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Engineering Academy OpensReaseheath’s pioneering

engineering department is one of the first in the country to offer a specialist diploma in engineering to local secondary school pupils.

Fifty 14 year-olds from Brine Leas High School, Malbank School, Sir William Stanier Community School and Shavington High School began studying for their qualification in September. They attend college for half a day a week to gain practical, workshop skills and continue classrooms sessions on engineering at school, alongside their conventional GCSEs.

Hopefully the two year qualification will inspire pupils to enter the engineering industry, possibly continuing to degree level.

Our dedicated £1 million-plus Engineering Skills Academy has been fitted out with fun buggies, ramps and specialist equipment to accommodate the pupils and new, specialist staff have been taken on.

The academy is one of only 40 projects in the country to be funded through the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).

The latest news from Reaseheath College issue 16

Opening the academy, Joan Feenan, Director of Children’s Services, Cheshire County Council, said that every young person should have the opportunity to shine and that this aspiration was coming closer with schemes such as

w w w. r e a s e h e a t h . a c . u k l 0 1 2 7 0 6 2 5 1 3 1

that on offer at Reaseheath. The academy, with its world class facilities, was the result of an impressive partnership between the local authority, local high schools, central government and the Learning and Skills Council.

Recordbreaking Effort to Support Abi Our big hearted students and staff raised a record breaking £10,116 for a local teenager paralysed by a brain haemorrhage.

Funds raised through Reaseheath’s RAG (Raising And Giving) appeal went to Abi Davey, who has undergone emergency brain surgery. The money is being used to help Abi’s family care for her at home.

The cash was raised by the Students Association, who produced stickers and urged fellow students, staff and the public to ‘Take Abi Round the World’ by being pictured with the sticker while travelling. Animal behaviour and welfare degree students were photographed in a South African game reserve and agriculture students took the stickers onto an ice lake in the US.

Student Association Secretary Jennifer Kitchiner was determined that the 2008 appeal would break all previous records and was thrilled when the money came pouring in.

She said: “This is a cause that we hold close to our hearts and everyone has worked really hard to make this year’s fundraising exceptional!”

The total of funds raised by Reaseheath staff and students over the past 18 years is a massive £129,000 – all benefiting local charities.

Joan Feenan tries out a fun buggy at Reaseheath’s new Engineering Skills Academy, watched by Principal Meredydd David

Josh Johnson and Kerrie Machin

Two young people who combine their jobs with college training and excel at both have been crowned Reaseheath apprentices of the year for their outstanding achievements.

Bench joiner Josh Johnson and florist Kerrie Machin took top honours when we celebrated the graduation of over 100 apprentices.

See pages 9 - 11 for details of our many successful students.

Accolades for Apprentices

Jennifer Kitchiner hands over our cheque to Abi’s sister, Mica, watched by members of the Students Association

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Maintaining Momentum, Pursuing Excellence

World Class Facilities Open on Campus

By the time you have finished reading this edition of Grass Roots, I’m sure you will agree that we are maintaining the great momentum we have built up, and that we are also rapidly achieving deserved recognition for excellence in our work.

Our hugely positive impact on communities, on businesses and on the thousands of students we work with each year is continually being recognised regionally and nationally. Our close relationships with our school,

university and industry partners is at the heart of this success.

Reaseheath is a trailblazer and is accepted as being one of, if not the, top specialist land-based college in the country. Having read Grass Roots, that message comes through loud and clear. Over the next two years we will complete our £51M capital build programme. This will match the Outstanding quality of our education and training with world class facilities and resources. This is

exactly what my colleagues and our students deserve and I would like to thank them for making all of this possible.

Thank You.

Merdydd David

Reaseheath students are enjoying newly opened,

world class facilities as part of our continuing £51 million capital investment programme.

The latest buildings to be completed include a £2.5 million learning skills and student services centre, providing a state-of-the-art library and study area, and an international standard indoor riding arena which is part of a £2.3 million upgrade of our equine centre.

Welcoming the handover of the latest facilities, Principal Meredydd David said: “This investment reflects Reaseheath’s continuing success and growth and will continue to maintain our position as the premier specialist college in the country. The new build programme, which is college wide, will ensure that all students and staff enjoy 21st century technical and educational facilities.”

A total of eight major buildings have been completed in the past 12 months. Students are already

using our new IT centre, animal management teaching centre, purpose built construction trades workshop, two halls of residence and our dedicated Engineering Skills Academy.

Reaseheath’s farm is currently undergoing an extensive £2.5 million upgrade which includes a newly opened milking parlour providing industry standard teaching facilities and offering an enjoyable experience for both cow and operator.

Over £500,000 has also been invested in the college’s food processing plant and licensed dairy factory. The facilities and on-site expertise are used by many blue chip multi-national companies for new product development projects.

Construction of a futuristic Student Hub, offering dining facilities and leisure areas will begin soon, followed by the building of a Farm Interpretation Centre. New facilities for adventure sports, countryside,

horticulture and sports turf departments are scheduled for completion in 2010.

Minister for Further Education Sion Simon has toured some of our new buildings.

Sion Simon said: “This has been a very informative visit. I have been extremely impressed with the world class facilities at Reaseheath, the enthusiasm

of the students and the professionalism of the staff. The deep involvement of the college with industry, and the benefit of the knowledge exchange that takes place between both sectors, confirms the important role that colleges play in not just educating young people and adults but in helping industry to be competitive in today’s difficult climate.”

Minister for Further Education Sion Simon meets Head of Engineering Melvin Johnson and plant mechanics Thomas Murphy, Simon Davidson and Liam Brown

Graham McNaugher milking in our new dairy

Karen Myatt, Learning Resources and Support Manager, celebrates the opening of our new learning resource centre

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MPs Applaud Reaseheath Students take a walk on the wildside for Colleges’ Week

Reaseheath was the only college to feature on national BBC Breakfast during the launch of Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Day.

Lecturer Harry Delaney and horticultural students Mark Hargreaves and Colette Ellison met up at Chester Zoo for a live link to celebrate the achievements of those taking vocational qualifications.

Mark, a horticulture team leader at the zoo who, at the same time, achieved his NVQ Level 3 Horticulture with us, spoke of the benefits of gaining qualifications while Colette, a National Diploma in Commercial Horticulture student, described how she helped plant up animal enclosures during work

experience. Harry gave the views of the trainer.

Our five minutes of fame follow an uncomfortably early start and three hours of waiting, but everyone was

word perfect in the rather pressurised atmosphere. Which is more than can be said for the orangutans who were supposed to provide the backdrop – they went back to bed!

Reaseheath’s efforts to help rural industries become

more competitive and efficient, particularly in the delivery of traceable, high quality food and energy crops, have been applauded by MPs.

MP for Eddisbury, Stephen O’Brien, and Edward Timpson, who represents the Crewe and Nantwich constituency, discussed our commitment to driving forward the rural economy during a campus tour of new facilities.

The MPs visited our dairy parlour, animal management teaching centre and engineering skills academy – all part of a £51 million capital investment across campus (see page 2). Our visitors also learned about our investment into our food processing plant and licensed dairy factory, ensuring facilities reflect the best in the industry.

Stephen O’Brien, who is Shadow Minister for Health, commented: “The continuing expansion at Reaseheath shows the tremendous commitment the college has towards maintaining the high standard of its teaching and its partnerships with industry. The impressive number of employers and institutions which choose to become partners is testament to the college’s

reputation for excellence.“Reaseheath is training

students to the highest industry standards, giving them the competitive edge and the skills-based learning to drive forward the rural economy. As the local MP, I shall continue to do all I can to support Reaseheath’s tremendous development.”

Said Edward Timpson: “Food security, sustainability and

energy resource are top of the government’s agenda. There is increasing public demand for high quality food produced locally and it is essential that we have skilled young people to take this forward. Reaseheath offers wonderful support for anyone who wants to make their career in agriculture or in the land based sector. The new features which are being built are world class.”

Five minutes of fame

Our animal management students faced a tough challenge as they made a new adventure play area for ring tailed lemurs, porcupines and meerkats during Colleges’ Week.

Teams of students made feeders and hid them in the enclosures to encourage natural foraging behaviour. They built a climbing frame and hammock for the lemurs, constructed a tunnel and covered den for the porcupines and planted a shrubbery for the meerkats.

The skills challenge was part of a new, national week celebrating the opportunities and fun offered through colleges.

Said Head of Animal Centre Richard Champion: “This has been a really good event because it has encouraged our students to use their own initiative and develop skills which they will use later in their working lives. They have come up with some really good ideas.”

We are one of the few colleges in the country to have a zoo licence and the challenge took place in our Animal Centre, which has a newly opened £1million teaching centre.

We were also visited by Minister for Further Education Sion Simon as part of Colleges Week.

MPs Edward Timpson (centre) and Stephen O’Brien talk to Martyn East, Head of Agriculture

Colette Ellison gives her views of college life

Degree students Holly Webb, Danielle Hudson, Karen Carrigy and Hayley Percival construct a climbing frame for our lemurs

One of our porcupines climbs its new food platform

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Zookeepers from across the country attended an animal training and enrichment workshop hosted by our animal management department.

The workshop featured high profile speakers Dr Andrea Fidgit, nutritionist at Chester Zoo, and international animal trainer Sabrina Brando from Holland. Topics included nutrition and methods of handling and training animals to improve safety and welfare.

Animal Centre Head Richard Champion talked about enrichment and how to encourage natural behaviour. His advice was followed by a practical session with our serval, tapir and spider monkeys.

The 45 strong group included zookeepers from Knowsley Safari Park, Twycross Zoo, Chester Zoo, Paradise Park Hertfordshire and Woburn Safari Park.

Richard said: “This was an ideal opportunity for us to strengthen links with our industry partners. We received very good feedback.”

Former animal behaviour and welfare student Jimmy Dale is off to a dream job in the Caribbean.

Encouraged by college lecturers, Jimmy, 24, has secured a rare and exciting opportunity to help save a giant frog on the Caribbean islands of Dominica and Montserrat.

The frog, called the Dominican Mountain Chicken because it tastes like poultry, is a main source of protein for the islanders but has been decimated by volcanic eruptions and a fungus.

Jimmy is joining a team who hope to establish a captive breeding programme and finally allow the frog back into the food chain. Jimmy’s job will be to provide a sustainable food source and help train the locals.

Jimmy, who will be in the Caribbean for a year, said: “This is an amazing opportunity to help both the local people and these rare frogs. I owe it to the enthusiasm and encouragement of Reaseheath staff and the hands-on experience with the reptiles and amphibians which I couldn’t have got elsewhere.”

Jimmy completed our Higher National Diploma in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, which included work experience at Stapeley Water Gardens, Nantwich. He became a full-time keeper there for two years, followed by a period as an assistant biologist on a sea turtle conservation project in Costa Rica and a job surveying the UK’s native reptiles and amphibians.

He has since topped up his diploma to a BSc Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare at the University of Chester, during which time he completed his dissertation on the effect of ultra violet radiation on our own, home-bred Himalayan crocodile newts.

Groundbreaking new training enabling ornamental fish

retailers to raise care standards has been launched by our animal management department.

The bespoke training, a mixture of residential workshops and distance learning, is the result of a partnership with leading retailer Pets at Home. The training is tailored to increase the expertise of in-store aquatics specialists, improving pre-sale fish welfare and after-sale advice.

Pets at Home has signed up an initial group of 60 staff from across its 220 stores. Commented Kathy Toft, Head of Training: “The welfare of our fish remains our top priority and staff training such as this helps us to achieve this goal. Importantly, it also helps our business to maintain great fish care in-store and it is an exciting opportunity for us to encourage continuing professional development within our store teams.”

The training is available for all ornamental fish retailers, in Britain or abroad. Successful candidates will gain a Level 4 Professional

Certificate in Aquatics Management. The training is led by lecturers Dave Hulse, who is also a consultant for Tetra, and Dave Wolfenden.

Dr. Peter Burgess, an international advisor on ornamental fish and consultant to Mars Fish Care, has collaborated on the course content and points out that scientists have disproved the view that fish are “primitive” creatures with no feelings or pain sensation. He said: “The aquatics training at Reaseheath will deliver

state-of-the-art knowledge of pet fish husbandry and welfare – ensuring that staff who work in aquaria and pet stores are fully trained and up-to-date with current practices.

“Reaseheath has an expert team of aquatics lecturers and modern facilities. This high level training will make a significant contribution to improving the welfare of ornamental fish within this country”. Contact: Dave Hulse 01270 613293 / email daveh@reaseheath.ac.uk

Zoo Workshop Artistic Talent

Collaboration Boosts Ornamental Fish Welfare

Dream Job for Jimmy

Fish experts Dave Hulse and Dave Wolfenden

William records life in one of our sheep pens with his signer, Martine Loveless

Caption goes here

Jimmy Dale

Former pre-entry animal care student William Herd has grown his talents as an artist since coming to Reaseheath. William, who is in his third year with us, likes nothing better than touring our site with his sketchpad. His favoured subjects are our farm and small animals. William has progressed to Entry 2 and says that he thoroughly enjoys life at Reaseheath, particularly the new friends he’s made among his peers and support staff.

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Reasaeheath’s garden designers brought home an

impressive tally of medals from the RHS Tatton Flower Show.

A gold medal and best in show in the small garden category went to three former students who wowed the judges with their modern version of a family allotment combined with a play area.

Margaret McDonough, Catherine Wright and Jim O’Rourke teamed up as ‘Reaseheath Alumni’ to design ‘5-a-Day…with Hidden Play’, a garden featuring containers of fruit and vegetables, a seating area, two concealed children’s dens and illuminated jets of water. All three have become self employed after gaining our Professional Diploma Garden Design.

Margaret said: “Getting top marks at such a prestigious show was mind blowing, particularly as we were first time exhibitors.”

Reaseheath’s exhibit, a children’s butterfly garden ‘Metamorphosis’, was awarded silver gilt, just points below gold. The garden featured interactive displays of butterflies in various stages of development and nectar rich plants for food, shelter and moisture. The garden

was designed and built by students studying for their Foundation Degree, Higher National Certificate or Professional Diploma in Garden Design and the planting was described by judges as one of the best in the show.

Explained Garden Design lecturer Carol Adams: “The challenge for designers is to create gardens which are bold and imaginative while working within the parameters of nature conservation and sustainability. We hope that

our success will inspire schools, nurseries and parents to include an area in their garden where children can enjoy conserving butterflies and other beneficial insects.”

Reaseheath students also designed and built BBC Northwest Tonight’s garden ‘Go On, Have a Grow!’ which was used by television presenters throughout the show.

Aimed at inspiring show visitors to grow their own vegetables, our students used a formal, cubist design and black backdrop for a contemporary feel and created raised beds for easy access. Carol Adams answered viewers’ gardening questions during a live broadcast from the show.

Other successful exhibitors who trained at Reaseheath included Candy O’Connell, whose silver medal show garden was built with the help of current students.

Sue Beesley, BBC Gardener of the Year 2006, who now has her own Lodge Lane Nursery, took silver gilt while Jacqui

Brocklehurst, also received silver gilt. First time exhibitors Hugh

Thomas and Hilary Pinnock, otherwise known as Floral and Hardy Gardens, were awarded a silver medal and Louise Ward took bronze. Another former student, Katie Bratby, worked on television gardener Chris Beardshaw’s exhibit, which took best in show.

An ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed garden designed by Foundation Degree in Garden and Landscape Design student Alan Thurm will provide a relaxing haven for visitors to an M6 motorway service station.

Alan’s design for a wildlife picnic area with outdoor seating for Sandbach services came top in a competition after a public vote. The garden, part of a redevelopment of the site, will provide a

‘gateway’ to Cheshire as part of the Cheshire Year of Gardens 2008. A number of our Foundation Degree Garden and Landscape Design students had designs shortlisted.

Alan, a former teacher who is pursuing a new career in garden and landscape design, used his experience to create a garden which would appeal to children.

M6 Tea Party

Silver Medal at UK Skills Medals Galore at RHS Tatton

Students Alan Thurm, Matt Honour, Sonia Kay, Juliette Hamilton, Sue Johnson and lecturer Carol Adams on our Metamorphosis garden

Television presenters Gordon Burns and and Ranvir Singh join lecturer Sarah Hopkinson and students Matt Honour and Jools Martin on the ‘Have a Grow’ garden

Reaseheath Alumni - Margaret McDonough, Catherine Wright and Jim O’Rourke

Reaseheath landscapers won a silver medal in the intermediate finals of the UK Skills 2008.

Stephen Farrington, a school instructor, and Philip Johnston and Paul Griffiths, who are both self employed, teamed up to represent the college at this prestigious national competition.

Our team, which was managed and trained by landscape instructor Clive Evans, qualified at the regional heat at the Welsh College of Horticulture and weeks later went to Chichester for the final. They had to build a garden to a brief using hard and soft landscaping skills and missed a gold medal by just a few points.

Philip and Paul have both completed NVQ Level 2 in Horticulture with us while Stephen, a former National Certificate student, is now studying towards his assessors’ award. Philip has progressed onto his Higher National Certificate in Garden and Landscape Design.

Steve Williams and Tom Ironmonger, who were part of last year’s successful UK Skills team, represented the World Skills at a demonstration event of training excellence in Paris.

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There was a fairytale ending to the floral design competition

at RHS Tatton Flower Show when our florists were awarded a silver gilt medal for their exhibit ‘A Floral Fairytale’.

Our florists created a bed for Sleeping Beauty using English flowers, reflecting Cheshire’s Year of Gardens 08. The design, which narrowly missed a coveted gold medal, attracted crowds of visitors who also watched stage demonstrations by college staff and students.

Reaseheath’s florists have won medals at the show for the past five years. Head of Floristry June Shallcross said: “We were delighted to receive one of the top medals in our section. Entering prestigious shows like RHS Tatton allows us to show the public how exciting and rewarding floristry can be.”

Three talented Reaseheath students also came under the spotlight during the national finals of the WorldSkills UK floristry competition, held as part of the show. Sarah McLoughlin, Chrissie Sevenoaks and Stephanie Forrest were among just 16 competitors in the country to qualify, with

Sarah clinching silver in the intermediate section.

All three completed six intense hours of competition watched by international judges and an extremely knowledgeable audience. Chrissie and Stephanie were filmed as they worked against the clock to complete five designs for the advanced section. The footage, with presenter Rachel de Thame, went out on the Gardener’s World programme.

Sarah, a former civil servant, has completed her Advanced National Certificate in Floristry and now works for The Design Element, Manchester.

Chrissie makes a weekly 240 mile round trip from her South Wales home to attend Reaseheath. She is studying for her NPTC Level 4 in Floristry and spends the rest of the week working in a floristry shop.

Stephanie is also studying for her Level 4 qualification and lives and works in The Potteries.

Former student Natalie Stanyer, recognised as being one of the best young florists in the world after representing the UK at the WorldsSkills final in Japan, also demonstrated designs at the show.

Horticulture enthusiasts Philip Swift, John Pritchard and Christine Bishop are the latest students to be awarded the ultimate qualification for amateur and professional gardeners.

All three achieved the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Diploma in Horticulture after attending college for one day a week and studying at home.

The students first had to gain their RHS Advanced Certificate by successfully passing three theory modules and a demanding three hour

practical exam. They then completed a further three theory modules and a gruelling six hour practical exam to achieve the full diploma.

Philip, who passed with commendation, said: “Gaining the RHS Diploma has been the pinnacle of a life long interest in gardening. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed coming to Reaseheath and meeting like minded people who get the same buzz out of growing things as I do.”

John, who also gained a commendation, works as a

gardener and instructor for the Wirral Autistic Society. He received the James Bruce Award from the Institute of Horticulture for achieving the highest marks in the country for the practical exam.

Passionate amateur gardener

Christine is developing a two and a half acre plot at her home. She said: “Everything that I have learned has been useful and the lecturers have been inspirational. I’ve also met a great bunch of people from different walks of life.”

More Blooming Success for Reaseheath

Enthusiastic Gardeners Gain RHS Awards

Celebrating silver gilt, florists June Shallcross, Ruth Clarke, Sarah Parker and Sue Poole

RHS Diploma (full certificate)Philip Swift, John Pritchard, Christine BishopRHS Diploma (individual modules)Nicola James, Janine Griffin, Barbara Platt, Charles Griffies, Joanne Philips, Liz Beardsall, Helen Grant, Lynne Delaney, Judith LeeRHS Advanced Certificate with commendationSue Beesley, Margaret Jane Sellars, Rosemary Priaulx, Allison SterliniRHS Advanced CertificateAngela Farrow, Gilbert

Beadle, Liz Pearce, Christine Penn, Isabelle Brooke, Hilary Kenworthy, Emma Jo Harrison, Advolly Dube TaylorRHS Advanced Certificate (individual modules)Ann Faulkner, Mary Hoult, Philip Tatler, Julie Webb, Diane Parker, Marjorie Bruce, David Gibson, Clive Hambleton, Ralph Milward, Mary Moxon, Eileen Newman, Emma Crutchley, Janet McKeatingRHS courses offer a mixture of

theoretical and practical skills.

Details: 01270 613211 or email

Course Manager Sue Sherwood on

suesh@reaseheath.ac.uk

Successful RHS students were:

Chrissie Sevenoaks

Stephanie Forrest

Sarah McLoughlin

Successful RHS students and tutors

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Reaseheath’s flexible sports turf training programme

is allowing Bulgarian Georgi Farfarov to combine gaining new qualifications while continuing to work.

Georgi, an assistant greenkeeper at the Pirin Golf and Country Club near the town of Razlog, spends two weeks each month with us studying for his NVQ Level 2 Sportsturf. He then flies home to spend the rest of the month carrying out his duties at his workplace.

Reaseheath is one of very few colleges to offer such a flexible, block release style of learning. Our college’s quality training was also highly recommended by Pirin’s head greenkeeper, James Croft, a former student.

Georgi divides his time

between classroom studies and practical sessions on our commercial golf course.

He said: “It is very useful for me to work on different systems. The climate here is very different and you need an irrigation system only on the greens. At home, we fight with the sun in the summer and have snow on the ground for two months in the winter.”

Senior Sports Turf Lecturer Gareth Phillips said: “Our students have to be able to compete in a global market so we have been delighted to welcome Georgi onto our programme. His fellow students have benefitted from his input and have learned first hand about sports turf management in a different climate”.

International news, too, from Pierce Corcoran, who is spending a year in America on the Ohio Internship Programme.

Pierce, who successfully completed his Foundation Degree in Golf and Sports Turf Management with us, has been putting into practice what he learned about caring for turf under different weather conditions.

He spent six months working for the prestigious Oakmont

course in Pennsylvania and has now moved on to Farmlinks in Alabama, gaining experience in both warm and cool climates. Pierce is hoping to return to his native Ireland and find a job in course management.

Senior Sports Turf Lecturer Gareth Philips said: “Pierce’s experiences highlight the benefits of our foundation degree and our extensive links with American golf courses and universities.”

Golf and sports turf management students handed over proceeds from a successful golf tournament to charity.

Over £550 was raised through the Reaseheath Vintage Open, an annual tournament for golfers aged 70-plus. The Stableford competition was run by students on our commercial golf course and attracted competitors from several counties.

Income from entry fees, donations and a raffle went to Claire House Children’s Hospice, which cares for children with life limiting conditions. Events fund raiser John Maddock said: This is a very valuable contribution which is greatly appreciated.

We have 240 children on our books and it costs us millions of pounds to keep the doors

open. In addition, everyone who took part in the tournament had a great day.”

Vintage Golf Tournament Benefits Charity

High Profile for Adventure Sports

Our adventure sports students have been enjoying the high life on our new, industry standard high ropes course.

The impressive structure is proving a great hit during team building exercises and also offers our students the opportunity to teach and coach visiting groups. Adventure sports staff have taken new qualifications to enable them to teach on the ropes course.

Said Head of Adventure Sports Tim Reeves: “This is proving to be a great facility, encouraging students to develop both team related and individual skills.”

The newly formed Sports Department has launched qualifications for school leavers who are passionate about sport. The National Diploma in Sports (Performance and Excellence) is aimed at young people who have completed their GCSEs and want to develop their sporting skills as well as gain an ‘A’level equivalent qualification. We also offer a range of sporting opportunities through our first diploma and national certificate programmes.

The launch of the new department follows the success of a purpose built course which enables

Crewe Alexandra’s elite apprentice footballers to gain an academic background which is relevant to their sporting careers.

Another exciting development has been the launch of a second football team which is competing in the British Colleges Mens League. The team, managed by tutor Kevin Cunningham, is well into its first season and has much future potential. We have been playing successfully in the Northern Colleges League for some years.

The Ultimate Commute

Pierce Travels the Globe

Georgi Farfarov

Pierce Corcoran

Up and away – adventure sports students try out the new high ropes course

Students Pierce Corcoran, Lee Paulley and Jason Clinch and Senior Sportsturf Lecturer Gareth Philips present the charity cheque to John Maddock

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Reaseheath runs a number of successful programmes which enable people to update their skills and gain the confidence to return to work. Typically, learners gain useful qualifications and skills, followed by a period of work experience. Another alternative is our Green Gym programme, in which volunteer groups take on projects in their local parks or outdoor spaces – a great way to get fit, make friends and build confidence!

Mum of three Sam Vernon so impressed us that we offered her a job! Sam enrolled onto our four week employability

programme, during which time she prepared a CV and learned job searching techniques, interview skills, confidence building, methods of communication, health and safety, equality and diversity and obtained her L2 Numeracy certificate.

She wanted to work in administration but felt she had no relevant experience to offer an employer. So we found a work placement for her at college, working for the Programme Administrator for NPTC and the National Trust.

Sam applied her organisational and IT skills on

mailmerges, databases and spreadsheets and telephoned. clients. By the end of her placement she had gained valuable office experience, two Level 2 NVQ units in Business and Administration - and a glowing testimony from her line manager! She then passed an interview for a position as one of our customer services administrators.

Sam said: The programme was a great opportunity for me and I would recommend it to anybody who needs their confidence building”.

Courses which help you get back to work do not

affect your regular benefits or allowances and are held at local convenience centres. Contact Tammy Sinden on 01270 613196

Returning to the World of Work

Reaseheath’s ‘stars’ have been honoured for ‘going

the extra mile’. Steve Roach, Section Manager

for Agriculture, Countryside Management, Equine and Horticulture, has received the Reaseheath Star Award, presented annually to the person judged to have made the most outstanding contribution to the continuing success of the college.

Steve, who also took the Leadership Award, said: “I am absolutely delighted. It has been a privilege to be working with and leading such world class teams.

“Reaseheath has expanded beyond all expectations and the challenge for us now is to remain the best and continue to deliver a quality service in this fast changing environment. Currently there are two big issues, food security and climate change, and Reaseheath is in a prime position to lead on both.”

Steve has been a staff member for 32 years. His first appointment was as a senior technician in engineering, before which he spent four years in Africa working on land reclamation and water development.

Of his recent appointment to lead the Horticulture Teams in addition to his other departments, Steve added: “I love change and new challenges and I’m really looking forward to working alongside staff from this exciting department.”

Also presented:The Growth and Development

Award went to the Agriculture Department for the team’s commitment to and delivery of quality training which was supported by the agriculture industry and had resulted in an influx of students.

The Education Excellence Award was presented to the Equine Department for building onto the success of their Grade 1 status through imaginative ideas, such as rewarding students who displayed qualities above the requirements of their course.

The Peoples Award went to caretakers Ken Basford, Roger Holme and Les Shillito after an overwhelming vote from staff from the many departments they help throughout the year and for helping to prepare for the many college events.

The Customer Service Award

went to the Customer Service Team of Jo Studzinska, Val Finneren, Pippa Copeland, Pauline Prince, Sarah Leeson and Sam Vernon for the proactive way they responded to the needs of clients and partners.

The Diversity Champion Award, which recognises efforts to ensure all Reaseheath

College Champions Honoured

Sam Vernon

Pippa Copeland and Pauline Prince

Steve Roach

Roger Holme, Ken Basford and Les Shillito

students have an equal chance to be happy and successful, went jointly to Pre-Entry Course Manager Louise Badjie and Entry Course Manager Chris Loret. Both were said to be inspirational and tireless leaders, constantly striving to find the best way to support the students in their care.

Val Finneren and Jo Studzinska

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Two young people who combine their jobs with

college training and excel at both have been crowned Reaseheath apprentices of the year for their outstanding achievements.

Bench joiner Josh Johnson and florist Kerrie Machin took top honours when we celebrated the graduation of over 100 apprentices.

Josh, 20, who works for Conran Homes, Faddiley, took the Apprentice of the Year award while Kerrie, also 20, a florist with Country Flowers, Knutsford, and Biddulph Flower Shop, was crowned Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

Josh achieved his award for the high standard of his written work and for practical achievements such as helping to set up risk assessments for the company’s new workshop. He has now progressed onto his Advanced Apprenticeship.

Kerrie was singled out for her high level of commitment, her natural flair and for her keen eye for colour and design.

Announcing the awards, Christine Middleton, Reaseheath’s Apprenticeship Team Leader, said that many of the apprenticeships had been achieved in record time, and that this proved a high level of determination and focus – the sort of skills welcomed by employers.

Other principle awards presented on the night were:

Best Agriculture Project: Ed Atkin, 17, an apprentice herdsman who works for his parents, Chris and Isobel Atkin, on their dairy farm at Darley Hall, Oulton Park

Best Animal Care Apprentice: Erica Brian, 18, of Cheadle, Stoke, a groom/trainer with the J.Podmore Racing Stables at Uttoxeter

Best Floristry Apprentice: Claire Littler, 25, of Northwich, a florist with The Black Rose, Hale. A former office worker, Claire has progressed onto her advanced apprenticeship and hopes to take her assessor’s award.

Best Construction Apprentice: Andrew Hughes, 23, a bricklayer with builder J. A. Cliff Building Services in Norton-in-Hales, Shropshire. He is responsible for younger apprentices in the work place.

Best Food Apprentice: Jack Sidebottom, 17, of Mottram St. Andrew, an apprentice butcher

with Nixon and Sons and now starting up a small farm shop

Certificate of Endeavour: Tom Bray, 18, food apprentice (Blackhurst Butchers)

Certificate of Excellence: Michael Fuller,18, agriculture apprentice (CE and A Walley) and horticulture apprentices David Crawford, 24, (Numast) and Scott Maddock,18, (Halton Borough Council)u The Apprenticeship and

Advanced Apprenticeship schemes allow wage-earning trainees aged 16 - 24 to gain nationally recognised qualifications by attending college on one day a week. We also offer Adult Apprenticeships for those aged 25+.

u Employers include golf clubs, exterior landscapers, kennels, pet shops, livery stables, florists, farms and the food and

construction industries.u Reaseheath is looking for more

animal care employers who will take on work based trainees

Contact Reaseheath’s Work Based Learning team: 01270 613258.

Apprentices Luke Mason and Paul Boardman have gone on to take national awards.

Luke, who won last year’s Reaseheath Apprentice of the Year, was just pipped at the post in the North West Learner Awards. He was runner up in the personal achiever category at the prestigious event, organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Learning and Skills Council, and received a cheque and certificate from Simon Weston OBE, the inspirational Falklands war veteran. Luke works on a dairy farm.

Paul, an employee of the Landscape Services Department of Halton Borough Council, has taken the title of Young Horticulturist of the Year in a national competition run by the Association for Public Service Excellence.

Accolades for Apprentices

Double Honours for Apprentices

Luke Mason celebrates with his boss Rob Hodgson

Top apprentices celebrate

Jack Sidebottom

Top for construction – Andrew Hughes

Agricultural excellence Ed Atkins and Michael Fuller

Best animal care apprentice Erica Brian

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Reaseheath Students Celebrate Exceptional YearOur students celebrated

an exceptional year at an accolade packed awards ceremony.

Nearly 770 students graduated at the end of an academic year which saw a record number of enrollments and completed qualifications.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Principal Meredydd David outlined highlights, achieved by very few colleges, including: u Confirmation from Ofsted,

following two recent assessments, that Reaseheath continues to achieve its ‘Outstanding’ status and that high retention, achievement and success rates placed the college in the top ten of all colleges in England

u The award of the new Training Quality Standard in recognition of Reaseheath’s excellent partnerships with industry

u The award of Beacon status in recognition of both an outstanding Ofsted inspection and the excellent success rates of studentsMeredydd emphasised that

over one million people were employed in the UK’s land-based industries and that 21,000 newly trained and qualified staff were employed each year. He also underlined the fact that land based industries directly influenced key challenges such as food production, climate change, environmental management and energy supply.

Five students were singled out for special awards :

Foundation Degree in Adventure Sports Management student Kara Heritage-Smith for making the best contribution to college life, mainly for her key role in ensuring the massive success of the college social calendar.

National Certificate in Animal Management student Hayley Juniper, for her drive and enthusiasm in representing the college as a student ambassador, for her work as a student representative on the college board of governors and for her leading role in charity fund-raising. Hayley is taking a year off from her studies to take up a

new, full time position of Student President, aimed at strengthening dialogue between Reaseheath’s students, staff and governors.

Bahamas resident Michael Lever was recognised for his personal qualities. Described as a very mature and sociable young man, Michael made the Transatlantic trip to study on our First Diploma in Adventure Sport.

Selected as the student who contributed most to sporting activities, former player for Wrexham Ladies’ Football Team Rachel Jones was honoured for the work she had put into creating, supporting and training Reaseheath’s ladies’ footballers. This included gaining access to the indoor training facilities of the Crewe Alexandra football academy.

The Beacon Trophy, celebrating excellence, went to Kate Nicholas and her border collie Gin, who became household names as finalists in the tv series “Britain’s Got Talent”. Described as “the best act of its kind in the world” by judge Simon Cowell, Kate and Gin went on to complete an 18 city UK tour and have published a book to encourage other people to follow in their paw prints.

The awards were handed out by Professor Gordon McGregor Reid, Director General of Chester Zoo, and by Joan Feenan, Director of Children’s Services, Cheshire County Council. They were thanked by Students Association President Andy Goldstraw and Vice President Sam Walton.

Special students: Kara Heritage-Smith, Rachel Jones, Kate Nicholas, Hayley Juniper and Michael Lever

Tom Lomas (Best bank exercise), an Advanced

National Certificate in Agriculture student, both completed his bank exercise and had an interview with a bank manager to discuss future options. For his assignment, Tom and fellow students visited local farmer Dave Johnson, who gave them a tour of his current set-up with financial data. Students had to produce a SWOT analysis with cash flows, revised gross margins, a profit and loss account and a balance sheet.

Tom said: “I learned a lot from this exercise and it will be very useful later in my career.”

Vocational Skills: uCallum Mitchell (Best Overall

Student);uBridget Olsen-Rong (Most

improved student)

Foundation Certificates uMartin Hayward (Best overall

student, animal care);uChristopher Jordan (Staff

prize A, animal care);uAmy Lowe (Staff prize B,

animal care);uDanielle Ayris (Staff prize,

agriculture and countryside);uLenard Owens (Staff prize,

equine studies);uNathan Hayward (Staff prize,

horticulture);uCallum Mitchell (Staff prize,

engineering)uMatthew Tolley (Most

improved, foundation engineering)

Animal Care uAaron Reale (Best overall

student, First Diploma);uNicole Blackshaw (Best

group ‘A’ student, First Diploma);

uElizabeth Cope (Best group ‘B’ student, First Diploma),

uMatthew Preen (Best group ‘C’ student, First Diploma)

Animal ManagementuJennifer Clarke-Lewis (Best

academic student, National Certificate);

uSarah Lloyd (Best practical student, National Certificate); Rachel Edwards (Best academic student, National Diploma);

uPaul Read (Best practical student, National Diploma);

uThea Isherwood (Merit Award for Outstanding Effort, National Diploma);

uRachel Deaville (Best student, National Award)

ConstructionuLuke Raynor (Best overall

bricklayer, Level 1);uDominic Barber (Most

improved bricklayer, Level 1);uEdward Williams (Best overall

bricklayer, level 2);uAdam Jones (Best overall

joiner, Level 1);uAshley Alcock (Most

improved joiner, Level 1);uMichael Lawson (Best overall

joiner, level 2)

BusinessuSimon Berresford (Best

student)

Access to HEuAbigail Nail (Best student)

Adventure Sport uVincent Martin and Charlotte

Ball (Best students, First Diploma);

uKelly Wynne (Best student, National Certificate);

uStephen Brownsill (Best student, National Diploma)

Equine StudiesuCaroline Clegg (Best student,

First Diploma);uRebecca Cartlidge (Most

improved student, First Diploma);

uGemma Brown (Croft End Equestrian Centre Award);

uPolly Graham (Best student, National Diploma);

uAislin O’Raw (Most improved student, National Diploma);

uBecky Armitt (For Care and Consideration of Horses)

Floristry uMandy Smith (Best student,

National Certificate);uEmma Haslett (Most

improved student);uSarah MacLoughlin (Best

student, Advanced National

Principal award winners:

11www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Dairy Herd ManagementuRebecca Cotton (Best

student);uLouise Littler (Royal Agricultural

Society of England Award: Student from any course showing an exceptional level of commitment)

Mixed FarminguTom Lomas (Best practical

student);uTom Lomas (Best bank exercise);uWilliam Parker (staff prize for

endeavour)

National Diploma in Animal Management student

Laura Nicholas, who has just graduated, has earned a hotly contested place to read veterinary medicine at Nottingham University.

Laura, 20, believes that the high practical content of the course, plus the 15 months she spent in America working for a large show kennels, gave her the edge over other would-be vet students.

Laura said: “I’d had loads of work experience and this seemed to really impress the board at my interview. Being a student at Reaseheath meant I’d worked with a range of exotic animals like the lemurs, tapir and meerkats, so I had lots to talk about.”

Now looking forward to six years of university life, Laura added: “ I’m really excited. If I had done straight ‘A’ levels I

wouldn’t have studied so hard.”Laura is older sister to Kate,

national finalist in the tv hit series ’Britain’s Got Talent’ with her dog, Gin (see elsewhere on this page).

Vet Place for Laura

Certificate);uAlexandria Paisley-

Dickinson (Most improved student, Advanced National Certificate)

Horticulture uAdam Fitzsimmons (Best

student, First Diploma);uThomas Lambe (For

endeavour, First Diploma);uLouise Black (Best student,

National Certificate);uJames Thomas (For

endeavour, National Certificate);

uPhilip Adedeji (Best practical student, National Certificate);

uClaire Rawle (Best student, National Diploma);

uMark Smith (Best student runner up, National Diploma);

uTom Reed (Most improved student, National Diploma)

Environmental ConservationuJack Jeffrey (Best student);

Hollie Latham (Most progress);

uShane Clark (Best practical student);

uMark Whitfield (For endeavour)

Countryside ManagementuClaire Faulkner (Best

student);uGethin Thomas (Most

progress);uThomas Gleave (Best

practical student)

Land Based TechnologyuSamuel Allman (Best student,

First Diploma);uFraser McNicoll (For

endeavour, First Diploma);uAlastair Tollett (Best practical

student, First Diploma);uChris Coppenhall (Best

student, National Diploma);uSam Rowley (Best practical

student, National Diploma);uRichard Cornes (For

endeavour, National Diploma)

Vehicle TechnologyuDaniel Bennett (Best student,

First Diploma);uKyle Alcott (Best practical

student)

Food Health and NutritionuIsobel Slack (Best student);uFay Mountford (Best student

contribution to the food department)

AgricultureuRebekah Allen (Best student,

First Diploma);uMatthew Mullin (For

endeavour, First Diploma);uEmma Pickard (Best student,

National Diploma);uBen Lowe (Best student,

livestock production);uEmma Pickard (Best student,

crop production);uHannah Slack (Champion

Handler Reaseheath Open Day calf show);

uMatthew Barker (For endeavour, National Diploma);

uJonathan Langridge (Best student, National Certificate);

uCarla Madeley (For endeavour, National Certificate);

uSimon Baskerville (Best practical student, National Certificate)

Environmentalist Mark Whitfield with the Rob Rowlinson award for endeavour

Isobel Slack, best student, food health and nutrition, receives a new award from the Food, Drink and Agricultural Group of the Chartered Institute of Marketing

Elizabeth Cope, Nicole Blackshaw, Matthew Preen, Rachel Edwards, Paul Read, Thea Isherwood, Kate Nicholas and Aaron Reale with Professor Gordon McGregor Reid

Emma Pickard, best student, National Diploma Agriculture

Laura Nicholas

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Thirty two apprentice construction plant mechanics, who work for leading companies nationwide, graduated from a two year, part-time training programme at Reaseheath.

At their workplace the apprentices maintain machinery ranging from heavy earthmovers to small hire tools. At college, they learn new skills on a tailormade block release course run to industry standards by our engineering department.

The students gain their Technical Certificate and NVQ Level 2 in Plant Maintenance, plus other industry recognised qualifications and key skills. The majority plan to progress to an advanced apprenticeship at Reaseheath.

Four students received special awards at the graduation ceremony:u Apprentice of the Year: Tom

Gates (Banner Plant, Derby)u Best practical student: Wayne

Hughes (GAP Plant Hire, Bangor, North Wales)

u Most improved work-based evidence: Callum Lister (Hewden Plant, Barnsley)

u For endeavour: Gary Jones (Jones Brothers, Ruthin, North Wales)Welcoming guests including

representatives of funding bodies CITB Construction Skills and Total People, Vice Principal Dave Kynaston said that Reaseheath’s engineering department, which has a national reputation for agricultural engineering training, had set out 12 years ago to develop specific training for the construction plant industry. Employer support had been strong and the college was now recognised as a leading provider of quality training.

Proceeds from a glittering gala evening run by National Diploma in Events Management students have been donated to a local cancer charity.

‘Style Events’ members Rachel Vernon, Clarrie Hocknell and Lizzi Hough handed over £3078 to St. Luke’s Hospice. They were part of a team who organised the ambitious dinner dance and charity auction in a marquee in front of the college lake.

St Luke’s Events Co-ordinator Jane Thompson said: “I was really impressed with the way the students organised the ball. Running a successful event is very hard work. They had a professional approach and a tremendous eye for detail.

“We have to raise £5,200 every single day just to keep the charity going, so donations like

these are very important to us.”Clarrie Hocknell said: “Running

the ball was a lot of responsibility

so we were really relieved when it went so well. Our problem will be how to top it next year!”

Budding car mechanic Tom Chadwick was celebrating

after being selected as Reaseheath’s top Jaguar Land Rover Young Apprentice.

Tom, 15, who attends Malbank School, is one of 59 local pupils combining studying for GCSEs with working towards a technical qualification at Reaseheath. Our engineering department is one of ten centres nationwide delivering the popular training scheme for Jaguar Land Rover.

The pupils spend one day a week at college working towards a Level 2 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair qualification and gain work experience within the Jaguar Land Rover dealership network. It is hoped that the early training will encourage young people to enter the engineering industry as a professional career.

Pupils from Shavington, Brine Leas, Sir William Stanier, Malbank and Sir Thomas More Schools are currently on the programme.

Tom’s talent was spotted by Reaseheath tutors, who chose him to represent the college at an Apprentice of the Year celebration at Jaguar Land Rover’s Warwickshire headquarters.

Tom said: “I’m really proud to have been chosen as Reaseheath’s top apprentice. I’d love to be a car mechanic and

I really enjoy coming to college – it’s what I want to do when I’m older so it’s good to start early.”

Tom is no stranger to the podium. He was the National Autograss Racing Junior Specials Champion this year and helps his Dad keep his custom built vehicle race-tuned.

Reaseheath Course Manager Stuart Neve said: “Tom is a very capable student and has an excellent future ahead.”

Tom is our Jaguar Land Rover Star Construction Plant Mechanics Success

Hospice Benefits from Charity Ball

Jane Thompson (right) receives the cheque from Clarrie Hocknell, Lizzi Hough and Rachel Vernon

This year’s intake of Jaguar Land Rover Young Apprentices meet the company’s Operations Manager Kevin Johns and work based learning co-ordinators Danny Moore and Amanda Igoe, with Head of Engineering Melvin Johnson.

Award winning construction plant mechanics Wayne Hughes, Tom Gates, Callum Lister and Gary Jones

Tom Chadwick works on a fun buggy

13www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Marketing consultant Mark Ogilvie gave our food students some top tips on product development, gained through years of experience working with small businesses.

Food lecturer Debbie Heritage-Brill, who

organised the talk, said: “Mark has worked in the food and allied industries and shared his experience and knowledge with us. It gave our students a great opportunity to ask questions and discuss the current state of the market.”

Food safety officers from all over the country studied farm dairy production methods in our food halls and farm during a bespoke course aimed at reducing dairy-based health problems.

The officers looked at the milking, pasteurisation, separation, bottling and distribution processes typically found in a small farm dairy. The course, the only one of its type offered in the UK, was oversubscribed and will be repeated in February. The fifth course to be run at Reaseheath, it was funded by the Food Standards Agency and organised by representatives of the Lancashire Food Officer Group and the Greater Manchester Food Liaison Group.

Twenty-five delegates from local authorities countrywide spent four days with us receiving practical and theoretical training, which included watching the milking process at our state-of-the-art dairy parlour and operating equipment in our industry standard food halls. Visiting dairy engineers demonstrated examples of units typically found on small farms.

One of the organisers, Allan Watson, Food Safety Manager for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “ This is an extremely popular practical, hands on course offering training to reduce dairy-based health problems. Reaseheath offers good practical facilities and feedback from the delegates is excellent.”For further course details contact Bob Pilling, Food Standards Agency: 0207 276 8436.

Food technology students and business entrepreneurs

are using state-of-the-art machines to make ice cream, thanks to a generous loan from an industry partner.

Nottingham company Alfred & Co has handed over a Technogel Mixtronic 110 batch pasteuriser and Mantegel 50 batch freezer, together worth over £35,000, for use during this academic year.

Reaseheath is recognised as an international centre of excellence for dairy training and is dairy champion within the National Skills Academy for Food and Drink Manufacture. The loaned equipment further enhances our facilities, which include industry standard, fully fitted food halls used by blue chip, multi-national companies for new product development and by small businesses looking to diversify by producing new dairy products.

Reaseheath’s Trials and Development Manager Damien Murphy said: “This has been a very generous gesture by Alfred & Co. and underlines the good relationships the college has with its industry partners. The loan of a top of the range, latest

generation ice cream maker and freezer will enable us to deliver training which will help small and large manufacturers to become more competitive, and help with the training of our own students.”

Alfred and Co is a major supplier of new and reconditioned equipment to the ice cream industry and is sole UK distributor for several leading brands.

Managing director Phil Doxey

said: “Technogel produces some of the most reliable and easy to use ice cream machines available. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the equipment to newcomers to the industry and it is also good for the college, which prides itself on having some of the most advanced facilities in the UK. We are pleased we can support the training of future generations of ice cream makers in this way.”

Commercial Manager Derek Allen and technicians Jenny Tait and James Blakemore try out the new freezer with Phil Doxey

Trials and Development Manager Damien Murphy joins course organisers Allan Watson, Jim Livesey and Simon Neighbour

Food Department Gets Cool Loan

Reaseheath played a high profile role at the national Dairy Event at Stoneleigh

Exchange of Best Practice

Up to the Minute Marketing

High Demand for Food Safety Course

Dairy Training and Development Manager Chris Edwards and Principal Meredydd David visited Dalum College in Denmark on a fact finding mission and exchange of best practice. Dalum College, like Reaseheath, is a beacon college in dairy industry training. Said Chris: “We need to remain commercially aware of what is going on in the food manufacturing business and this was an ideal way of keeping abreast of the industry training being offered through similarly successful providers. The staff at Dalum were equally interested in hearing of the many ways Reaseheath co-operates with industry partner.

Dairy Training and Development Manager Chris Edwards spoke about the importance of close links down the food and dairy supply chain at a well attended conference. We were also one of the sponsors of a dinner, attended by over 300 representatives from 120 dairy processors.

Reaseheath is an active member of Dairy UK, the primary dairy processing trade body which is has attracted increasing membership from small dairy business operators and farmers. We are a member on

two counts: as a trainer to the dairy industry and as a dairy producer – we make four tonnes of cheese, four tonnes of butter and two tonnes of ice cream each year.

Dairy UK is on line to carry an even stronger voice following its merger with the Cheese Board, which represents 90% of all small, medium and large cheese manufacturers. We intend to continue to help drive the industry forward through this trade body.

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A team of equine students earned a private course

walk with international showjumper John Whittaker as part of their reward for being the best yard group.

Lucy Fillaudeau, Francesca Gray, Amy Shafe, Charlotte Whittles and assistant yard manager Leanne Newall joined John while he was competing at the Bolesworth Show Jumping Classic.

John, who is regarded as the world’s most successful showjumper, gave the students some top tips about negotiating complicated fences and described his jet setting lifestyle competing abroad. He also outlined how he selected and trained his young horses.

The students, who chose a day out at Bolesworth as their prize for maintaining high standards of horse care, also

watched other members of the Whittaker dynasty competing including John’s son and daughter, Robert and Joanne.

Ruskin Sports and Languages College pupil Patricia Gleave was riding high after receiving a trophy for being best student on a horse care course.

Patricia was one of over 100 Key Stage 4 pupils who successfully

completed vocational qualifications with us. The young people have been attending college on one day a week while continuing to study for conventional GCSEs at school.

The pupils, from 16 secondary schools throughout Cheshire and Staffordshire, study horticulture, agriculture, construction, engineering, animal care or horse care as part of the Vocational Opportunities Programme. Said Reaseheath’s Pre 16 Learning Manager Graham Morgan: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in their final two years at school to receive a practical, work-related experience which is outside the usual curriculum.

“Many of these young people have little or no experience when they start the course but they quickly gain practical skills and many go on to take further qualifications and

follow successful careers in their chosen subject.”

Patricia received a trophy sponsored by Carole Chandler

of Nantwich Saddlery. She said: “Although I don’t own a horse I go riding weekly and it’s my dream to work with horses.”

Musical PairInstructor Michelle Evanson and her horse Toby One Konoby have qualified for the British Dressage winter regional finals in the novice freestyle dressage to music class.

Michelle and her 18 year-old grey gelding performed their qualifying test to a compilation of music from television programmes. The pair are already successful competitors at affiliated novice and elementary level.

Over 70 classes, including many British Horse Society qualifiers, were enjoyed by competitors from several counties at the Reaseheath Horse Show. Classes included showing, working hunter, show jumping, equitation, veteran, native, handy pony, riding club horse and novelty.

The Supreme Show Championship went to Alexis Plavsic and her 18 year-old grey Mainstream, winners of the senior equitation and veteran classes earlier in the day.

Reserve Supreme Champion was Reaseheath Foundation

Degree in Equine Studies student Annabel Bourne with Right Said Fred, who also took the Ridden Showing and Show Hunter Championship.

Sponsors included Bernard Corbett and Co., The Wild Boar Hotel, Stanthorn Gundogs, Tern Valley Trailers, John Harding (agricultural contractor) and Blue Print Studios.

Head of Equine Caroline Booth said: “We are looking forward to our next series of events, which will be in our new indoor arena and associated facilities.”

NEW Indoor ArenaThe completion of our new 60m x 30m indoor arena is allowing us to offer a wider range of showjumping clinics and dressage competitions, both inside and out, which are open to the public.

Clinics are small, friendly and grouped according to ability from novice to more advanced.

The new facilities are also available for hire. We are continuing to hold affiliated and unaffiliated dressage competitions, short courses and workshops. Further details: Mary Moulton on 01270 613216

Showjumping Masterclass for Students

Show is a Winner

Patricia Rides High

Top tips from John Whittaker

Supreme Champion Alexis Plavsic and Mainstream are congratulated by judges Paul Stringer and Julie Beck

Patricia Gleave with trainer Michelle Evanson and her favourite horse, Mary

15www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Countryside management students have been working alongside Cheshire County Council’s ranger service to improve the habitat for dragonflies, damselflies and other insects in the Weaver Parkway.

The students have been improving heathland and wet areas and encouraging plant diversity in the country park, which is on land reclaimed from industry near Winsford.

indeed. The Betley apple is known to grow only in the Betley area while the Bee Bench comes from an area covering Crewe, Nantwich and Market Drayton.”

Derek explained that the unusual Bee Bench name came from the Victorian habit of bee keepers putting their bee skips into orchards so the insects could aid pollination of trees.

He added: “Interest in Reaseheath’s apple festival is growing every year. More

people are growing their own fruit at home and are becoming interested in this fascinating subject.”

Hundreds of visitors attended the event, which included a display of rare apple varieties. Horticulture lecturer Harry Delaney was kept busy advising on the choice of tree and correct methods of pruning while other staff led tours of the college fruit garden. Our visitors ordered trees and tasted apples along with Reaseheath produced cheese.

Two rare types of Cheshire apple, Bee Bench and The Betley, were identified during Reaseheath’s popular Apple Festival. They were among a number of unusual varieties brought in by visitors keen to find out the names of fruit trees in their garden.

Fruit expert Derek Jones, who also recognised Astrachan Red and Irish Peach apples, said: “I was inundated with people bringing in fruit for identification – and some were very scarce

Trainee countryside wardens and gardeners who work

at National Trust properties nationwide graduated from a tailormade training programme run in conjunction with Reaseheath.

Our college is the sole trainer in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the National Trust Careership Programme. The trainees attend the college on a block release basis for three years and are assessed at their workplace by National Trust and Reaseheath experts. They gain NVQ Level 3 in Amenity Horticulture or Environmental Conservation plus a range of practical skills and relevant qualifications

The horticulture element of the Careership programme is also supported by the National Gardens Scheme

Special awards went to four outstanding graduates:National Trust Award for Best Trainee Gardener: Cameron Down (Killerton Estate, Devon)James Row Memorial Award: Sarah Malleson (Hidcote Manor Gardens, Wessex) National Trust Award for the Best Trainee Warden: Gary Thompson

(Belfast Properties)Gareth Seel Award for Endeavour: Tracey MacDonald (Dinefwr Park, south Wales)

Martin Measures, Head of Training and Development at the National Trust, thanked Reaseheath staff for ensuring that the Trust’s flagship programme continued to deliver quality training.

Vice Principal Dave Kynaston said that the exceptional success of the Careership programme was testament to the partnership which existed between Reaseheath and the

National Trust. The college remained commited to providing training for the specific needs of industry within the land based sector. Graduating wardens:

Sarah Letchford, Stuart Banks, Gary Thompson, John Burton, Iona Catherine Roberts, Tracey MacDonaldGraduating gardeners:

Tamasin Battell, Cameron Down, Kate Robinson, Louise Reed, Neil Cuthbertson, Matthew Law, Leslie Hurst, Vicki Stelfox-Griffin, Sarah Malleson, Craig Howard

A multi agency networking group aimed at securing the future of Cheshire’s hedgerows held its inaugural meeting at Reaseheath.

The Cheshire Hedgerow Network seminar brought together 40 representatives of wildlife and countryside conservation groups, farmers and land managers to explore ways of pooling resources.

The group aims to conserve and restore existing hedgerows and promote the planting of new hedgerows by providing advice, training and practical help. By 1990, Cheshire had lost 66% of its hedgerows due to intensive agricultural practices and pressure to build roads and housing. Wildlife has lost out, as hedgerows provide an important resource for food, shelter and movement corridors.

Peter Raynes, chairman of the Cheshire branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) said: “This first meeting has been a tremendous opportunity to unite organisations with similar objectives, allowing us to work together on a combined approach. I have been delighted at the levels of enthusiasm and energy shown for this important topic.”

Neville Care, Reaseheath’s Curriculum Leader for Countryside Management, said: “This is an exciting project and we were delighted to become involved at its early stage. Hedges are an integral part of our landscape. They make very efficient boundaries and are a tremendous resource for biodiversity. It is vital that they are preserved.”

Organisations in attendance included: CPRE; Cheshire Wildlife Trust; Cheshire Landscape Trust; Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG); British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV); National Farmers Union; Natural England; Sandstone Ridge Econet Partnership (SREP) and the Cheshire Ploughing and Hedgelaying Society.

National Trust Trainees Graduate Hedgerow Network

Crunch time at Apple Festival

Rare Dragonfly Habitat Harry Delaney

gets fruity

Hedgerow conservation

Cameron Down, Sarah Malleson, Tracey MacDonald and Gary Thompson celebrate with tutors Leigh Cawley (back) and John Hall (front)

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Reaseheath, kept up a tradition at the Cheshire Show when its community-friendly exhibition was awarded silver in the Best Non-Trade Stand competition. The college has been in the medals for five consecutive years.

The award was scooped against strong competition, with judges citing the enthusiasm of staff and students, the range of activities and the efforts made to involve show visitors.

Reaseheath…. Winners again!

Long Service Award for Dave

Food Students in the Medals at Nantwich Cheese Show

Loyal Reaseheath gardener Dave Mason was in the ribbons at this year’s Cheshire Show when he was called up for a long service to agriculture award.

Dave, who has worked in our grounds and gardens for 38 years, received the Cheshire Agriculture Society’s accolade from Cheshire Show patroness Mrs Diana McConnell.

Dave became an apprentice gardener with us at the age of 15 and later joined the staff. He is one of a team which looks after 12 hectares of formal gardens and 50 hectares of grounds which surround our campus. He attributes the variety of his work plus a love of the outdoors to his long work record.

Recalled Dave: “The college gardens and ground were only about a third of the size when I began and the only subjects taught were agriculture, engineering, horticulture and poultry keeping. It’s amazing how quickly Reaseheath has grown into one of the top colleges in the country.”

A cheddar cheese made by our food manufacturing

students took a top medal at the prestigious Nantwich International Cheese Show.

The prize winning 20 kilo block was produced in our food production halls by recent graduates from our National Diploma in Food Manufacture. The cheese took third place out of 24 entries in the Small Producer Class.

Students Fay Mountford, Colin Morgan and Isobel Slack also produced individual cheeses for judging in the Novice Cheesemaker Class. All three students have progressed onto our Foundation Degree in Food Industry with Management.

Reaseheath’s Trials and Development Manager Damien Murphy and technicians James Blakemore and Nick Blakemore

acted as stewards at the show, one of the largest in Europe.

Said James: “The show received entries of exceptionally high standard this year and we were delighted to receive a medal in one of the most hotly contested classes.”

QCL Scientific, specialists in laboratory instrumentation and diagnostic equipment, joined forces with the college for the cheese show. QCL supplied Lacticheck equipment for the Peak District Dairy Wagon, an innovative, fully fitted mobile dairy designed by Reaseheath engineers.

Scholarship Offers Global TravelTwo young Cheshire farmers are to travel the globe, thanks to a new scholarship marking the retirement of John Platt OBE from the chair of Cheshire Agricultural Society (CAS).

James Hague and Richard Beck are planning to visit New Zealand with the £2,000 each received from the John Platt Travel Scholarship.

James, who is responsible for running his family’s dairy enterprise and is County Secretary of the Cheshire Young Farmers Club, intends to use his three week visit to help him adapt his home system so it runs more efficiently and profitably.

He said: “Winning the scholarship has given me a fantastic opportunity to study pasture management in New Zealand. Many farms have low input systems, importing less than 15% of their feed, and seeing how these work first-hand could really help our business.”

Richard, who is farm manager and dairy herdsman, intends to use his trip to learn how to gain the maximum profit from his grass crop. He plans to visit a variety of commercial dairy farms in four contrasting regions of New Zealand and to spend a further week in western Australia.

He explained: “I’m interested to see whether low input systems create greater sustainability in an industry where costs are increasing rapidly.”

Presenting the awards, John Platt said: “These two young people made outstanding applications and I am thrilled that they will have the opportunity to widen their horizons by seeing how agriculture operates in other parts of the world.”

John, who is chair of Reaseheath Governors, completed 30 years with CAS during which time he helped co-

ordinate the Cheshire Show. The scholarship in his honour is open to anyone aged between 18 and 35 who lives or works in Cheshire and is employed in agriculture or related industries.

Applicants must put forward a project focused on new technology, new or alternative farming methods, diversification, use of natural resources or improved profitability.

Applications are being taken for 2009.Details: Dave Kynaston on 01270 613243 / email davek@reaseheath.ac.uk

James Blakemore at Nantwich Cheese show.

Dave Mason receives his long service award from Mrs Diana McConnell, Lady Patroness of the Cheshire Show

James Hague (left) and Richard Beck receive their scholarship from John Platt

Photograph courtesy of The Sentinel

17www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Cholmondeley Castle’s Gardening Staff Flourish

Train to Gain Ensures Uppercrust Workforce

The Train to Gain initiative matches training needs with training providers at little or no cost where employees meet criteria. Reaseheath College offers a wide range of training opportunities to businesses including horticulture, food manufacturing, customer

service, business administration, team leading, management and information technology.Contact Janet Beardmore on 01270 613189 or email janetb@reaseheath.ac.uk

Staff at one of Britain’s most beautiful gardens

are celebrating gaining qualifications which will help them perform their jobs better.

The internationally famous Cholmondeley Castle estate has formed a partnership with Reaseheath to encourage gardeners to increase their knowledge without leaving their workplace.

By taking advantage of the Train to Gain service, eligible employees have had free on-site training and have successfully gained their NVQ Level 2 Amenity Horticulture (Nursery) in just six months. Assessor Tony Handley has visited the site weekly to observe, check underpinning knowledge and help staff fill in a portfolio.

Bill Brayford, head gardener of the ten-strong team which looks after 40 acres of award winning gardens and grounds, feels that the qualification recognises the years of practical experience and knowledge accrued by his staff.

He said: “Gaining a national

benchmark proves that you can do the job properly and boosts confidence. Using the Train to Gain programme doesn’t disrupt your business as the assessor comes in to the workplace. This has been very important to us as we attract 20,000 visitors annually.”

Keith Crump, who raises fruit and vegetables for the castle kitchens, found that achieving the qualification gave him more confidence to answer visitors’ questions.

He said: “Filling in background knowledge has been helpful because I now understand why I do things in a certain way. It’s made me realise how much I do know and it’s has given me a greater sense of responsibility. It’s a nice feeling to be able to help our visitors – we get so many questions about the plants in our garden.”

Alison Dimelow, who specialises in propagating new stock for the castle’s plant sales centre said: “I really felt that I’d learnt something worthwhile.”

Britain’s market leader in speciality breads, New Primebake, is working with Reaseheath to ensure an uppercrust workforce.

The company, which supplies the majority of leading supermarkets, has taken advantage of the Train to Gain programme to encourage staff to gain recognised qualifications for the tasks they carry out on a daily basis.

Reaseheath assessors have been working with employees at key sites, providing support and guidance for the completion of the qualifications.

Forty workers have opted for the programme, ranging from members of the hygiene team to staff in new product development, production, administration and reception. Within six months most have achieved NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service, Business Administration or Information Technology, or in Food Manufacture in either Facilities Cleaning Support or Production Control Skills.

Participating staff now have a better appreciation of how their role fits into the whole operation and feel more confident, according to Training Manager Andy Smith.

The fast expanding company

manufactures hundreds of different products and delivers them to customers such as the Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, Asda and Morrisons.

Explained Andy: “Having our staff gain qualifications like these is good for us because it gives a national benchmark measure of quality. It’s ideal for a 24 hour production industry like ours because the assessors are very flexible and will come out in the evening to assess staff working on late shifts.

“Another benefit is that learning gets passed down the line from team leaders through supervisors to key operatives. It’s given us a lot of scope, particularly for continuing personal or professional development.”

Laundry Co-ordinator Maria Johnson, who has been with the company for 15 years, has so enjoyed achieving her NVQ Level 2 in Customer Service that she is hoping to progress up a level. Explained Maria: “ I deal with a lot of people on a daily basis but I’d never really thought through the reasons why we have so many systems in place, particularly around food hygiene.

“Gaining a qualification like this makes sure you are doing your job efficiently and it also makes you feel that what you do is worthwhile.”

Assessor Tony Handley advises Keith Crump (left) and Alison Dimelow

Maria Johnson stores factory clothing, watched by Train to Gain Co-ordinator Janet Beardmore and Training Manager Andy Smith

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Enrich, a food and drink training hub which is aimed at helping small and large food manufacturers with business and product development, has been launched at Reaseheath with backing from the North West Regional Development Agency.

Aimed at increasing enterprise and innovation across north west, Enrich is supporting businesses from primary producers to major manufacturers through workshops, clinics and business meetings run by specialists.

Workshops on exhibiting effectively at food and drink festivals and on marketing a speciality food or drink brand have been well attended by producers.

Rosie Sedgwick from My-Gineration said: “I was so inspired by the workshop on festivals that I completely redesigned my stand for an event. It increased my takings by 50% on the previous year. The workshops are vibrant, interactive, fun, informative and well paced – and they’re phenomenally good value!”

Enrich team: 01270 613195

Enrich Brings Taste of Success to Food Businesses

Fifty five farmers and consultants attended a

thought provoking farm walk and discussion on rainwater harvesting, one of a number of events organised through RADA, which demonstrated where savings could be made to increase profit.

The event was held on a local dairy farm with a recently installed rainwater harvesting system. Consultant Barry Jackson described potential savings, especially through the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme.u Two hundred and fifty farmers

attended a Health and Safety Executive advisory day at Reaseheath. Activities included tele porter loading

and operating, working from heights, safe lifting, animal handling, and operating all terrain vehicles.

Details on RADA and Enrich events: contact Tim Goldsbrough on 01270 613195; email timg@reaseheath.ac.uk

Three agriculture students have been in the medals, handling cows at the most prestigious shows in the country. Emma Pickard and Katie Swellings took top honours at the Royal Manx Show while Izzie Wright was high in the lineup at the Royal Show.

Reaseheath has reconfirmed its commitment to supporting

agriculture’s future leaders in response to industry demand.

Our agriculture department has promised to continue to actively attract, nurture and educate the next generation of farmers following consultations with key industry figures and members of the agriculture community.

The vow follows a successful stakeholder dinner when delegates from farming support organisations, consultants, experts and local farmers were asked their opinions on the way forward for the industry.

Principal Meredydd David said: “The evening was extremely valuable, enabling us to engage with regional industry representatives and listen to their views and opinions. What came over time and again was that agriculture needs enthusiastic experts with the skills to communicate and lead.

““Reaseheath has an excellent reputation for taking the lead for training and knowledge transfer within the agricultural industry. We are committed to creating a centre of excellence which will encourage young talent into the industry and will support and increase the knowledge and skills of those already working in it.”

Top Handlers

Reaseheath Supports the Future of Farming

Reaseheath Agriculture Development Academy

Events promote farm health and profit

Rainwater harvesting

Farmers and vets discuss cow lameness at a RADA event

Key themes from the evening included:u The importance of good industry

placements with leading farmers. We are creating, in partnership with the CLA and NFU, a database of suitable farmers which will assist students in securing quality placements.

u The importance of knowledge transfer, updating those in the industry with cutting edge science and technology. The Reaseheath Agricultural Development Academy (RADA) already offers a programme of talks and events featuring key industry figures and the Rural

Development Plan for England (RDPE) Livestock Sector projects are being delivered through the college

u The importance of challenging the perception that agriculture is not a good career prospect and inspiring new entrants into the industry. Reaseheath has a great reputation for successfully encouraging young people from non-farming backgrounds into the industry and has over 240 agriculture students enrolled

To offer your farm for a work placement contact Martyn East on 01270 613179; email martyne@reaseheath.ac.uk

19www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Weaver County Primary School’s junior

department followed their food from plough to plate during a visit to Reaseheath.

Over 100 Key Stage 2 pupils visited the Genus MOET dairy herd and went to our food processing halls to see how milk is made into food. The pupils looked at the effect which bacteria has on the production of dairy products, watched cheese and ice cream making and had a go at bread making.

The day of activities marked the end of the Year of Food and

Farming. During the past nine months, Reaseheath has hosted ‘out of classroom experiences’ for 49 primary and secondary schools from Cheshire and Staffordshire. Over 1,600 pupils have visited the college farm, vegetable and fruit gardens, food manufacturing halls and animal centre.

The activities have been so successful that they are to be continued for the current academic year.

Said Margaret Feest, Reaseheath’s School Visits Co-ordinator: “We have been linking pupils with the journey that their

food takes before it arrives on their plates. Our activities have proved tremendously successful and we have attracted pupils from the age of three up to ‘A’ level standard. These have included gifted and talented students and pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

“We have also been involved with ‘Set up Science’, a local project designed to enhance learning and to encourage teachers and pupils to get out of the classroom. Our visitors have been astounded at what we can provide and have loved the rural location.”

Schools with green ideas are being urged to enter a competition being run in partnership with Reaseheath.

The Go Green Environmental Innovations Awards were launched last year, when Bridgemere CE Primary School, Nantwich, and Ruskin Sports and Languages College, Crewe, each took a £3,000 top prize.

The competition is organised and sponsored by Go Green Car and Van Rental in association with Reaseheath, Cheshire County Council and Doveys Office Solutions, and rewards schools which are helping the environment. This year’s prize money has increased to a total of £9,000.

An ‘Oscars’ style celebration for shortlisted entries will be held at Reaseheath and the awards will be handed over by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson. Schools from Cheshire, North Shropshire and Staffordshire have been invited to

put forward their ideas for a more sustainable future.

Go Green Car and Van Rental, which has offices in Crewe, Whitchurch and Stoke, has pledged one per cent of the company’s turnover to educate local young people about the environmental challenges that will face them in adulthood.

Managing Director David

Blackhurst explained: “We want to encourage the business leaders of the future to come up with practical, workable projects. We are looking for ideas which will make a difference to the environment, both locally and on a wider scale. Last year we were hugely impressed by the level of enthusiasm and professionalism shown by the finalists.”

Weaver School pupils are introduced to the Genus MOET dairy cows by Farm Secretary Jane Clegg

Go Green launch – Edward Timpson (third right) with Reaseheath’s Steve Roach and Dave Kynaston, Go Green’s directors David Blackhurst and David Bramhill and Carl Dovey of Doveys Office Solutions

REASEHEATH AT A GLANCE• Outstanding College (Ofsted)• Beacon College (QIA)• Dairy Champion National Skills

Academy for Food and Drink Manufacture

• Engineering Academy 14 years - 19 years

• Training Quality Standard

Subject areas:Further and Higher Education• Adventure Sports• Agriculture• Animal Management• Business and IT• Construction• Countryside and Conservation• Engineering • Entry and Foundation Programme• Equine• Floristry• Horticulture• Food Technology • Greenkeeping and Sports Turf• Motor Vehicle• Sports Performance and

Excellence• Leisure and Community Studies

Partner universities:

Total students:Full time Further Education: 1,500Higher Education: 400Part-time inc. adult leisure: 4,000 Schools partnerships, work based learning and Train to Gain 1,400

EstateCollege grounds: 21 hectaresOwned and rented farm land: 330 hectaresLand leased to Crewe Alexandra Football Club: 6 hectares

TurnoverAcademic year 2008-09: £16 million

FacilitiesOn-site accommodation for 400; five catering outlets; student lounge/bar; learning resource centre; HE study area; sports hall; climbing wall; multi gym; sports pitches (rugby, football, crown green bowling, cricket); commercial nine-hole golf course; indoor riding arena

Staff500 (including agency)

Further details – please ask for a prospectus

Reaseheath CollegeNantwich Cheshire CW5 6DF

Course Hotline (16-18 years):01270 613242Courses Hotline (19 plus)01270 613284Adult Leisure: 01270 613193Reception: 01270 625131Fax: 01270 625665Email: enquiries@reaseheath.ac.ukWeb: www.reaseheath.ac.uk

Food Journey for Pupils

Schools Urged to Put Forward Green Initiatives

Tasting ice-cream Tasha Moores, Denni Richards, Rhiannon Morris and Ewan Young

Come and see us!

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Calf show Champion Hannah Slack, reserve Chris Rutter and judge Ray Brown

Written and edited by Reaseheath’s Press Officer Lynne Lomax 01270 613279 l Designed inhouse by Colin Barnes l Printed by Inprint Colour Limited 01270 251589

Diary Dates…

Escaped farm animals were spotted in one of our fields - but local families were not too worried about a close encounter!

‘Fun on the Farm’ was this year’s theme for our popular maize maze, which was open daily through the summer holidays.

Visitors kept a sharp lookout for lifesize models of farm animals while attempting to find the centre of our giant corn crop. We created a six acre puzzle and a one acre version for younger or less active visitors. Maze games, light refreshments and live animals at the entrance were additional attractions.

Said Maze Manager Anna Walton: “We extended the attraction to provide a family day out which is good value for money. Children of all ages enjoy our mazes. They provide a great opportunity for fun and healthy exercise.”

The giant corn crop has now been harvested to provide animal feed.

Thousands of visitors voted Reaseheath’s Festival and

Open Day the best yet after enjoying a packed day of family fun.

As well as enjoying hundreds of activities and displays, a bumper crowd was able to view many of the new developments which are part of our £51 million investment programme.

The action packed day was brought to a finale by the ‘Knights in Battle’, who fought medieval-style on the front lawn. Other activites included:u A calf show, with 20 agriculture

students showing youngstock from the onsite Genus MOET herd under the expert eye of international judge Ray Brown.

u A pig show, with a championship and awards for the best turned out pig and the best decorated pig board

u A test for horticulture students, who created a garden against the clock

u A champion dog show and dog agility classes. Some classes were judged by Miss GB,

Gemma Garrett, who was one of our visitors

u A‘food oscars’ which put local food and produce to the test. Voters put sausages and burgers from Fordhall Farm, a community initiative run by ex-student Ben Hollins in first place. Goat meat producers Tim and Marnie Dobson, of Chestnut Meats were placed second and Simply Pie, run by Simon and Sarah Roberts was third

u A UKSkills competition for trainee florists from across the north west region

u A live ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ broadcast by BBC Radio Stoke, supported by planting demonstrations

u Displays of horse riding, sheep shearing, abseiling, sausage making, quad biking, tractor manoevring, bird box making, chainsaw sculpting, engineering and golf course machinery

u Music and dance from local schools and clubs, tours of our exotic animals

u Clay pigeon shooting, archery and a crafts and produce market

Reaseheath’s Festival Pulls in the Crowds

Knights in Battle fight it out

Miss GB Gemma Garrett with RAG students Claire McAleavy, Sarah Williams, Verity Taylor, Chris Budd, Andy Goldstraw, Mica Davey, Emma Greenwood

Action from the pig show

Food Oscars winner Ben Hollins, with Reaseheath’s Director of Business Development and Marketing Margaret Bardsley

Cornfused – the maze management team Anna Walton, Sarah Johnson, Hayley Juniper, Kara Heritage-Smith, Lucile Esgalhado and Anaïs Evandre-Achini

Familes are Cornfused

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NOTE

No Reaseheath Festival and Open Day in 2009 due to our continued £51 million new build. Keep a look out for alternative events in the local press

January 2009

17Course Information Event

18 – 22BIGGA BTME Turf Management Exhibition Harrogate

21 – 22LAMMA 09Lincolnshire Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Association annual show

February 2009

7Courses Information Event

28 Reaseheath Lambing Weekend

March 2009

1Reaseheath Lambing Weekend

7Courses Information Event

7 – 8Reaseheath Lambing Weekend

20 – 24Nantwich Jazz and Blues Festival

27 – 29 The Outdoors Show National Exhibitions Centre Birmingham

April 2009

21Courses Information Event

May 2009

16 – 22 Adult Learners Week

24Cheshire Young Farmers Clubs annual rally

25Warrington Horse Show

27 – 28Stafford Show