1. A hubbub of activity

ATTINGHAM PARK, Shropshire's Adult College, opened in 1948. It was a pioneering experiment representing something new in English life and education. Its success has been beyond all expectation.

Almost from the start it was quite clear that it responded to a real need. For there has been an increasing flow of students and there has been a continuous succession of courses, one group succeeding another to such an extent that for weeks on end there is not a free day, apart from the necessary times for turning round; and any organisation wanting to hold a conference at Attingham has to make a booking months ahead.

The College was set up under a Trust Deed and has its own governing body containing representatives of the Walker Trustees, Birmingham University and the Education Committee, together with co-opted members drawing on a wide range of experience.

GET TOGETHER SCHOOL
The founders of the College felt that there was a need for a place at which people with common interests from different parts of the county could meet together and carry on studies and activities of value to them in their leisure and work. Apart from the value of the studies themselves they thought it a good thing that Shropshire people from all parts and from all walks of life should have the chance of getting to know each other in the pursuit of common interests, and that in modern times such a college could make a particularly useful contribution in knitting society together and giving people a sense of unity.

7,000 ATTENDANCE IN A YEAR!
The success of the College is largely due to the inspiring leadership of its warden, Mr.G.L.Trevelyan and his devoted staff. Even in its short life of a little over 3 years it has become something of a landmark in adult education, with a national reputation. During the last 12 months 2,500 people have attended courses. Another 5,000 attended single lectures, conferences and concerts [Editor's note:  during the whole of the time that Sir George was warden at the College (1948 - 1971), 1,033 courses were organised].

In launching their project the governors were fortunate to find a house of distinction in a convenient position. It is perhaps especially appropriate that in a new age one of the great houses of the county should have found a new purpose and should serve the people of Shropshire as a home for so many activities connected with their lives and work.

From the Shropshire Star or Shropshire Chronicle