Two cousins had a trip down memory lane when they were invited to a house on college grounds where their ancestors used to live.
Rachel Lead, 71, from Stradbroke and Rebecca Loader, 68, from Maldon, are related to Belinda Turner, their Great Aunt, who used to live at Charity Farm, based at Suffolk Rural, a campus of Suffolk New College.
Belinda ran a dairy farm after her husband’s early death in 1929, with her daughter Marjorie Hubbard and then granddaughter Jill for over 40 years. They even looked after the farm during World War II.
The property – with two cottages and 140 acres – was sold in 1961 for £10,950 to John Matthews, and the land and buildings eventually became Otley College in 1970.
The educational establishment was originally set up as an agricultural training facility, but has gradually expanded into other areas such as animal studies, construction and horticulture during the last 55 years.
Rachel and Rebecca, who are cousins, recently came along with their family to have a look around the college and the farmhouse, bringing a selection of photos and reflections as part of a campaign by Suffolk Rural College to trace its history.
On her memories of visiting the farmhouse, Rachel said: “I was only seven, we didn’t have a car, so we had to get the bus, and I had to walk along a very long lane to get there. I remember being in the dining room for afternoon tea and going blackberry picking. My great aunt Belinda used to take the walking stick to help pull the brambles down. And I remember the cowsheds.”
Rebecca added, “I was only four, but I do recall going into the scullery because it was so cold and it had a sour milk smell – and also having a go on the clothes mangle. The front of the house was very memorable. Coming back, it feels like we belong here. It was such a lovely house and still is.”
In relation to what the college has done with the farmhouse, Rebecca said: “I think it’s stunning and it’s perfectly in keeping with its history. It was a working farmhouse, and that connection with the college that teaches agriculture is amazing.”
Rachel said, “It’s been very sympathetically restored.”
In terms of what the college is doing more generally, Rachel said, “My son came here so the legacy goes on. Being able to bring my two grandchildren along was very special – they are the farmers of the future.”
Rebecca added: “It’s been lovely to visit – our ancestry means a great deal to us.”
During the visit, the cousins brought along a selection of photographs that were archived, and they will now be made into a display that will be housed in the farmhouse that has just been renovated as a business centre.
Emma Taylor is the director of major projects at Suffolk New College. Emma said: “It was a real pleasure to invite Rachel, Rebecca and their families. It was the loveliest morning, and we are very grateful to them for reaching out to us and sharing their family history. We aim to stay in touch with them.”
This meeting came on the back of recent news relating to the college purchasing the land from The Felix Thornley Cobbold Agricultural Trust earlier this year. During a handshake between the trust and college, Alan Pease, principal and CEO of the college said: “This will secure land-based education at Otley for the next 100 years.”
If anyone has any memories of being a student or staff member at Otley College or Suffolk Rural, and they would like to share them, you can contact: charlottewegg@suffolk.ac.uk
The History of Otley College
The college was founded in 1970 as East Suffolk Agricultural Institute. It merged with Ipswich-based Suffolk New College in 2020, having previously been partnered with Easton College in Norfolk.
Prior to this, agricultural courses took place at both Witnesham and Chadacre.
In 1974, the college (now known as Otley College) branched out into horticulture and has continued to expand their provision throughout the decades.
In 2006, HRH The Princess Royal opened an equine centre and later that year, a £2million construction facility was unveiled.
Today Suffolk Rural also offers courses in animal studies, arboriculture, construction, dog grooming, engineering, equine, floristry, inclusive learning and motor vehicle – whilst continuing to offer options in farming and horticulture – staying true to their roots.
Additionally, the campus based eight miles north of Ipswich has expanded their farm and opened a farm shop and recently invested over half a million pounds in an upgrade of their animal centre.
Suffolk Rural also teaches commercial and leisure learning programmes and has supported hundreds of thousands of students since opening.
And every year, the campus hosts a popular free family fun event and a spring family farm day.
Previous principals include Alex Ferguson, John Pearson, Philip Winfield, David Lawrence, Jane Townsend, Viv Gillespie and Alan Pease has been the principal and CEO since 2023.