College principal is getting on his bike for students

RETIRING Yeovil College principal James Hampton is getting on his bike to support students.

Mr Hampton has announced he will be marking his plans to retire with the launch of a new campaign ‘The Hampton 100’ in which it is hoped to raise enough funds to purchase 100 laptops and tablet computers for less fortunate students at the college.

The campaign will feature sponsored activities as well as hoping to encourage donations from local businesses and organisations.

Mr Hampton will lead a lively start to the campaign with a 100-mile bike ride, taking place over two days in mid-October and covering South Somerset and North and West Dorset, areas served by Yeovil College and its sister campus, the North Dorset Technical College.

After ten years at Yeovil College and nearly 40 years in education, Mr Hampton is retiring at the end of December.  During this time, technology has developed rapidly and proven to be a valuable resource to many students.  Unfortunately, those who do not have access to technology are now at a real disadvantage.

PHOTO: Yeovil College principal James Hampton.

Mr Hampton said: “During my time at Yeovil College, the world has changed.  Digital technologies have revolutionised the way we work, play and learn.

"Computers and the internet open up so many opportunities for college students, widening access to the latest information and online learning tools, and enabling them to participate in the digital society.  That’s why it’s so important that everyone has this access.

"Rather than donate a trophy or plaque to Yeovil College, I decided I wanted to establish something that would have a much more lasting effect and be of real benefit to the students most in need."

Mr Hampton added: "I’ve called the campaign ‘Hampton 100’ and hope to receive enough sponsorship from my bike ride to buy 100 laptops or tablet computers for Yeovil College.  I hope that in creating this resource, both myself and the sponsors will be supporting students and helping them achieve long after my last day in December.”

Through his role representing Yeovil College, Mr Hampton has had the pleasure of working with many local businesses and individuals and is appealing to the college’s friends past and present to make donations to turn the Hampton 100 from virtuality to reality.

For  more information on the Hampton 100 campaign or to pledge a donation, please email James.Hampton@yeovil.ac.uk or send a cheque to James Hampton, Yeovil College, Mudford Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 4DR.

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