Blessing of the Lambs: Phil Gibbons, Denise Gibson, Iain Clarke, the Bishop of Stockport Sam Corley, Fiona Sampson, Brother James Douglas, Canon Anne Lawson, and Charlie Reeves.A former dairy student who first studied at Reaseheath in 1945 returned to campus to see the next generation of farmers in action during the college’s popular lambing weekends.
Doreen Taylor Brown, now living at Newton Court Care Home in Middlewich, was warmly welcomed back to Reaseheath College and University Centre in Nantwich more than 80 years after her time as a student. She was joined by her twin sister Joyce for the visit, which coincided with this year’s Lambing and Mini Zoo Weekends.
The events welcomed more than 10,000 visitors across four days, with every session selling out as families gathered to witness the arrival of newborn lambs and learn more about life on a working farm.
Doreen was introduced to visitors by Iain Clarke, Assistant Principal – Land-based and Sustainability, who shared highlights of her remarkable story and presented her with a bouquet. She also met Principal and CEO Marcus Clinton before touring the lambing sheds, where she met a day-old lamb named Pebbles and current agriculture students Alfred Marchant, Sam Farrell, Jack Davies and Adam Wainwright.
Iain said: “It was amazing to welcome Doreen back to Reaseheath. The college has such a rich history, and it’s incredible to think she was here 80 years ago. Farming has changed so much since then, with new technology and techniques, but some things remain the same – the cycles of nature, the excitement of lambing, and the jobs that need to be done every day. Seeing her here with her sister, meeting our students and enjoying the farm, really brought the past and present together in a special way.”
Among the most popular animals with visitors was Tallulah, an orphaned lamb who quickly became a firm favourite, happily greeting guests and posing for photos throughout the weekends.
Visitors were also able to take part in one of the season’s traditional highlights, the Blessing of the Lambs, which opened each weekend with a reflective start to the day.
The first blessing, on Saturday, February 28th, was led by The Reverend Canon Anne Lawson of St Bartholomew’s Church in Church Minshull, while the following Saturday’s blessing was delivered by The Right Reverend Sam Corley, Bishop of Stockport who was accompanied by Franciscan friar Brother James Douglas of Alnmouth Friary. During the blessings, visitors heard the Parable of the Lost Sheep, a story highlighting themes of care, compassion and the importance of every animal within the flock.
While the weekends are a highlight for visitors, lambing itself is a carefully planned and intensive part of the agricultural calendar at Reaseheath. The season is timed months in advance, and during the busiest periods staff and students remain on standby around the clock, often assisting with births well into the night.
For students studying agriculture and related courses, lambing season provides invaluable hands-on learning. Some arrive at Reaseheath from farming families with experience of livestock, while others may never have witnessed lambing before coming to college. Working alongside experienced staff allows them to build practical skills and gain a deeper understanding of the realities of livestock farming.
Alongside the lambing activities, the college’s zoo team delivered talks throughout the weekends, giving visitors the chance to discover more about the wide range of species cared for at Reaseheath Mini Zoo and the work involved in animal care, welfare and conservation.
Iain added: “Lambing season is one of the most important times of year for our agriculture students, so it’s fantastic to be able to share that experience with the public. These weekends give families the chance to see first-hand what life on a working farm is really like, while also showcasing the dedication of the students and staff who care for the animals around the clock.”
The annual Lambing and Mini Zoo Weekends remain one of Reaseheath’s most popular public events, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the start of the farming cycle and connect with agriculture at the college’s working farm.
