Do you remember when a striking hat with a fruit theme drew attention at 1992 college exhibition?

The Mail, on June 27 in 1992, noted: "The 16-year-old has earned a BTec first diploma in design.

"Even though this was the first time Furness College had run the one-year course, every student passed and gained the diploma.

"Verna's design was based on a fruit theme and took her five weeks to complete."

Catering students were able to put their new cooking skills to the test in December 1992 when they prepared and served a traditional Christmas meal.

The roast dinner was served to staff at the John Whinnerah education offices as part of a college catering course.

In 2002 lecturers at the college joined thousands of colleagues nationwide in a pay protest.

The Mail, on Tuesday, May 28, noted: “Picket lines were formed outside the college at Channelside, Barrow, to give lecturers the chance to inform people about their pay plight.

“More than 100 members of the university and college union Natfhe took strike action.

“Research commissioned by Natfhe has found poor pay levels and demanding workloads make it increasingly difficult for colleges to replace an ageing workforce.”

Furness branch chairman John Holden said: “They have offered us one-and-a-half per cent and they will not negotiate on it at all.”

Changes in buildings in staff are regular events at major education establishments and in 2001 Furness College had a new principal with a new hair and beauty salon to open, called The Studio.

The Mail, on April 6, said Val Bailey was the former deputy principal of Stockton and Billingham College in North East.

It noted: “One of Ms Bailey’s first official duties was to open the new hair and beauty salon at the multi-million pound Channelside campus.

“Students were asked to rename the facility that was previously called New Concepts and housed in the John Whinnerah Institute.

“The winning name, The Studio, was chosen by student Sophie McAlinden and the logo was designed by Karen Williams.”