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Brinsbury furniture students create lasting legacy

8 May 2025

Brinsbury students sat on the bench

Furniture students at Brinsbury College have created a beautiful legacy bench for students and staff to enjoy for years to come.

It has been placed around the college’s stunning Monkey Puzzle tree, taking pride of place beside Brinsbury House.

The project, which has been months in the making – from the initial design concepts to being brought to life this spring.

Six students from the college’s level 3 course in furniture design and making were involved in the project: Charlotte Bell-Bates, Sean Ofield-Kerr, Oliver Phillips, Benjamin Sanderson, Oliver Steel and Eliott Wilson-Law.

Their hard work was celebrated with a special unveiling at the start of the summer term, attended by Vicki Illingworth, Deputy Chief Executive at Chichester College Group, alongside other members of the group’s leadership team.

Vicki said: “The students spoke about the whole process, particularly how they worked to overcome challenges to really create something special.

“I was really impressed to hear about the project, and to see the students’ focus, commitment and drive.

“And I have to recognise the work of their tutor, Sam, who has created a learning space where his students were challenged but felt safe, supported and nurtured to work collaboratively in such a successful way.”

Alison Bell, Acting Vice Principal at Brinsbury College, added: “We are thrilled to be showcasing the work of our talented furniture students.

“When they were tasked with creating something that would create a lasting legacy at the college, we knew they would rise to the challenge – and that’s exactly what they have done.

“As we enter the warmer months, we know the bench will be enjoyed by students and staff alike – it is in the perfect location to take a moment, away from the hustle and bustle and just watch the world go by.”

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