TWENTY FIVE years ago the Anglo European College of Chiropractic moved to its current premises, the old Boscombe Convent in Parkwood Road, Boscombe.

And on May 21 1982 it was officially opened by the mayor, the late Gordon Anstey.

The college dramatically changed the face of chiropractic study as when it opened in 1965 it was the first college in Europe supported by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and by the international chiropractic community.

Fourteen students enrolled when the college first opened in 1965 although only two went on to graduate in 1970. However, by the mid-1970s new premises were needed to cope with the ever-increasing demand to study at the college.

Boscombe Convent was the building of choice and although there was stiff competition from other businesses and property developers, a successful bid was placed allowing the AECC to secure the stunning Grade II listed premises.

The building has remained very much unchanged due to its listed status and still boasts beautiful original features such as grand fireplaces, sash windows and creaky wooden floors. In addition the college's library stands within the original convent chapel complete with stained glass windows and statues dedicated to the nuns who once worked and worshipped there.

Since the move the AECC has become one of the most successful chiropractic colleges in the world.

Growing beyond recognition it has become a highly respected institution attracting students from all over the world and visitors such as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales in 1991.

Today the college provides a gold standard in Chiropractic education and research for over 500 students. It also has an outpatient clinic that allows interns to see more than 50,000 outpatients a year.

Its silver anniversary year is also pivotal for the college as its recent planning application for a new clinic has been approved which will be an asset to the surrounding communities and allow the college to maintain its well-deserved quality reputation, whilst expanding its facilities further.

Fund-raising is now underway to help raise money to cover the cost of the build which, it is hoped, will begin in January 2008.

The Parkwood Road premises have proved invaluable to the development and success of the college which it is hoped will continue well into the next 25 years.