STUDENTNEWS
17 3
IN ASSOCIATION SUPPORTED BYWITH
Kelly-Jo makes her mark on the airwaves
Claire is cream of the Tourism crop THE champagne corks were popping for one talented student after she scooped one of the most prestigious tourism accolades in the North West. Claire Testi, who is studying Tourism and Marketing, beat competition from across the region to win the title of Most Promising Tourism Student and Apprentice at the Cheshire Awards for Tourism Skills (CATS). Claire, from Chester, said: “I was really pleased and shocked to have won the award, which I feel has recognised the professional grounding you can receive in this field.” The annual awards are organised by Visit Chester and Cheshire and identify outstanding contributions and achievements within the tourism industry. Claire was nominated by her Tutor, Tourism Programme Leader, Andrew Lyon, for her dedication to her work. He said: “The commitment shown by Claire makes her a deserved winner of the award. “Her academic work is very strong, and she is able to apply the practical experience she has gained from helping to run her family business to her studies. “Claire has a strong motivation to do well. I am very proud of her achievement, and she is a great role model to her fellow students.”
First year student already taken on by major broadcaster A HIGH-FLYING student at the Warrington campus is making a rapid rise up the career ladder after being recruited by one of the North West’s leading broadcasting companies.
Although first year student Kelly-Jo Coney only began her course in Radio and Television Production last September, she is already making waves after being taken on by GMG Radio’s Century Radio. After undertaking part-time training as a Technical Operative, Kelly-Jo has now been put in charge of the station’s road crew, as well as working as assistant to Century Radio’s Special Events Co-ordinator, Hayley-Ria Christian. She combines the work with her studies and presenting her own show, The Morning-After Show with Kelly-Jo, on the University’s own radio station, The Cat 1251. Kelly-Jo said: “Working at Century Radio has provided me with a fantastic opportunity and I’m really enjoying it. “In the long-term, I would like to go into presenting and broadcasting, but I’m also really keen on learning about all aspects of the industry. “As part of the road crew, I have been involved with events like the Summer Pops and got to see Amy Winehouse and Bryan Adams live, while I have also met Alison
Moyet, taken part in the Race for Life, and presented on stage in Wigan. “When I began presenting for The Cat, I insisted on having my own show so that I could gain experience in many different aspects of the job.” Originally from Lincoln, Kelly-Jo moved to Singapore with her family a decade ago. She took the opportunity to complete three days sampling life in the radio industry and has been hoping to work in broadcasting ever since. After completing her international baccalaureate, she returned to the UK with the specific intention of studying at the Warrington campus, having been attracted by the specialist nature of the Radio and Television Production course, and the campus’ proximity to Liverpool and Manchester. Kelly-Jo was recruited to work as part of Century Radio’s road crew after an interview and trial road show. She also carried out work with Smooth Radio’s promotions team, commentating over the tannoy and interviewing participants at the Race For Life in Tatton Park. The Cat 1251, the Warrington campus' own state-of-the-art radio station, is presented, produced and run by students, and broadcasts locally as well as over the internet.
ON THE MIC: Kelly-Jo Coney is making a rapid rise up the career ladder.
Former minister gives political insight on visit ON HER BIKE: Former minister Edwina Currie paid a visit to the University to promote the Chester Bikeathon.
EDWINA Currie discussed her experience on the front-line of politics on a visit to the Chester campus to promote this year’s Chester Bikeathon. Edwina, who became one of the nation’s best known MPs during her time as Junior Health Minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government, spoke to Journalism students about the relationship between politicians and the press. During the visit, she took the opportunity to promote the Bikeathon in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, a
charity which she actively supports, and the Bike the Baltic event in August and September. Starting and finishing at the University on Sunday, June 22, the Bikeathon’s 15-mile route is suitable for all standards of cyclists. All entrants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, drinks and biscuits around the course, a meal, and a medal presented to them by a VIP. For more information or to sign up for the Chester Bikeathon, call Bob Ellis on 01625 859497 or e-mail bob@bikeathons.co.uk
AWARD WINNER: Student Claire Testi is pictured with her award for Most Promising Tourism Student and Apprentice, and Tutor, Tourism Programme Leader, Andrew Lyon.