A pensioner from Morecambe has proven age is no barrier to life long learning.
At the age of 91, Barbara McInnes from Torrisholme is celebrating after completing a course in psychology at Lancaster and Morecambe College.
Barbara enrolled at LMC in 2003 onto a part time Hospitality & Catering course, with Andy Hipwell as the tutor in charge. She learned a great deal, both about cooking and about working alongside younger people, but unfortunately, she had to leave the course after one year when her late husband became ill.
Barbara said: ‘’After retiring, life was great for a while until I got bored. I saw an advert for a part time cooking courses at Lancaster & Morecambe College and, at the age of 70, decided to enrol.
‘’My mother had been a confectioner and a great cook, so I thought it was appropriate to follow in her footsteps and see what I could do!
‘’Last year, at the age of 90, the learning bug got me again. I am a drummer, which is very physical and satisfying in many ways, but I felt I needed some intellectual stimulation.
‘’This experience has been a real eye-opener for me, as the amount of knowledge I needed to learn was challenging. However, once I'd added the final touches to my essay and poster, and submitted them, I started to think, "What next? My brain is still functioning.
‘’The skills I have learned while being at LMC include the science of cooking, how people tick, how I tick, and what makes humans tick.”
A spokesperson for LMC added: ‘’We are proud to celebrate with one of our student Barbara McInnis, who has recently achieved her Certificate in Psychology Level 2 course at the age of 91.
‘’Barbara has been featured in both local and national press for her inspiring new beginnings after the age of 60, as she has breaking boundaries by taking up hobbies such as drumming and returning to education.
‘’She has embraced a renewed zest for life and is eager to explore as many new experiences as possible.
‘’Barbara’s diverse life experiences led her to enrol on our part time Psychology course. She was driven by a desire to better understand human behaviour, thought processes, and the reasons behind our actions.
‘’She described the course tutor, Laura Walker, as an “excellent tutor”. Throughout the course, Barbara’s passion for learning continued to grow, and by the end of the programme, she was encouraged by Laura to consider progressing onto the Criminology course, taught by Rachel Preston.
‘’Barbara's biggest accomplishment whilst at College includes everything from simply attending and stepping into a new environment, to meeting new people, learning new things, conducting research, and writing essays.’’
Two years ago, Barbara took up drumming, and went on to hone her skills with Chris Joyce, former drummer with Simply Red, who set up a school in the West End of Morecambe.
Faulty traffic lights in Morecambe have been fixed, says council
Children proudly show MP their new school allotment after £3500 boost
Person rescued from roof of house in Lancaster
Police Commissioner launches new fund to combat violence against women and girls
Morecambe FC owner says "work continues to complete the sale process"
MP takes Morecambe FC plight to parliament
Time capsule buried as part of Lancaster church’s 20th anniversary
Tyson Fury teases boxing retirement U-turn for third fight with Oleksandr Usyk
Lancashire launches Safer Streets Summer campaign
‘Crisis point’ - Morecambe FC owner sacks board of directors as administration row rumbles on
INTERVIEW: Can you tell AI voices from real ones? Lancaster University takes on the scammers
Man dies after crash on A6 near Garstang
INTERVIEW: Design legend's vase inspired by Lancaster landmark to go on public display
Local MPs go against government as watered-down welfare cuts pass key vote
UPDATED: Administration threat as Morecambe FC owner given sale ultimatum
Morecambe shortlisted for 'Let's Celebrate Towns' award
Lancaster and Morecambe crem installs new postbox for 'Letters to Heaven'
Plan for new multi-use games area at Heysham sports centre
New banking hub to open in Morecambe shopping centre
Owner's warning after cat found caught in trap on Lancaster street
