Reaseheath gets Royal seal of approval

Reaseheath College celebrated the greatest honour in a series of national accolades when Her Majesty the Queen officially opened two world class buildings at its Nantwich campus.

The buildings are part of a recent £30 million investment which have brought cutting edge technical resources and teaching facilities to the premier specialist college.

Her Majesty opened Centrepoint, Reaseheath’s £3 million learning resource and student services centre, where she met the teams who provide learning support, care and guidance for the college’s 7000 students.

As she toured the state-of-the-art library and study area, Her Majesty admired facilities which include 20,000 books, videos, dvds and talking books and the cutting edge electronic self service system used by students.

She also heard about the emphasis which Reaseheath places on student welfare by providing one-to-one learning support and counseling when required.

Looking relaxed and happy, Her Majesty frequently stopped to admire students’ work. Amy Bostow, 19, who is taking a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, said: “It was very exciting. I had never met a member of the Royal Family before and the Queen was asking me about my course. I was a bit nervous but it was great to meet her.”

Her Majesty also opened the college’s new international standard indoor riding arena and viewed practical demonstrations of equine science, equine therapy and natural horsemanship at Reaseheath’s Equestrian Centre.

The riding arena is part of a recent £2.3 million investment into the Equestrian Centre –  the first phase of a continuing programme to upgrade facilities to world class.

The new build has also included a purpose built round pen for natural horsemanship, American barn style stabling and an equine solarium. The department has nearly 60 horses catering for all levels of riders and 350 students from introductory to degree level.

It offers world class education and training, aimed at meeting the increasing requirements of employers in the equine industry.

A keen rider herself, Her Majesty watched intently as equine instructor Christine Booth led a group studying the fine detail of the muscle system by drawing the muscles onto horse ‘Mo’ with chalk and face paint. Christine said: “Her Majesty was very interested in what we were doing. She commented on how it was great for students to be able to learn about equine science and that she wished she was able to do that when she was younger.”

Foundation Degree in Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship student Jo Cook, 21, who was demonstrating massage on horse ‘Del Boy’, added: “I spoke to the Queen about muscle tension and how everyone has a point in their body where there is a build up of tension. I found her lovely to speak to and Her Majesty acted very naturally.”

It was a particularly special occasion for Reaseheath yard technician Philip Warren, who previously worked with ceremonial horses in the Royal Mews for the Queen.

He said: “I think the Queen might have recognised me, although she has had so many employees and probably too many to remember. But it was an amazing experience to see the Queen here and gave us the opportunity to show off our new

facilities, which are second to none.”

Her Majesty also watched a dressage master class by Joe Davison, a Reaseheath equine student, and his father Richard, Britain’s Olympic dressage team captain. Joe, who is also studying for his Foundation Degree in Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship, rode his father’s Olympic partner Hiscox Artemis.

 

Joe, 18, said: “I think my demonstration went well, it was such an honour to perform in front of the Queen. Her Majesty was very interested in my horse.”

Concluding her visit to the equestrian centre, Her Majesty unveiled a chainsaw carved sculpture, created by artist Andy Hancock from Oswestry. It is made from a huge piece of old English oak and depicts the heads of two horses. The statue will be placed on a plinth at the centre entrance as a reminder of the occasion.

Principal Meredydd David said: “It was a privilege and honour to welcome her Majesty to Reaseheath.  Her Majesty was very relaxed and really enjoyed meeting and chatting to students and staff. She was particularly interested in the international standard riding arena and the master class given by Richard and Joe Davison.

“She also met with members of the Student Association and student course representatives and was keen to learn about their role. She was surprised to learn that they came to Reaseheath  from all over the UK.”