Phenomenal success for Reaseheath Family Festival

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Thousands of visitors flocked to Reaseheath College on Sunday to join in the college’s fun filled Family Festival.

Jack and Annabel Jones from Woore meet Daff and Dehlia

Jack and Annabel Jones from Woore meet Daff and Dehlia

The Nantwich campus was packed with families, many of whom had travelled from outside the region to enjoy the hundreds of activities and displays on offer.

A giant Tyrannosaurus Rex called Tyrone proved a great hit among young visitors as he roamed the lawns while TV personalities the Fabulous Baker Brothers, Tom and Henry Herbert, drew in the crowds with their cookery demonstrations.

Another highlight was a display of natural horsemanship and daring trick riding by the highly trained Atkinson Action Horses, which performed at the college’s Equestrian Centre.

The action packed programme, themed on science and nature, also featured a calf show, sheep shearing, a farmers’ and craft market, student horse riding displays, tours of the college’s zoo, a fun dog show and displays of classic cars and agricultural and military vehicles.

Atkinson Action Horses Roman riding

Atkinson Action Horses Roman riding

Visitors also took the chance to try out the college’s indoor climbing wall, operate a digger, have a go at tree climbing and bushcraft, try brick laying and joinery and test their skills on the high ropes course. Crowds toured the college’s food processing halls, watched lamb boning and cheese making demonstrations and enjoyed making chocolate. There was also lively entertainment from local dance groups and bands.

Reaseheath students took the opportunity to raise money for their RAG (raising and giving) appeal, which in 2015 goes to Macmillan Cancer Support, while former students took the chance to meet up with fellow members of Reaseheath’s Alumni Association.

The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom and Henry Herbert with Judith Allman

The Fabulous Baker Brothers Tom and Henry Herbert with Judith Allman

Describing the event as ‘phenomenally successful’, Principal Meredydd David said: “It was wonderful to see so many families thoroughly enjoying themselves. The whole campus looked superb, with plenty of activities supporting our science and technology theme.

“I spoke to many visitors who had had a fantastic time but still had not been around the whole campus as there was so much to see and do.

“The whole day was full of the “Reaseheath Experience” of which we are all so proud. This could not have been delivered without the fantastic efforts of all the Reaseheath team.

“The popularity of the festival is further evidence of the huge interest in Reaseheath and its work, especially its success in progressing students into higher education or into successful careers in professions and industries where there are great opportunities.”

See below for a selection of photographs from the the day!

 

Talented George is Apprentice of the Year

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Talented Crewe Alexandra FC forward George Cooper has been crowned ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for League 1 in a national competition ‘run by the League Football Education (LFE).

The first team player was chosen over entrants from clubs nationwide for the outstanding progress he made in both his sport and academic studies while he has been an apprentice at the famous Crewe Alex Football Academy.

George, 18, was put forward for the competition after impressing Reaseheath College Lecturer in Sports Performance Lauren Goff, Head of Education at Crewe Alex Dave Whiteside and Regional Officer for the LFE Keith Leighton with his progress both on the pitch and with his college studies. His selection, over ten other football apprentices, was announced at The Football League Awards earlier this month.

George, who lives in Warrington, was offered a three year professional contract by Crewe Alex last April and has played and scored in several League One matches. As well as continuing his football training with the club, he has been studying sports related topics and key skills at Reaseheath College in Nantwich, with fellow Academy members.

He has just completed his Level 3 Diploma in Sport Performance and Excellence qualification as well as Functional Skills at Level 2 in Maths and English.

Course manager Lauren explained: “We put George forward because he has worked hard at his academic studies. He has also shown maturity by the way he has coped with the demands of continuing his education alongside his blossoming career as a professional footballer. He will be an asset in any sporting career.”

George said: “I was surprised and very pleased to gain this award. Although I enjoy playing football, being a member of the Academy and coming to college has given me the chance to study subjects like nutrition and coaching. Thanks to the support from my tutors I have achieved qualifications which will help widen my career choices after I’ve retired from professional playing.”

  • Reaseheath and Crewe Alexandra FC have worked together for some years to deliver the academic programme for the Football Academy. Reaseheath is launching Ladies’ and Men’s Football Academies in partnership with Crewe Alex to give talented young footballers the chance to enhance their football skills while studying for a nationally recognised sport qualification. Applications being taken for this September. For further details email kate.humphrey@reaseheath.ac.uk

Caption: Crewe Alex forward George Cooper celebrates winning LFE ‘Apprentice of the Year’ with Reaseheath sports lecturers Louise Finney and Lauren Goff

Hustings further informs student voters

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Students and staff had the opportunity to further inform their vote at next week’s General Election at a political hustings with our local parliamentary candidates.

Councillor Richard Lee (UKIP), Mr Roy Wood (Lib Dem), Antoinette Sandbach (Conservative), Dr Adrian Heald (Labour) and Dr Andrew Garman (Green Party) were on campus last week to take part in a Q and A session.

Lively debate between the candidates and their audience included discussion on how the parties intended to improve the financial position of 18 – 24 year olds, what measures are proposed to make farming more sustainable and whether the candidates support he ‘Nature and Wellbeing Act’ being put forward by the RSPB and Wildlife Trusts.

The hustings was organised by our Students Services team and was the latest of a number of political sessions to ensure our students are able to make the best use of their vote on May 7, whether they live locally or nationally.

the audience applauds

Reaseheath College accreditation success

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Following a rigorous four day evaluation by an independent external assessor Reaseheath College has been awarded the ‘matrix Standard’ for the quality of our Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) service.

The matrix Standard is a unique outcome-based quality accreditation, which confirms that the services the College provides are of the highest standard.

In order to be awarded this standard, Reaseheath was required to show that it is able to deliver an effective IAG service that is impartial and objective; it is able to review, evaluate and develop the IAG service to bring about continuous improvement; encourages the take up of professionally recognised qualifications and the continuous professional development of their staff and services.

The feedback from the external assessor identified a number of particular strengths that Reaseheath demonstrates:

  •  Dedicated staff with a clear commitment to implementing college values
  • Robust and inspirational leadership and management, with a clear vision and a clear approach to strategic planning
  • The competency framework has enabled the college to define the skills, knowledge and competencies required for every job role more effectively
  • staff confirmed that the performance review process ensures that there are very strong links between the college aims and objectives and individuals’ personal objectives
  • The organisation of the HR team with Business Partners linked to departments is particularly effective.
  • A strong induction process for staff, with a thorough mentoring process that works well
  • The effective use of external partnerships to support the quality assurance process

Some comments made by students included in the report:

“The team are very supportive and willing to share; they’re helping me to know what I want to do in the future.”

 ”Their passion shows through; really inspiring.”

 “You learn stuff about yourself you never would have.”

“They’ve given me my identity back.”

 “I was absolutely amazed by the support I got. I can talk to anyone for advice without feeling stupid”

Quality Improvement Manager Graham Harbage said: “To be awarded this challenging standard is a testament to the superb work that goes on across the college in supporting both our students and our staff, and congratulations must go to everybody who is involved in providing IAG services that are officially recognised as being of the highest standard.”

Cane toad sadly passes away

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The animal management department are sad to announce the loss of the College’s cane toad Rita. She passed away during the Easter holidays, likely to be of old age. She has been at the College for 7 years, however her age is unknown as this wasn’t clear when she was donated to the Zoo. Rita helped many students learn practices such as chytrid swabbing, biosecurity protocols and service orders and will be missed by many.

Riding Club Showing

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Reaseheath will be running a championship show on Sunday 27th August so put the date in your diary

 

Please check back here for updates on the schedule.

 

WorldSkills UK heat tests landscaping skills

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Future garden landscapers demonstrated their skills at the north west regional heat of the WorldSkills UK competition, run on campus last week.

Horticultural students and apprentices from across the region, including six of our own students, took part in the knock-out heat which was run by the Association of Professional Landscapers.

Following a similar elimination round in the south of the country, the highest scoring students will go to the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park for further training and to get used to appearing in front of big crowds. This year’s final will be held at The Skills Show at the NEC Birmingham in the autumn.

The competitors had to build a decked unit in a timed session and were marked on the quality of their work and attention to detail. We put forward Level 3 Extended Diploma Horticulture students India Hill, Jay Hevingham and Finin Talbot (from Year 1) and Joshua Camm and Christopher Shore (from Year 2). Last year’s finalist Richard Carden also took part.

The students have been preparing for the competition this term thanks to the efforts of hard landscape tutor Jason Hinks. They will hear who has been selected for the next round in May.

Jodie Lithgard, lead judge and trainer said: “The competitors produced work to a good standard. This is very pleasing as we are putting all our efforts into increasing the standard of skills coming into the industry.”

WorldSkills UK feeds into the Olympic-styled Worlds Skills final, held every two years to showcase the world’s top young talent in vocational industries.

Former Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture student Matt Beesley, 21, is in the final selection for this year’s international squad which will represent GB in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in August.

Matt, has progressed to become Director of Beesley’s Landscapes and employs two apprentices, both of whom took part in Reaseheath’s regional heat. Matt built a garden for RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year alongside Jodie Lidgard and this year will partner garden designer Sharon Hockenhull in the build of the ‘Light Catcher’ visionary garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

To find out more about our horticulture courses visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/horticulture

Construction Plant Maintenance Apprentices celebrate success

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Reaseheath’s Advanced Apprentices in Construction Plant Maintenance received their final awards at a presentation on campus yesterday (Thursday)

Nearly 50 apprentices from all over the country were joined by their employers to celebrate the completion of their Level 3 qualification. The apprentices work as construction plant technicians for leading companies including A-Plant, Scot JCB, Greenshields JCB, Watlings JCB, Banner Plant, Barry Wood Plant Hire, The GAP Group, Pickerings Plant and Clee Hill Plant.

They were congratulated by Programme Leader Simon Keen, who told his audience that the group had a phenominal work ethic and were a credit to their employers. He was sure that they would continue to serve their companies well and would provide the next generation of highly skilled engineers.

Simon also emphasised that he was delighted at the continued support from employers both for the course and for their apprentices.

Special awards went to outstanding apprentices:

  • Reaseheath Apprentice of the Year: Joe Bowers from Barry Wood Plant Hire (presented by Simon Keen)
  • Best A-Plant Apprentice: Daniel Pritchard  (presented by Bob Harper, Head of Customer Solutions A-Plant)
  • Top JCB Apprentice: Chris Elvin of Watlings JCB  (presented by Richard Hough, JCB Training Manager)
  • Dean ‘Dumper’ Mason Award for Best Practical Student: John Barber from Scot JCB (presented by Alun Mason)
  • Banner Plant Award for Endeavour: Alan Cage (A-Plant)

Peers awards (student vote)

  • The Apprentices’ Apprentice: Jake Ridly (A-Plant)

Runners-up: John Barber (Scot JCB); Chris Elvin (Watlings JCB); Brett Parkes (A-Plant)

  • Top Practical Apprentice Oliver Bushnell (Greenshield JCB)
  • The Future High Flyer Award Chris Elvin (Watling JCB)
  • Most Improved Apprentice Brett Parkes (A-Plant)

 

 

Round the clock horse ride raises funds for Lucy’s Mum

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Equine Science undergraduates raised nearly £800 by riding our mechanical horse for 24 hours. The funds will help fellow student Lucy William’s family to pay for specialist cancer treatment for Lucy’s Mum Vicky.

Lucy, 18, who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Equine Science, organised the riding marathon to help raise the £15,000 the family needs to send Vicky to Germany for hyperthermia treatment.

With our students’ help, the fund has reached almost £14,000 and Vicky has already left for the Klinik Marinus in Upper Bavaria. Her family hope that the treatment will give her more time with her four children Christopher (20), Lucy, Billy (14) who suffers from spina bifida, and Charlie who is nearly two.

Vicky was diagnosed with cervical cancer just after Charlie was born and now has bone cancer in her back, ribs and pelvis.

Lucy, who also ran a cake stall during the fundraising event, said: “I was really pleased at the way everyone helped to make this such a success. We raised an amazing amount of money and I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the students who took part and to the staff who had to stay up to supervise us!”

For further details see Facebook Vicky’s Miracle www.gofundme.com/Vmnmt

Caption: Lucy Williams with rider Natalie-Jade Hadfield on ‘Flicka’ our mechanical horse.

 

Reaseheath student wins award for floodplain orchard

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Reaseheath College undergraduate Daniel Ackerley has won a national award with his flood plain orchard.

Daniel, who is studying for his Foundation Degree in Countryside, Conservation and Recreation at the Nantwich college, was a runner-up in The Conservation Foundation’s ‘Gardening Against the Odds’ Awards.

The annual competition seeks out horticultural projects which are inspirational in their own right, which benefit people who face physical, mental or environmental ’odds’ and which can also offer wider benefits to the community.

Daniel, who lives in Vicars Cross, Chester, successfully grows over 100 fruit trees near the River Dee in Farndon despite the land being flooded with up to six feet of water during the winter.

He has planted the two acre plot with unusual and heritage varieties of fruit trees including apples, pears, plums, quince, mulberries, walnuts and hazelnuts, some dating back to Roman times. He is also growing endangered native black poplar and elm trees which he is monitoring as part of national programmes to grow disease resistant species.

As the plot adjoins a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Daniel manages the orchard to provide diverse habitat for wildlife and hopes that as it matures it could be used to educate young people in conservation methods.

He also hopes to increase his involvement in community activities, as the orchard is near Holt’s medieval castle and is on a popular walking route around Farndon and Holt.

The 46 year-old engineer, who had to retire prematurely from his work on off shore oil rigs due to Crohn’s Disease, has found that the project and his college course has given him an alternative focus.

Passionately interested in conservation and in garden history, Daniel decided to go ahead with his orchard once he realised that a similar scheme nearby had been successful centuries ago despite being regularly flooded.

Daniel receives his certificate from actress Susan Hampshire

Daniel receives his certificate from actress Susan Hampshire

He said: “Having an underwater orchard might seem a bit strange but the knowledge that it’s worked in the past gave me the confidence to go ahead. My college course has enabled me to carry out the project scientifically and in a structured way, using both traditional and modern techniques.

“Basically I’m trying to retain a vestige of medieval field system which is surrounded by modern agriculture. To do this successfully I need a good understanding of science and current legislation as well as practical skills.

“I was surprised and delighted to make the judges’ selection for the ‘Gardening Against the Odds’ award. The whole event was extremely positive. All finalists were selected because their projects were outward looking and went beyond their own boundaries.”

The Conservation Foundation Director David Shreeve said: “Daniel is a great example of what the ‘Gardening Against the Odds’ awards are all about. The judges were really impressed with his story and what he is doing.

“Susan Hampshire, a keen fruit grower herself, described it as an inspired use of space, growing trees and producing fruit.”

The finals of the prestigious competition were held on Wednesday at a gala tea party at Syon House in London. www.gardeningagainstheodds.com

Find out more about the Foundation Degree in Countryside, Conservation and Recreation.