Reaseheath’s Family Festival draws visitors from across region

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Over 10,000 people from across the region poured into Nantwich on Sunday to enjoy the carnival atmosphere of Reaseheath College’s Family Festival.

The action-packed festival, which offered hundreds of activities and displays to appeal to all ages, attracted visitors from several counties and caused a storm of appreciation on social media.

Messages from families from as far as 90 miles away praised the friendly and professional attitude of staff and students, the range of activities and the organisation of the event, with many saying they were already looking forward to next year’s event.

Headline acts included The Knights of Middle England, who thrilled spectators with a medieval jousting show, and Team Extreme, whose BMX stunt riders and skaters gave an exciting performance of acrobatics on wheels. Families also enjoyed meeting three realistic mountain gorillas and their explorer friend, who delivered a conservation message about the threats facing the species.

Other activities included tours of Reaseheath’s progressive technical training resources such as its Centre for Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainable Technology and its European leading Food Centre. Visitors were also able to learn about the college’s current £30 million investment in facilities including a Sports and Performance Academy with 3G rugby pitch, new Lab Learning Hub and advanced agricultural technology and engineering centre.

‘Have a go’ activities ranged from tree climbing and bushcraft to brick laying and operating machinery, and other highlights included sheep shearing, calf and sheep shows,  horse riding displays, visits to the college zoo, a fun dog show and musical acts on the main lawn.

A farmers’ market and refreshment stalls throughout the campus offered opportunities for families to enjoy vintage teas and locally produced products.

Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David said: “This was Reaseheath at its very best. Our Family Festival gave visitors a fantastic day of activities, demonstrations and displays which were packed with fun and enjoyment. Visitors told me they were amazed at the experience. Part of our mission is to reconnect people with the countryside and food production and this great event certainly achieved that.

“It would be impossible to run this highly successful event without the huge effort and contribution from staff and students.  It is this positive and welcoming approach which makes Reaseheath the wonderful college that it is, and I am very proud to be part of the team.”

Industry support for Game Management students

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Our Game Management students are gaining essential skills in running a clay pigeon shoot thanks to the support of industry leader Laporte CPC.

The clay pigeon shooting company, which supplies traps for the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, has loaned us a professional sporting clay trap for the use of our Level 2 and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Game Management students.

The 37 students are learning how to use the top-class equipment, gaining skills which they will need when they manage commercial or charity events. They are also providing the company with a review.

The clay trap is remaining with us free of charge until December, when the loan period will be reviewed. The students are also being encouraged to take advantage of social networking through the WeShoot App which is dedicated to shooting sports.
Course Manager Matt Goodall, who built the links with Laporte, said: “We were delighted at the company’s generous offer, which is allowing our students to both progress their own shooting skills and to gain experience of how to manage an event for clients. These are essential, practical skills which employers are looking for.”

The clay trap on loan to Reaseheath is a 185 PC 6C 350 PRO Sporting Trap.

This is yet another deal with external companies which is contributing to our game management students’ experience. Other companies which support our courses include:

Our Game Management courses are endorsed by The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), The National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) and the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust.

Survivors take a Step out for Stroke in Nantwich

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The Stroke Association is hosting a Step out for Stroke walk at Reaseheath College, Nantwich on Saturday 4th June. This family fundraising event is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability, and organisers are asking people to register now to take part alongside stroke survivors and their families.

Step out for Stroke is an event for everyone affected by stroke, and can be as long or as short as participants can manage. For stroke survivors, this challenge often marks their first steps since their stroke.

Laura McMullin, Regional Fundraiser at the Stroke Association, said: “We’re looking forward to seeing some truly inspirational people who will be taking their first steps since their stroke, and others who have challenged themselves to achieve new goals on the day.

“Step out for Stroke is a fun walk for everyone, no matter what your age or fitness level, it’s the perfect event to take part in alongside friends and family. It’s a chance to raise vital funds for the Stroke Association, so every step makes a difference, and we want Step out for Stroke 2016 to be our biggest year yet.

“In 2015, we were thrilled to hold 50 Step out for Stroke events across the UK which raised more than £150,000. Join us this year to help even more stroke survivors take their first steps on the road to recovery so together, we can conquer stroke.”

Marie Morgan, event organiser says: “Stroke happens in an instant, but its effects can last a lifetime. Far too many people don’t understand the condition or think it will ever happen to them. We believe everyone affected by stroke should get the support they need to make the best possible recovery.

We’re inviting the whole community to come to this fun day out and help us make it an event to remember. “

Meredydd David, Reaseheath Principal, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Stroke Association and its supporters to our campus and wish them every success with their fund raising event.”

There are more than14,600 strokes each year in the North West and over 157,370 people living with the effects of stroke.

To sign up and find out more about Step out for Stroke visit www.stroke.org.uk/stepout

Reaseheath students help to clean up Nantwich for the Queen’s birthday

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Members of Reaseheath College’s Student Association picked litter from one of Nantwich’s major gateways as their contribution to the ‘Clean for the Queen’ campaign.

Wearing hi vis vests and armed with litter pickers and bin liners, the students cleared refuse from the A51 roundabout and major roads near to the college campus in Nantwich. Their efforts were part of a national campaign, launched by Country Life magazine in partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, to clean up Britain in time for The Queen’s 90th birthday in June.

The students joined a growing army of volunteers, including Nantwich Litter Group, who are determined to make the town litter free in time for the celebration.

‘Clean for the Queen’ is the biggest ever community-led clean-up of the country’s streets, parks, roadside verges and hedgerows. The campaign is supported by the Government and by Cheshire East Council. The Cheshire East Street Cleansing team (ANSA) supports the efforts of all volunteer litter groups.

Nantwich Litter Group (NLG), formed in 2010, is group of volunteers who help to keep the town tidy, promote pride in the local environment and raise awareness of the anti-social nature of littering. The group have already held a ‘Clean for the Queen’ litter pick in March covering a large area of the town.

NLG Volunteer Co-ordinator Joyce Webb said: “This is a particularly important campaign and we were delighted that students from Reaseheath College offered to become involved. Many visitors and business people gain their first impressions of Nantwich when they arrive at the Reaseheath roundabout so it’s particularly important that it’s clean and tidy.

“We welcome support from any local individuals, organisations or businesses who would like to get involved with this campaign.  By working together we can really make a difference and ensure Nantwich is at its best in time for the Queen’s birthday.”

For further details about the ‘Clean for the Queen’ campaign or Nantwich Litter Group email joycewebb47@hotmail.com

 

Reaseheath College gears up for Family Festival

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Reaseheath College’s Family Festival is gearing up to be one of the best value days out in Cheshire.

The action-packed festival, to be held on the college’s Nantwich campus on Sunday May 15, will offer hundreds of activities and displays which appeal to all ages. A family ticket costs just £15 (two adults, three children) or less if booked in advance on-line.

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The Knights of Middle England will thrill with a jousting show

Headline acts this year include The Knights of Middle England, who will thrill spectators with a medieval jousting show featuring armoured knights on horseback and in unmounted combat as the cheating Black Knight tries to trick his way through the tournament.

Family entertainment is also guaranteed from Team Extreme, world class BMX stunt riders and skaters, who defy gravity in an acrobatic display of gymnastics on wheels.

Another exciting act will deliver a conservation message in a fun way. The Gorillas, four realistic mountain gorillas, will be joined by their explorer friend to tell visitors about the threat of extinction facing the species.

The Manchester School of Samba will bring a carnival atmosphere to the festival with eye-catching dance and costumes.

Visitors will be able to ‘have a go’ themselves at activities run by staff and students ranging from tree climbing and bushcraft to brick laying and operating a digger. Other highlights include sheep shearing, a calf show,  horse riding displays, tours of the college zoo and food processing halls, a fun dog show and musical acts on the main lawn.

The Gorillas will deliver a conservation message in a fun way at Reaseheath’s Family Festival

The Gorillas will deliver a conservation message in a fun way at Reaseheath’s Family Festival

Opportunities for refreshments range from vintage teas to locally produced products and ice creams. Car parking is free.

Festival organiser Faye Thomson-Butt, who is the college’s Deputy Marketing Manager, said: “We have tried to build on our Family Festival year upon year so that it offers real value to our local community. It has become a not-to-be-missed event for many families and we are looking forward to welcoming our visitors for what promises to be a fabulous day out.”

Updates at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/family-festival

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pushing the limits by elite athlete Adam

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Forty of our sports performance and adventure sports students gained a personal insight into the training and lifestyle of an elite athlete thanks to two presentations from Senior Team GB canoeist Adam Burgess.

Adam, one of the world’s top ten senior canoe slalom athletes, joined us for an appearance day as part of his sponsorship by UK Sport. During his inspirational and enthusiastic talks he described the commitment needed from athlete and support team, the level of training required at world class level and his hopes for the future.

The current ‘Under 23 World Champion for White Water Canoe Slalom’, Adam recalled the thrill of standing on the podium in Brazil in April 2015 to receive his title, his travels to international competitions and the amazing people who had supported him. Other major wins in his career to date have included a 3xC1M Team Gold in the Junior World Championships in France and his first senior medal – bronze at the Oceania Championships in Australia this February.

The 23 year-old, from Staffordshire, told our students how he had combined studying for a degree in sports science at Nottingham Trent University with training at the nearby National White Water Centre, and how the degree would help him in his future career outside competitive sport.

Realising that he needed a job back-up once his guaranteed funding had come to an end, he said he had realised there were skills in sport which he could adapt for business.

Based at Lee Valley White Water Centre, London, the Home of British Canoeing, Adam is currently focused on making his boat go faster by pushing the limits in ‘race real’ situations.

Attributing his success to optimising all processes, he said: “I get excited by the technical side rather than just chasing the time. The attraction of being out on the water is that conditions change every time. Winners are not always the best athletes –  you’ve got to have a good day too.”

Equine undergraduates win USA internships

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Two Reaseheath equine science undergraduates have won prestigious internships in the USA.

Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood have both been awarded the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) competitive internship to go to Virginia Tech’s Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE Center).

The MARE Center is a 420 acre equine research and education facility in Middleburg, Virginia – the heart of horse country in the USA.  The three month internship will allow our undergraduates to develop research and academic skills in a practical, hands-on, environment.

The programme, which focuses on optimising horse and environmental health, is designed to prepare students for careers in the equine industry, academia or veterinary science by applying classroom knowledge in a ‘real world’ context.

Looking forward to their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood

Looking forward to their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood

It is the first time in the history of the internship that it has been awarded to two candidates, with judges feeling that both were equally worthy.

Michelle and Zoe are following in the footsteps of first class equine science graduate Charlotte Woolley, who won the internship in 2014 during her final year with us. Charlotte is now studying for an MSc in Animal Biosciences, and will start a PhD in Clinical Veterinary Sciences in September, both at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh.

Michelle and Zoe, both 21, are due to complete their BSc (Hons) Degrees in Equine Science this summer and are confident that their internships will boost their career prospects as well as giving them a unique insight into an acclaimed international programme. As interns, they will be involved in the advancement of equine research in reproduction and breeding in the Sport Horse and Thoroughbred industries, and in nutritional management and health, exercise physiology and land stewardship.

To qualify for this valuable opportunity, both undergraduates wrote 3,000 word essays on subjects involving the health and welfare of equines. Michelle, who wants to become an equine journalist specialising in horse care and veterinary issues for the leisure owner, chose the indiscriminate breeding of horses as her subject.

Zoe, who is considering a future career in research, wrote her report on internal parasite burdens in young horses and how it affects their health in later life.

Both students, who came to Reaseheath after ‘A’ level studies, were shortlisted and interviewed by a judging panel consisting of Prof Graham Suggett OBE (former Director National Equine Database, former BEF Director of Equine Development and Principal Emeritus Warwickshire College), Dr Georgina Crossman (BEF Research Consultant) and Dr Bridgett McIntosh (MAREC) via Skype.

Dr Crossman commented: “Michelle and Zoe were both outstanding candidates with unique qualities who we felt would equally benefit from the internship. We hope they enjoy the summer with Dr McIntosh and the rest of the team at the MAREC, and look forward to reading about their experiences and the way the internship has influenced their future upon the submission of their reports when they return.”

Michelle said: “This will be an amazing opportunity for us to learn alongside acknowledged experts and to gain practical skills working with some fantastic horses. We’re both really excited about the trip!”

Keep updated with Michelle and Zoe during their internship experience via our HE blog site here.

Header picture caption: Celebrating winning their internships: Michelle Hand and Zoe Greenwood are joined by Professor Graham Suggett, Dr Georgina Crossman and Charlotte Woolley

Second award for apprentice gardener Rebecca

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An apprentice gardener at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens near Malpas has become Reaseheath College’s ‘Horticulture Apprentice of the Year’.

Rebecca Dawson, 26, from Aldford, Chester, received her award at a college ceremony held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits which apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Rebecca was one of 150 apprentices who have gained their qualifications at the Nantwich, Cheshire, specialist college in the past year. She is one of a team of seven gardeners who look after the historic gardens and grounds at Cholmondeley, which attract thousands of visitors each year.

Reaseheath’s award was the second prestigious accolade which Rebecca has received since she became an apprentice just over a year ago. She also holds the national title of ‘New Gardener of the Year 2015’, presented by the Professional Gardeners Guild to the top new entrant to the industry.

Barry Grain, Head Gardener at Cholmondeley, who is mentoring Rebecca through her apprenticeship and who nominated her for her Professional Gardeners Guild Award, said: “Rebecca is exactly the sort of person we need to attract into the industry. She is young, committed and passionate and really wants to learn and get involved.

“Cholmondeley Castle Gardens are known as one of the best in the region and are part of our living history. We need young talent to help preserve and enhance historic gardens like ours for the future and are currently looking for another apprentice to join our team.”

Rebecca has completed her Level 2 apprenticeship and has progressed onto her Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. She attends Reaseheath once a week to learn academic and practical skills and is also supported by college assessors at her workplace.

At Cholmondeley she has worked in all sections, including the popular terraces and temple garden. She also helped to build Cholmondeley’s award winning show garden at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show last year and will work on a similar project at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year.

Rebecca said: ““An apprenticeship is a very versatile qualification which is becoming increasingly popular with employers. By choosing this route I have not only been able to enter the horticultural industry, but my future prospects have improved through the lifelong skills I’ve learnt and vital networking opportunities I’ve gained.  I’m also very fortunate to work in such a beautiful and historic environment as Cholmondeley.”

Reaseheath currently has 355 apprentices studying agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal care, construction, construction plant, food industry skills, horse care, horticulture, motor vehicle and sports turf.

Rebecca’s assessor Lyndon Smith said: “Rebecca is an outstanding apprentice and we were delighted to choose her as our award winner this year. Her portfolio of work is exceptional and her enthusiasm is infectious. She has become a vital team member at Cholmondeley, taking garden tours and answering questions from the public.”

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens were a personal project of the late Lady Lavinia Cholmondeley, who began work on them in the 1950s. The gardens are currently going through a renaissance, with new landscaping and renovated borders. They have just reopened to the public for the new season.

For further details of Reaseheath apprenticeships visit www.reaseheath.ac.uk/apprenticeships or call 01270 613221

For further details of Cholmondeley Castle Gardens see www.cholmondeleycastle.com

Header caption: Rebecca is joined by Lyndon Smith (left) and Barry Grain at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Accolade for Royal Liverpool apprentice greenkeeper

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An apprentice greenkeeper at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, has been crowned Reaseheath College’s ‘Apprentice of the Year’.

Peter Lewis, 17, from Heswall, received his award at a college ceremony held during National Apprenticeships Week, a celebration of the benefits which apprentices bring to businesses and to the national economy by increasing productivity and providing workforce succession.

Peter was one of 150 apprentices who have gained their qualifications at the Nantwich, Cheshire, specialist college in the past year. He is one of a team of 11 who maintain the championship course at the world famous venue. Eight of the staff are former sports turf apprentices who have been trained by Reaseheath College.

Apprentice of the Year Peter Lewis

Reaseheath College Apprentice of the Year Peter Lewis

Royal Liverpool Links Manager Craig Gilholm, who is mentoring Peter through his training programme, said: “Apprenticeships work well for us. They attract committed young people who are keen to learn ‘on the job’ and who quickly become key members of our team. The qualification is well respected by employers because they know that apprentices have proven, practical skills as well as understanding the theory of their subject.

“Peter has shown real passion for the job and really wants to learn and get involved. He is exactly the sort of young person we like to attract into the industry, and he has a great future ahead of him.”

Peter, a former pupil of Kingsmead School, Hoylake, has completed his Level 2 Apprenticeship in Sports Turf and has now progressed onto his Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. He attends Reaseheath once a week to learn academic and practical skills and is supported by college assessors at his workplace as well as by his colleagues.

He has worked at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club for two years, during which time he has helped to prepare the course for the 2014Open Championship and other major tournaments. Highlights of his career so far have been meeting 2014 winner Rory McIlroy and fellow professionals Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler.

A keen golfer himself, Peter has always wanted to work at a world class golf course and started to gain work experience at courses in Heswall during school holidays.

He said: “Being an apprentice has given me an opening into a great career. It’s fantastic working in such a lovely environment and with such a friendly team. I’ve worked hard and the training is really paying off.”

Reaseheath currently has 355 apprentices studying agriculture, agricultural engineering, animal care, construction, construction plant, food industry skills, horse care, horticulture, motor vehicle and sports turf.

Reaseheath assessor Lyndon Smith said: “Peter’s portfolio of work is outstanding, he works hard and he’s extremely keen to learn. We were delighted to choose him as our Apprentice of the Year.”

Header picture caption: Peter Lewis celebrates success with Craig Gilholm (left) and Lyndon Smith

Student Tom to star in groundbreaking TV series

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A Reaseheath countryside student is one of the stars in a groundbreaking  TV series about the unique abilities of people who have neuro-diverse conditions.

‘Employable Me’ uses science to uncover the strengths and skills of people who have Autism and Tourette’s Syndrome as they seek employment. This is in the wake of radical emerging findings that neurological conditions shouldn’t always be looked at in negative terms. Leading scientists and psychologists are brought in to show how harnessing the conditions can lead to outstanding ability and eventually to a dream job.

Tom, who is 27 and lives in Staffordshire, has Tourette’s Syndrome. A film crew from Optomen Television spent a day in January capturing his journey on camera as he went about campus, meeting friends, and attending classes. A clip of Tom’s activities at Reaseheath comes at the end of the second programme in the series, which will air on BBC2 tonight (Wednesday, March 30) at 9pm.

Many thanks to the staff of the countryside department for their support and co-operation during the preparation for filming, and throughout the day.

Catch up on the first episode of ‘Employable Me’ on BBC iplayer.