OXFORD College of Further Education – now part of Oxford & Cherwell Valley College – is marking its 50th anniversary.

In that half-century, thousands of students have benefited from extra tuition after leaving school and gone on to enjoy successful careers.

The college, however, did not have an easy start when it opened in Cowley Road in September 1960.

The first students, taking courses in engineering, hairdressing, cookery, commerce and general education, found conditions rather cramped.

The single-storey buildings had been built after the war for the Oxford College of Technology, Art and Comm-erce based in St Ebbe’s and had been vacated because there was not enough space.

Within days of the College of Further Education moving in, the Oxford Mail was reporting: “The college is having a struggle against the limitations imposed by buildings which are too small for its purpose.”

That wasn’t the only problem. College principal Frank Candlin told the Mail: “We are filled to capacity and already we have had to turn away some students.”

The college had not needed to advertise it was opening – word had spread and every available place was filled.

Demand continued to soar and the college was forced to find other buildings.

At one time, students were accommodated at sites in St Clement’s, Rose Hill, Headington and in the city centre. The college’s lack of space was not solved until 1970 when new buildings were opened at Oxpens.

One former tutor with fond memories of the college is John Edwards, who joined the staff in July 1962 and remained there for 35 years.

He writes: “Many students gained their qualifications at the college and I am sure those who attended in the earliest days must remember the rather inadequate buildings but enjoyed a great atmosphere.”

“The college, under Mr Candlin, took in students not only from the Oxford area but from all over the world.

“I wonder how many students who attended in those early days recall their particular course and how many staff from those days are still with us, to recall their first lecturing at the college.

“I am curious to learn if any of the original staff from 1960 are still in the area.

“Perhaps Memory Lane might an appropriate place for others to write in.”

Over to you.