It was a pleasure to visit the Army Apprentices College and Beachley Old Boys Association Heritage Centre today. It was lovely to have been shown round the centre by Chris and Stephen, two former members of the college.
The Heritage Centre tells the story of the Army Apprentices College based at Beachley Barracks and the young men that attended the facility between 1924 and 1994. The college was part of a system of educational facilities, throughout the UK, that offered military training, leadership, character development and trade training. The young men usually spent three to four years at the school before being posted to one of the Army's technical corps.
The Heritage Centre is located at Beachley Gate, Beachley, Chepstow, NP16 7YG. After being shut for the winter, the Heritage Centre reopens tomorrow. It is open between 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
This year is the centenary of the Army Apprentices College, and many former members will be meeting up to celebrate this event.
As many of you will know, Beachley Barracks is currently the UK home of 1st Battalion, The Rifles. The Battalion is very supportive of the Heritage Centre and their efforts to keep the story alive.
For anyone with an interest in history, or who had relatives who attended the college, it is well worth a visit.