Friends and partners toast our landmark birthday

Local businesses and dignitaries have turned out in force to help us toast our 200th anniversary.

The college, which began as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute on February 14, 1825 is holding events throughout the year to mark the occasion.

In February we hosted our big celebratory meal for current and former members of staff, students, business partners and civic dignitaries.

The guests included the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Beverley Mullaney, Keighley Town Mayor Councillor Gulfraz Hussain, and Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe.

They were entertained by student Leonardo Balaz who played piano throughout the evening, while attendees shared memories and left messages of congratulations.

A distinguished past, an exciting future

Cllr Hussain summed up the mood on the night. He said: “I would like to say ‘happy birthday’ to Keighley College! It’s a great honour for me to be here to celebrate.”

Reflecting on a memorable evening, Principal Kevin O’Hare said: “We’ve come such a long way since starting, as Keighley Mechanics’ Institute back on Valentine’s Day, 1825 – so it was fantastic to mark the college’s anniversary in style with friends past and present.

“I really enjoyed welcoming, and chatting to, so many of our industry partners along with former members of staff and alumni. The fact they made time to come along and help us celebrate this historic milestone 

“Our commitment to helping the community and its businesses prosper is as strong as ever going forward, and we’re looking forward to welcoming the first students into our new Engineering hub, as well as holding more anniversary activities, later this year.”

Warm words for a proud training legacy

Representatives from some of the district’s key manufacturers, including Acorn Stairlifts, Fives Landis, Spooners, Byworth Boilers, Airedale Springs and Expressed Steel Panels, attended the anniversary meal.

Many have had strong links with us that stretch back years. In the case of Fives Landis, that relationship has included many of its senior leadership team being trained there.

Speaking before the meal, HSE & Training manager John Harrison said: “Keighley College was integral to training future engineers for what was then Landis Lund Ltd.

“While apprentices once had to travel elsewhere for training, we’ve now returned to our roots, with Keighley College as our main apprenticeship provider.”

Shaping careers and inspiring change

Mechanical Engineering Administrator Amanda Dowden credits the college with giving her the confidence to succeed in a male-dominated field.

Amanda, who started as an apprentice at Fives Landis in 1978, said: “Studying at Keighley College has shaped my career, and it helped give me the confidence to do something I enjoyed in an area that was not seen as something a woman would do in those days.

“The college has been an integral part of training future engineers. I hope it continues for another 200 years, inspiring generations to come.”

Guests from the wider community who attended included Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, headteachers from many local schools, Chair of Keighley Towns Fund, Tim Rogers and Gemma Hobbs, Bradford 2025’s Community Connector for Keighley and Ilkley.