Tattenhall blacksmith forges his mark on village

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War horse reduced MB and brighter

Talented Blacksmith Andrew Smith helped Tattenhall commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a fitting sculpture.

Andrew, a former Reaseheath engineering student, was commissioned by Tattenhall and District Parish Council to create a steel ‘Horse of War’ sculpture as part of Tattenhall Remembers, the village’s community event marking the centennial year. Having previously been commissioned to update Tattenhall’s village sign, Andrew was delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the community once again.

IMG_1797Christened ‘George’ by local primary school pupils, the horse was unveiled to crowds by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, K.St.J., on Monday 4th August. George has now taken permanent residence adjacent to the Tattenhall War Memorial.

Andrew studied on the City and Guild’s ‘015’ agricultural engineering and farm mechanisation course 1978-79, back in the days when we were known as the ‘Cheshire College of Agriculture’. Speaking fondly of his time at college, Andrew commented: “College provided me with a great set of skills and grounding in the basics of engineering, which has certainly stayed with me as I’ve progressed in my career. One thing we made as part of the course was a toolbox – and I actually still use that to this day. I also made a drawbar to put on a trailer or back of a car, I’ve still got that too – some things are truly timeless!”

With an interest in the blacksmith’s craft from a young age, Andrew spent much of his early career researching, self-teaching and essentially ‘working and learning’ simultaneously to build up his forging techniques and skills.

After working in the agricultural industry for some time after finishing college, Andrew decided it was time to dedicate his workload to his passion. He built his own blacksmith workshop and has now been running his own business at Hill View Forge for 28 years.

You can find out more about the history of Tattenhall and the Tattenhall Rememebers event by visiting the Tattenhall and district local history website.

Horse of War

Reaseheath Plasterers gain industry insight

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Reaseheath plasterers have been gaining industry tips and experience during their latest site visit thanks to Perkins Plasterers of Stoke-on-Trent.

Perkins Plasterers invited students to visit one of their larger projects, an 80 apartment retirement village site. During the visit, students had the opportunity to see a range of skills and attributes plasterers require for success within the modern construction industry.

All of our plasterers sat through a thorough site induction, which was excellent, as it helped to bring aspects of their health and safety theory module to life.

Due to size of the site, students were able to see apartments at a variety of different construction stages. They were treated to demonstrations of a range of different plastering practices and techniques including floor screeding, metal partitioning, plasterboarding and skimming walls and ceilings.

Students watch as a wall is being plastered

Students also had chance to ask lots of questions, of which they had plenty – in particular for the plasterers of course!

We were also fortunate enough to welcome Perkins Plasterers to our recent construction careers event, held on campus. Members of the Perkins’ team kindly joined other industry representatives, former students and the construction team to discuss construction courses and careers with our visitors.

For more information on our Construction courses visit our website.

Students take notes

A thoroughly foodie wedding

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Food alumni James Yuill and Rachel Frankish wed at Reaseheath Hall

We are delighted to announce the food department’s first wedding – James Yuill and Rachel Frankish, who tied the knot on November 1st .

James joined Reaseheath in Key Stage Four as a young apprentice and Rachel joined the food technology diploma group a couple of years later.

They both enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Food Technology with Management at Reaseheath in September 2010 and  their friendship blossomed into romance in January 2011.

James and Rachel cut their wedding cake - designed by cake decorating expert and alumnus Sam Copeland

James and Rachel cut their wedding cake – designed by cake decorating expert and alumnus Sam Copeland

weddingOn October 13th  2012,  James proposed (on bended knee) in front of family and friends at Rachel’s birthday meal. The tears flowed as much as the wine – especially when she accepted!

The whole department waited with anticipation for the wedding date. But they were just too busy studying and researching!  Their studies came to an end though and they both gained their BSc (Hons) in Food Technology with Management in September 2013. James started a new position at Carton Lodge Cheese and the couple moved to Clitheroe. Rachel has since secured a position at Farmers Fayre.

Wedding plans started with gusto and the couple booked Reaseheath Hall for their ceremony. They said they wouldn’t want to be married anywhere else. It was a gorgeous ceremony for two outstanding people who have made Reaseheath proud. The couples family, friends and Reaseheath lecturers attended and a good time was has by all! (and Sam did the cake!!)

We wish James and Rachel all the very best as they start their married life together.

Sam Copeland

Lecturer and Course Manager, Level 2 Diploma Bakery and Patisserie 

If you’re interested in cake decorating and are impressed by Sam’s cake decorating skills – take a look at our new Professional Cake Decorating course starting in February 2015.

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Sport helps Reaseheath students get ‘Fit for Work’

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Foundation and Entry students are benefitting from an innovative project encouraging them to take up active sports for life.

Around 200 students are enjoying dedicated sessions in Reaseheath’s gym and at local leisure centres thanks to a ‘Fit for Work’ programme put together by our Sports and Foundation Departments.

The project aims to make sport more accessible to our foundation and entry students by offering them one hour of physical activity a week. It is hoped that this will encourage the less active to incorporate sport into their daily routine and to enjoy the long term mental and physical benefits of a more active lifestyle.National Lottery and Sport England - Portrait (CMYK)‘Fit for Work’ will run for three years at a total cost of £76,242, almost £61,000 of which has been awarded through National Lottery funding from Sport England, the national body which champions sporting habits among individuals and communities. The remainder is being met by Reaseheath.

The funding application, made through our sports department, was supported by Active Cheshire, the lead body for sport in Cheshire and Warrington, and Everybody Sport & Recreation, which delivers leisure in partnership with Cheshire East Council.

As well as using our own sports facilities, students attend small group sessions at local venues such as Nantwich swimming pool and the Victoria Centre, Crewe.

The project launched in September and is already proving popular, with students gaining confidence in the use of gym equipment and enjoying sports such as boxercise, badminton, volleyball and dodgeball. Two trampolines are also being purchased. Student feedback is used to influence the activities on offer.

There are also plans to involve our own sports students as supervisors and coaches, enabling them to earn teaching hours and work towards sports leader awards.

Foundation lecturer Simon Warman is overseeing the project. He was supported in the initial launch by college sports maker Sarah Ruff.

Sophie Evans, Curriculum Area Manager for Sport, explained: “We believe that this project will make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our students, particularly those with learning difficulties and disabilities who often lack the confidence to access physical activity.

“Hopefully these students will be encouraged to follow a healthier lifestyle and that will be helpful for them in their future careers. It fits in well with our aim to increase sport participation across all college departments.”

Alex Fox, a Foundation Countryside student said: “I think this is a great idea. I’ve always wanted to join the gym and now I’ve had an introductory session I’d like to continue and get more active.”

 

RHS students celebrate success

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Sixty students who gained Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) qualifications at Reaseheath this year have celebrated their achievements at an awards ceremony.

Mirroring the national trend, around half are professional horticulturists furthering their development while the remainder are career changers and keen leisure gardeners.

Harry and Anne address RHS students

Harry and Anne address RHS students

Reaseheath is recognised as the leading RHS training and examination centre in the north west and students currently travel from as far as the Wirral, Manchester, Bolton and Shrewsbury to attend courses. This year 90 students with a wide age range are enrolled.

Reaseheath offers separate theory and practical qualifications at both Level 2 and Level 3. Once both awards are achieved they convert into a well respected RHS Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

RHS students complete a minimum of 430 learning hours to achieve the diploma. Apart from attending lectures they take part in practical activities in the college grounds and also play a key role in building our show gardens at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

They also enjoy trips to outstanding local gardens and many will join a study tour of the leading gardens and horticultural centres in Holland next Spring.

Congratulating the students, Curriculum Area Manager for Horticulture Sarah Hopkinson said: “These qualifications demand a lot of individual input and the final exams are very stringent. This is why they are so well recognised and respected in the industry. You and your lecturers have put in tremendous effort and you should all be very proud of your achievements.”

RHS Master of Horticulture Harry Delaney, who taught the students before recently retiring, also attended the ceremony.

Reaseheath offers the RHS Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates in Horticulture (theory and practical) as weekly daytime courses and an additional RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture (theory only) as an evening course.

For further details visit the RHS pages on our website or contact Course Manager Anne Harrison anneh@reaseheath.ac.uk.

 

 

Florists create festive designs at Arley Hall

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Deb Kenny (rhs) and Rachel Collinson-Fletcher L3 Dip Arley Hall prepOur floristry students have been making an impact by decorating one of Cheshire’s finest country homes ready for Christmas.

Managers of Arley Hall, near Knutsford, invited our students to help design and decorate the Gallery in time for the thousands of visitors who pour through its doors in December. The Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma students, who include mature learners and career changers, have decorated the grand staircase, dining hall and library using traditional techniques and materials – some of which are collected from Arley’s gardens.

Twenty-five students have been involved in the project, which is in addition to their course studies.

They visited the venue last month to get a full understanding of requirements and worked out their designs at college. A giant Christmas tree was one of the most important tasks.

Course Manager Fiona Davies said: “The students have been working in teams on a grand scale  with the aim of  creating a real impact. This has really challenged their creativity as well as giving them valuable experience of working on a public event.

“One of their greatest challenges has been working with and around the furniture, much of which is irreplaceable. They have also had to choose materials that will last for the whole event.

“It has been an excellent opportunity for them to become involved in commercial practice. They have also very much enjoyed working in such a beautiful and grand setting.”

Arley Hall’s annual Christmas Floral Extravaganza opened on Saturday and continues until Thursday, December 11. Admission is £7.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

 On Monday December 8 and Wednesday December 10 visitors can see the hall by candlelight between 6pm and 9pm and enjoy carols. Admission is £9.

Students and staff spread the joy of Christmas across the globe

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Reaseheath College students and staff have been helping to spread the festive spirit by filling shoeboxes with gifts and treats for Operation Christmas Child.

Students and staff from across the College rallied together and packed 86 shoeboxes, which were delivered to the Nantwich Operation Christmas Child distribution centre, by our College Chaplin, Drew Walker. Particularly commendable effort was made by our construction department who collected enough essentials to fill 20 of the boxes – 10 for boys and 10 for girls.

Group of students filling boxes with gifts

Organised by the Christian charity Samaritan’s Purse, the shoebox appeal encourages participants to fill empty shoeboxes with toys, school supplies and other useful items to donate to children across the world living in challenging circumstances. The charity has brought Christmas cheer to over 100 million children in over 130 countries since its establishment in 1990.

Said Drew: “It was a privilege for me to represent Reaseheath College and see for myself all the hard work that goes into the sorting, packing and shipping of over 9000 shoe boxes from around the Crewe and Nantwich area.

“It is humbling to see that over 9000 children will receive a Christmas gift this year who would normally go without.”

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Reaseheath Conservation Society go Orange for Orangutans

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Go Orange 2This October the Reaseheath Conservation Society took part in raising money for Chester Zoos charity campaign Act for Wildlife: Go Orange for Orangutans.

The society held two pub quiz nights in the student bar on the 27th October and 10th November, both events were a huge success with the students, society and bar staff. Members of the Conservation Society helped with the creation of decorations and advertising of these events, as well as helping to run the event. Money vouchers were presented to the winning teams on each night which were to be spent at the student bar.

Go Orange 3Altogether the Conservation Society managed to raise £202.52 for Go Orange which will go towards planting and protecting 20 trees in the Borneo Rainforest. The money was donated to the Chester Zoo development team by hand and was given a personal thank you letter, certificate and donation picture opportunity around the Orangutan enclosure at Chester Zoo.

If you wish to get involved in any of the Reaseheath Conservation Society events or just see what the society is about then please go onto or Facebook page, follow our blog on Tumblr or attend the meetings every Tuesday at 4.30 in the lecture theatre.