THREE generations of a family connected to the Rycotewood Furniture Centre paid a visit to a college in Oxford this week to look at current projects.

Rycotewood College was established in Thame in the late 1930s by philanthropist Cecil Michaelis as a school dedicated to developing skilled craftsmen.

By the 1950s it had established itself as an institution more like today's further education colleges, with Christopher Goodger as its principal.

Then in 2003 it merged with City of Oxford College, with the site in Thame closing and courses delivered at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre at the college in Oxpens Road.

Stephanie Goodyear, Mr Goodger's granddaughter, visited the college on Tuesday, August 16 with her uncle Brian Goodger and three-year-old son Bram Goodger-Perat.

During the visit the family learned more about the centre's history and saw a painting of Mr Goodger by Mr Michaelis. They also viewed items from the Rycotewood archives including a Country Life article featuring Mr Goodger from 1952 and items from the 1950s, including a circular saw and an annual trophy, still in use today.

Mrs Goodyear said: "My family history really interests me and my grandfather told me a lot of stories about his working life and time at Rycotewood.

"I am an art teacher so I feel there is a connection between what he did and what I am doing now.

"This is a great opportunity to visit, to see the painting of my grandfather and to hear more about his involvement in the organisation."