Phil Gillam: The Wombles, Shrewsbury College and me . . .

That record seemed to be on the radio all the time back then.

Of course in those days the London Road establishment was known as Shrewsbury Technical College, affectionately referred to by one and all as 'the Tech'.

And I have no doubt that the place has changed in many respects since I was a student there, wandering the corridors in my hideous rust-coloured flared trousers and insanely bright green shirt, studying sociology to a soundtrack of Gonna Make You A Star by David Essex, the unforgettable Magic by Pilot, Hang On In There Baby by Johnny Bristol, and Paul McCartney's fabulous Junior's Farm.

For me, the nurturing atmosphere of the Tech and the chart hits of that time are inextricably linked.

I believe the college is doing outstanding work today, preparing youngsters for the world of work or university. But, I'll tell you what - I reckon it did a pretty outstanding job back in the early seventies too, inspiring the likes of me.

Sitting on the playing fields during a break with my transistor radio, I would leaf through my English literature notes while listening to Ralph McTell, Alvin Stardust, Status Quo, Minnie Riperton or the Walrus of Love, Barry White.

In spite of (or because of) the pop music going into my ears, something of what was being taught must have sunk in too - because I did all right in the end.

And I have the teachers and the friendly, encouraging culture of Tech to thank for that.

I had come out of school with very little in terms of qualifications and even less in terms of self-confidence.

But my two years at the Tech opened up a whole new world to me and set me on the road to a career in journalism and decades doing a job I loved.

Even in my very first weeks at Tech, that first term, I knew it was the place for me as we young students - along with some furry characters from Wimbledon Common - tumbled headlong towards a Wombling Merry Christmas.

Linda Austin, our sociology teacher, and Janet Longmore (English Literature) were among the stars in my universe then, treating we youngsters with respect and friendship and pointing the way to a future of exciting possibilities.

Among my young colleagues in 'the class of 1974' I made friends who remain my friends to this day. And I'm thankful for that too.

Fast forward to 2014 and the ever-expanding Shrewsbury College is thriving, offering an impressive range of apprenticeships, full-time courses, part-time courses, business training courses, distance learning opportunities, and higher education (vocational and academic degree programmes in partnership with Edge Hill University and Staffordshire University).

I think the college is something of which Shrewsbury should be very proud.

And, for me, well - every time I drive past it, I'll always hear those amazing power-chords of Bachman-Turner Overdrive, and I'll sing to myself: You aint seen nothing yet.