FASTRACK TO A HISTORIC FUTURE

6th August 2004

FASTRACK TO A HISTORIC FUTURE Edge Hill congratulated one of its oldest students on record, when 79-year-old Cliff Peters completed the Fastrack programme.

The history enthusiast originally from Liverpool, but now living in Hightown, near Southport, is ready to take up a degree at Edge Hill, following his success on the six-week intensive course to prepare mature students for higher education.

Cliff, who retired from work as an insurance broker at 75, has been studying family history for the past 25 years. Now he?s ready to develop his interest further, on the BA honours degree in History, starting in September, at Edge Hill?s Ormskirk Campus.

Having enjoyed a varied career, which included a war-time stint as an air gunner in the RAF, work for the Forestry Commission, as well as a teacher of shipping practice and economics, Cliff is looking forward to the new challenge of studying at degree level.

"I chose Edge Hill as the campus is pretty much self contained and I should find it easy enough to get around. The History department at Edge Hill came well recommended, and as a member of the Liverpool History Society, I had already met at least one Edge Hill lecturer."

Despite leaving school at 14, Cliff has been in and out of study throughout his life, taking subjects at Advanced and Ordinary level, including English and Economics. And he found the Fastrack course well within his capabilities.

"Having spent a lifetime working in business, the time management aspects of the course were straightforward enough. And I?ve never been worried about presenting to large groups of people, although my voice is not as strong as it once was. I thoroughly enjoyed the Fastrack course especially meeting new people. I averaged around 76% on most of the subjects taken and I now feel confident enough to start the degree. I hope to do well, there?s no point in taking it otherwise."

Cliff also has a family history connection with Edge Hill. His Aunt was a student at the institution from 1912-1914, where she attended the original, women only, teacher training college, based at Edge Hill in Liverpool. ENDS EDITOR?S NOTES: For further press information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk