Lunch - Michael Finley will talk

Clipped from: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/5787561.lasting-legacy-to-two-key-officials/ 

11th April 2005 

AN EAST Lancashire college has unveiled a state-of-the-art new building which will act as a £1million legacy to two former teaching officials.  

St Mary's College, in Shear Brow, Blackburn has now officially opened The Finley-Stokes Centre - as part of a significant period of expansion at the educational establishment.   The latest arrival - designated for social sciences and modern languages and housing eight specialist classrooms - is not just a building but a permanent reminder of the work done at the college by a principal and his deputy.  The building, which has cost £1million, has been named in honour of Michael Finley, who retired as principal of the college after 38 years service at the end of March, and Peter Stokes, deputy principal.  Mr Stokes died aged 53 at his home in Darwen, after a two-year battle with cancer.  

The classrooms all comprise interactive whiteboards and projection facilities for DVD and video use and the new centre also includes a conference room and a fully equipped open access study zone for the exclusive use of St Mary's students during the day and degree students at night.  College marketing manager, Sarah Flanagan said it was the college's way of ensuring the pair's efforts were remembered.  She said: "This is a wonderful facility for our students and a fitting tribute to both Mr Finley, a highly respected principal, and his deputy, Peter Stokes who gave such loyal and staunch support to both Mr Finley and the students of St Mary's College".  

The new centre follows the arrival of its 'Hope Zone' an IT and media facility in 2002 and a purpose built nursery in 2003.  The building has been financed in a joint venture between St Mary's College and the Learning Skills Council.  

Mr Stokes began his teaching career at St Mary's College in September 1975 and was described as "a man of honour, integrity, trustworthiness and love" by his former colleague Mr Finley.  

Mr Finley, retired after an emotional farewell to staff and students at the college he joined in 1967 when it was a Catholic grammar school for boys.  

The father-of two of Belvedere Road, Blackburn had been principal since 1994 and during this time the college expanded to offer degree level studies in tandem with Liverpool Hope University College.  

The building was opened by The Right Reverend Thomas Burns who is Bishop Of The Armed Forces.  Bishop Burns is an ex-teacher at St. Mary's also a member of the Marist community who have been trustees of the College since its founding in 1925.  

The Finley-Stokes Centre was completed in eight months by Blackburn-based builders Hope and Crowther.