as a superb inspiration.”