8:20:35 AM: Today is #ESPA College’s #Graduation for the class of 2010. I’ll be there along with @ChrisX555, who is writing the official newsletter item
8:21:20 AM: You can follow me on twitter (@nmb340) or via http://www.mattdinnery.co.uk/ for the live blog. Every event & action will be covered!
9:50:34 AM: As in previous years, the #graduation is at The Journal Tune Theatre in Newcastle.
10:20:24 AM: The seats are quickly filling…
10:22:57 AM: In a few short moments, the ceremony will be opened by Chris Pickup, the acting Principal of ESPA College.
10:34:40 AM: Cliff Lee will again be signing. How many people will mistake him for Steve Levy?
10:35:25 AM: Opening address by Jak Dixon – “a full day of energy”.
10:37:29 AM: Performances this afternoon, one from each of the 3 college sites.
10:38:26 AM: Ex OFSTED Inspector, College Principal Chris Pickup takes the lecturn.
10:39:44 AM: 4 students entering HE in 2010/11 – the highest number ever for ESPA.
10:40:24 AM: “A successful year for the college”
10:41:12 AM: “Good, with Outstanding features.” – OFSTED report.
10:43:13 AM: Training & Awareness Group – providing training for staff, Connexions, colleges, and more.
10:44:12 AM: Successful long-distance bike ride – @ESPACycleClub – from Sunderland to Edinburgh and back!
10:45:44 AM: “All the very best for the future”
10:46:28 AM: Jak cracks open the funny remarks, providing entertainment for all!
10:47:10 AM: Sara Everett leading the graduation certificates.
10:47:41 AM: Now on with South Hill’s video.
11:08:53 AM: South Hill graduates 2010: Adam Seeley, Ayman Nasreldin, Jenny Smith, Calum Lockyear, Christopher Collins, Mitch Moody, [cont...]
11:12:01 AM: [cont...] Nicholas Hole, Ryan Nelis, Jamie Turnbull, Bethan Wray, Andrew Porrelli, Wayne Logan, James McLean, [cont...]
11:12:59 AM: [cont...] Glen Hutchison, Matthew Cunningham & Christopher Calvert.
11:13:44 AM: Certificates presented by Karen Barrass, Manager of South Hill.
11:14:33 AM: Jak Dixon saves the day with humour amid multiple technical problems.
11:18:24 AM: Tasker/Westfield video up next.
11:20:10 AM: Take 2 – can we get the correct video please, technical???
11:26:17 AM: Tasker/Westfield Graduates 2010: Michael Bowers, Louise Baldock, Mike Bungay, Marc Fisher, Andrew Jackson, [cont...]
11:32:40 AM: [cont...] Jonathan Laverick, Stacey Lenehagn, Jonathan Marsh, Matthew Munro, Josh Robinson, Chris Watts, [cont...]
11:38:53 AM: [cont...] & Ethan Austrin,
11:40:32 AM: Certificates from Laura Priestley, Ben Hodgson, San Stephenson & Frank Difficult – the Tasker/Westfield Management Team.
11:46:05 AM: Ethan Austrin has the mic, and is busyhumiliating himself whilst providing all the quotes for next year’s prospectus.
11:46:47 AM: North Rye’s video now. Yes, it is, this time!
11:48:48 AM: Ashleigh/North Rye Graduates 2010: Adam Killen, Andrew Dobson, Alastair Newham, Daniel Dawson, Colin West, [cont...]
11:50:28 AM: [cont...] Zoe Brown, Christopher Jones, Claire Davison, Andrew Knights, Edward Moorcroft-Hughes, [cont...]
11:52:34 AM: [cont...] Matthew Brown, Kaylee Smeaton, Mark Lisle, Dale Wylie & Rachel Malone-Pearce.
12:04:46 PM: Certificates presented by Wendy Hope, Sarah Eccles, and Nadine Hadfield – the Ashleigh/North Rye Management Team.
12:06:21 PM: The ceremonial part of the #ESPA College #Graduation is almost over, and lunch will soon commence.
12:07:14 PM: Danny Dawson has the mic, for the sole purpose of embarrassing the staff & managers!
12:10:21 PM: Andrew Dobson takes the mic, and dances!
12:11:16 PM: Jak Dixon quickly puts the remainder of the South Hill videos on screen. Or so we hope…
12:20:32 PM: Lunchtime. Break until 1310.
1:17:40 PM: We’re back, and it’s time for the performances!
1:24:22 PM: Jak welcoming everybody back, and introducing The Rise of Autopia, South Hill’s performance 2010.
2:04:57 PM: End of the first performance. 2 more to run, after a 5 minute break.
2:21:58 PM: Tasker’s version of Moulin Rouge takes to the stage!
3:04:55 PM: Wardrobe malfunction by Dawn on stage was hilarious. North Rye’s Oliver up next!
3:27:25 PM: Last performance of the day begins.
4:00:11 PM: With the final performance over, it’s time for the closing remarks!
4:01:14 PM: “Thank-you very much to everyone.” – Chris Pickup.
4:01:56 PM: Event ends – albeit an hour later than scheduled.