REVUEREASEHEATH

RECOLLECTIONSREASEHEATH ALUMNI SHARE

THEIR EXPERIENCES

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EXCELLING IN EQUINEREASEHEATH DEGREE LEADS TO SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP

BUMPER CROWDSAT REASEHEATH

FAMILY FESTIVAL

BACKING BRITISH FARMING

AS FINALIST ON FARMERS APPRENTICE

INSPIRING FUTURE ENGINEERS AND

SCIENTISTSFORMER WORLD LAND

SPEED RECORD HOLDER VISITS REASEHEATH

Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE REASEHEATH ALUMNI MAGAZINE

I am delighted to provide this introduction for the first edition of Revue - Reaseheath College’s dedicated magazine for our growing community of former students and staff. With the formation of Reaseheath Alumni Association, this magazine has been created to showcase the successes of our alumni community and help to keep alumni up to date with the latest college news.

Included in this inaugural issue, we celebrate the achievements of our 2014 further and higher education students, including First Class Honours equine science graduate Charlotte Woolley. Charlotte won a prestigious British Equine Federation (BEF) research internship and spent her summer at the Virginia Tech University in the USA. Agriculture alumnus John Ketteridge reflects on fond memories, sharing his experiences of student life in 1960s and we recently welcomed back Dairy Herd Management alumnus Nigel Bryan to the campus. Nigel along with a group of his old classmates visited the College farm and met with their former tutors Tim Reeves and Tony Blackburn.

As you may be aware, the College has gone through many changes and developments since opening in 1921, with the last few years being no exception.

September 2013 saw Platt Hall, the most recent investment in campus accommodation with 150 single study en-suite bedrooms, open its doors to students. Named in honour of our former Chair of Governors John Platt OBE, the new halls of residence was officially opened by John’s son and daughter as a thank you for his many years of support to Reaseheath.

The Reaseheath Food Centre was recently re-awarded the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Grade A, the highest possible

quality mark within the food industry’s global standard for food safety.

2015 is set to be particularly busy for the College in terms of new facilities, innovation and advancement. The £8 million, National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment, is a vibrant new campus development. In support of the government’s agri-tech strategy, Food Futures will create a specialist teaching and learning facility for horticultural production, environmental management and conservation. The Centre will open to students and the public in September 2015.

We are keen for our alumni to continue to re-connect with the College and share news of success and achievement with us. I encourage you to read the following message from our new Alumni Officer Katie Burt, to find out how to contact us and your alumni community.

I hope to welcome you back to the College in the near future.

Best wishes

Meredydd David

Introduction by Meredydd David OBE, Principal of Reaseheath College

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IN THIS ISSUE

College News 4

Reaseheath Family Festival

8

Feature Equine graduate excels in research

10

Reaseheath recollections

12

Graduation 2014 14

Fantastic success for Reaseheath at Worldskills UK

17

Young farmer backs British farming

18

Tattenhall blacksmith forges mark on village

19

Industry speakers inspire careers in food and farming

20

Alumni stories 22

Inspirational alumnus recognised

24

Travel savvy sheep shearer shares tips

25

Vehicle technicians drive careers forward

26

Reuniting with Reaseheath

27

Welcome to your first magazine from Reaseheath Alumni Association. Over the last year the College has reconnected with over 700 former students and staff. Many of you joined our new alumni association through our website, contacted us via social media and visited college events throughout the year. It’s been a fantastic year, but we certainly haven’t reconnected with everyone - so if your friends haven’t heard from the College in a while, please encourage them to contact us.

I would like to add my personal thanks to all alumni who have contributed to this first edition, it’s a pleasure to help broadcast your news and achievements. If you have some exciting updates or stories that you would like to be featured in a future edition, please do get in touch.

KATIE BURT Alumni Officer

Contact us:

alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

+44 (0) 1270 613 219

Reaseheath College, Nantwich Cheshire, CW5 6DF

Reaseheath throwback 27

Editor: Katie Burt l Design: Colin Barnes

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College NewsReaseheath College contributes £85.7 million in additional income per year to the local business community, a new report shows.

This was one of the key findings in a recent independent analysis of the social and economic impact of the College by Economic Modelling Specialists International (EMSI).

Statistics show that the skills and qualifications acquired by former

Reaseheath College’s newest halls of residence have been officially dedicated to the man who helped to make the College a leader in vocational training.

Platt Hall was named in memory of John Platt OBE, the former chair of the College’s Board of Governors, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 82. John was Chair of Governors for 14 years and a governor for 20 years, during which time he spearheaded over £50 million of capital investment on campus.

The £6 million building, which has 150 en-suite bedrooms including special provision for students with disabilities, brings the total of student rooms on campus to 685.

Describing John as a visionary and inspirational leader, Chair of Governors Emily Thrane said, “John was a true gentleman and a lovely person. He left an enormous legacy at Reaseheath and his spirit will remain in these wonderful facilities. He also inspired great loyalty from everyone who worked with him.”

A plaque was unveiled by John’s daughter, Joanna Lomas, and an oak tree, germinated by Reaseheath’s horticulturists, was dedicated by his son Jeremy Platt. The building was blessed by the Reverend Peter Mascarenhas.

Joanna, of Tarvin, said, “Platt Hall is very impressive. Dad would have been so proud.”

In addition to his support of Reaseheath, John ran a dairy farm at Lostock Gralam and was a leading light in Cheshire’s agricultural community. He was Chairman of Cheshire Agriculture Society for almost 30 years and played a leading role in running the Cheshire Show.

His legacy lives on in the John Platt Travel Scholarship, which enables young people in Cheshire’s agricultural and land-based industries to widen their experience through travel.

Reaseheath students bolstered Cheshire and Warrington’s economy by enabling employers to increase outputs. This added £65.7 million in income to the regional economy per year.

Students also benefit financially from studying at Reaseheath. The report found that for every £1 students paid for their education it yielded £7.30 in higher wages in the future - an 18.9% annual return on investment.

The report declared: “Reaseheath’s mission is to deliver excellence to its students.

The experiences they receive at college have the power to shape the rest of their lives and put them on the path to becoming happy and productive members of their communities. Reaseheath also plays a key role in helping them increase their employability and achieve their individual potential.”

Another key point to come out of the report was that the general public will receive £6 in return for every £1 invested in Reaseheath - an annual return of 18.4%. The gain was through added income and in savings to society.

The value of Reaseheath

Reaseheath College building dedicated to visionary governor

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One of the fastest men on earth urged our motor vehicle and engineering students to reach for the stars by focusing on careers as professional engineers and scientists.

Richard Noble OBE, former holder of the world land speed record and director of the Bloodhound Supersonic Car (SSC) Project, described the tremendous opportunities which exist in research, design and build as he launched the upgraded Reaseheath Motor Vehicle Technology Centre.

Our automotive workshops have received a £1 million upgrade

and are fitted out with the latest diagnostic equipment.

Richard chatted to students working on modern vehicles including our own hybrid car. Congratulating Reaseheath on our drive to encourage young people to develop technical knowledge, he said, “The facilities and training here are exactly what the future is all about. Britiain’s car fleet is getting increasingly more complex and Reaseheath is consistently raising the bar for next generation engineers.”

Richard also gave an inspirational talk to 250 motor vehicle and agricultural

engineering students about the advanced technology which will support his attempt to set a new land speed record of 1,000mph with BloodhoundSSC.

Richard’s audience also included representatives from the Blue Bell Group, Car Transplants, Smiths Autoparts, Auto-mobile, Swansway Garages and the Institute of Advanced Motorists, all of whom support the motor vehicle department.

Find out more about BloodhoundSSC at: www.bloodhoundssc.com

Fantastic opportunities lie ahead for our students. This summer we will complete our £8 million National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment, an industry-led project which will allow us to equip our students with in-demand skills in horticultural technology, innovation and sustainability.

Aimed at helping food producers meet the challenge of world population growth and climate change, this purpose built facility will contain classrooms, laboratories, demonstration areas, interpretation zones, technical growing areas and ultra-intensive production units for food crop trials and research activities.

Our horticulture department and NPTC Training Centre, which delivers training in the land-based sector, will relocate here.

A new teaching and learning centre for our Foundation Learning students will also open in September 2015 in the same complex. Working in partnership with Cheshire East Council, we are looking forward to using this specialist £1 million-plus facility to help students achieve independent living skills and prepare them for future employment.

This building will include dedicated classrooms, tutorial rooms, study areas, a café and a shop stocking Reaseheath produce. Our Foundation students will work in this retail

outlet, gaining valuable experience interacting with the public.

Leading on both developments is the award winning construction company GB Building Solutions.

Speed car pioneer inspires engineers

Exciting times ahead as new build progresses

Reaseheath’s National Centre for Food Futures and the Environment takes shape

IMI Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair students Debra Bligh-Wall, Corey Walton, Will Blackshaw and Cody Brookes meet Richard Noble in Reaseheath’s automotive workshops

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College News

Proactive fundraisers from the Reaseheath Student Association have raised over £5,000 so far for this year’s RAG (Raising and Giving) charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Student Association and RAG committee have hosted a number of fundraising events so far this year including a minion social, where volunteers offered a face painting service in return for a RAG donation. Students participated in the recent Macmillan ‘Chester Takeover’ and have been working in partnership with local businesses such as The Studio, Nantwich and Crewe Honda to further bolster donations.

Our food department rallied together to organise a ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ event, seeing food students and staff bake and serve a selection of hot drinks and sweet treats that were enjoyed across the College.

Lots more activities and events are in the pipeline to continue the RAG fundraising momentum along with the annual programme of events for RAG Week 2015.

RAG Week has formed a large focal point of the academic year for Reaseheath students since 1987.

To date, the appeals have raised over £190,000 for worthy local causes and it would be great to have the support of alumni to help to raise that figure even higher this year. If you would like to support RAG this year, please contact us - it would be great to hear your ideas.

Reaseheath College’s Food Centre has gained an internationally recognised Grade A certification from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) for the second year running.

Opened in 2011, the £7 million Food Centre remains the first and only educational institution in Britain to achieve Grade A at BRC6, the highest possible standard for food safety.

The accolade is particularly prestigious as many food businesses strive, but never achieve, this ultimate standard. The successful bid was led by Reaseheath’s Technical Manager Katharina Vogt.

Food Centre Head Toni-Anne Harrison said, “This has been a second tremendous achievement and we are all very proud. Although we gained BRC6 at Grade A last year, it does not guarantee a repeat result. This achievement illustrates how an understanding of industry procedures and practices underpin everything that we do in the Food Centre.”

Staffed by a team of specialist food technologists, the centre has dairy processing halls and production areas for butchery, bakery and confectionery. Many local, national and international food and drink manufacturers use our facilities for new product development or staff training. For further details visit: www.reaseheathfoodcentre.com

RAG at Reaseheath

Repeat recognition for Reaseheath’s Food Centre

Kevin Campbell, Laura Broome, Katharina Vogt, Andy Dale, Penny Masters and Elliott Bateman

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College News

Hundreds of local families got to the core of fruit growing in October, at Reaseheath College’s popular Apple Festival.

The fruity festival, held at college as part of a national celebration of the English apple, featured 100 rare varieties of apples and pears, some dating back to Roman times and some of more recent origin.

Horticultural experts and Reaseheath alumni Derek Jones and Harry Delaney were on hand to identify apple varieties, answer queries on the production of apples and offered advice on the selection, growth, pruning and propagation of fruit trees.

Many visitors arrived with fruit and foliage for identification or brought in their own apples for juicing. Varieties such as Bee Bench, which is local to the Nantwich area, was amongst rare varieties brought in by families. The apples on show came from

Cutting edge sports science equipment at Reaseheath College is helping Crewe Alexandra Football Club’s first team squad to train throughout the season.

All first team players visited Reaseheath to use a new sports science laboratory which forms part of a significant investment into the College’s new gym.

The squad went through maximal fitness testing on a top-of-the-range medical treadmill. The data will be used by Andy Franks, Head of Sports Science and Conditioning at Crewe Alex, to check the base level of fitness of each player and to set personalised training programmes. The players will return for retesting later in the season to check their progress.

The data collection was carried out by Reaseheath Level 3 Extended

Diploma Sport Performance students, many of whom will progress to careers in coaching or sport fitness.

Reaseheath College and Crewe Alexandra have a well-established partnership. Reaseheath delivers the academic training to Crewe Alexandra’s Academy apprentices, with scholars achieving the best grades in the country. In return,

many of our sports performance students complete work experience with Crewe Alexandra, gaining an insight into the possibilities of career progression within the football industry.

Reaseheath’s new gym is used to train students on sports performance and public services courses and is open to the College’s staff and students.

Reaseheath’s own fruit orchard or were donated by Sugnall Walled Gardens, Eccleshall, and Tatton Park.

The ever more popular festival, being held at Reaseheath for the 23rd consecutive year, was aimed at encouraging gardeners to preserve old varieties of apples and soft fruit by growing them in their own gardens.

Explained Harry Delaney, “The English apple is part of our national heritage and though some species have been lost forever, the festival gives us the chance to think about the huge number of varieties we have left and how we ought to preserve them.”

Reaseheath’s festival gets to the core of fruit growing

Sports science at Reaseheath supports Crewe Alexandra’s fitness programme

First team players Jon Guthrie, Brad Inman, Perry Ng and Anthony Grant join Richard Brooke, Andy Franks, Reaseheath sports lecturer Stuart Fisher, Crewe Alexandra’s assistant sport scientist Ben Cope and sports performance students James Brown, Stephen Ganley and James Earl in Reaseheath’s new gym.

Harry Delaney talks to Terry Walsh of BBC Radio Stoke

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College News

Bumper crowds at Reaseheath Family FestivalBumper crowds flocked to Reaseheath to join in the College’s annual Family Festival.

Thousands of visitors including many former students and staff spent the day at the Nantwich campus, enjoying the warm sunshine and carnival atmosphere.

Headline acts included a daring display of trick riding by The Devil’s Horsemen stunt team and displays by Titan, a giant robot whose latest appearances include the opening of the Winter Olympics at Sochi. Both acts had returned to Reaseheath due to popular demand.

Families also had the chance to see a replica of BloodhoundSSC, the supersonic car which will attempt a 1,000mph land speed record in 2016. The car was part of a technology theme running through the festival and had a simulator so that visitors could

experience the thrill of driving the fastest car on earth.

The main stage hosted guest acts including Celtica Irish Dancing, The Voice UK contestant Joe Keegan and local band Hex.

This event was also our first opportunity to catch up with former students and staff on campus since the establishment of the new Reaseheath Alumni Association. It was great to reconnect and hear stories from so many new and existing members of our growing alumni community.

The alumni stand brought back a few memories for 2001 alumnus Matt Eardley, who was surprised to see himself and classmates on display. Reaseheath’s Peter Green and new alumnus Steve Roach joined fellow alumni and chatted about their own time as students - spotting a number of familiar faces as they looked through photographs.

RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) alumnus Phillip Swift enjoying being back on campus

Join in the fun at the next Reaseheath Family Festival taking place on Sunday 17th May - keep an eye on the Reaseheath College website for our headline announcements and ticket prices coming soon.

Titan meets the crowd BBC Radio Stoke presenter James Watt with BloodhoundSSC

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The Voice UK contestant Joe Keegan

300 visitors got down and boogied for the world record attempt - the largest ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ dance. Evidence remains under scrutiny, but it is hoped that the dance will earn Reaseheath a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The calf show in progress

Lorraine and Graham Evans pop over to show Alumni Officer Katie Burt their photo album of captured Reaseheath memories from the 1980s

Longstanding staff members and former students Peter Green and Steve Roach spot a few familiar faces!

Matt Eardley spots himself with classmates on the alumni display boards

Devil’s Horsemen Daniel Naprous and Dante Lloyds TSB black stallion(photograph Roy Gadsen)

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Reaseheath equine science graduate Charlotte Woolley excelled during her internship at the world’s leading equine breeding and research centre.

Charlotte, 21, who graduated with First Class Honours in September 2014, spent her summer working and studying at the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Centre, part of the Virginia Tech State University, USA. The university specialises in breeding and producing top quality sports horses. She trained in veterinary techniques and assisted with research into nutrition, reproduction and parasitology. She also helped to prepare youngstock for the

showring and ran educational outreach workshops with children.

The prestigious three month internship is offered through the British Equestrian Federation (BEF). Charlotte was judged to be the top candidate after writing a 3,000 word paper on equine obesity and discussing its welfare implications. The final selection was held at the BEF headquarters in Warwickshire in front of a panel of industry leaders.

Aiming for a career as a veterinary research scientist she says, “The internship has been a fantastic experience - truly life changing. I’ve built on both my academic and practical skills and broadened my horizons in terms of my current

knowledge of the equine industry.”

Originally from Buxton, Charlotte completed A Levels at Leek College before embarking on her degree. She has ridden from a young age and has successfully competed at showjumping and showing competitions across the UK. She currently lives in Nantwich.

Charlotte adds, “I really enjoyed studying for my degree at Reaseheath. There’s a great atmosphere and you get lots of individual support from your lecturers.”

If you would like to read more about Charlotte’s time in Virginia, take a look at her blog: www.myvirginianventures.weebly.com

Equine graduate excels in USA horse research project

First Class BSc (Hons) Equine graduates Charlotte Woolley and Amelia Kenyon

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Feature

What a brilliant summer for alumni relations at Reaseheath. For the very first time, we have been out on the road meeting former students, staff and friends alike at Cheshire Show, Royal Welsh Show and Reaseheath’s local agricultural show, Nantwich Show.

It’s been great to meet many new and existing alumni members. Take a look at our ‘on the road’ picture highlights to see if you spot anyone you recognise!

Reaseheath alumni on the road

Alumnus Ian Bates, a student in the 1970s, who now runs his own feed supplements business, Stock-Pride Nutrition Ltd.

Ross Noble visits the Reaseheath stand at Royal Welsh Show - filming for his TV series Freewheeling

2014 Professional Bakery graduates Aaron Dixon, Jordan Slawinski and Cedric Mandaya with celebrity chef James Martin Floristry alumnus Brenda Bainbridge (class of 1995) talks

fondly of former Reaseheath staff member Mark Kentwistle

Former students reminisce over old photos at Cheshire Show

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RecollectionsReaseheath

Former Cheshire College of Agriculture (now Reaseheath College) students, Lorraine and Graham Evans celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary in 2014. Lorraine (nee Boydell) and Graham met on campus whilst both studying at the College 1979-1980.

Their 33rd wedding anniversary on the 14th March proved particularly memorable as this also marked Lorraine’s graduation from her MA in Education from University of Chester.

Lorraine commented, “I am very proud to have completed my Masters. Graham supported me wholeheartedly throughout the process and, without him by my side, I would not have been able achieve this. The fact that our wedding anniversary fell on the same day made it an extra special celebration for both of us.”

Since leaving the College the couple have gone on to pave successful careers. Lorraine currently works in education with the Virtual School in Cheshire West and Chester and Graham is a bus driver based in Chester.

Making a tableTony Bramwell signed up for a short course in Joinery at Reaseheath back in 2011, with the aim of brushing up on his DIY skills. With the support of recently retired lecturer Dave Allman, Tony created an oak table as a present for his daughter. Inspired by Dave’s enthusiasm for the whole process of woodwork design and construction, Tony realised his passion for woodwork.

Tony comments, “Immediately after my retirement in 2013, I signed up for a full-time one year course in designing and making fine furniture with a master craftsman near Oxford. I am now planning to build my own workshop so that I can pursue this wonderful activity full-time.

“This all came from a short course in Joinery at Reaseheath and the wonderful enthusiasm of our lecturer, to whom I will always be grateful.”

Reaseheath romance

Lorraine and Graham Evans celebrate their engagement, pictured outside Wilbraham Halls of Residence on campus, 15th May 1980

Tony Bramwell building his own furniture

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I was first introduced to farming on a ‘ten-day school boy course’ at Reaseheath in July 1957, when the College was known as the Cheshire ‘School’ of Agriculture. I then left Reaseheath to gain further work experience on Cheshire farms and returned as a full-time student at the Cheshire School of Agriculture, Reaseheath, in October 1962, aged 21.

As full-time students we had lectures each morning after breakfast in a modern building just through the arch to the right of Reaseheath Hall. We were taught animal and crop husbandry with an occasional lecture in farm machinery. We got on very well with all of our lecturers and had some lively debates, as no doubt still happens today.

Every two weeks we did practical farm duties on campus - this meant getting up at 6am. If it was your turn to help milking, you’d have to be up extra early as the Friesian cows were housed where the Reaseheath Equestrian Centre is now based on the opposite side of the campus to our accommodation.

During the summer term, we would be taken to visit a variety of farms - introducing us to different aspects of farming. We enjoyed these visits

very much but, if I am honest it was often the large tea the farmer’s wife laid on for us with lots of homemade sandwiches, pies and cakes that drew most of our attention.

At the end of the summer term we had our exams and practical tests. The practical tests were conducted by the various farmers whose farms we had visited that term.

I managed to gain a credit in the National Certificate of Agriculture (NCA) this, along with my years of working on farms, gained me a place at Brooksby Hall School of Agriculture, where I went on to achieve my City and Guilds full Technological Certificate in Agriculture Management.

I would like to end by telling you a little about life at Reaseheath in 1962- 63. We were only allowed out on a Thursday and Saturday night, with a 10.30pm curfew (we did however, sneak out on Sunday night to go to The Crewe Arms Hotel where we drank and listened to Jazz bands such as Kenny Ball, Monty Sunshine, Acker Bilk and Johnny Dankworth…).

Students could not bring cars to college, although they did build a gravel car park just inside new entrance to the College in the summer of 1963. Just before Christmas we decided to have an end of term dance,

we tried to hire the Beatles who had just released ‘Please Please Me or ‘I Want To Hold Your Hand”, I forget which, however they wanted £300 to do two 40 minute sets. Unfortunately we couldn’t afford the £300 - with the average agricultural wage back then only about £11 to £15 a week.

Another highlight was the day Blaster Bates came to the College. Blaster Bates was well-known for blowing up chimney stacks and buildings as well as being a popular after dinner speaker with lots of stories about how various corners at Oulton Park were named.

There was an old tree next to the lake that had to be removed, so Blaster Bates came to blow it up. He asked us students if we would like him to blow the tree across the lake - of course we said yes not believing he could, but he could and did!

Yes, I look back on my days at Reaseheath with fond memories, little knowing that when I left in the summer of 1963 that fifty years later I would be living in a flat only a short walk along the River Weaver from my old college.

John Ketteridge NCA, 1962 - 1963

John KetteridgeMy fond memories of the Cheshire School of Agriculture, Reaseheath 1962-1963

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Graduation

2014Our 2014 Graduation saw almost 150 students receive degrees at a ceremony in the centre of Nantwich. Dressed in gowns and mortar boards, graduates spilled out of St Mary’s Church to celebrate with Britain’s best known Paralympic athlete Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, who was guest speaker.

The ceremony marked the achievement of students who had completed degrees in agricultural science, equine science, food technology, garden and landscape design, engineering, countryside management, adventure sports management and rural events management,

all delivered in partnership with Harper Adams University. Congratulating the graduates, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, said that education was vital and led to wider choices in life.

Our students on degree programmes validated by the University of Chester (UoC) graduated with other UoC students at Chester Cathedral in November.

Reaseheath College has delivered degree level courses for over 20 years, with our most recent Graduation Ceremony marking our third celebratory event at St Mary’s Church. Our first official Graduation Ceremony was held at Nantwich Civic Hall in 2011.

Equine Science graduates Amy Morris and Ysella Poole

Society of Dairy Technology Award winners Paul Winfield and Sue Twist

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Agriculture graduates Michael Graham, Andy Goulding, James Wilkinson, Kate Watts, Thomas Langley, Chris Inman, Harry James, Fiona Short, Stephanie Rainey and Caroline Jellicoe with Programme Leader Jane Richardson and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson

FdSc Adventure Sports and Management graduates Sean Wood, Simon Simpson, Arran Bell, Erin Shuttleworth and Jessica Ashton with Course Manager Simon Nortcliffe and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE

National Skills Academy ‘Academic Student of the Year’ Adrian Tew with Jim Chalmers Graduands inside St Mary’s Church waiting for the ceremony to begin

The ceremony at St Mary’s Church, Nantwich

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SUCCESS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

For more photographs of the awards ceremonies, please visit: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/awards

Reaseheath College celebrated the success of 1,371 Further Education students at our annual Further Education awards ceremonies, held on the 26th and 27th June.

Our students, from across the UK and abroad, are preparing for careers in agriculture, environmental conservation, animal or equine management, agricultural engineering, motor vehicle, business, food manufacture, floristry, horticulture, forestry, construction, public services or in leisure industries such as sport and outdoor adventure.

Sharing congratulations with a capacity audience, Principal Meredydd David emphasised that 97% of students achieve their qualification and that 90% progress into employment or onto higher level courses.

Guest speakers were Dr Pete Waterman from Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and John Myers, Head of Employer and Delivery Services, and Jane Cowell, Director of Young People’s Funding, both from the Education Funding Agency.

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KATIE GIBSON, Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery: Best all round contribution to the College award.

Katie made an outstanding input into RAG (Raising and Giving) activities and had added responsibilities as press officer for our student magazine, Coverage.

TWM-TEGID BRUNTON, Level 3 Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture: Best contribution to college life award.

An outstanding student ambassador, Twm voluntarily attended over 40 college course open days and went out of his way to support the student services team.

A member of the North West Welsh Opera Choir, he also sung at the student ball.

LUCY CULWICK, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture: Beacon Trophy celebrating excellence.

Diagnosed as having a hole in her heart during her course, Lucy underwent open heart surgery and recuperated for just six weeks before returning to college. She caught up with her studies, involved herself with college life and is now studying for a degree in agriculture.

It was great to catch up with class of 1984 ‘NDA’ (National Diploma in Agriculture) alumnus John Nunnerley, back on campus 30 years on from his time studying at the College.

His daughter Laura joined classmates celebrating the successful completion of their Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management. Laura is now in her first year at Bangor University, studying for a degree in Zoology.

Reaseheath floristry alumnus Anna Eite is officially the most talented floristry student in Britain after winning gold at the WorldSkills UK national finals.

Anna, 20, who lives in Acton, Nantwich, took the top title in the advanced section against strong competition from the best students from colleges and training providers nationwide. The taxing competition was held over three days in front of thousands of visitors at The Skills Show in Birmingham, the country’s biggest showcase of vocational skills and careers. Tasks included designing a floral hat, belt and chair, making up a planted container and taking part in a team project.

Anna recently completed her Level 3 Diploma in Floristry and was supported and trained for the competition by Programme Leader for Floristry Sue Poole. Said Sue, “This was a fantastic result and we are all so proud of Anna. She was a wonderful representative for Reaseheath and for the floristry department.”

A former pupil of Brine Leas School, Nantwich, Anna is currently teaching leisure flower arranging classes at the school. She plans to set up her own home-based floristry business ‘Anna Flora’.

Said Anna, “Competing in front of so many people was a great experience. It was good to see how well I could work under pressure and how hard I could push myself.”

Anna was a member of the 2014 student team who won Reaseheath the title of RHS Tatton Park Floristry College of the Year. The team will compete for the national title at Chelsea Flower Show in 2015. The College’s horticulture department

was also proud to support Richard Carden as he battled it out in the WorldSkills UK garden landscape finals at The Skills Show. Although Richard, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture student, just missed out on a medal he achieved high scores and has been invited to continue with competition training.

One of just six students to be selected for the national finals, Richard, who lives in Tattenhall, met the challenge to build a 2m x 6m garden designed by award winning designer Alexandra Froggatt.

Course Manager Tracy Walker said, “Richard did a fantastic job considering the pressure he was under to perform at the very highest level.”

Reaseheath is helping an increasing number of employers boost productivity through tailor-made apprenticeship training programmes. We train over 450 apprentices who work in businesses throughout Cheshire and surrounding counties. The scheme is supported by 226 employers including councils, garden maintenance companies, kennels, florists, livery stables, farms and

the food, construction and timber industries.

Speaking at our 2014 apprenticeship awards ceremony, Vice Principal Dave Kynaston congratulated the apprentices and their companies for investing in meaningful and valued qualifications, which would boost productivity and ensure the future of the UK’s skilled workforce.

Addressing the audience, 2013 ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Jordan Kenyon described his progress as a herdsman with dairy farmer Martin Wheelton. Jordan now oversees staff and hopes to go on to manage a dairy unit or potentially study business at a higher level.

Find out more about Reaseheath apprenticeships at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/apprenticeships

Fantastic success for Reaseheath at WorldSkills UK

Apprentices are good for business

17Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Business-minded equine management alumnus Rebecca Kelsall has her sights on an entrepreneurial career after participating in the latest series of the Farmers Apprentice.

The Farmers Weekly initiative is a multi-task competition launched at Reaseheath in 2012, which showcases the many skills required for success in today’s agricultural industry. The winner takes away £10,000 to help launch or improve a farming business.

All the finalists proved excellent competitors, with Rebecca just missing out on the winning spot to Wiltshire sheep farmer, William Hinton.

Rebecca commented, “It’s been such a brilliant opportunity to be a part of the series, working with like-minded aspiring farmers. It’s broadened my knowledge of the sector and I’ve gained some great contacts.”

Planning to pave her career within the agricultural industry, Rebecca successfully reared her first trio of rare-breed Saddleback pigs on her uncle’s farm in 2014.

She also represented Harper Adams University at the Lord Mayor’s Show, accompanied by seven other young farmers and a state-of-the-art John Deere combine harvester. They paraded through the streets of London and encouraged crowds to back British farming.

Rebecca is now studying for her degree in Agri-Business with Harper Adams University and is currently on a placement year working at Genus ABS in Nantwich.

Young farmer backs British farming

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Tattenhall blacksmith forges his mark on village

Talented Blacksmith Andrew Smith helped Tattenhall commemorate the centenary of the First World War with a fitting sculpture.

Andrew, a former Reaseheath engineering student, was commissioned by Tattenhall and District Parish Council to create a steel ‘Horse of War’ sculpture as part of Tattenhall Remembers, the village’s community event marking the centennial year. Having previously been commissioned to update Tattenhall’s village sign, Andrew was delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the community once again.

Christened ‘George’ by local primary school pupils, the horse was unveiled to crowds by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs MBE, K.St.J., on Monday 4th August. George has now taken permanent residence adjacent to the Tattenhall War Memorial.

Andrew studied on the City and Guild’s ‘015’ agricultural engineering and farm mechanisation course 1978-79, back in the days when we were known as the ‘Cheshire

College of Agriculture’. Speaking fondly of his time at college, Andrew commented, “College provided me with a great set of skills and grounding in the basics of engineering, which has certainly stayed with me as I’ve progressed in my career. One thing we made as part of the course was a toolbox - and I actually still use that to this day. I also made a drawbar to put on a trailer or back of a car, I’ve still got that too - some things are truly timeless!”

With an interest in the blacksmith’s craft from a young age, Andrew spent much of his early career researching, self-teaching and essentially ‘working and learning’ simultaneously to build up his forging techniques and skills. After working in the agricultural industry for some time after finishing college, Andrew decided it was time to dedicate his workload to his passion. He built his own blacksmith workshop and has now been running his own business at Hill View Forge for 28 years.

19Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Reaseheath College’s agriculture and food production students gained expert advice on planning their futures at an industry led Question and Answer session.

Eighty students attended the event, sponsored by the Food, Drink and Agricultural Group of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) and was organised by Reaseheath Agricultural Development Academy (RADA).

The panel consisted of Philip Mclaughlin, Agricultural Manager, HSBC; Lisa Williams, Senior Consultant, Promar International and Genus plc; David Hall, Northern Manager EBLEX; Hayley Verney, Technical Sales Manager, AllTech and Richard Ratcliffe, farmer and Vice Chair of Reaseheath Governors.

Topics included the range of jobs and careers available, how to launch and build a career and what employers look for in potential staff. Clear vision, a robust business plan, a critical understanding of the marketplace and a sound grasp of modern technology were among key attributes identified by the panel as being success factors.

John Giles, of Promar International, who chaired the event said, “It is essential that the agriculture and food production industries engage with talented young people and fire up their enthusiasm as to what they can achieve after studying.

“The audience at Reaseheath was full of bright, intelligent and well informed young people and the standard of questions was as high as at any event, anywhere in the country.”

Harley Sneyd, a dairy herd management student at Reaseheath, said, “The panel was really informative and I gained a real insight into which doors may open for me in the future.

“I was particularly interested in hearing their views on the future of females in farming, and found the numbers of women in top jobs very inspirational.”

Agriculture undergraduate Robert Yardley added, “Although I already work on a farm, it has been brilliant learning what is available throughout the farming and food sector.

“I’ve seen another side to the industry and this will be very useful to me.”

Industry speakers inspire careers in food and farming

Reaseheath students James Davies, Isabella Knowles, Robert Yardley and Harley Sneyd join industry speakers Philip Mclaughlin, Lisa Williams, John Giles, Richard Ratclifffe, Hayley Verney and David Hall

Based at Reaseheath College, Reaseheath Agricultural Development Academy (RADA), works with farms in North West England to help improve their profitability and resource use efficiency by delivering high quality training and knowledge transfer that is focused on the needs of the farmer.

RADA’s programme is continually evolving to provide relevant and current training in all areas relating to farming such as technical, people and environmental matters.

For more information or to sign up to RADA’s monthly online newsletter, please email Beth Chinn: bethc@reaseheath.ac.uk

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Careers

21Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Professional

Development

Opportunities New courses for 2O15

Forest School Programme Leadership (Level 3 Certificate)A course to prepare you to lead all aspects of Forest Schools, including the establishment of a Forest School programme and management of a Forest School site.

Professional Cake Decorating (Level 2 Certificate)A 16 week, part-time course delivered in our state-of-the-art bakery facilities, providing you with an excellent all round working knowledge of baking and cake decorating.

Professional development can help you become a better practitioner, enhance your career prospects or simply help to make you feel more confident about your work. For further information and full course listings visit: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/adult-learners

Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

and providing work experience placements for students. By mentors sharing their industry good practice, this allows Reaseheath to develop our courses in line with the needs of industry and increases the employability of our students.

Being a mentor places employers in a great position to talent spot potential staff well in advance and to take advantage of the College’s own marketing

We’re seeking local or regional businesses and successful alumni to help us expand our network of industry mentors. This to help achieve the College’s key aim of ensuring that our students are thoroughly prepared to enter their chosen industry.

Our mentorship programme links industry professionals with relevant curriculum departments, through mentors offering careers talks, delivering mock interviews

and business networking opportunities. Many employers report that lack of trained staff is one of their main obstacles to business growth, and that working with Reaseheath has offered them guaranteed staff succession and a successfully developing business.

Volunteering your time as mentor is a flexible commitment, contact dianar@reaseheath.ac.uk to register your interest.

Reaseheath Mentorship Programme

Could you work with us to help shape the future of your industry?

Industry mentors Tracy Watson of TC Equestrian, alumnus and successful eventer Tyler Cassells and his business partner John Marsden, accompanied by members of the Reaseheath equine team at a recent mentorship networking event at Reaseheath College.

ALUMNI STORIES

STEVE WATERWORTHLevel 3 Diploma in Countryside Management, 2013Steve Waterworth, our Countryside department’s student of year 2013, is putting his countryside diploma to good use as the Farm Lead at Ladybridge High School, Bolton.

Ladybridge High is a part of a growing number of schools across the UK offering outdoor educational opportunities through running their own farm. Steve manages the farmlan ds along with the school’s surrounding meadows and woodland.

Steve is currently revitalising the neglected pond area at Ladybridge. He will then move on to redevelop the woodlands, creating a nature trail with a den building and mini beast hunting areas.

Returning to education after a break of nearly 30 years, Steve commented, “Going back to college is the best decision I’ve ever made. After 16 years in the motor trade and previous jobs including a furniture maker, I’ve finally found my calling in conservation and countryside restoration.”

Moving forward, Steve has ambitious plans to establish a ‘Forest School’ at Ladybridge. The Forest Schools initiative is a national educational movement that takes an active and immersive approach to learning in the outdoors. Steve mentioned, “The farm and revitalised woodlands will be perfect to facilitate Forest School sessions. I’m excited to get this project off the ground and help forge more opportunities for young people to engage with the farm and it’s beautiful natural surroundings.”

CAROLINE JELLICOEFdSc Agriculture, 2014With a background in zoo keeping, Caroline has worked with a range of exotic animals in her career so far, but was keen to explore the farming industry.

Preparing for her degree by completing an Access to Higher Education Diploma at Reaseheath, Caroline found her passion for sheep farming.

In 2013, Caroline bought an acre of land along with 6 Zwartbles shearling pedigree sheep and a ram called Mr Gibbs. Her ewes gave birth to their first flock of lambs in early 2014. She commented, “It was a long road to get to the point of having my own flock of sheep - but it was all worth it. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have worked on the College farm and the support of staff who helped me achieve my dream.”

With experience working with exotic animals, Caroline also owns an eagle owl, barn owl, tortoise, bearded dragons and goats. Aside from her flock business, she created ‘The Three Wise Shepherds’, a programme of educational talks utilising her variety of animals.

Caroline recently graduated with a Distinction in her Foundation Degree and celebrated along with fellow classmates at Reaseheath’s 2014 Graduation Ceremony. In December 2014, Caroline moved to a fell farm in Cumbria where she is currently managing a flock of 200 Herdwick ewes along with her Zwartbles.

Find out more about Caroline by following her on Twitter: @sheepstudent

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ALUMNI STORIES

EMILY COOKEBSc (Hons) Equine Science, 2012Equine graduate Emily Cooke achieved her dream role as a rider for Paul Schockemohle’s Stud Farm, after completing her degree at Reaseheath.

Emily arrived at Schockemohle’s in May 2013. After only 10 days at the farm, she took an initial riding assessment to establish her riding capabilities. This assessment also determined her appointment as a rider or rider’s groom (every rider on the farm has their own groom). Schockemohle’s were thrilled with Emily’s abilities and as a result, she was immediately offered the position as a rider.

After over a year in Germany, Emily’s next steps will be to return to the UK to complete her British Horse Society exams. After this, she is off to Australia to work with Andrew McLean for three months at the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre (AEBC), having won a place on AEBC’s prestigious Working Pupil Program. This internationally recognised training scheme is designed to provide specific step-by-step training goals for riders.

Beyond Australia, Emily hopes to embark on an MSc in Equine Behaviour and hopes to continue working with horses around the world.

ABBY BROWNBSc (Hons) Food Technology, 2014 With demand for food and drink constantly increasing, Abby knows that she has a guaranteed future ahead of her.

Already in her first post-graduate job in new product development with Halewood International, the UK’s largest independent drinks manufacturer, Abby attributes Reaseheath’s links with industry to her success in getting the post.

Part of a team creating innovative alcoholic drinks for the Christmas market, Abby draws on the knowledge she gained during her studies such as food safety, nutrition, marketing and product positioning. She comes up with new recipes, helps to run product tastings and looks at market trends (mulled spices and tropical drinks are popular at the moment).

She believes that her BSc top-up, and the Foundation Degree in Food Industry with Management, which she completed beforehand, prepared her well for the world of work, particularly a realistic challenge by Marks and Spencer to create a tempting new deli product. Abby and fellow students developed their dishes in line with consumer feedback while keeping a strict eye on profit margins, costings, packaging and labour.

Says Abby, “I find that I look much more critically at the ingredients, processing and value of different products. Food is such a varied industry - and it offers a great career path because everyone needs to eat.”

23Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Gilly Hughes and Damaris Kuria receive Access to Higher Education top students’ accolade at Reaseheath’s Further Education Awards Ceremony 2014

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An inspirational mother of four who travelled from Luton to Reaseheath weekly to study for a new career has been recognised for her outstanding commitment.

Damaris Kuria received a £500 Open College Network West Midlands Region (OCNWMR) ‘Access to Higher Education Learner Award’ after being nominated by her tutors.

The former finance assistant, who used our Access to Higher Education Diploma to boost her knowledge in farming, is now studying for a BSc Business Management (International Food and Agri-Business) at the Royal Agricultural University. She hopes to return to her native Kenya to run her own farm and to use her expertise in business finance and agriculture to work with African farmers.

Damaris, a mature student who returned to education after redundancy, chose agriculture as she felt it offered a fulfilling career with plenty of opportunities. She made the hard choice to leave her husband and young family at home because she felt studying at Reaseheath would prepare her best for her degree. Despite her family commitments, she achieved exceptionally high marks and an attendance record of nearly 100%.

Said Damaris: “While I was at Reaseheath I learned a lot about 21st century farming and I’m enjoying studying it in greater depth.

“Although adjusting to the college environment, being with new people and living in student accommodation was a challenge

at first, I was hugely supported by my partner, the college staff and fellow students. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel at home. My degree studies are going well and I’m enjoying every part of the course.”

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma prepares mature students for degree level study.

Find out more about studying for a degree at Reaseheath at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/degrees

Inspirational alumnus recognised

Travel savvy sheep shearer shares his tips on working abroad

Alumnus Nick Greaves came back to Reaseheath to share some great tips with our current agriculture students on travelling and working abroad.

Nick studied on our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture. On achieving a Distinction in 2013, he began his shearing travels in Norway and then moved on to New Zealand and travelled in Australia.

Back to the UK for a short break, Nick has most recently been working as a shepherd on a 4500 pedigree sheep farm out in New Zealand.

He returned to New Zealand, embarking on his latest assignment as a shearer for WoolQual based in Hawke’s Bay.

Nick plans to spend the next few years shearing all around the world. He is keen to continue to gain knowledge of different farm enterprises before returning to the UK to take over the running of his family farm in Stafford.

It’s great to see Nick doing so well and encouraging our current students to strive for their career goals.

With the formation of our new alumni association, we are keen to work with alumni help support the professional development of current students. If you would like to share your industry experiences and would be prepared to deliver a ‘career talk’ to our current students, please do let us know by emailing Alumni Officer Katie Burt on alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

Agriculture alumnus Nick Greaves during his visit back to Reaseheath College

Adam Henson talks to Nick Greaves during Countryfile filming at Reaseheath in 2013

25Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Careers

Alumni Officer Katie Burt visited two former motor vehicle students in their new work places, accompanied by Programme Leader Ryan Johnson.

The two students, Cody Brookes and Jack Salt studied Levels 2 and 3 IMI Diplomas in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair during their time at college. Both Cody and Jack went straight onto prestigious training programmes within the motor industry, upon completing their studies in June 2014.

Cody is training as an apprentice technician with Crewe Audi, whilst Jack is working in a similar role, developing his skills with Robert Eardley Skoda in Crewe.

Jack mentioned, “I gained a great set of skills at college, which I’m further developing in my new job. Support from staff and working with other students helped to give me the confidence I needed to start my career at Skoda.”

Working alongside Jack at Robert Eardley are a further three former Reaseheath students, who are all

in training to become fully qualified service technicians for Skoda.

Both dealerships were impressed by Reaseheath’s drive to encourage young people to develop technical and specialist industry knowledge. Crewe Audi’s Aftersales Manager John Oakley went on to comment, “It’s fantastic to work with young people like Cody, who are confidently focused on their future careers and are keen to learn.

“I believe studying at Reaseheath

gives young people the foundation they need to be successful in the industry.”

We love to hear about where life has taken our former students, the next steps they have taken and the successes they are experiencing.If you have a story you would like share, please contact us on alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk or +44(0)1270 613 219 - it would be great to hear from you.

Jack Salt (left) with Robert Eardley Skoda’s General Manager Brett Davies and Aftersales Manager Paul Griffiths

26 Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Vehicle technicians

drive careers forward Crewe Audi’s Aftersales Manager John Oakley with

new recruit Cody Brookes

Careers

Reuniting with Reaseheath…. Dairy Herd Management

alumnus Nigel Bryan

organised a special

20th anniversary reunion

weekend for his old

classmates, stopping off

at Reaseheath and a host

of local haunts from their

college days.

Coming all the way from

Ireland, the group met up

with their former lecturers

Tim Reeves and Tony

Blackburn and took a trip

down memory lane visiting

the College Farm.Reaseheath throwback

Dairy Herd Management Class of 1994

Congratulations to 2013 BSc (Hons) Food Technology

with Management alumni James Yuill and

Rachel Frankish, who tied the knot at Reaseheath

Hall on the 1st November 2014.

If you would like to revisit the campus, or need help organising a reunion at Reaseheath, please contact Alumni Officer Katie Burt on +44(0)1270 613 219 or alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

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28 Reaseheath Alumni Magazine

Alumni Relations Reaseheath College

Nantwich Cheshire CW5 6DF

+44 (0)1270 613 219

Email: alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk

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