Reaseheath College and University Centre delivered another standout performance at this year’s Royal Cheshire County Show, with its action-packed stand named runner-up for Best Trade Stand in the Rural Life Area.
This year’s exhibit brought together hands-on learning, live demonstrations and plenty of crowd-pleasing favourites, all designed to showcase the very best of modern agriculture, land-based careers and rural life.
Returning favourites proved as popular as ever, including Flicka the mechanical horse and the busy digger challenge, while Suffolk ewes Sophie and Donna were a big hit. Master Butcher Gary Evans also drew strong crowds with his cooking demonstrations, highlighting the Reaseheath Farm to Fork journey and the importance of ethically produced food.
The institution’s new model milking cow, Befeeoncé (named by a member of the public during a Reaseheath Family Festival competition), made her first outing off campus giving young visitors the chance to try traditional milking techniques. Also new for 2026, Reaseheath Food Centre hosted interactive smoothie taste tests, while the Animal Management team introduced vet training dog dummies, allowing visitors to practise CPR and bandaging skills in a hands-on setting.
Forestry and Arboriculture students demonstrated professional climbing equipment and techniques, while Countryside students ran seed planting activities, woodland-themed quizzes and wood cookie crafts for younger visitors. Construction students showcased innovation and creativity with a live drone demonstration, a build-a-wooden-boat challenge and the premiere of their eco-house model.
The stand also welcomed a visit from Nick Walkley and colleagues from the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, alongside MP Aphra Brandreth (Chester South and Eddisbury) and Robert Moore, Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Their visits gave Principal Marcus Clinton, and Assistant Principals Sharon Yates and Iain Clarke, the opportunity to discuss the college and university centre’s work, its impact on skills development, and the importance of land-based education for the region.
Crucially, this year also saw Reaseheath subsidise transport for local school groups, improving access to the show and helping inspire more young people to consider land-based careers.
Presenting the silver rosette to the stand organisers, agricultural blogger Olly Harrison – of Olly Blogs fame – praised the stand’s wide appeal and strong educational focus, highlighting its mix of engaging activities and welcoming staff.
Stephanie Owen, Events and Recruitment Manager at Reaseheath, said: “The Royal Cheshire County Show was once again a brilliant showcase for Reaseheath. It was fantastic to see so many current and former students, employers and families engaging with what we do.
“Our stand reflects the energy, expertise and passion across Reaseheath, and this award is a real credit to the staff and students who made it happen.”
