Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

The latest news from Reaseheath College Issue 25 Celebrating In this issue a record year See pages 4 and 5

'Outstanding' quality of care See page 2

Chancellor George Osborne admires our show garden See page 11

Top marks from Adam Henson See page 16

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Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/reaseheath www.reaseheath.ac.uk Reaseheath is ‘Outstanding’ for quality of care Reaseheath offers exemplary The Care Standards care for younger students Commission is responsible for Caring - Rob Icke, one of our student welfare team. who live on campus, Ofsted ensuring the safeguarding of inspectors have confirmed. young people and vulnerable with openness, maturity and clearly benefitt from We received the highest adults. Key comments from and enthusiasm when strong support from possible accolade for the its inspection team included: taking on responsibilities the welfare team and superb support, development -- Students and parents at college and within the safeguarding officers and care we offer our 16 are extremely positive, local community -- Students are strong to 18 year-old residential with students clearly -- Staff and students drivers for change and students. We provide onsite valuing and enjoying their demonstrate a clear development and feel accommodation for 685 residential experience commitment to equality well listened to students, around 200 of -- Outstanding and an unequivocal -- College leavers enjoy very whom are under 18. development of social acceptance of everyone’s positive prospects, with The report, by the Care and personal skills differences 90% going on to Higher Standards Commission, significantly helps -- Students feel safe Education programmes awarded us ‘Outstanding’ for students to prepare for on campus and their or employment our effectiveness in all four their next step welfare is the primary Our Principal, Meredydd areas inspected. These were: -- Excellent links between consideration of staff David, said: “This is a outcomes for young people, student services, -- There is a very strong fantastic and well deserved quality of service, safeguarding, curriculum, premises and commitment to a zero result. I am extremely and leadership and catering teams ensures tolerance of bullying pleased and proud and management. All areas were the best possible student -- Students are highly would like to congratulate all judged to be at the highest experience committed to their the college teams and staff level with no recommendations -- Students show excellent academic and social that have made this great for improvement. behaviour and respond learning programmes outcome possible." Investment continues… Reaseheath has continued to funded by the Skills Funding extensively extended and Sustainability Centre invest in specialist technical and Agency and top of the range refurbished, and will be ready -- A new centre for students educational facilities to ensure engineering equipment has for students early in 2014. with learning difficulties, that students and staff enjoy the been donated by industry. In the pipeline for 2014 / 15: (in partnership with best possible resources. The training uniquely brings -- A sports science centre Cheshire East Council) We have invested over £40 together engineering, food -- A Horticulture -- Another new hall of million on new buildings over manufacturing and farming and Countryside residence the past six years….and our and is aimed at engineers who capital investment continues. service and maintain large A state of the art Food scale milk processing plants in Engineering Centre has just factories across the country. been completed, along with a Our latest hall of residence, substantial refurbishment of our Platt Hall (named in agricultural engineering and remembrance of long serving automotive workshops. governor and support The £3.6m project, developed John Platt MBE) was also in partnership with the National completed over the summer. Skills Academy for Food, works The additional 150 en suite in conjunction with our Food bedrooms, which include Centre to provide industry with special provision for students a national centre unrivalled in with disabilities, bring the total the UK and possibly Europe. of student rooms on campus Latest accommodation - Platt Hall The development was to 685. Our gym is also being

2 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Reaseheath makes a real difference The significant and inspection results, growing contribution which including consistently Reaseheath makes to the ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ local and national economy Ofsted results and a has been underlined in an commendation for good independent report. practice from the Quality Figures from an economic Assurance Agency for impact assessment show Higher Education we contributed at least The report reveals that £61.77million to the economy Reaseheath pays out over in the academic year 2010 - £21 million annually through 2011, with continued growth its payroll and on payment for predicted. The college also goods and services. sustained over 700 jobs Other figures show that Attractive - our industry standard Food Centre elsewhere in addition to our Reaseheath’s Higher own staff of 620. Education students typically These include excellent and land management. The report, drawn up by spend over £6 million locally employment prospects for The report states: ”We Kressel, a regeneration and on rental, food, and leisure all students, with graduates are convinced that the economic development pursuits. Visitors to our in particular earning higher actual economic impact specialist, highlights four key open days, family festival than average salaries. of Reaseheath College is factors which have enabled and graduation ceremonies Businesses benefit significantly higher than Reaseheath to make a real are estimated to contribute commercially by employing the figure quoted and that difference to its neighbourhood. £76,700 directly to our industry ready graduates there will be many exciting These are: local economy. In addition, and by engaging in bespoke prospects for the future. -- An excellent and growing students and staff contribute training for their workforce. Reaseheath is continuously reputation as a provider £33,000 annually to our This has resulted in us expanding and offers new, of Further and Higher community and to charities providing a growing number state-of-the-art, facilities. Education through fund raising and of tailormade training Student numbers are -- Our close co-operation voluntary projects. contracts with national and increasing and the college with an increasing The report also regional businesses. This is attracting a growing number of employers emphasises the wider growth has been particularly number of company clients. -- Strong involvement in and economic impact directly significant in the farming This report, therefore, support for rural and local attributable to the relevant, and food production represents a mere snapshot communities industry related training industries, and in of an accelerated journey of -- Excellent statutory and education we provide. engineering, motor vehicle growth.” Skills leader gets training overview at Reaseheath College

Senior civil servant David driving tractors fitted with Russell brought himself up to Global Positioning Systems date with the industry-ready (GPS), a space-based satellite skills offered by land based navigation system. colleges during a fact finding He also visited our refurbished tour of our college. agricultural engineering David is the Director of academy and motor vehicle ‘Closing the Gap’ within the workshops and inspected our Department for Education and newly finished, state-of-the-art, chose to visit us because of food engineering centre Impressed - David Russell joins Vice Principal Dave Kynaston and Head of Agriculture our outstanding reputation David said: “My visit was Martyn East in our milking parlour for skills development and truly inspiring. I was impressed engagement with industry. with everything I saw : the to see a college which is teaching partnerships to the He toured our £7.3million industry-standard facilities, the delivering the Government’s layout of facilities. industry standard food engagement of the students, vision for the sector. “It shows what can be done centre and commercial farm, the enthusiasm of the staff and Reaseheath is not only by an institution focussed on taking the chance to join the vision and energy of your responsive to the needs excellence and completely students being introduced to principal and team. of industry but is totally in orientated towards successful groundbreaking technology “Above all, it was extremely partnership at all levels, employment outcomes and the such as programming and encouraging and inspiring from course design through skills needs of industry.”

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 3 Awards Students celebrate record year

Level 3 Sport (Performance and Excellence) prize winners Stephen Teale and Sian Manfredi and Ricky Stevens, Best Students Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Liam Kelleher

Proving that once again by the Lord Lieutenant of 3 Extended Diplomas in most to Reaseheath’s we are one of the country’s Cheshire David Briggs, by Animal Management, were sporting activities, and in most successful specialist President of the National selected for making the best particular for his involvement colleges, we have notched up Farmers Union Peter all round contribution to with the college’s rugby another record year of student Kendal and by local vet and the college. Excellent student team. As team captain he enrolments and achievements. television presenter Steve ambassadors, they had had never missed a training Our annual awards Leonard. They were thanked voluntarily conducted 40 tours session and he had gone on ceremony celebrated the by Natasha Taylor, Student of student accommodation to become match captain success of over 1200 Further Association President. for parents, potential students and team manager. Thanks Education students who had Special Achievements and visitors and had given up to his personality and drive, achieved industry recognised Five outstanding students time to help others. he led the team to victory in qualifications and skills. were selected to receive David Power, a Level the British Colleges Sports Our students, from cross college awards. 3 Diploma Light Vehicle tournament, regularly across the UK and over Luke Evans, a Level Maintenance and Repair playing against colleges a dozen countries, are 3 Subsidiary Diploma in student, was singled out with rugby academies. preparing for careers in Adventure Sport student, was for personal qualities. Talented engineer James agriculture, environmental chosen as the student making Sadly, David had lost both Scott, a Level 3 construction conservation, animal or equine the best contribution to parents and had been plant apprentice, was management, agricultural college life. A key member living with his grandparents awarded the Beacon Trophy engineering, motor vehicle, of the Student Association, while completing a previous celebrating excellence. business, food manufacture, he had supported every course at Reaseheath. His Selected to represent floristry, horticulture, forestry, fund raising event including grandfather then died and he Reaseheath at a competition construction, sport, outdoor 27 street collections, a had continued to care for his which attracted entries from adventure or public services. 660 mile relay race on an grandmother while studying 11 colleges, he was awarded Significantly, over 90% exercise bike and a raft race for his Level 3 qualification. the national title of Level 3 of students progress into on the college lake. As the Despite adversity, he has Construction Apprentice of employment or onto higher SA’s Under 18 representative, grown into a confident young the Year. level courses and we are he had also worked closely man of tremendous character James was chosen for his recognised for preparing with the student services who leads by example and commitment to going the students well for the jobs team to ensure student commands a lot of respect extra mile in both his studies market or for entry into needs were met. from his peers. and for the way he supports higher education. Best friends Lucy Simm Enthusiastic sportsman fellow apprentices. (see more Student prizes and and Hayley Carr, who had James McKenzie was about James’ achievements certificates were presented just completed their Level recognised for contributing on page 24)

Best Level 3 Agricultural Engineering student James Strickland Top horticulture students Joseph Tunnacliffe, Craig Burgess and Maximilian Mrozicki

4 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Awards www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath

Peter Kendall with top Agriculture students Martin Beeston, Zara Jones, Jack Garner, Ellen Helliwell and Oliver Bagley, Catriona Smith, best academic student, Level 3 Extended Meredydd David and Chair of Governors Emily Thrane Diploma Animal Management

Sophie Flowers, most improved student, Level 3 Extended Diploma Adventure Sport

Top Equine students Kimberley Murray, Abbey Hoxworth, Aviva Best Entry Level students Zoe Bloor and Alexander Moores Stafford and Rebecca Webb are congratulated by Steve Leonard

Top veterinary care assistants Fiona Moss and Liam Grocott Pre Entry students celebrate Michele Deakin, Most Improved join Steve Leonard Learner, Level 3 Diploma Floristry

Cross college awards winners Luke Evans, David Power, James McKenzie, Lucy Simm Alastair Bennett, award winner, Level 3 Countryside Level 3 student of the year and Hayley Carr Food Manufacture and Product Design Steven Waterworth

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 5 Awards Record year for apprentices A record 444 apprentices achieved nationally recognised qualifications at Reaseheath last year. The apprentices work in businesses throughout Cheshire and surrounding counties. Most attend college on day release and spend Advanced Apprentice of the Year Ben Goostrey and Apprentice Best horticulture apprentice Laura Cartmell with Work-based of the Year Jordan Kenyon Assessor Ian Humphries the rest of the week earning and training in the workplace. Although the majority are aged between 16 and 24, Reaseheath also offers adult apprenticeships for those aged over 25. The scheme is supported by many employers including Reaseheath Business Administration Apprentices Mel Sobotta, councils, golf clubs, garden Michael Welch, Best Construction Apprentice (Joinery) with Kelly Barker, Becky Erskine, Jilly Bennion, Work-based Assessor Paula Work-based Assessor Andy Armitage maintenance companies, Bradbury and Enquiries and Applications Manager Jo Studzinska kennels, pet shops, livery stables, florists, farms and joiner who works for NTC and now works for Andrew Dan Latta , a bricklayer who the food and construction Building Ltd. in Congleton. Ollier, a Knutsford dairy farmer. works for his family’s firm, M J industries. Best Agriculture Latta of Biddulph. Addressing a packed Other principle winners Apprentice (Level 3): Best Construction audience at our awards were: Georgia Mayor, who works for Apprentice (Joinery): ceremony, Principal Meredydd Best Horse Care R & S Fitzell in Preston. Michael Welch, who works for David congratulated the Apprentice: Jade Baddeley, Best Agriculture Project SJS Joinery in Nantwich. apprentices and their a groom for Poplars Farm and (Level 2): Callum Mitchell, Best Food Apprentice: employers for investing Riding School, Stoke. an assistant herdsman with Joy Pollard, who is in the in meaningful and valued Best Agriculture Monneley Farm Partners, a production department of qualifications which would Apprentice (Level 2): Ross Middlewich dairy enterprise, K K Fine Foods, Deeside, boost productivity and Brownbill, who worked for during his apprenticeship. North Wales. enable the UK’s workforce dairy farmer Martyn Rhodes Callum has progressed onto Best Horticulture to compete in European and in Goostrey during his his Level 3 apprenticeship Apprentice: Laura Cartmell, world markets. apprenticeship. A former and now works for Liberty who works for Zimmermann Guest speaker Helen member of the armed NVEV Farm Services. Garden Retreats, a garden Steadman, HR Manager of services, Ross has progressed Best Construction landscaping and maintenance New Primebake Ltd. said to his Level 3 apprenticeship Apprentice (Brickwork): company in Biddulph. that the company believed in growing its own talent through the apprenticeship scheme. Reaseheath had ‘gone the Apprentice extra mile’ to answer the company’s training needs champion and the results had been incredibly positive. The college had fantastic facilities, wins previous industry experience and could help with the national recruitment of apprentices. Top honours went to award Employer of the year John Cliff and wife Karen with Meredydd David Apprentice of the Year Jordan Kenyon, an agriculture Committed apprentice Employer of the Year title Market Drayton. Many apprentice with Wheelton employer John Cliff, in a competition run by the of his staff remain with Farms of Gawsworth who has developed 11 National Apprenticeships him after completing their near Macclesfield, and to construction apprentices Service. apprenticeship and continue Advanced Apprentice of through our training John runs John Cliff to develop their supervisory the Year Ben Goostrey, a programme, took the Small Building Services of and management skills.

6 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Awards www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Staff with ‘Star’ appeal

Reaseheath’s ‘Star’ Anne McKay Colleague of the Year Rob Icke with celebrates with Principal Meredydd David Director of Quality, Learning and Support Team of the Year - The Domestic Team and Vice Principal Dave Kynaston Peter Green

Reaseheath’s ‘Stars’ have teachers amongst us have industry links and promoting been honoured for their so much to pass on. By the department internationally. outstanding contribution to combining all these skills, we The Domestic team (Team our success. can deliver a superb learning of the Year) This team’s Staff members and teams experience.” contribution to college life was judged to have ‘gone the recognised as ‘Outstanding’ extra mile’ have received Other ‘stars’ to receive by Ofsted in a recent Care Awards of Excellence in awards were: Standards Inspection. All recognition of their high Sarah Frondella team members have made levels of professionalism, (Innovation Award) The significant improvements to commitment and dedication. programme administrator the quality of the students’ Geoff Chesters celebrates his People’s All nominations come from for our Foundation Studies experience and provide caring Award with Property and Estates Manager Simon Kennish colleagues. department, Sarah has and safeguarding support, The Reaseheath STAR encouraged Entry level particularly important for Award for the staff member students to develop students making the transition Welsh, Scottish and Irish who provides a leading light employability skills by from home to college life for groups within the student for others was this year organising a tuck shop the first time. community. awarded to Teaching and which they run as a business Rob Icke (Colleague of the Lauren India Lane (Special Learning Coach Anne enterprise. Year) One of Reaseheath’s Achievement Award) Lower McKay. Andy Dale (Education student welfare officers, Vertebrate and Invertebrate Anne was recognised for Excellence) Although this Rob received his award for Keeper and a proactive providing outstanding support senior technologist in bakery the way he supports and member of many professional for teaching staff, particularly and patisserie is relatively new mentors new colleagues and organisations, we honoured those new to the role. Thanks to our food department, his for his efforts to develop the Lauren for the way she to her boundless energy, enthusiasm, skills and passion department. This has included enhances student experience, enthusiasm and skill at getting have become legendary. He setting up ‘Reaseheath For including setting up the the best out of teachers, she strives to ensure students You’, a job shop for students. Reaseheath Herpetological has positively supported all receive an experience that He also supervises teams of and Entomological Society. departments to the benefit of not only prepares them counsellors and administers Thanks to her efforts, the all students. In particular she for future employment but the ‘Welfare Landing’, a invertebrate section of has been responsible for an ensures they become masters drop-in service offering our animal management improved system delivering of their profession. His high welfare support and advice to department won the teaching qualifications ‘in house’. and exacting standards are students. prestigious Blue Cross Anne said: “This award came evident in the products, made Kate Lomas (Giving ‘Animals in Education’ Award. as a complete surprise. While by students, which are sold in Something Back Award) Geoff Chesters (People’s I am very proud to receive Reaseheath’s farm shop. A second member of the Award) A long standing it, my achievements have Sarah Houghton (Leader student welfare team, Kate member of the Estates team, been due to the support of of the Year) Programme organised and co-ordinated Geoff received his award highly successful and forward Leader for Equine, Sarah is ‘Hannah’s Drive’, a screening for being a shining example thinking colleagues. recognised as an exceptional for bone marrow donors of great customer service, “The staff that have recently leader and mentor who which became the most responding to requests for joined us have such great motivates and inspires well supported Anthony help at all hours and always potential, skills and energy, colleagues and students, and Nolan college event in the striving to do the right thing for while the experienced also for her work in forging country. She also established students, staff and tenants.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 7 RAG pays tribute to Britain’s war veterans Reaseheath students and staff military charities should serve handed over £10,000 to local as an example to students charities, bringing the total in other colleges. They have raised over the past 26 years not forgotten those who RAG Chair Sam Norfolk hands over the cheque to Chris Thomas watched by members of the Student Association to a massive £180,000. served and it is very much Over £6,000 from RAG appreciated by all who live and (Raising and Giving) activities work at Broughton House.” was presented to Broughton -- We also raised £4,000 for House, a care home for other charities including ex-servicemen and women. the North West Air The Manchester charity Ambulance, the Poppy was selected as a tribute Appeal, Red Nose Day to those who have been or and a number of animal who are currently engaged charities. in global conflicts. Our -- Level 3 Subsidiary students appreciate that many Diploma in Animal servicemen and women are Management students the same age as themselves. raised £630 for the Blue The Student Association Cross animal charity by organised events including organising a ‘Paws for a Las Vegas themed RAG Tea’ cake stand during Ball, a 665 mile static cycle our Family Festival. Retail Raft race competitors Dafydd Jones, Remi Shore and Elen Griffin challenge, a raft race on the stores M&S and Morrisons college lake and a tractor pull. donated tea bags and Students held street confectionary. collections and enjoyed a -- Our Herpetological and fancy dress pub crawl, a Entomological Society beer, barbecue and football raised £450 for the day, a slave auction, a beer North Wales Reptile and barrel race, a staff versus Raptor Sanctuary with students football match and a events including a ‘leap sponsored ‘stay awake’. of faith’ from our high Animal management ropes course organised students and their dogs took by our adventure sports a sponsored stroll round students. Members visited the college grounds and a the charity to hand over determined team of staff and the funds and spent the Chris Heggarty, Nicola Chambers, Elen Griffin and Sam Norfolk take on the cycle challenge students from construction day helping out. completed the National Three Peaks challenge (some in under 24 hours) in aid of RAG and Help for Heroes. Two staff teams also completed the Welsh 3000 Challenge by climbing 15 Welsh mountains over 3,000 feet within 24 hours, with sponsorship going to RAG. Paying tribute, Chris Thomas, Chief Executive Animal management students Hayley Riley, Katie Davies, Jodi Morana, Kamarra Green, Kieran Parfitt, Keira Binks and staff members Holly Berry and Emma Hunt on their ‘Paws of Broughton House, said: The Three Peaks Challenge team for Tea’ stand “Reaseheath’s drive to support

8 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Shows www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Travel beckons for high flying Cheshire vet Ambitious young farm vet lameness in their herds. Sara Pedersen is looking She plans to train with forward to global travel thanks leading Holstein cattle Sara Pedersen receives the John Platt Travel Scholarship from Cheshire Show Director Keith Thomas and Reaseheath Vice Principal Dave Kynaston to an annual scholarship foot trimmer Karl Burgi in run by Reaseheath and the Wisconsin, USA. and observe Cheshire Agricultural Society how he works alongside vets is responsible for Nantwich of Reaseheath Governors and and presented at the Cheshire to tackle lameness using a Vets’ Farm Academy, the former Chairman, President and Show. team approach. farmer education division of Honorary Life Warden of the Sara, 31, a dairy vet with the Her visit has been arranged in the practice. She is also one Cheshire Agricultural Society. Nantwich Veterinary Group, conjunction with the veterinary of the key professionals who It is awarded annually and is will use her £2,000 John research unit at the University deliver Reaseheath’s free aimed at encouraging young Platt Travel Scholarship to of Wisconsin Madison, which programme of demonstrations agriculturists to gain knowledge gain a deeper insight into the is at the forefront of advances and discussions covering best which will benefit Cheshire’s prevention and treatment of in tackling lameness and practice within the farming farming and rural communities. lameness in dairy cattle. She metabolic disease. industry. For further details see www. hopes her new knowledge will Apart from performing The scholarship is in memory reaseheath.ac.uk or email help Cheshire farmers reduce routine clinical duties, Sara of John Platt, a former Chair [email protected] Cheshire Show hat trick Say cheese! Reaseheath scored a hat trick knowledge and enthusiasm of A mature Cheshire cheese at the Cheshire Show after staff and the obvious interest made by trainee dairy our visitor friendly exhibition they are generating among technologists took a silver was voted best trade stand members of the public.” award at the Cheshire Show. for the third year running. Reaseheath agriculture The 25kg block, made We took top honours after students also celebrated from local milk, was selected judges gave us full marks success in the cattle show by judges above entries Dairy technicians Russell Brown (Muller for the enthusiasm of our ring by gaining awards in from some of the UK’s top Wiseman), Sue Twist (Arla Foods) and Steve Woods (Dairy Crest) with their staff and students and the the calf showing and young cheesemakers. The cheese award winning cheese diversity of activities on offer. handler classes. Youngstock was made in our Food Centre Top crowd puller was from the Reaseheath Holstein by three students who are notes typical of Cheshire a Caterpillar digger, on Dairy Herd were also highly studying for an internationally cheese, but with a greater loan from John Bownes placed in livestock classes. recognised Foundation Degree depth of flavour consistent of Winsford, which gave in Dairy Technology. with a mature cheese. visitors the chance to The students are part of the “Reaseheath’s entry fulfilled operate the controls. Eden initiative, which has been both of these criteria very well Families also enjoyed riding created with the input and and was a great achievement our mechanical horse, tried support of blue chip, small and by students who are relatively bricklaying and had a go at medium sized dairy companies new to cheesemaking.” milking a model cow. Other and is aimed at training the Our trainees recorded another activities, included a climbing next generation of dairy success at the prestigious wall, a horticultural quiz, a technologists. The trainees, Nantwich International Cheese floristry demonstration, bird attend college on a block Show when their coloured box making and a bakery release basis and spend the rest Cheshire cheese was awarded demonstration. Some zoo of their time in the workplace. Very Highly Commended. animals were also on show. Judge Jack Eade said: For further details of VIP visitors to our stand “The standard in the mature training and manufacturing included Defra minister Lord Cheshire cheese category opportunities at de Mauley, who said: “I Agricultural engineering instructor Mark was very high. The judging Reaseheath’s Food Towers and work based assessor Adam have been impressed with Withnell celebrate Reaseheath’s win panel was looking for cheeses Centre see www. the breadth of activities, the which retained the fresh citrus reaseheathfoodcentre.com

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 9 Shows Nantwich Show success Reaseheath’s visitor obvious to us that visitors friendly exhibition was spent more time with also judged top stand Reaseheath than with any in the professional class other stand.” at the Nantwich Show. Youngstock from the Judge Steve Lawson, who Reaseheath Holstein dairy presented the award, said: herd won a maiden heifer James Martin with Bakery and Patisserie students Cedric Mandaya, Katie Gibson “Reaseheath’s stand was the class and picked up several and Amy Lowe best visually. Its mix of livestock, more rosettes. The winning machinery and horticulture really heifer was shown by Natalie in Bakery and Patisserie Gibson and Amy Lowe, all caught the eye. Chesters, a Level 3 Extended students supported award 19, worked as commis chefs “But more importantly it Diploma in Agriculture winning chefs Will Holland, in front of an appreciative was very interactive and student. Natalie was also James Martin and Matt audience. offered visitors a lot to do. awarded second prize in a Tebbitt as they demonstrated Katie said: “It was very The Nantwich Show is all young handlers class. how to cook tasty dishes. interesting working with the about families and it was Three Level 3 Diploma Cedric Mandayo, Katie chefs and being part of the action. It was a really good experience and a great thing Support for to put on your CV.” Food festival Bill’s soup Reaseheath joined the celebrates food growing ranks of businesses and organisations heritage supporting the Nantwich A mouth-watering soup created Food and Drink Festival. by Bill Pearson, a member of Reaseheath’s Food Centre Training and Communications Co-ordinator Julie Bent and As well as sponsoring Business Development Manager Katherine Tunnicliffe join fellow sponsor Michelle Gaunt our Training Development Team, east Cheshire’s biggest and Nantwich Food Festival directors Deborah Robb, Roger Mills, John Coulter and was crowned individual winner event, we took part by Graham Fenton of Nantwich Town Council’s highlighting the cooking “Dabber’s Dish” competition and horticultural skills The event brought a buzz Festival chair Deborah during the Nantwich Food and of our students. College to Nantwich town centre and Robb said: “The atmosphere Drink Festival. staff presented ideas on attracted record breaking and turn-out went beyond Bill’s recipe for a Nantwich how to eat healthily and crowds from all over the our wildest dreams. The cheese and onion soup save money by growing county, to the delight of town festival definitely enhanced celebrates the town’s rich food vegetables at home and traders. The influx of visitors Nantwich’s image as a great heritage and uses local produce demonstrated bread also provided an opportunity tourist destination as well as where possible. making, along with other for local charities to raise their developing the area’s reputation See the full recipe at www. food based fun activities. funds and their profiles. for excellent food products.” dabberdish.wordpress.com Royal Welsh support continues Reaseheath continued to Competitors in the support the Welsh farming Reaseheath- community by sponsoring sponsored shearing the finals of the Welsh Young competition Farmers competition at the at the Royal Royal Welsh Show. The hotly Welsh Show contested events were held daily throughout the four day show. We also sponsored the All Wales YFC Shearing Finals. (See also page 25)

10 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Shows www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Reaseheath triumphs at RHS Flower Show There were celebrations all principal cello for Manchester round after our horticulture Camerata but had to change Cheers! Jonathan Price celebrates silver gilt medal with fellow students Ged Washington, Sheena Booth and Michelle Perkin and lecturer Ken Higginbotham and floristry teams carried career after being diagnosed off top medals at the with a neurological condition. prestigious RHS Flower He has a lifelong interest in Show Tatton Park. gardens, art and architecture Two show gardens, created and is studying for a BSc by degree level garden in Garden and Landscape design students, were Design, funded through the awarded silver gilt and silver Musicians’ Benevolent Fund. medals. Both gardens were Jonathan said: “Creating in the ‘Inspire’ zone, an area a garden for the RHS was a dedicated to cutting edge privilege at this early stage design and fresh ideas. in my career. It has been an Our florists were equally exciting and unexpected delighted with their departure from the sound Rick Tomlinson and fellow students Jess Hughes, Daniel Guy and Hannah Timmis celebrate their silver medal with Vice Principal Dave Kynaston silver medal, awarded world I worked in previously for their galaxy inspired, to one of form, colour and the contemporary design. infinite variety of plants.” The silver gilt medal, which is The silver medal provided the just points under a gold, went icing on the cake for St Luke’s to Japanese inspired garden Cheshire Hospice, which 無 (Mu - No Thing). approached us to build a show Designed by former garden to commemorate its professional musician 25th anniversary. Jonathan Price, the garden Lead designer was Rick was part of the show’s ‘galaxy’ Tomlinson, who combines theme and was sponsored by his studies with running his the Royal Horticultural Society. garden business, Sycamore Jonathan used to play Landscapes. Chancellor George Osborne and Vice Principal Dave Kynaston admire our floristry stand Dream jobs for florists Two floristry students are to learn about the wider living their dreams after being aspects of floristy such offered the chance to work as as contemporary styles floral designers in Bermuda. and techniques. Thanks Emma Ollier and Jen to Reaseheath’s contacts Latham set off for the within the industry, I have sunshine island after the chance to travel and completing their Level 3 work in another part of the Diploma in Floristry. They world. It’s really exciting!” were offered jobs by former Emma, who has gained Reaseheath student Lisa both her Level 2 and Level 3 Holroyd, who runs three Diplomas in Floristry with us, florist shops there. As well as added: “This is an amazing staffing the shops, the florists chance to experience a new work in hotels creating floral lifestyle and culture. I’m so designs for events. lucky - some people study Jen said: “I came to for years and don’t get such Bermuda bound - Jen Latham and Emma Ollier college because I wanted a great opportunity.”

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 11 Study Tours Invaluable African wildlife experience Animal management The Northern Tuli Block is students were directly well known for its diverse involved in valuable wildlife, particularly for its high conservation work during numbers of elephants and big Our group study an elephant skull a study tour in Botswana’s cats. Our students were kept Northern Tuli Block. busy identifying and surveying Discussions and lectures were Manager BSc Wildlife A group of 26, who are species, downloading data included during the two week Conservation and Ecology: studying for degrees in and taking part in other hands- tour. “This was a dual purpose trip Zoo Management, Animal on research. As well as helping Although we have offered which was very relevant to Behaviour and Welfare or the reserve manager to study tours to Africa for both the students’ studies and Wildlife Conservation, helped maintain day to day records, a number of years, this to their future careers.” wildlife researchers collect this method of research is is the first time we have This was just one of a data on species diversity invaluable for our students. visited Botswana. It was so number of study tours to and abundance. The records The group also enjoyed successful that many students zoos, conservation centres will play a valuable part in game drives and bush want to spend longer working and museums - including one on-going studies of the walks and spent one night on conservation projects there. to Holland - enjoyed by our area’s fauna. sleeping out under the stars. Said Kevin Palmer, Course animal management students. Course building for Food students get a taste Britain’s top horse show for Spanish culture

World No. 1 showjumper Ben Maher with some of our student arena party Our food technologists visit a Cava specialist Equine students and staff No. 1 showjumper Ben Maher, came under the spotlight for who gave a demonstration at Our food technology students factory to watch the fish the third year running when our equestrian centre last year. visited Spain for a taste of the being processed and visited a they provided the arena party -- Cantering along the local food, wine and culture. chocolate manufacturer. for the Horse of the Year beach, rafting and A 34-strong group spent The trip was sponsored Show. A team of 36 students surfing were again top four days visiting food and by our long term supporter and two staff were on duty for activities for students drink manufacturing sites in Bernard Lloyd through his a full week helping Olympic during a repeat of our Catalonia. company Central Catering course designer Bob Ellis and popular study tour to The students’ busy schedule Ltd. Smaller groups have fellow international designers Ireland. Twenty-four included tours of wineries enjoyed study tours to to build courses to test the students spent five days producing Cava and standard America previously, but this world’s best showjumpers. at the Donegal Language red and white wines and a year we chose a European Apart from having a lot of School in Connemara. day in Barcelona, where they destination as we wanted fun, the students received Their action packed visited the La Boqueria Food to give as many students useful training and took the programme also included market to see the range of as possible the chance to opportunity to catch up with a visit to the National fresh Spanish foods. look at the industry outside competitors including world Stud of Ireland. They also toured an anchovy the UK.

12 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Study Tours www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Students look at farming world wide Agriculture students farms they looked at systems experienced farming in which allow the cows to extreme climates during a remain indoors most of the fact finding study tour to year while maintaining the Canada. highest welfare standards.

A group of 23 Degree and The group also spent a Agriculture students enjoy a visit to Niagara Falls Level 3 Extended Diploma day sightseeing in Toronto, students visited elite pedigree including visits to the CN dairy herds and a beef trials Tower and Niagara Falls. even a farm which owns students welcomed current farm in Ontario. The beef unit We run these popular study a pub were examples learners onto their farms is part of the University of trips every year, alternating of diversification visited to look at different systems Guelph’s agricultural research between research centres in by Level 2 and Level 3 ranging from extensive hill programme and our students Canada and the USA. Diploma in Agriculture farming to a dairy unit with were able to examine the -- Sheep milking, yoghurt students during a study a robotic milking parlour. latest studies into breeding making, Wensleydale tour to Yorkshire. Some groups also visited a and nutrition. On the dairy cheese production and Former Reaseheath deer farm. European excellence Challenges for for engineers adventure sports

Our agricultural engineers at Koop van der Wal

Agricultural engineering’s trip group was privileged to tour Adventure Sports students have fun crewing an ocean going yacht to European manufacturing the production line at the centres of excellence gave global headquarters of CLAAS students a valuable chance to and meet designers and Exciting and fast paced training in February, when go ‘behind the scenes’. craftspeople. The students activities continue to they will learn how to journey This popular annual study then saw the machines in challenge our adventure across winter terrain safely. tour to Holland and Germany action and were lucky enough sports students. Preparations are under included its regular visit to to have a test drive! Along with regular way for our annual winter Koop van der Wal, a world Another highlight was a VIP activities such as canoeing, sports study tour, which wide Dutch agricultural factory tour with Amazone, kayaking, sailing, rock this year will take place in machinery importer and agricultural machinery climbing, mountaineering Austria, and we are also exporter. Our students manufacturers, with Head of and mountain biking, our planning to repeat our highly explored the workshops Marketing Matthias Beuke. students are encouraged to popular week long sailing and parts department and This was followed with a visit take part in expeditions. trip in ocean going yachts talked to the mechanics and to the demonstration arena Our degree students spent belonging to the Rona Trust. technicians responsible for to see the machines at work. half term kayaking and These successful trips the company’s success. These included prototype canoeing down the River Spey allow our students to learn They also spent a day at devices such as tractors while another group went new skills by crewing the the Museum voor Nostalgie fitted with GPS navigation hiking in Snowdonia. A mixed yachts along the south en Technick. systems and self leveling student group are off to the coast and to France and the In Germany the 35 strong crop sprayers. Cairngorms for winter skills Channel islands.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 13 Study Tours Bentley perfection for motor vehicle technicians Future motor vehicle hoping to progress onto an technicians saw engineering engineering degree or an perfection first-hand during a apprenticeship, said: “This Our vehicle technicians look at the world’s oldest Bentley during their visit to Bentley Motors visit to one of the world’s most was a brilliant opportunity for exclusive car manufacturers. us to see the kind of work we team, the Jap Speed the principles of aero Thirty of our students might be doing in the future.” Drift team, Autosport’s dynamics and jet watched production of two Course Manager Steve Ellis Best of British cars and engines during a visit prestigious cars, the Bentley said: “As a department, we try an appearance from the to RAF Cosford. They Continental GT and the to widen our students’ horizons McLaren young drivers. also looked at the Bentley Mulsanne, during by exposing them to as many -- Over 40 Level 2 motor development of petrol an exclusive, behind-the- career paths as possible. The vehicle technicians aero engines through scenes, tour of Bentley industry offers an exciting were introduced to the ages. Motors’ Crewe factory. range of opportunities, from The students saw world motor sport and vehicle design class craftspeople including and testing to apprenticeships coachbuilders, electronics with leading dealers.” specialists, paint experts and -- Our motor vehicle cabinetmakers producing the students make an annual flagship marques. pilgrimage to Autosport The students were so International, which this inspired that several hope year included the 2012 to apply for apprenticeships Formula 1 racing cars with Bentley once they have and a live action show qualified. Cara Manfredi, featuring quad racing, who with twin sister Sian is the FMX Freestyle UK Motor Vehicle visit RAF Cosford Wheely good experience for sports students Sports Performance students down, but after two hours enjoyed a wheely new the students and staffs had experience when they visited developed new skills. the National Cycling Centre, Another treat was meeting Manchester. some of the world’s best Once they’d learned how to cyclists, as members of the stay upright on a fixed wheel Team GB cycling squad were track bike and got over the there for serious training. These shock of riding up the steep included team pursuit 2012 gold banks, all completed the medal medalists Laura Trot, exciting challenge of cycling Dani King and Joanna Rowsell, round the Velodrome. Sprint and Team Sprint 2012 They were introduced to track winner Jason Kenny and 2012 etiquette and fundamentals by Paralympic Games medalist. an elite cycling coach before Jody Cundy. taking on two practice laps on College Sports Maker, the Cote d’Azur. Even regular Sarah Ruff, said: “This trip cyclists were challenged by was highly valuable, as it the new environment and gave the students an insight technical demands, particularly into elite level performance New experience for Sports Performance students as the bikes have no brakes in a sport which they hadn’t and no quick way of slowing previously experienced.”

14 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Study Tours www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Experiencing careers in the Public Services Our public service students to Cheshire Police’s Winsford have been rioting on campus - HQ, at the same time taking but it’s all been in a good cause. the opportunity to look at

They’ve enthusiastically police equipment and dog Ready to riot - our Public Services students taken part in public disorder handling techniques. training with Cheshire Police, Other useful experiences acting as protesters in scenes have included completing the indoors with no visibility. A camp, gaining insights into which have allowed officers entry trial for new fire fighters group also took part in a careers in the armed forces, to improve their evidence with Cheshire Fire and decontamination training and some have visited a Royal gathering techniques. Rescue Service, a test which exercise with Cheshire Fire Marines base. They are now Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma entailed crawling through and Rescue Service. looking forward to visits from students also took part in enclosed spaces wearing Our students have also spent representatives of the Royal Air ‘demonstrations’ during a trip equipment and navigating a week at an army training Force and Royal Navy. Rugby team triumph Event shows inspire

Our Business and Events students prepare for their fashion show Top of the league - our victorious rugby team A sparkling fashion show degree students researched the Our rugby team carried off at Burnley College. was among events organised latest innovations during a visit the title in the British Colleges Our girls’ football team also by business and events to The Event Production Show. Sport (BCS) North West got off to good start this management students to The event showcases Division 1 League after its best year by winning their first raise £800 for St Luke’s the diverse businesses in season yet playing against tournament, which was run Cheshire Hospice. the industry. Our students other colleges in our region. as part of Womens Football The latest clothes from investigated the latest The team has played four UK. Cheshire Football trend setting Cheshire technological developments consecutive seasons in this Association invited eight company Fizz and Jazz such as mobile apps, wrist very competitive league and colleges across Cheshire to were modelled on a catwalk band tracking, entry systems has developed from strength play a six a side tournament. in Reaseheath Hall. There and interactive screens. to strength. The players, Our team finished victorious were also fashion stalls Among highlights was a who are all under 19, study a after winning all three of providing opportunities live debate with speakers variety of courses and come their matches. Our team to try out the latest hair, from T in the Park, the 2012 from all over the country. plays seven a side matches nail and beauty products. London Olympics and Bestival. Some also play rugby for their in the league. Inspiration for the well Students and staff were local clubs including Crewe Reaseheath’s men’s first supported event came from brought up to date with current and Nantwich RFCs. and second football teams a visit to the Clothes Show issues and how they are being The team, coach Roy continue to train and play Live in London, where our solved by industry experts. Arnold and their committed successfully. Our mixed students enjoyed watching As well as making some good band of supporters have hockey team is improving a Catwalk Show featuring contacts, our students came travelled around 400 miles steadily and is now competing the latest in men’s and away with plenty of inspiration to away fixtures and capped in the league. We also have women’s fashion, jewellery for a Mad Hatters Tea Party, one their achievements with the enthusiastic netball and men’s and accessories. of several events they ran during title clinching 44-7 win away basketball teams. Rural Events Management Reaseheath’s Family Festival.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 15 Countryfile foals get a good start BBC Countryfile presenter Caroline Booth. Students Adam Henson gave our studying for their Foundation equine staff and students full Degree in Equine Science, marks for the way they trained Complementary Therapy and his foals. Natural Horsemanship became Adam, who was guest of involved once the foals could honour at our HE graduation be handled safely. ceremony last year, asked The training programme was A foal enjoys his moment of fame with Adam Henson and Caroline Booth us to begin educating based on trust, understanding four of his Exmoor foals. and compassion and followed Said Caroline: “It was and the expertise of staff and The project, which was the foals’ natural lifestyle and amazing how trusting these students on my last visit. I filmed for two Countryfile methods of communication. foals became, to the point thought that it would be a programmes, gave students Caroline Booth, Yard where they willingly did perfect training centre for my an unrivalled opportunity to Manager Kim Bailey and whatever we asked of them. foals. I was very confident use natural horsemanship students Taryn Hardman, Working with them was a great that they would do well, but I skills on previously unhandled Rachel Wood and Chris Jones opportunity for our students. was amazed at how far they youngstock. were filmed building up the We would like to thank Adam progressed.” The foals followed a training foals’ confidence until they enormously for his support Two of the rare breed foals programme devised by Head were happily walking over and throughout the project.” are now continuing their of Department and natural around obstacles and into a Explained Adam: “I was very education with our animal horsemanship specialist horse trailer. impressed with the facilities management department. Hub turns spotlight on Top riders give horseracing careers competition masterclass

Cheshire Racing Hub co-ordinators Emma Owen and Sarah Hamlyn join Reaseheath’s Assistant Principal Rachel Ellis-Jones and Higher Education Programme Leader Dr Jan Birch, Professor Chris Proudman of the University of Liverpool and Kay Kent of the University of Chester

Reaseheath has joined supported by Chester Race other leading education Company, Deva Racing establishments in a project and Manor House Stables. to support and promote Project partners include the Chinese eventer Alex Hua Tian jumping Tonto at the masterclass careers in Cheshire’s thriving University of Chester, the horseracing industry. University of Liverpool and Olympic dressage rider top of their sport. The Cheshire Racing Hub will Reaseheath. Richard Davison, talented All three riders are connect centres of education Steering Group Chair Kay young showjumper Joe sponsored by Martin Collins and training with horse racing Kent of the University of Clayton and international Enterprises, which provided related businesses throughout Chester said that the project three day eventer Alex and installed the competition the region. had brought together people Hua Tian gave top training surface in our indoor arena. The initiative is being and organisations with a real tips at a masterclass at Alex Goldsack, Northern funded by the British commitment to supporting our Equestrian Centre. Sales Manager, commented: Horseracing Authority (BHA) and developing Cheshire Spectators had a rare “We have an excellent and Department for Culture, and its surrounding areas opportunity to see leading relationship with Reaseheath Media and Sport. It is being as an acknowledged centre riders demonstrate skills and were delighted to partner led by Cheshire West and for high quality equine and across the three disciplines this event in the college’s Chester Council and is racing related businesses. which have taken them to the exceptional facilities.”

16 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Reaseheath spiders help to uncover drama of insect world Unusual spiders bred at feeding behaviour. The Our social spiders are filmed in the high tech studio Reaseheath co-starred vast majority of spiders are with wildlife legend David solitary. A vivarium containing Attenborough in a pioneering around 200 spiders – one Indian social spiders Animals in Education television series focusing on of ten colonies currently are relatively rare but our award. We won the Best the unseen world of bugs. breeding at Reaseheath - colonies have established Invertebrate Welfare The feeding behaviour of made the journey to Atlantic so well that Keeper Lauren Management category, our Indian social spiders Productions film studio in Lane has decided to write with the judges being featured in ‘Micro Monsters London along with Lower husbandry guidelines to particularly impressed in 3D’, a series for Sky One Vertebrate and Invertebrate enable other collections with the way the and Sky 3D which showed Keeper Chris Pye. to keep these fascinating animals’ husbandry is previously unrecorded Chris said: “Invertebrates arachnids. incorporated into our detail through the use of are fascinating microscopic -- The outstanding care students’ learning. macroscopic 3D filming. creatures but not many and excellent facilities The judges visited our Our spiders received the people appreciate what goes we provide for our dedicated invertebrate call to stardom because they on in their lives. We’re hoping invertebrates has room, which houses over 36 are one of very few species the series will lead to more been rewarded with a different species and includes to exhibit group living and film work in the future.” prestigious BLUE CROSS a leaf cutter ant exhibition. National Pet Month award Spotlight on animal welfare

Paul Sketchley with Emma Hunt, students Niall Catterall and Abbey May and rabbit Dinks

A sponsored dog walk and Organiser Emma Hunt ran rabbit enrichment workshops a ‘Go Walkies for Guide Students join our conference speakers were among activities Dogs’ in Reaseheath’s organised by our animal grounds and also ran rabbit Over 300 animal Reptile and Raptor Rescue management department to enrichment workshops management students gave topical presentations mark National Pet Month. encouraging families to had the chance to learn covering legislation, welfare The programme was so make toys for their pets from key organisations at issues, scientific research and successful, both in promoting Other colleagues organised a conference focused on international activities. They also responsible pet ownership and educational displays about animal welfare. advised students about career in raising money for animal responsible pet ownership. Leading speakers from The opportunities and research charities, that it won the Phil Sketchley, chair of the Kennel Club, the Blue Cross, grants. The conference National Pet Month award for Trustees of National Pet Month, the RSPB, the Countryside followed the success of a best event in the Education said: “We liked the balance Alliance, the Universities similar event last year and was category and runner up for between fun and education in Federation for Animal attended by students studying the best event overall. Reaseheath’s events.” Welfare and North Wales welfare topics.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 17 Research success celebrated Level 3 Extended Diploma Both pieces of work were in Animal Management selected for the competition students Hannah Cantrell finals, which were held at and Joanna Charlesworth the Royal College, London took first and second place during the annual VETNET in the prestigious VETNET conference. The competition VETNET Investigative Project 2013 winners Hannah Cantrell and Joanna Chalresworth IP (Investigative Project) is open to all land-based competition. colleges. The students We are delighted that they did Corn Snakes’ after studying The students put forward displayed their scientific so well.” the snakes at Reaseheath’s scientific results from their posters and explained In another coup, a report zoo as part of their degree. final year investigative their findings to judges and on a research project They submitted their work projects. Hannah, who has delegates. carried out by Foundation to the Association of British been working alongside otter Hannah was presented with Degree in Zoo Management and Irish Wild Animal keepers at the Chestnut Centre an ipad while Joanna selected student Jordan Bradwell and Keepers, which published in Derbyshire, researched a book to help with future Foundation Degree in Animal it in the quarterly industry which substrate is preferred studies. Both students have Behaviour and Welfare journal ‘Ratel’. Course by otters when building their now left us to go to university. student Jessica Hackett has manager Mel Chapman holts. Joanna’s subject was Lecturer Lisa Gee said: been published. said: “This was a wonderful the effect of hydrotherapy “These two students put in The pair wrote ‘The Effects achievement and a cause on canine patients, a study such outstanding effort that of Ultraviolet (UV) Light for celebration for both the which included a survey with we felt they deserved to be Exposure on the Physiology two undergraduates and for professionals and clients. recognised at a higher level. and Behaviour of Captive Reaseheath.” Students help threatened species Marine mammal Toads… before being released Undergraduates helped our back into their North Wales emergency averted! resident toad population by breeding pools. conducting evening toad surveys around Reaseheath’s lake. Our students erected mitigation fences along the college drive to prevent our toads becoming road fatalities during their return to their breeding site. The sheer density of toads on the lake (on some evenings as many as 200) also allowed students to observe breeding behaviours, Threatened - the European Adder to estimate the size and health of the population and to collect …and Adders Our students practice rescuing a beached whale data which is contributing to BSc Wildlife Conservation nationwide studies on the and Ecology students have A beached pilot whale was health and rehabilitation. The species. contributed to long term successfully rescued from students practised first aid More Toads… research which will improve Reaseheath’s front lawn by and refloating techniques Members of Reaseheaths’ habitat for the threatened animal management students. using life sized models of a Herpetological and European adder. Fortunately the emergency whale, dolphins and seals. Entomological Society The students visited sites on wasn’t for real, but a All the students achieved collected valuable data on the Mendip Hills and Quantock simulated situation to their British Divers Marine Britain’s rare Natterjack Hills to record data on the enable 79 students gain an Life Rescue “Marine Mammal toad and learned fieldwork snakes’ habitat. The research internationally recognised Medic” certificate, which techniques by working will contribute towards the qualification in wildlife rescue. qualifies them to join the alongside trained volunteers. students’ final year dissertation The course was offered to Marine Mammal Rescue Over 100 Natterjack toads and will also influence long-term students studying for their Register and to help in marine were collected and processed site management. degree module in wildlife wildlife emergencies.

18 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Zoo news Visitors were able to get close Zoo. The species originates up and personal with our two from Indonesia and is tapirs when we opened our critically endangered. Our zoo for World Tapir Day. students will carry out The only college in the research projects on the country to have the animals animals, gaining valuable in its collection, we have hands-on training and two Brazillian tapirs, Ernie, hopefully helping the species’ Ernie the tapir and Katie Almond (BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare) meet visitors who is eight, and four year- conservation programme. old Timmy. We’ve also welcomed Student members of ‘Nzito’, a Milky Eagle Owl the Conservation Society (or Verreaux’s Eagle Owl) supported the event by which is one of the largest holding presentations on the owl species and comes importance of conserving from the eastern regions of tapirs and their habitat. They Africa. Nzito has been hand also created an animal trail reared and was originally which families followed round at Blackbrook Zoo. She is the zoo. housed in our raptor area. NEW additions to our zoo Our Zoo is open to the collection include seven public during school young Roti Island Snake holidays. For opening Neck Turtles which have times and prices see www. Keepers Lauren Lane and Chris Pye with two Roti Island Snake Necked turtles come to us from Chester reaseheath.ac.uk/zoo

students taking part in a lamb Live lambing health assessment and talking Ellen is Young of their hopes for the future. filmed for There was plenty of action, with one ewe producing triplets Shepherd of the Year Countryfile on cue for the film crew. Agriculture student Ellen Our live lambing and open We have 550 North Country Helliwell was crowned Young zoo events brought in a ewes producing around Shepherd of the Year at a record 5,000 visitors over two 1,100 lambs. As well as competition run by the Central weekends. Among our visitors using the opportunity to Region of the National Sheep was BBC Countryfile presenter educate both students and Association. Adam Henson, who was the public, we offer students She became the first female filmed joining in with students paid work experience and winner of the title after proving in the lambing sheds. the chance of managerial she had the all round skills to The programme showed experience. make a successful commercial shepherd. The competition Young Shepherds of the Year Ollie was held at the Winter Fair at Bagley and Ellen Helliwell Bakewell Agricultural Centre and attracted contestants from several counties. an understanding of the As well as collecting a trophy requirements of the meat market. and a cheque, Ellen also As well as expanding her qualified for the NSA Young livestock and arable knowledge Shepherd of the Year national at college, Ellen spent a finals 2014. She narrowly beat valuable year working in the Ollie Bagley, a fellow Level 3 industry and has also been a Extended Diploma student, member of the lambing team who is now working as a at Adam Henson’s Cotswold shepherd for Reaseheath. Farm Park. She left for Australia The competition was made up immediately after gaining her Agriculture student Nick Greaves describes his overnight lambing experiences to Adam Henson during filming for Countryfile of five key elements including qualification to work on a 7,000 live lamb selection, proving hectare sheep and cattle ranch.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 19 Helen takes on dairy challenge Agriculture graduate Helen industry experts during her Machin was among the four course, both in this country finalists shortlisted for the and during a study tour in RABDF Dairy Crest Dairy Wisconsin, USA. She believes Student of the Year. that this prepared her well for RABDF finalist Helen Machin (third from left) with programme leader Jane Richardson, An ambitious next the RABDF challenge. Nick Everington (Chief Executive RABDF) and Mike Sheldon (Dairy Crest) generation farmer, Helen Reaseheath hosted the completed her Foundation preliminary round of the and disadvantages of dairy said: “This was a really Degree in Agriculture (Dairy competiton, in which a farming in Britain. good experience and I Herd Management) with us panel of judges questioned The four finalists went on to made some useful contacts. this year. She manages one entrants from colleges and make a presentation before The coursework I’ve done of two dairy cow units at universities from all over the top judges at the Farmers at Reaseheath was very her family’s farm and plans country. Six semi-finalists Club in London. Reaseheath relevant to the competition eventually to take over and went on to tour Dairy agriculture students have made because the lectures make expand the business. Crest’s national distribution the final for the past two years. you think about the different Helen visited a range of centre, where they each Although she was finally ways you can improve your businesses and talked with discussed the advantages pipped at the post, Helen own farm.” Harry’s research into the British Butchers’ choice wins Holstein, a breed which his family use on their council research pays dairy farm. championship He focussed on how the dividends breed is environmentally A first year agricultural student sustainable because it is so made the finals of a national effective at producing milk from competition for his suggestions readily available forage. He on how to breed dairy cattle for was encouraged to develop a more sustainable future. the theme by Course Manager Harry Hough, 17, took Graham Ashford. third prize in the strongly Harry said: “I decided to contested dairy category of look at which dairy breeds the British Cattle Breeders’ give the best return while least Club’s (BCBC) Young Person’s affecting the environment. I Competition. He had to design really enjoyed the research and Stephen Heath, James Raven, Phil Davis and Julie Baskerville show off their Supreme Championship trophy and produce a ten minute learned a lot from it.” multimedia presentation and Graham commented: “Harry Three students who graded Staffordshire and Birmingham was one of three finalists to did remarkably well against pigs for meat quality saw one of Agricultural Society and is give a presentation in front of contestant who were older their selection take a Supreme an important diary date for delegates at the annual British and more experienced than Championship at the All English members of the food and Cattle Conference. him. Both the winner and Winter Fair. farming industries. The pigs Harry, a Level 3 Extended runner up were PhD students Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in came from our RSPCA Diploma in Agriculture student, with considerable industry Agriculture students Stephen approved high welfare unit. based his presentation around experience.” Heath, James Raven and Phil The unit is used to introduce Davis chose four bacon pigs students to the best commercial which in their opinion would and welfare standards. Practical provide premium cuts for the instructor Julie Baskerville butchers shop. incorporated the grading into a The carcases proved to be of practical session and carried it such high quality that one took through to the show entry. the Supreme Championship, James Raven, said: “This along with several other awards, was a great opportunity and I against entries from farms learned a lot about what buyers across several counties. look for in a carcase. It’s difficult Harry discusses his entry with lecturer Graham Ashford The show is run by the to get this sort of experience.”

20 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Inspirational Nantwich gardener honoured Horticultural students helped in Bloom and Greenspaces honour an inspirational South Cheshire. gardener by planting trees It was his idea to launch in his memory in Nantwich’s a community orchard in community orchard. the town’s riverside park. Tony Gentil, who died last At a dedication ceremony Elizabeth Gentil, former Chairman of Nantwich in Bloom Doug Butterill, and former year aged 70, was formerly his widow, Mrs Elizabeth Reaseheath Head of Horticulture Tom Deans are joined by students and staff at the deputy head of horticulture Gentil, unveiled a plaque in dedication ceremony at Reaseheath and was his honour and delivered recognised as one of the three rare local varieties of trees were handed over by arboriculture from ‘a forester country’s leading experts fruit trees propagated by Cheshire Landscape Trust, who does things with trees’ on orchard fruit. After his Tony. The trees, along with bringing the total of trees in to a respected profession retirement he became a key a further six donated by the orchard to about 30. where practitioners’ figure in local conservation Reaseheath, were planted Mrs Gentil said: “Tony achievement is measured in and horticultural associations by Level 2 Diploma in left us a great legacy. Over the same way as academic including Cheshire Horticulture students. his career he did much to achievement - by peer Landscape Trust, Nantwich At the same time more help change the face of scrutiny.” Horticulturists are top of the tree Students help Nantwich to bloom Nantwich’s showpiece flower bed was remodelled by horticulture students, helping the town win Gold in the RHS North West in Bloom competition. Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture students moved yew trees from the central bed in the town square which Young Horticulturalist of the Year finalist Alex Tranmer with sponsor Tom Martell were blocking panoramic

views of the town’s historic Owen Taylor, Matthew Lamb, Matthew Reaseheath horticulture students from several land buildings, replanting them Hemmings and Tom Mathers bring colour students dominated the based colleges and young in a more suitable position to Nantwich’s showpiece flower bed North West and Wales people who are already alongside St. Mary’s Parish regional round of the working in the industry. Church. The bed was for its blooms, the project Institute of Horticulture’s They had to prove their replanted with colourful enabled the students to ‘Young Horticulturalist of all-round knowledge during perennials and some annuals gain valuable practical skills, the Year’. a ten round buzzer contest in time to impress the judges. particularly in the moving of National Trust Academy covering subjects from plant The students also mature trees. trainee gardeners Alex identification and science to joined Nantwich in Bloom Said Nantwich in Bloom Tranmer and Alex Prain tools and equipment. volunteers to ensure that Secretary Sue Hughes: took first and third places Alex Tranmer, who the town’s flower beds, “We were delighted that respectively while David works at the National tubs and baskets were in Reaseheath’s horticulture Buckley, a former Level Trust’s Clumber Park in top condition. They labelled and garden design students 3 Diploma in Horticulture Nottinghamshire, attends plants so townspeople became so involved with student who now works for college for specific block could learn more about the the scheme. With their help The Garden Centre group, release training on the species and varieties. we plan to take on more took fifth place. preservation of historic As well as helping the demanding projects around The contestants included gardens. town to score more points the town.”

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 21 Vintage play at golf tournament There was high praise for for careers as greenkeepers sports turf students who or sports groundsmen. They organised the 20th Reaseheath took charge of 17 volunteer Open - Vintage Day 2013, our students from all horticulture annual tournament for players courses, many of whom aged 65-plus. worked 12 hour days during The tournament, which the week of the competition Winning golfers celebrate with the sportsturf tournament team attracted competitors from to ensure that the course across the region, took was in first class condition. place on our commercial The tournament team was 71, said: “We had a really businesses and raised nine hole golf course. helped by Horticulture Services good day. The students had £377 for the On Course Tournament leaders were Manager James Grundy, done a brilliant job to get Foundation, which provides Level 3 Extended Diploma Deputy Head Greenkeeper the course in such a good golf skills and employment in Horticulture students Simon Hewitt and greenkeeper condition.” training for wounded Alex Heaton and James Sebastian Tame. The tournament was servicemen and servicewomen Heathcote, who are aiming Winner Keith Johnson, supported by local and for war veterans. Reaseheath teams up Fishery students adopt a canal with Bernhard Grinders

Peter Bryan and Steve O’Sullivan exchange the canal adoption certificate watched by countryside lecturer Richard Sandland and fisheries management students

Students on our new Level 3 Although our fisheries Fishery Management course department is taking the lead have made quite a splash by on this project, students on our Ben Taylor (International Training Manager) shows how to sharpen a cutting cylinder using a Bernhard cylinder grinder adopting part of a canal! other countryside courses will Fishery Management be involved. The Countryside Our horticulture services tournament preparation and Lecturer Peter Bryan and department is also hoping to staff and students were maintenance at 65% of the Steve O’Sullivan, volunteer co- engage in further opportunities brought up to date with the world’s top golf courses. ordinator for the Manchester such as ecological surveys and latest turf grass technology The company is a major and Pennine region of the arboriculture work. during a training day with supporter of research and Canal & River Trust, have -- Countryside students industry leader Bernhard education. exchanged a formal adoption have been working Grinders. A second session offered agreement enabling students to closely with The National The training day the chance of Continuing take over general maintenance Trust, the Forestry concentrated on the Professional Development of a one kilometre section of Commission and several maintenance of turf machinery for those already working the canal at Middlewich. local authorities on a and featured presentations in the industry. Around The project will give students range of projects. One and demonstrations of 20 representatives from a fantastic opportunity to project has been carrying precision cylinder and bottom golf and football clubs, undertake realistic practical out habitat improvement blade grinding. including former Reaseheath work and to gain useful estate on the Brereton Heath Bernhard Grinders is a students, attended. and fishery management skills. Local Nature Reserve, leader in the manufacture Both days were supported These include resurfacing a which is owned and of turf grass machinery by the Greenkeeper Training towpath and managing a copse managed by Cheshire and is involved in Committee. of trees. East Council.

22 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Dishes impress at M&S Innovative dishes created by retailer’s popular ‘Taste food industry students have Italian’ range and is involved shown such potential that with launching in-store deli they may be taken further by counters nationwide. Marks & Spencer’s. The students had to draw Foundation Degree in Food on a wide range of knowledge Industry with Management including food safety, students were tasked with nutrition, marketing, product creating attractive, tasty and positioning and costings. The Abby Brown, Emily Clayton and Jess Riding show their winning dish to Barbara Ross from M&S competitively priced deli final presentations replicated products which would tempt meetings between potential the typical M&S customer. supplier and buying panel. for further development. formulation and design of the The students had to Barbara Ross was joined The winning dish was a dishes. The students showed follow strict retail industry on the judging panel by sweet potato and spinach an excellent knowledge of the standards and deliver a Reaseheath’s Head of Food dauphinoise created by Abby deli counter and had carried product presentation before Toni-Anne Harrison and Brown, Jess Riding and out consumer taste testing a ‘dragon’s den’ of food Technical Manager Katharina Emily Clayton. to a high level. M&S has a experts. The judging panel Vogt. All products received Commented Barbara: “I reputation as a leader in food was led by M&S product positive feedback and there is was really impressed with the innovation and initiatives like developer Barbara Ross, a strong possibility that two or overall level of presentation this help us to build up a who is responsible for the three will be reviewed by M&S skills and with the recipe talent pool.” New food partnership will Food Centre unwraps food mystery support industry

Marian Pusey and Matt Tebbit discuss the qualities of cheese slices. The University of Chester’s Director of Food and Drink Growth Graham Bonwick and Leatherhead’s Business Innovation Manager Steve Osborn celebrate the new partnership with Reaseheath’s Toni-Anne Harrison, Business Development Manager Katherine Tunnicliffe and Senior Technologist Derek Allen Our Food Centre was the Dairy food specialist Marian location for a programme in Pusey was filmed explaining a Channel 4 series explaining the manufacturing process Our £7.3million Food Centre technologies and bespoke the science behind modern to presenter and chef Matt has become part of a new training and cover subjects food production. Tebbit. collaboration aimed at ranging from ingredients, Food Unwrapped explored Said TV Programme improving the transfer of traceability, product shelf life the ingenious and high Director Sam Grace: “We knowledge between companies and packaging to project tech production methods wanted to find out how and research centres. management and waste used to make some of our cheese slices are made The partnership, between management. favourite foods. and how much cheese Reaseheath, the University Food Centre Head Toni- Thanks to our specialism goes into them. We came of Chester and Leatherhead Anne Harrison explained: in dairy food production, to Reaseheath because we Food Research, will offer a “This is a very exciting we were chosen to show knew that the Food Centre ‘one stop shop’ for small, collaboration offering real the science behind the would have the facilities and medium and large food combined strengths which manufacture of processed experts we needed to explain and drink businesses. The will appeal to a wide cross cheese slices and why they the process to the public. comprehensive service will section of companies.” have the edge over natural Hopefully, viewers found provide access to research Further details contact cheeses when used for the visit behind the scenes and development, processing [email protected] cooking. surprising and fascinating.”

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 23 Students make weddings extra special

Weddings at an exclusive requirements, the students Combermere Abbey owners Peter Beckett and Sarah Callander Beckett at the arbour with local venue will be even used traditional methods of tutor David Allman and students Josh Cooke, Matthew Brehaut, Mike Potts and Josh Beckett more special thanks to joinery. The structure was built the skills of Reaseheath in sections in our bespoke great deal of forward planning, said: “I invited Reaseheath to construction students. construction workshops preparation and attention to become involved because I Level 3 Diploma in Carpentry before being erected at the detail, particularly as you can’t liked the idea of working with and Joinery students built an former monastery. use machinery. our local college. It has been arbour of green oak in the Explained tutor David Allman: “By working on this project, a fantastic way of combining walled garden at Combermere “This was a really interesting the students have learned skills scholastic requirements with Abbey to provide a focal point project which gave students which might otherwise be lost. a practical project. We now for photography and a quiet the rare opportunity to learn the They have also gained essential have an unusual and eye- area for guests. traditional hand skills needed experience liaising with a client.” catching feature for brides, Due to the unusual for a quality build. Working Peter Beckett, co-owner with bridegrooms and their guests materials and exacting with green oak requires a wife Sarah Callander Beckett, to use and enjoy.” Engineers carry off First engineers graduate with benchmark qualification top awards The first engineers have Technician Accreditation (LTA) graduated with a new and awarded by the Institution Two talented trainee engineers national benchmark of Agricultural Engineers. carried off top awards in a qualification for the milking The scheme, delivered by competition aimed at finding equipment industry. Reaseheath, has proved the nation’s best construction Staff from four of the UK’s major extremely popular and has 400 plant apprentices. manufacturers - De Laval, GEA students registered. Working James Scott and Adam Farm Technologies, Fullwood and in conjunction with employers, Hughes were both regional Lely - received their awards at course manager Mike Cullen winners of the Construction Level 3 Construction Plant Apprentice the inaugural conference of the delivers 16 days of training at of the Year James Scott Plant-hire Association’s ‘Stars Milking Equipment Association college or in the company’s of the Future’ competition, and (MEA), held at Reaseheath. workplace. For further James went on to take the mile in his studies and for the way The LTA MEA Parloursafe info contact michaelc@ national title for the best Level 3 he supported fellow apprentices. scheme gives accredited reaseheath.ac.uk construction plant apprentice. Adam, a Level 2 apprentice, status to specialist engineers -- A new agricultural The finals, which attracted works in the Smethwick depot and aims to raise installation engineering programme entries from 11 colleges of Gunn JCB. He was selected and servicing standards. It is run uniquely by us for nationwide, were held during for his natural ability when hoped the provision of a clear New Holland has had the PLANTWORX construction working on construction plant career development path will an enthusiastic take-up exhibition at Stoneleigh. The machinery and for the high attract more young engineers from dealers nationwide. prizewinners received their standard of his work in both into the industry. The course is aimed at awards from Richard Noble written and practical sessions. Based on best practice in the young people and has OBE, a World Land Speed Course Manager Simon supply, installation, maintenance a high content of sales record holder. Keen said: “We are delighted and use of milking equipment and marketing as well as James is based at the Bodmin that these two outstanding and in animal health and welfare, engineering. It is being depot of the Ashtead Plant Hire apprentices have been the scheme is the first to link offered to business Company and completed a return recognised with such training excellence from the three minded 16-18 year-olds journey of 600 miles to attend prestigious awards. They areas of engineering, food and who are already employed his block release college course. both thoroughly deserve agriculture. or who would be keen to He was chosen to represent the recognition and they are Offered from Level 1 to take on a parts sales and Reaseheath because of his definitely ones to watch for Level 4, the qualifications are marketing related position commitment to going the extra the future.” accredited by the Landbased within a dealership.

24 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath

For further details about RADA projects and programmes contact Lesley Innes 01270 625131 [email protected] Funding bid will help farming businesses Our agricultural advisors of specific technical help, The Prince’s Countryside are to help 50 farmers advice and planning. Fund was set up by Prince with challenged areas of The £48,250 funding will Charles to tackle key issues their business following be spent on accessing which negatively impact on rural a successful bid for farmers in most need and Britain. In particular, he is keen funding from the Prince’s providing them with expert to secure a sustainable future Countryside Fund. input, as well as managing for British agriculture and the The project, which will run the project from Reaseheath. rural economy. Since its launch for 18 months, will help the A steering team of specialists in 2010 the fund has handed businesses become more who share an interest in out £3.3million to projects RDPE Livestock Northwest profitable and sustainable assisting farm businesses nationwide. As only 15% of Cheshire programme over the over the long term. We aim will be working in close projects receive funding, we past four years. to encourage efficient farm partnership with the Cheshire were thrilled when ours was one RADA Manager George practices by providing a range Agricultural Chaplaincy. of just 16 selected out of the Fisher said: We are latest 290 applications. delighted to receive this Our successful bid was funding. The project will Dairy conference is a formally announced at open up new doors for us the Royal Welsh Show to work with farmers that and accepted by Lisa do not usually interact big hit with farmers Forbes, Reaseheath’s with Reaseheath and Agricultural Development the knowledge transfer Academy (RADA) Customer work that we do. Most Relationship Manager. The importantly, it will enable us project will be managed to help farmers that are in by Lesley Innes, who has urgent need of support and successfully handled our business improvement.” Bovine TB brings lively debate A debate about the Den Leonard (Lambert challenges of Bovine TB Leonard and May), AHVLA George Fisher, Richard Ratcliffe and Lisa Forbes join speakers Mark Yearsley, Robert Craig, attracted an audience of over vet Helen May, Cheshire Phil Feeney, Tom Halton, Michael George and Ian Scarisbrick 90 farmers, students and Wildlife Trust’s Richard industry representatives. Gardner, Reaseheath farm Over 70 farmers discussed and what improvements they Held as one of our manager Mark Yearsley the economics behind might make. regular RADA knowledge and Cheshire dairy farmers different systems of dairy Summing up after a lively transfer events, the highly and TB Eradication Group farming at Reaseheath’s closing debate Richard controversial and current members Phil Latham and annual dairy conference. Ratcliffe, a member of the topic encouraged a positive Ian McGrath. Delegates packed the organising committee and a and lively discussion with The audience asked John Platt Centre to Reaseheath governor, said: everyone in agreement that questions on a wide range of capacity to hear regional “This was a very stimulating the bacteria responsible for topics including the history speakers describe their own day with excellent bTB must be eradicated. of TB, testing procedures, business systems. discussions throughout. We The effect of the disease vaccination and wildlife Funded by RDPE Skills had six superb speakers on the local farming management. The majority (Defra) and sponsored by who were all very positive industry is particularly of the panel felt that a degree farming consultants Harvey about the future of the significant, as Cheshire is of control of badger numbers Hughes, Nantwich Vets, the dairy industry. an ‘edge’ region and now will be required to reverse HSBC and solicitors Butcher “Although some were from faces livestock movement the spread of this terrible and Barlow, the aim of the out of the immediate area restrictions. disease. The evening was conference was to stimulate and farmed under different Attendees posed questions chaired by Richard Fair, farmers to think through conditions, we could all to a panel of experts NFU Farmer Chairman for their production systems empathise with them." which included dairy vet Cheshire.

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 25 Adventure sports go on vole patrol Adventure sports students of rivers and canals, looking took to the water to help for evidence of the secretive Adventure Sports on vole patrol conservation charities in their mammal. Their research will fight to save the water vole. help Cheshire Wildlife Trust to habitat and predation by the Explorer Award, which helps Twenty-one Level 3 Extended log sites of interest and help it American mink are two of its students to appreciate the need Diploma students linked up to protect areas where voles greatest threats. to conserve wild places. with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, live and thrive. As well as helping to conserve Student Sophie Bates said: the Canal & River Trust and The water vole is one of the water vole, the students’ “This has been an amazing the John Muir Trust to help the UK’s most endangered action helped with their second experience. It’s great to think log suitable habitat along mammals, with numbers that year project on impact and that we have been helping Cheshire’s waterways. The have declined by over 80% sustainability. It also counted endangered animals, and students surveyed 36 km since the 1980s. Loss of towards their John Muir Trust’s having fun too.” Here be dragons No more clangers for young bell ringers

The komodo dragon work party join Chester Zoo team leader Karen Lambert

Chester Zoo’s Komodo the team had a behind-the- The young bell ringers show off their stays dragons have newly painted scenes tour and looked at bedrooms thanks to the some of the zoo’s projects. efforts of Reaseheath A highlight was seeing exotic Junior bell ringers sent by felling a small ash tree, then Herpetological and species like the Boelans an appeal for help to our skilfully cutting a piece off the Entomological Society (RHES) python and Emerald Tree Boa. countryside department when trunk. This was later converted members. The students also took the they needed new stays for into squared lengths in our Impressed with the enthusiasm opportunity to meet key staff their church bells. construction workshop. and passion of our students, who and ask questions. A stay is a piece of wood which The ash tree needed to be have worked on several projects -- RHES members also spent is designed to break to avoid removed as it was on the site of at the zoo, Curator of Lower a week taking part in the damage to more expensive metal our new hall of residence, Platt Vertebrates and Invertebrates British & Irish Association bell castings and equipment. Hall. The stays are now in place Gerardo Garcia invited them back of Zoos and Aquariums These tend to crack under at St Mary’s Parish Church, to help with the refurbishment of ‘Big Bug Bonanza’, youthful enthusiasm and so have Nantwich, and the young bell the Komodo Dragon house in the helping to raise awareness a limited lifespan. ringers have the confidence Islands in Danger section. and interest in insects and Head of Countryside Jamie of knowing that a stay can As a reward for cleaning and other creepy crawlies by Cook and a team of trainee tree be replaced instantly should repainting three bedrooms, holding events at our zoo. surgeons came to the rescue anything untoward happen!

26 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter www.facebook.com/reaseheathcollege www.twitter.com/reaseheath Reaseheath at Food and farming close-up a glance -- Dairy Champion National Skills Academy for Food and Drink for Malbank pupils Subject areas Further and Higher Education Pupils from Malbank Sixth -- Adventure Sports Form College learned about -- Agriculture the links between food -- Animal Management production and farming during -- Business and IT -- Construction a visit to Reaseheath. -- Countryside and Conservation They were accompanied -- Engineering by Geoff Thompson -- Entry and Foundation Programme MBE, former world karate -- Equine champion and executive -- Floristry chairman and founder of -- Horticulture international charity the -- Food Technology Youth Charter. -- Greenkeeping and Sports Turf The Youth Charter develops -- Motor Vehicle educational projects which -- Public Services provide a legacy from major -- Sports Performance and Excellence events such as the London Associate 2012 Olympics. The charity Malbank sixth form college pupils chat to Geoff Thompson during their Reaseheath visit College of works with inner city, rural and suburban schools and has been involved with is helping to solve energy of the environment. Malbank for over two years. challenges. They also potted “It is very important that The pupils looked at global up culinary herbs in our young people understand issues such as climate horticultural unit. where their food comes from, Total students change, food poverty and Explained Geoff: “The aim how it is produced and what Further Education (full-time/part-time): 2,500 sustainable communities. of the Youth Charter is to effect this has on our natural Higher Education: 710 They visited our dairy herd inspire the next generation, resources. They also need to Apprenticeships: 580 and pig unit and looked at particularly as these young know how important it is to Work-based Learning: 127 how our anaerobic digester people will be the custodians eat healthily and keep active.” Adult and Community Learning (Autumn Term): 524 Top student Estate College grounds: 21 hectares Taryn rides high Owned and rented farm land: 330 hectares Bishop Heber High School Land leased to Crewe Alexandra pupil Taryn Denny was riding Football Club: 6 hectares high after receiving a trophy for being the best horse care Turnover student on our Vocational Academic year 2012/13: £26.4 million Opportunities Programme. Taryn is one of over 100 Key Facilities Stage 4 pupils from secondary On-site accommodation for 705; five schools throughout Cheshire, catering outlets; student lounge/bar; Shropshire and Staffordshire learning resource centre; HE study area; sports hall; climbing wall; multi who successfully completed Student of the Year Taryn Denny is presented with her trophy by sponsor Sue Blackshaw of Nantwich Saddlery gym; sports pitches (rugby, football, vocational qualifications with crown green bowling, cricket); us this year. commercial nine-hole golf course; Over 300 pupils aged animal care, food studies or Said Reaseheath’s Pre 16 indoor riding arena between 14 and 16 attend adventure sports. Learning Manager Graham Staff college one day a week Taryn was selected after Morgan: “This is a fantastic 620 (including part-time and casual while continuing to study impressing instructors opportunity for young workers) for conventional GCSEs at with her enthusiasm and people in their final two Further Details school. They can choose willingness to learn. She years at school to receive Please ask for a prospectus to study horse care, hopes to join one of our a practical, work-related Reaseheath College, Nantwich, horticulture, agriculture, equine courses and to follow experience as part of the Cheshire CW5 6DF construction, motor vehicle, a career as a horse therapist. Key Stage 4 curriculum."

www.reaseheath.ac.uk 27 Diary Dates... Family Festival Come and see us November 2013 draws in the crowds 9 Courses Information Event (FE and HE) 10am The action packed Mad Hatter’s tea party, farmers’ 9-10 programme on offer at our and craft markets, bands, Your Horse Live Family Festival proved a big choirs and dance groups. 10-11 Croft End Equestrian Centre hit with the 7,000 visitors who Courses Information Event (drop-in) poured through our gates. 16-17 Joins us on English Winter Fair, Staffordshire There was something for 23 everyone and hundreds Sunday 18 May Church Farm, Wirral, Courses The Pen Llyn Lusitanos during their Information Event of activities including 2014 for the next classical dressage display demonstrations by celebrities, December 2013 Reaseheath Family 7 dog, calf, pig and sheep shows, Courses Information Event tours of our zoo, birds of prey, a Festival! (FE and HE) 10am January 2014 18 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am 21-23 British and International Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition 22-23 LAMMA farm machinery, equipment and services show February 2014 2 Croft End Equestrian Centre Courses Information Event (drop-in) 8 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am Horticulture students Peter Roberts, Michael Nadin, Paul Byrne and Action from the pig show with Dewi 13-16 Richard Hudson-Davies with their winning garden ‘Gone Fishing’ Hughes and first placed Phil Gleave Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show March 2014 1-2 Lambing weekend 8-9 Lambing weekend 8 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event April 2014 26 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am 22 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event May 2014 18 Reaseheath Family Festival Champion calf handler Lizzie Mercer receives her trophy from Professional chef Brian Mellor admires our farm shop with 18-19 judge Ray Brown Senior Technologist in Patisserie and Bakery Andy Dale Croft End Equestrian Centre Courses Information Event (drop-in) 26 Warrington Horse Show 28-29 Stafford Show 31-1 Woodfest June 2014 7 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event 10 Courses Information Event (FE and HE) 6pm 12-15 Bolesworth Classic Showjumping 17-18 Young visitor Jack Thompson meets ‘Coll’, an eight week old Cheshire Show Students Association member Ben Lloyd joins floristry student Savigny’s Eagle Owl handled by Jimmi Hill from the International 26-27 Robyn Longden at the Mad Hatters Tea Party Centre for Birds of Prey FE graduation

28 www.reaseheath.ac.uk l 01270 625131 www.reaseheath.ac.ukWritten and edited by Reaseheath’s Press Officer Lynne Lomax 01270 613279 l Designed inhouse by Colin Barnes