A motor vehicle training centre that was run by popular charity SKIDZ before it ran into financial difficulties and closed down has been officially relaunched with the help of rally driver and former patron Paddy Hopkirk.
Amersham and Wycombe College relaunched its auto training centre, which provides motor vehicle training for teenagers aged 16 to 18, after a major revamp to improve the teaching facilities on February 3.
The centre, in Leigh Street, High Wycombe, was formerly run by motoring charity SKIDZ, which went into liquidation last summer after running into financial problems.
High Sheriff of Bucks, Francesca Skelton and Paddy Hopkirk, were present at the official launch on Wednesday evening, which saw a commemorative opening plaque bearing the former racer’s name created as a thank you for his previous work with SKIDZ.
The Penn resident, who famously won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964 in a Mini Cooper S, was recently awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to motoring and young people for his work with the project.
The centre now has a large workshop with five vehicle hoists, a dedicated new tyre changing facility, engineering workshop, four fully-equipped classrooms with interactive whiteboards and a dedicated kitchen and breakout area.
Alison Muggridge, campus director, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer young adults in High Wycombe a facility in which they can continue to learn the skills of the motor trade through our newly refurbished Auto Training Centre by offering full time training and apprenticeship programmes.
“It was great to see so many people at the event and it was lovely that Paddy was there to help relaunch the centre. He seemed genuinely touched by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in his name for all of the great work he has done at the centre in the past and we hope to stay connected in the future.”
The auto training centre offers level one and level two motor maintenance study programmes. Visit http://www.amersham.ac.uk/ for more information.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel