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.

 

Reaseheath College Higher Education Tuition Fees 2015/16

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Tuition fees have been confirmed for all new students starting this September on Harper Adams validated courses.

These can be viewed on our finance for Higher Education page.

For more information on tuition fees and financial support contact the Student Finance Team on 01270 613205.

 

 

Schools battle it out in Reaseheath’s Great Pie Bake-Off

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Budding food technologists from schools across the region battled it out in a baking challenge laid down by Reaseheath College’s Food Department

Ten finalists from secondary schools throughout Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Manchester and the Wirral made it through to the Schools Great British Pie Bake Off, held in our specialist Food Centre last week.  The pupils, who had to bake a pie or pastry with a sporting theme, stunned the judging panel with the standard and originality of their products.

Overall winner was Harry Brown, 14, from Fallibroome Academy, Macclesfield, with his ‘Two Flavour Bike Pie’, an artistic impression of a bike inspired by the Tour de France. His entry had coq au vin and apple pies for wheels, a frame made of bread and a road made from chocolate.

Harry, who enjoys baking as a hobby, won a cash prize plus two iPads for his school. He said: “Reaseheath’s bakery facilities are really impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great to get such positive feedback from the judges. They said they really liked the combination of flavours in my pies!”

Second was Maddie Stevens, 15, a pupil at West Kirby Grammar School, Wirral, whose ‘Going for Gold’ savoury pie celebrated the commonwealth games and the countries involved. The pie, which was decorated with gold glitter dust, had tasty layers of spinach, ricotta cheese and butternut squash.

Equal third were Ben Pratt, 13, and Connor Whalley, 14, from Sir Thomas Boughey High School in Stoke on Trent, and Megan Justice, 14, a pupil of Great Sankey High School, Warrington. As a tribute the high ranking Greek football team, Ben and Connor made Greek filo pastries filled with spinach, sundried tomatoes and feta cheese while Megan chose the World Cup 2014 winner, Germany, as inspiration for her Black Forest Winner Pie.

Other finalists were:

  • Alex Camp, 13, from Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton (Le Tour de Clanger)
  • Kathryn O’Hara, 15, and Megan Quayle, 14, from Great Sankey High School, Warrington (Apple Struesel Tart)
  • Leah Robinson, 15, from Wellington School, Altrincham (Medal Pie)
  • Grace Callaghan, 15, from Wellington School , Altrincham (Football Pie)
  • Erin Yorke, 14, from The Heath School, Runcorn (Reggae Pie)
  • Emily Bozier , 15, and Emily Dutton 14, from Grove School, Market Drayton (Galloping to Victory)

The judging panel of Keith Fisher, Butchery Development Manager for BPEX (the British Pig Executive), Cheshire WI judge Mary Hignett and David Thomson, Sales Executive for Bako, a baking products and ingredients supplier, were looking for originality, presentation and taste.

Keith Fisher said: “I was very impressed with the organisation and professionalism of the young people, and there was so much passion and enthusiasm. It was a privilege to judge the competition. Reaseheath’s food department should be congratulated on running such an inspired and exciting competition.”

This was the second time that our Food Department has run the bake-off challenge and it attracted about 80 entries. It has proved so popular that there are already plans to repeat it next year. Many of the young entrants have been inspired to look at careers in the Food Industry and some are intending to study with us in the future.

For further details of Reaseheath’s food courses see www.reaseheath.ac.uk/food-technology

 

Reaseheath welcomes Czech dairy students

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A few weeks ago Reaseheath became home to a group of 13 dairy students and a tutor from the Czech Republic for two weeks.

The students have been enjoying an Agri-Food study visit funded by the European Erasmus+ VET programme, which aims to promote vocational educational training within the European community.

Our visitors spent three days with our Agriculture team milking cows, lambing and learning some basic theory about UK agriculture. They then joined our Food Department for a week, where they learnt some fundamentals about meat, dairy, and bakery technology. This included a variety of practical sessions to support their learning, including making soft cheeses, butter, lemon curd and croissants – they certainly ate well!

 

The group with Agriculture Programme Leader Iain Clarke and lecturer Alan Brown.

The group with Agriculture Programme Leader Iain Clarke and lecturer Alan Brown.

The students, ages 18-20, stayed in Platt Hall, our newest student halls of residence. For nine it was their first time in England, so this not only gave them a taste of life on a UK campus but also helped them develop their English language skills and gave them an appreciation of UK culture.

They also enjoyed a visit to Liverpool and its many museums and arts centres. Their final day was particularly memorable, with the solar eclipse ending their stay.

The students are all final year students at VOSP SPSM Kromeriz, a specialist dairy college several hours from Prague. We hope this visit will be the first of many – and plans are already afoot to arrange a return visit for our students in the near future.

Kathy Merrett, Food Programme Leader

Repeat recognition for Reaseheath’s Food Centre

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Reaseheath College’s Food Centre has gained an internationally recognised Grade A certification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) for the second year running.

The Nantwich College’s Food Centre remains the first and only educational institution in Britain to achieve Grade A at BRC6, the highest possible standard for food safety.

The quality mark was approved after a repeat audit showed that Reaseheath’s food manufacturing systems continue to operate under highly controlled conditions and to the highest industry standards. Areas inspected included hygiene procedures, cleanliness of the facility and the traceability of food ingredients.

The accolade is particularly prestigious as many good businesses strive, but never achieve, this ultimate standard. The successful bid was led by Reaseheath’s Technical Manager Katharina Vogt.

Food Centre Head Toni-Anne Harrison said: “This has been a second tremendous achievement and we are all very proud. Although we gained BRC6 at Grade A last year, it does not guarantee a repeat result. This achievement was due to the continuing hard work and dedication put in by the food team and illustrates how an understanding of industry procedures and practices underpin everything that we do in the Food Centre. It can only increase our credence and standing within the food industry and to increased exposure to blue chip companies”.

Reaseheath’s £7 million Food Centre was opened in 2011 and is one of the best equipped food processing teaching and practical facilities in Europe.

Built to exacting standards and staffed by a team of specialist food technologists, the Centre has dairy processing halls and production for butchery, bakery and confectionery. Many local, national and international food and drink manufacturers use our facilities for new product development or staff training. These partnerships lead to work experience and job opportunities for the College’s food technology students.

For further details on our Food Centre please click here.

 

Reaseheath’s new gym praised by Olympic gymnast

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Beth Tweddle and Georgia Lush (Level 3 Sports Student) on exercise bike

Beth Tweddle and Georgia Lush (Level 3 Sports Student) on exercise bike

Britain’s greatest female gymnast Beth Tweddle raised the bar when she opened a £1 million sports science department at Reaseheath College in Nantwich.

The London Olympics 2012 bronze medallist officially opened Reaseheath’s high tech gym and new sports science laboratory when she visited the campus last week.

Beth, who started her career aged seven at the Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club, went on to represent Great Britain at three Olympic Games and became a triple World Champion and winner of six European championships and seven national championships before taking a break from competitive sport in 2012. She then became a TV star by winning ITV’s ‘Dancing on Ice’.

During her visit Beth admired the gym’s high tech equipment, which is the same as that used by England footballers at the Football Association’s headquarters, and includes a strength and conditioning zone equipped to the same specification as the 2012 Olympic village. She also watched as serious athletes completed tests in the sports science lab, which has over £40,000 worth of equipment.

The new facility is used to train sports performance and public services students and is used by elite athletes including Crewe Alex FC players. It is also open to all students and staff and local sportspeople can book a personal fitness revue in the sports science lab.

Beth, whose family home is in Bunbury said: “As a local girl it has been great to visit Reaseheath and see the new sports department. It’s brilliant that the college’s sports students have access to such great facilities and can also work alongside elite athletes.”

“Sport transformed my life and it’s good to know so many enthusiastic young people are considering it as a career. It is also great to see all students being encouraged to keep fit as part of their daily routine”.

For more information about Reaseheath’s sports courses visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/studysports or phone 01270 613242. For details about Reaseheath’s new Ladies’ and Men’s Football Academy email kate.humphrey@reaseheath.ac.uk  

Beth Tweddle cuts ribbon with students Lily Moreland and Jim Kelly

Beth Tweddle cuts ribbon with students Lily Moreland and Jim Kelly

Marine mammal emergency averted!

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A beached pilot whale and several dolphins and seals were successfully rescued from the front lawn at Reaseheath College on Tuesday.

Fortunately the emergency wasn’t for real, but a simulated situation to enable 37 animal management students to gain an internationally recognised qualification in wildlife rescue.

The one day course was offered to degree students and to Access to HE students who are studying science or animal management. After a morning of lectures and an afternoon of practical instruction using inflatable life sized models, all students achieved their British Divers Marine Life Rescue “Marine Mammal Medic” certificate.

This well recognised award qualifies our students to help in day-to-day marine wildlife emergencies and will be a fantastic addition to their CVs.

The training day was organised by HE Course Manager Kizzy Beaumont and was the third time we have offered this qualification to our students. It has proved so popular that Kizzy is now planning to run a follow up ‘wet’ course on the coast, when students will get hands-on with the rescue of a live marine mammal.

Josh Bufton, a second year Foundation Degree in Zoo Management student, was spotted for his talent by the instructors, who suggested he should widen his knowledge by gaining his advanced qualification.

Josh, who hopes to work with marine species in the future, said “This has been a great opportunity to gain a qualification which will help me to decide what sector I’d like to work in.

“The course was extremely informative and the instructors were very professional. I would highly recommend the training to all students who enjoy learning about marine mammals.”

Co-incidentally one of the instructors, Jayne Dobner, was a Level 3 agriculture student with us in the 1980s and hasn’t been on campus since.

She said: “It’s great to be back. The campus looks a lot more modern than when I was here, but it still has the same friendly vibe!”

Caption: HE animal management students enjoy their marine mammal training on the front lawn

 

MP builds on skills during Apprenticeship Week

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson built on his skills when he joined construction apprentices during lessons at Reaseheath College last week.

The Minister for Children and Families visited the Nantwich college as part of National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits that skilled apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

MP Edward Timpson picks up tips from bricklaying apprentice Adam Platt

MP Edward Timpson picks up tips from bricklaying apprentice Adam Platt

Mr Timpson tried his hand at bricklaying and joinery in Reaseheath’s tailormade workshops and chatted to successful apprentices who are learning their trade at college and in the workplace.

After working alongside Adam Platt, 17, a bricklaying apprentice employed by Greg Lambert Ltd in Northwich and James Lewis, 18, a site carpentry apprentice who works for his father’s building company in Stockport, Mr Timpson said: “Mr Timpson said: “Our growing economy requires a skilled construction industry, and these young people have very valuable skills to offer. The trade offers a great career path, so it’s good to see Reaseheath putting apprenticeships at the heart of their education and training programme.

“We know that apprenticeships provide a fast route into employment and can offer real-life experiences along the way. They are an excellent option for both students and employers, and I am delighted that over 5,000 have been started in Crewe and Nantwich since 2010.”

For further details of Reaseheath’s courses in joinery, brickwork and plastering visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/construction or phone our Courses Hotline on 01270 613242

 

 

LEP Award £5.58m to Reaseheath College for New Centre of Excellence

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The Cheshire and Warrington LEP have announced the creation of a National Centre of Excellence for agri-tech, following its award of £5.58 million to Reaseheath College. The centre, which will be based at the college’s site near Nantwich, will combine all aspects of agricultural innovation, mechanisation and advanced engineering, as well as an accommodation block to house 200 students.

The Centre will provide general teaching areas, workshop space, specialised facilities for robotics, tractor simulation, GPS and the most advanced agricultural engineering machines associated with precision farming, meeting current and future skills needs in line with local, regional and national priorities.

The accommodation provision for the National Centre will involve replacing the existing temporary residential units (180 beds) with a 200 bed purpose-built facility to accommodate 320 students each year, with a total bed space for over 800 students on campus.

This money was awarded to Reaseheath in the first round of allocations of skills capital funding, from an overall funding pot of £12.1 million, as part of the £158million Local Growth Deal originally agreed for Cheshire and Warrington in July. The funding is for 2015-16 and 2016-17 and requires Reaseheath College to match the allocation with over £11m of their own funds at a rate of 2:1 (i.e. the college will put in £2 for every £1 of funding).

LEP Chair, Christine Gaskell MBE, said:

“We are delighted to be able to make this award to Reaseheath College to deliver a National Centre of Excellence within Cheshire and Warrington. Reaseheath is already an outstanding asset for the sub-region and this development will only increase its profile nationally. Skills Capital Funding is an important part of our £158million Local Growth Fund award and we are now working with a number of other colleges across Cheshire & Warrington to develop final applications for future projects. The LEP works closely with colleges and universities in the sub-region to develop the right provision of high level skills ensuring the needs of employers are met, both locally and nationally.”

Reaseheath’s specialist provision attracts employers and students UK wide and this funding will enable the College to meet the increased demand in advanced engineering, agricultural engineering, horticulture, food manufacturing and block release apprenticeships. This development will also address significant condition issues in the central scientific laboratory Hub supporting all science-based programmes.

Around 7,000 students are enrolled at the college on educational programmes each year with over 3000 on full time specialist technical courses, 800 students studying Foundation Degrees and Honours Degrees, with MSC’s and an MBA being developed for 2016.

Principal at Reaseheath College, Meredydd David OBE added:

“This funding announcement is exciting news for Reaseheath College, we are already recognised as one of the top national specialist land-based colleges in England but by creating a National Centre of Excellence with a supporting accommodation facility, it will mean that specialist provision can be delivered to a national market. This critical investment could not have progressed without the support of the LEP capital.”

DEFRA has recently recognised the regional and national impact of the work of Reaseheath College through funding Cheshire East Council to designate the college as one of eleven Food and Agriculture Enterprise Zones, a government scheme aimed at generating new business and enterprise in the countryside agreed in conjunction with Cheshire East Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership. Reaseheath College, with the University of Chester, is also included in the N8 (Northern Universities Partnership) in a HEFCE Catalyst and Agri-Tech BIS proposal to form a Northern network to support and deliver the Government Agri-Technology Strategy.

Reaseheath’s rising stars recognised

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The contribution that Reaseheath College apprentices make to regional businesses was recognised at a glittering awards ceremony.

The event highlighted the achievement of 150 apprentices who had gained their qualifications at the Nantwich specialist college in the past year. It was held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits that skilled apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Reaseheath College is a leading trainer of apprentices throughout Cheshire and surrounding counties and also provides a valuable recruitment service for employers.

It has extended the delivery of its apprenticeship programmes across the East Midlands by acquiring DART Training, a specialist land-based training provider. Over 1,000 apprentices in land based industries are now trained by Reaseheath Training and DART.

The apprentices, who are in paid employment, receive academic training from college assessors and gain practical skills in the workplace. Although the majority are aged between 16 and 24, Reaseheath also offers adult apprenticeships for those aged over 25. Training programmes can start at any time of the year, and there are vacancies in a number of trades currently available.

Top honours of the awards ceremony went to Apprentice of the Year Sophie Bell, a Level 2 Business Administration apprentice in Reaseheath’s busy marketing department, and to Advanced Apprentice of the Year Ross Brownbill, assistant dairy manager for leading Cheshire farmer Richard Archer. Kate Rooke, a Preston based bull technician for Genus Breeding, was runner-up Advanced Apprentice of the Year.

All three were selected for their commitment to their studies, attention to detail at their workplace and for their outstanding contribution to their employers’ businesses.

Sophie, of Mow Cop, Stoke on Trent, a former pupil at Congleton High School, joined Reaseheath’s business support staff two years ago and has progressed onto her Level 3 apprenticeship. Her varied duties range from helping to organise the college’s course open days, public events and schools programmes to representing the marketing department at internal meetings.

She said: “I was very proud to receive this award. It’s nice to be recognised for working hard. My Grandad won ‘Apprentice of the Year’ 50 years ago, so I seem to be following in the family tradition!”

Ross, a former Royal Marine, has his sights firmly set on career progression and already helps to manage 700 dairy cows.

He said: “Although I’ve only been in the farming industry for five years, my apprenticeship prepared me well. I’ve gained a lot of practical experience through working for several farms and that, combined with sound academic training at Reaseheath, helped me to get a job with good prospects.”

Guest speaker at the ceremony was Barbara Hughes, a successful dairy farmer from Malpas who employs apprentices on the family’s 220 acre farm. She was joined on the podium by last year’s Level 3 agriculture apprentice of the year Adam Brown, 27, who works as an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) technician on Reaseheath’s demonstration AD plant and is also employed on his family’s dairy farm in Holmes Chapel.

The awards were announced by Reaseheath Training Manager Christine Middleton. Other principle winners were:

Best Agricultural Apprentice (Level 2): David Stoner, a stockman for FW Hughes and Sons dairy farm in Mold, North Wales.

Best Agricultural Apprentice (Level 3): Sam Blythe, who works for GF Blythe and Son, his family’s dairy farm on Dunham on the Hill near Helsby.

Edit Agriculture Best Level 3 Apprentice Sam Blythe with Anna Hughes

Agriculture Best Level 3 Apprentice Sam Blythe with Anna Hughes

Best Level 3 Farmcare Apprentice: Kamil Peno, who works on a Farmcare fruit farm in Herefordshire. Kamil was one of six Farmcare apprentices to complete their Level 3 apprenticeship at Reaseheath this year.

Best Construction Apprentice (Brickwork): Ben Hardwick, a Level 3 apprentice  who is employed by  John Cliff Building Services of Market Drayton. John Cliff is a great supporter of apprenticeship training and all his current workforce have qualified through the programme.

Best Construction Apprentice (Joinery): Tom Spibey, a Level 3 student who is one of several apprentices working for RS Developments of Calveley.

Construction Best Apprentices Tom Spibey and Ben Hardwick with Andy Armitage assessor

Construction Best Apprentices Tom Spibey and Ben Hardwick with Andy Armitage assessor

Best Level 2 Equine Apprentice: Bethany Gerrard, a groom at Denstone Stud and Riding Centre, Uttoxeter.

Best Horticulture Apprentice: Jim Alley, a trainee greenkeeper with Delamere Forest Golf Club, who achieved his Level 2 apprenticeship in sports turf

Best Food Apprentice:  Tom Jackson, a Level 3 trainee food technician with Appleby Creamery in Cumbria.

Certificates of Excellence:

Jack Vaughan  (P Vaughan))

Peter Lofthouse (Tatton Park Gardens)

Luke Salter (Muller Dairy UK)

Certificates of Endeavour:

Ben McNulty (Nick McNulty)

Jack Bennison (Andrew Bennison)

Certificates for Outstanding Achievement:

Mark Marrow (Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council)

For more information on the apprenticeships offered at Reaseheath click here.