By Duncan Bick

Last updated at 12:26, Monday, 12 November 2012

A group of new graduates have taken part in a piece of history.

From left, Amy Warwick, Denise Little, Michelle Serrechia, Rikki Inglesfield and Ailsa Taylor

Carlisle College presented them with their degrees this weekend.

They were the first ever to receive them in the college’s own buildings.

These were handed out on Saturday in a ceremony at the new building in Victoria Place, which was completed late last year. The ceremony has previously been held at Carlisle Cathedral.

Graduates told the News & Star how delighted they were. Amy Warwick, 23, of Denton Holme, was receiving a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) that will allow her to teach psychology in secondary schools.

She said: “It’s nice that it is in the new building. We moved in just before Christmas. Come people wanted it to be in the cathedral but it’s nice that is in the same place you did all the hard work.”

Nicola Hullock , 21 of Appleby, received her foundation degree in health and social care. She is now studying for a full degree at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in Preston. Miss Hullock said: “It’s just a special day.”

Her proud mum Lynne Hullock, 48, added: “This is a nice venue, I have never been here before.”

Julia Quigley, 46, of Haydon Bridge, received a certificate of education.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted, I never thought it would happen.”

The ceremony was a small affair with just 31 people there to receive their degrees.

However, others had their qualifications conferred in their absence, bringing the total number of graduates up to more than 50.

The guests formed a procession into the building. This was followed by a series of speeches after which the degrees were handed out.

All of the attendees were receiving qualifications conferred by UCLAN.

The main speaker was the university’s pro vice-chancellor, Professor Rob Dudrow-Marshall. He spoke about what the graduates had achieved, how their predecessors had fared in the world and that it is never to late to learn.

The ceremony ended with another procession, this time including all of the new graduates.

They got the chance to enjoy the refreshments in the building and its surrounding garden.

First published at 11:55, Monday, 12 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk