Principal represents local education sector at Palace garden party

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of North Hertfordshire College (NHC), Kit Davies, attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, celebrating the invaluable contribution of educators and skills professionals across the UK.

Accompanied by NHC’s Company Secretary, Robert Dale, and College Governor, Dr Kate Barclay MBE, Kit was invited as part of a select group of representatives from the education and skills sector that were honoured at the event.

The garden party, the second of the season, was hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, who both took time to meet and speak with guests. Organised in collaboration with the Department for Education, the event served as a tribute to those who work tirelessly to inspire and support students at every level.

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Held against the stunning backdrop of the Buckingham Palace gardens, guests were treated to afternoon tea and entertainment, including a breathtaking performance by students at the Royal Ballet School. Music was provided by the British Army Band Catterick and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, creating a truly memorable atmosphere.

Speaking after the event, Kit shared his thoughts on the day: “I’m incredibly proud to have represented North Hertfordshire College and the Skills and Education sector at the Buckingham Palace garden party. It was an honour to be among so many inspiring individuals who are making a real difference in education and skills training across the UK. Events like this highlight the vital role our work plays in shaping futures – not just through qualifications, but by building confidence, opening doors to new opportunities and helping learners discover their true potential.”

The garden party also recognised the vital contributions of countless education and skills professionals up and down the country. In addition to the King and Queen, royal guests in attendance included the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was also present, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the importance of the partnership between government and the nation’s educators.

Business group marks 150th anniversary with sports pledge

The Neville Trust Group of Companies, one of Luton’s most established and respected businesses, is celebrating its 150th anniversary by giving back to the local community.

The family-run company has kicked off its milestone year by providing vital sponsorships to three grassroots football teams in an initiative that reflects its long-standing commitment to nurturing future talent.

Grassroots sport plays a crucial role in bringing communities together and helping young people build the skills and confidence they need to thrive. However, a recent report in the Somerset Gazette revealed that up to 70 per cent of grassroots football clubs across England and Wales lack adequate funding to cover basic running costs. This despite a significant rise in youth participation for sports in recent years. In response to this ongoing issue, the Neville Trust Group of Companies – comprising Neville Funerals, Neville Special Projects and Neville Joinery – has pledged its support to the initiative.

As part of this commitment, the company is now the primary home kit sponsor for the Luton Celtic Youth girls’ team and training kit sponsor for the Stotfold Ambers boys’ team. The Group also provided a one-off £200 donation to Shefford Saints Football Club, an organisation boasting 46 teams across 12 different age categories.

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Vicky Trumper, a fifth-generation member of the Neville family and Director of the Trust, believes this support is an investment in the next generation of athletes. “Sponsoring local teams is important to us because they represent the building blocks for all British athletes. We have been in business in Luton for 150 years and have been lucky enough to have seen some of the region’s greatest sporting achievements.

“As a business with a prominent footprint across Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire (and Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and beyond for our construction businesses), we’ve always been committed to sponsoring youth teams where possible, contributing to their growth and longevity.”

The sponsorships also reflect the company’s strong personal connections to the teams. Kate Roberts, a funeral arranger at Neville Funerals’ Shefford branch, has close ties to Shefford Saints, the club where her children first discovered their love of football. Her husband is also a coach for Stotfold Ambers.

“As a parent, I was so grateful that my employer could offer a donation to the club that is providing a future for our sport and a future for our athletes,” she explained.

In addition to its sponsorships and donations, the Neville Trust Group of Companies has also shared its Luton Town Football Club home game tickets – which it receives as part of its business partnership with The Hatters – with the grassroots teams, providing further encouragement and enjoyment for the young players and their supporters.