Photo: Vikki, her new husband Dave, Rev Neal Terry and Marge Boulton at Vikki and Dave's wedding. Photo credit: Michael Hawman, MH Photography
A Newcastle College colleague was recently asked to officiate the wedding of a former student.
Reverend Neal Terry, Safeguarding Officer at the College, supported Vikki Beat whilst she was studying Health and Social Care at the College in 2012. He was a Learning Mentor at the time.
Vikki is now studying for a PGCE at Newcastle College University Centre, alongside her role as a Learning Mentor at Northumberland College.
She said: “Receiving support during my studies was integral to me achieving my qualification. Neal always knew what to say and do when I was feeling overwhelmed, so when David asked me to marry him, there was no question over who I was going to ask to conduct the service.”
Former Newcastle College colleague Marge Bolton, who retired from the college after 37 years of service in 2016, was also a guest at the wedding, which took place at St. Barnabas CofE, Rowlands Gill on Saturday 25 May.
Marge said “I supported Vicky on a regular basis while she was at Newcastle College. The wedding day was amazing. The service was beautiful and very moving.”
Speaking about the importance of supporting students through their studies, Neal said: “The role of our Central Support Services team is so elemental to the educational experience and achievements of many of our students. It is truly gratifying to have students stay in touch long after they have left the college, so that we are able to see their development and progression. Even better; to see them settled and happy.”