Magnificent college heralds new beginning

STUNNING . . . the college’s Central Forum

CHADDERTON’s new Blessed John Henry Newman RC College has officially opened with a blessing by the Rt Rev Terence Brain, Bishop of Salford.

The bishop met pupils and staff as he visited all corners of the £33 million college, including the chapel at its heart, known as the Central Forum.

The college replaced St Augustine of Canterbury RC school and Our Lady’s RC high school in September 2011, one of the last schools to be built as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The Bishop said: “This place is very interesting and fascinating. I told the head teacher I would love to come and spend a full day and see how it all operates.”

College head Mike McGhee said: “We are delighted the bishop agreed to officially open the college and bless the chapel.”

Guests included deputy mayor, Councillor John Hudson, Lord Lieutenant Warren Smith JP and chairman of Governors, Canon Eugene Dolan.

Canon Dolan said: “I think the new building is just fantastic. This will be a great asset to everyone in the community.”