Grassroots 25 online

Raising Standards Inspiring Achievement

The latest news from Reaseheath College

Celebrating a record year

Issue 25

In this issue

See pages 4 and 5

'Outstanding' quality of care See page 2

Chancellor George Osborne admires our show garden See page 11

Top marks from Adam Henson See page 16

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Reaseheath is ‘Outstanding’ for quality of care Reaseheath offers exemplary care for younger students who live on campus, Ofsted inspectors have confirmed.

We received the highest possible accolade for the superb support, development and care we offer our 16 to 18 year-old residential students. We provide onsite accommodation for 685 students, around 200 of whom are under 18.

The report, by the Care Standards Commission, awarded us ‘Outstanding’ for our effectiveness in all four areas inspected. These were: outcomes for young people, quality of service, safeguarding, and leadership and management. All areas were judged to be at the highest level with no recommendations for improvement.

The Care Standards Commission is responsible for ensuring the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults. Key comments from its inspection team included: -- Students and parents are extremely positive, with students clearly valuing and enjoying their residential experience -- Outstanding development of social and personal skills significantly helps students to prepare for their next step -- Excellent links between student services, curriculum, premises and catering teams ensures the best possible student experience -- Students show excellent behaviour and respond

Caring - Rob Icke, one of our student welfare team.

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with openness, maturity and enthusiasm when taking on responsibilities at college and within the local community Staff and students demonstrate a clear commitment to equality and an unequivocal acceptance of everyone’s differences Students feel safe on campus and their welfare is the primary consideration of staff There is a very strong commitment to a zero tolerance of bullying Students are highly committed to their academic and social learning programmes

and clearly benefitt from strong support from the welfare team and safeguarding officers -- Students are strong drivers for change and development and feel well listened to -- College leavers enjoy very positive prospects, with 90% going on to Higher Education programmes or employment Our Principal, Meredydd David, said: “This is a fantastic and well deserved result. I am extremely pleased and proud and would like to congratulate all the college teams and staff that have made this great outcome possible."

Investment continues…

Reaseheath has continued to invest in specialist technical and educational facilities to ensure that students and staff enjoy the best possible resources.

We have invested over £40 million on new buildings over the past six years….and our capital investment continues.

A state of the art Food Engineering Centre has just been completed, along with a substantial refurbishment of our agricultural engineering and automotive workshops.

The £3.6m project, developed in partnership with the National Skills Academy for Food, works in conjunction with our Food Centre to provide industry with a national centre unrivalled in the UK and possibly Europe.

The development was

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funded by the Skills Funding Agency and top of the range engineering equipment has been donated by industry.

The training uniquely brings together engineering, food manufacturing and farming and is aimed at engineers who service and maintain large scale milk processing plants in factories across the country.

Our latest hall of residence, Platt Hall (named in remembrance of long serving governor and support John Platt MBE) was also completed over the summer.

The additional 150 en suite bedrooms, which include special provision for students with disabilities, bring the total of student rooms on campus to 685. Our gym is also being

extensively extended and refurbished, and will be ready for students early in 2014.

In the pipeline for 2014 / 15: -- A sports science centre -- A Horticulture and Countryside

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Sustainability Centre A new centre for students with learning difficulties, (in partnership with Cheshire East Council) Another new hall of residence

Latest accommodation - Platt Hall

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Reaseheath makes a real difference The significant and growing contribution which Reaseheath makes to the local and national economy has been underlined in an independent report.

Figures from an economic impact assessment show we contributed at least £61.77million to the economy in the academic year 2010 2011, with continued growth predicted. The college also sustained over 700 jobs elsewhere in addition to our own staff of 620.

The report, drawn up by Kressel, a regeneration and economic development specialist, highlights four key factors which have enabled Reaseheath to make a real difference to its neighbourhood.

These are: -- An excellent and growing reputation as a provider of Further and Higher Education -- Our close co-operation with an increasing number of employers -- Strong involvement in and support for rural and local communities -- Excellent statutory

inspection results, including consistently ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted results and a commendation for good practice from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education The report reveals that Reaseheath pays out over £21 million annually through its payroll and on payment for goods and services.

Other figures show that Reaseheath’s Higher Education students typically spend over £6 million locally on rental, food, and leisure pursuits. Visitors to our open days, family festival and graduation ceremonies are estimated to contribute £76,700 directly to our local economy. In addition, students and staff contribute £33,000 annually to our community and to charities through fund raising and voluntary projects.

The report also emphasises the wider economic impact directly attributable to the relevant, industry related training and education we provide.

Attractive - our industry standard Food Centre

These include excellent employment prospects for all students, with graduates in particular earning higher than average salaries.

Businesses benefit commercially by employing industry ready graduates and by engaging in bespoke training for their workforce.

This has resulted in us providing a growing number of tailormade training contracts with national and regional businesses. This growth has been particularly significant in the farming and food production industries, and in engineering, motor vehicle

and land management.

The report states: ”We are convinced that the actual economic impact of Reaseheath College is significantly higher than the figure quoted and that there will be many exciting prospects for the future.

Reaseheath is continuously expanding and offers new, state-of-the-art, facilities.

Student numbers are increasing and the college is attracting a growing number of company clients.

This report, therefore, represents a mere snapshot of an accelerated journey of growth.”

Skills leader gets training overview at Reaseheath College Senior civil servant David Russell brought himself up to date with the industry-ready skills offered by land based colleges during a fact finding tour of our college.

David is the Director of ‘Closing the Gap’ within the Department for Education and chose to visit us because of our outstanding reputation for skills development and engagement with industry.

He toured our £7.3million industry standard food centre and commercial farm, taking the chance to join students being introduced to groundbreaking technology such as programming and

driving tractors fitted with Global Positioning Systems (GPS), a space-based satellite navigation system.

He also visited our refurbished agricultural engineering academy and motor vehicle workshops and inspected our newly finished, state-of-the-art, food engineering centre David said: “My visit was truly inspiring. I was impressed with everything I saw : the industry-standard facilities, the engagement of the students, the enthusiasm of the staff and the vision and energy of your principal and team.

“Above all, it was extremely encouraging and inspiring

Impressed - David Russell joins Vice Principal Dave Kynaston and Head of Agriculture Martyn East in our milking parlour

to see a college which is delivering the Government’s vision for the sector.

Reaseheath is not only responsive to the needs of industry but is totally in partnership at all levels, from course design through

teaching partnerships to the layout of facilities.

“It shows what can be done by an institution focussed on excellence and completely orientated towards successful employment outcomes and the skills needs of industry.”

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Awards Students celebrate record year

Sian Manfredi and Ricky Stevens, Best Students Level 3 Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Proving that once again we are one of the country’s most successful specialist colleges, we have notched up another record year of student enrolments and achievements.

Our annual awards ceremony celebrated the success of over 1200 Further Education students who had achieved industry recognised qualifications and skills.

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

Significantly, over 90% of students progress into employment or onto higher level courses and we are recognised for preparing students well for the jobs market or for entry into higher education.

Student prizes and certificates were presented

Best Level 3 Agricultural Engineering student James Strickland

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by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, by President of the National Farmers Union Peter Kendal and by local vet and television presenter Steve Leonard. They were thanked

by Natasha Taylor, Student Association President.

Special Achievements Five outstanding students were selected to receive cross college awards.

Luke Evans, a Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Adventure Sport student, was chosen as the student making the best contribution to college life. A key member of the Student Association, he had supported every fund raising event including 27 street collections, a 660 mile relay race on an exercise bike and a raft race on the college lake. As the SA’s Under 18 representative, he had also worked closely with the student services team to ensure student needs were met.

Best friends Lucy Simm and Hayley Carr, who had just completed their Level

Level 3 Sport (Performance and Excellence) prize winners Stephen Teale and Liam Kelleher

3 Extended Diplomas in Animal Management, were selected for making the best all round contribution to the college. Excellent student ambassadors, they had voluntarily conducted 40 tours of student accommodation for parents, potential students and visitors and had given up time to help others.

David Power, a Level 3 Diploma Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair student, was singled out for personal qualities.

Sadly, David had lost both parents and had been living with his grandparents while completing a previous course at Reaseheath. His grandfather then died and he had continued to care for his grandmother while studying for his Level 3 qualification.

Despite adversity, he has grown into a confident young man of tremendous character who leads by example and commands a lot of respect from his peers.

Enthusiastic sportsman James McKenzie was recognised for contributing

most to Reaseheath’s sporting activities, and in particular for his involvement with the college’s rugby team. As team captain he had never missed a training session and he had gone on to become match captain and team manager. Thanks to his personality and drive, he led the team to victory in the British Colleges Sports tournament, regularly playing against colleges with rugby academies.

Talented engineer James Scott, a Level 3 construction plant apprentice, was awarded the Beacon Trophy celebrating excellence.

Selected to represent Reaseheath at a competition which attracted entries from 11 colleges, he was awarded the national title of Level 3 Construction Apprentice of the Year.

James was chosen for his commitment to going the extra mile in both his studies and for the way he supports fellow apprentices. (see more about James’ achievements on page 24)

Top horticulture students Joseph Tunnacliffe, Craig Burgess and Maximilian Mrozicki

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Awards

Peter Kendall with top Agriculture students Martin Beeston, Zara Jones, Jack Garner, Ellen Helliwell and Oliver Bagley, Meredydd David and Chair of Governors Emily Thrane

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Catriona Smith, best academic student, Level 3 Extended Diploma Animal Management

Sophie Flowers, most improved student, Level 3 Extended Diploma Adventure Sport

Best Entry Level students Zoe Bloor and Alexander Moores

Top veterinary care assistants Fiona Moss and Liam Grocott join Steve Leonard

Top Equine students Kimberley Murray, Abbey Hoxworth, Aviva Stafford and Rebecca Webb are congratulated by Steve Leonard

Pre Entry students celebrate

Cross college awards winners Luke Evans, David Power, James McKenzie, Lucy Simm and Hayley Carr

Alastair Bennett, award winner, Level 3 Food Manufacture and Product Design

Michele Deakin, Most Improved Learner, Level 3 Diploma Floristry

Countryside Level 3 student of the year Steven Waterworth

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Awards Record year for apprentices A record 444 apprentices achieved nationally recognised qualifications at Reaseheath last year.

The apprentices work in businesses throughout Cheshire and surrounding counties. Most attend college on day release and spend the rest of the week earning and training in the workplace.

Although the majority are aged between 16 and 24, Reaseheath also offers adult apprenticeships for those aged over 25.

The scheme is supported by many employers including councils, golf clubs, garden maintenance companies, kennels, pet shops, livery stables, florists, farms and the food and construction industries.

Addressing a packed audience at our awards ceremony, Principal Meredydd David congratulated the apprentices and their employers for investing in meaningful and valued qualifications which would boost productivity and enable the UK’s workforce to compete in European and world markets.

Guest speaker Helen Steadman, HR Manager of New Primebake Ltd. said that the company believed in growing its own talent through the apprenticeship scheme.

Reaseheath had ‘gone the extra mile’ to answer the company’s training needs and the results had been incredibly positive. The college had fantastic facilities, previous industry experience and could help with the recruitment of apprentices.

Top honours went to Apprentice of the Year Jordan Kenyon, an agriculture apprentice with Wheelton Farms of Gawsworth near Macclesfield, and to Advanced Apprentice of the Year Ben Goostrey, a

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Advanced Apprentice of the Year Ben Goostrey and Apprentice of the Year Jordan Kenyon

Best horticulture apprentice Laura Cartmell with Work-based Assessor Ian Humphries

Michael Welch, Best Construction Apprentice (Joinery) with Work-based Assessor Andy Armitage

Reaseheath Business Administration Apprentices Mel Sobotta, Kelly Barker, Becky Erskine, Jilly Bennion, Work-based Assessor Paula Bradbury and Enquiries and Applications Manager Jo Studzinska

joiner who works for NTC Building Ltd. in Congleton.

Other principle winners were: Best Horse Care Apprentice: Jade Baddeley, a groom for Poplars Farm and Riding School, Stoke.

Best Agriculture Apprentice (Level 2): Ross Brownbill, who worked for dairy farmer Martyn Rhodes in Goostrey during his apprenticeship. A former member of the armed services, Ross has progressed to his Level 3 apprenticeship

Apprentice champion wins national award Committed apprentice employer John Cliff, who has developed 11 construction apprentices through our training programme, took the Small

and now works for Andrew Ollier, a Knutsford dairy farmer.

Best Agriculture Apprentice (Level 3): Georgia Mayor, who works for R & S Fitzell in Preston.

Best Agriculture Project (Level 2): Callum Mitchell, an assistant herdsman with Monneley Farm Partners, a Middlewich dairy enterprise, during his apprenticeship.

Callum has progressed onto his Level 3 apprenticeship and now works for Liberty NVEV Farm Services.

Best Construction Apprentice (Brickwork):

Dan Latta , a bricklayer who works for his family’s firm, M J Latta of Biddulph.

Best Construction Apprentice (Joinery): Michael Welch, who works for SJS Joinery in Nantwich.

Best Food Apprentice: Joy Pollard, who is in the production department of K K Fine Foods, Deeside, North Wales.

Best Horticulture Apprentice: Laura Cartmell, who works for Zimmermann Garden Retreats, a garden landscaping and maintenance company in Biddulph.

Employer of the year John Cliff and wife Karen with Meredydd David

Employer of the Year title in a competition run by the National Apprenticeships Service.

John runs John Cliff Building Services of

Market Drayton. Many of his staff remain with him after completing their apprenticeship and continue to develop their supervisory and management skills.

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Awards Staff with ‘Star’ appeal

Reaseheath’s ‘Star’ Anne McKay celebrates with Principal Meredydd David and Vice Principal Dave Kynaston

Team of the Year - The Domestic Team

Reaseheath’s ‘Stars’ have been honoured for their outstanding contribution to our success.

Staff members and teams judged to have ‘gone the extra mile’ have received Awards of Excellence in recognition of their high levels of professionalism, commitment and dedication.

All nominations come from colleagues.

The Reaseheath STAR Award for the staff member who provides a leading light for others was this year awarded to Teaching and Learning Coach Anne McKay. Anne was recognised for providing outstanding support for teaching staff, particularly those new to the role. Thanks to her boundless energy, enthusiasm and skill at getting the best out of teachers, she has positively supported all departments to the benefit of all students. In particular she has been responsible for an improved system delivering teaching qualifications ‘in house’.

Anne said: “This award came as a complete surprise. While I am very proud to receive it, my achievements have been due to the support of highly successful and forward thinking colleagues.

“The staff that have recently joined us have such great potential, skills and energy, while the experienced

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teachers amongst us have so much to pass on. By combining all these skills, we can deliver a superb learning experience.”

Other ‘stars’ to receive awards were: Sarah Frondella (Innovation Award) The programme administrator for our Foundation Studies department, Sarah has encouraged Entry level students to develop employability skills by organising a tuck shop which they run as a business enterprise.

Andy Dale (Education Excellence) Although this senior technologist in bakery and patisserie is relatively new to our food department, his enthusiasm, skills and passion have become legendary. He strives to ensure students receive an experience that not only prepares them for future employment but ensures they become masters of their profession. His high and exacting standards are evident in the products, made by students, which are sold in Reaseheath’s farm shop.

Sarah Houghton (Leader of the Year) Programme Leader for Equine, Sarah is recognised as an exceptional leader and mentor who motivates and inspires colleagues and students, and also for her work in forging

industry links and promoting the department internationally.

The Domestic team (Team of the Year) This team’s contribution to college life was recognised as ‘Outstanding’

by Ofsted in a recent Care Standards Inspection. All team members have made significant improvements to the quality of the students’ experience and provide caring and safeguarding support, particularly important for students making the transition from home to college life for the first time.

Rob Icke (Colleague of the Year) One of Reaseheath’s student welfare officers, Rob received his award for the way he supports and mentors new colleagues and for his efforts to develop the department. This has included setting up ‘Reaseheath For You’, a job shop for students.

He also supervises teams of counsellors and administers the ‘Welfare Landing’, a drop-in service offering welfare support and advice to students.

Kate Lomas (Giving Something Back Award) A second member of the student welfare team, Kate organised and co-ordinated ‘Hannah’s Drive’, a screening for bone marrow donors which became the most well supported Anthony Nolan college event in the country. She also established

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Colleague of the Year Rob Icke with Director of Quality, Learning and Support Peter Green

Geoff Chesters celebrates his People’s Award with Property and Estates Manager Simon Kennish

Welsh, Scottish and Irish groups within the student community.

Lauren India Lane (Special Achievement Award) Lower Vertebrate and Invertebrate Keeper and a proactive member of many professional organisations, we honoured Lauren for the way she enhances student experience, including setting up the Reaseheath Herpetological and Entomological Society.

Thanks to her efforts, the invertebrate section of our animal management department won the prestigious Blue Cross ‘Animals in Education’ Award.

Geoff Chesters (People’s Award) A long standing member of the Estates team, Geoff received his award for being a shining example of great customer service, responding to requests for help at all hours and always striving to do the right thing for students, staff and tenants.

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RAG pays tribute to Britain’s war veterans Reaseheath students and staff handed over £10,000 to local charities, bringing the total raised over the past 26 years to a massive £180,000.

Over £6,000 from RAG (Raising and Giving) activities was presented to Broughton House, a care home for ex-servicemen and women.

The Manchester charity was selected as a tribute to those who have been or who are currently engaged in global conflicts. Our students appreciate that many servicemen and women are the same age as themselves.

The Student Association organised events including a Las Vegas themed RAG Ball, a 665 mile static cycle challenge, a raft race on the college lake and a tractor pull.

Students held street collections and enjoyed a fancy dress pub crawl, a beer, barbecue and football day, a slave auction, a beer barrel race, a staff versus students football match and a sponsored ‘stay awake’.

Animal management students and their dogs took a sponsored stroll round the college grounds and a determined team of staff and students from construction completed the National Three Peaks challenge (some in under 24 hours) in aid of RAG and Help for Heroes.

Two staff teams also completed the Welsh 3000 Challenge by climbing 15 Welsh mountains over 3,000 feet within 24 hours, with sponsorship going to RAG. Paying tribute, Chris Thomas, Chief Executive of Broughton House, said: “Reaseheath’s drive to support

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military charities should serve as an example to students in other colleges. They have not forgotten those who served and it is very much appreciated by all who live and work at Broughton House.”

-- We also raised £4,000 for other charities including the North West Air Ambulance, the Poppy Appeal, Red Nose Day and a number of animal charities.

-- Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Animal Management students raised £630 for the Blue Cross animal charity by organising a ‘Paws for Tea’ cake stand during our Family Festival. Retail stores M&S and Morrisons donated tea bags and confectionary.

-- Our Herpetological and Entomological Society raised £450 for the North Wales Reptile and Raptor Sanctuary with events including a ‘leap of faith’ from our high ropes course organised by our adventure sports students. Members visited the charity to hand over the funds and spent the day helping out.

The Three Peaks Challenge team

RAG Chair Sam Norfolk hands over the cheque to Chris Thomas watched by members of the Student Association

Raft race competitors Dafydd Jones, Remi Shore and Elen Griffin

Chris Heggarty, Nicola Chambers, Elen Griffin and Sam Norfolk take on the cycle challenge

Animal management students Hayley Riley, Katie Davies, Jodi Morana, Kamarra Green, Kieran Parfitt, Keira Binks and staff members Holly Berry and Emma Hunt on their ‘Paws for Tea’ stand

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Shows

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Travel beckons for high flying Cheshire vet Ambitious young farm vet Sara Pedersen is looking forward to global travel thanks to an annual scholarship run by Reaseheath and the Cheshire Agricultural Society and presented at the Cheshire Show.

Sara, 31, a dairy vet with the Nantwich Veterinary Group, will use her £2,000 John Platt Travel Scholarship to gain a deeper insight into the prevention and treatment of lameness in dairy cattle. She hopes her new knowledge will help Cheshire farmers reduce

lameness in their herds.

She plans to train with leading Holstein cattle foot trimmer Karl Burgi in Wisconsin, USA. and observe how he works alongside vets to tackle lameness using a team approach.

Her visit has been arranged in conjunction with the veterinary research unit at the University of Wisconsin Madison, which is at the forefront of advances in tackling lameness and metabolic disease.

Apart from performing routine clinical duties, Sara

Sara Pedersen receives the John Platt Travel Scholarship from Cheshire Show Director Keith Thomas and Reaseheath Vice Principal Dave Kynaston

is responsible for Nantwich Vets’ Farm Academy, the farmer education division of the practice. She is also one of the key professionals who deliver Reaseheath’s free programme of demonstrations and discussions covering best practice within the farming industry.

The scholarship is in memory of John Platt, a former Chair

of Reaseheath Governors and former Chairman, President and Honorary Life Warden of the Cheshire Agricultural Society.

It is awarded annually and is aimed at encouraging young agriculturists to gain knowledge which will benefit Cheshire’s farming and rural communities.

For further details see www. reaseheath.ac.uk or email davek@reaseheath.ac.uk

Cheshire Show hat trick Say cheese!

Reaseheath scored a hat trick at the Cheshire Show after our visitor friendly exhibition was voted best trade stand for the third year running.

We took top honours after judges gave us full marks for the enthusiasm of our staff and students and the diversity of activities on offer.

Top crowd puller was a Caterpillar digger, on loan from John Bownes of Winsford, which gave visitors the chance to operate the controls.

Families also enjoyed riding our mechanical horse, tried bricklaying and had a go at milking a model cow. Other activities, included a climbing wall, a horticultural quiz, a floristry demonstration, bird box making and a bakery demonstration. Some zoo animals were also on show.

VIP visitors to our stand included Defra minister Lord de Mauley, who said: “I have been impressed with the breadth of activities, the

knowledge and enthusiasm of staff and the obvious interest they are generating among members of the public.”

Reaseheath agriculture students also celebrated success in the cattle show ring by gaining awards in the calf showing and young handler classes. Youngstock from the Reaseheath Holstein Dairy Herd were also highly placed in livestock classes.

Agricultural engineering instructor Mark Towers and work based assessor Adam Withnell celebrate Reaseheath’s win

A mature Cheshire cheese made by trainee dairy technologists took a silver award at the Cheshire Show.

The 25kg block, made from local milk, was selected by judges above entries from some of the UK’s top cheesemakers. The cheese was made in our Food Centre by three students who are studying for an internationally recognised Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology.

The students are part of the Eden initiative, which has been created with the input and support of blue chip, small and medium sized dairy companies and is aimed at training the next generation of dairy technologists. The trainees, attend college on a block release basis and spend the rest of their time in the workplace.

Judge Jack Eade said: “The standard in the mature Cheshire cheese category was very high. The judging panel was looking for cheeses which retained the fresh citrus

Dairy technicians Russell Brown (Muller Wiseman), Sue Twist (Arla Foods) and Steve Woods (Dairy Crest) with their award winning cheese

notes typical of Cheshire cheese, but with a greater depth of flavour consistent with a mature cheese.

“Reaseheath’s entry fulfilled both of these criteria very well and was a great achievement by students who are relatively new to cheesemaking.”

Our trainees recorded another success at the prestigious Nantwich International Cheese Show when their coloured Cheshire cheese was awarded Very Highly Commended.

For further details of training and manufacturing opportunities at Reaseheath’s Food Centre see www. reaseheathfoodcentre.com

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Shows

Nantwich Show success Reaseheath’s visitor friendly exhibition was also judged top stand in the professional class at the Nantwich Show.

Judge Steve Lawson, who presented the award, said: “Reaseheath’s stand was the best visually. Its mix of livestock, machinery and horticulture really caught the eye.

“But more importantly it was very interactive and offered visitors a lot to do.

The Nantwich Show is all about families and it was

obvious to us that visitors spent more time with Reaseheath than with any other stand.”

Youngstock from the Reaseheath Holstein dairy herd won a maiden heifer class and picked up several more rosettes. The winning heifer was shown by Natalie Chesters, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student. Natalie was also awarded second prize in a young handlers class.

Three Level 3 Diploma

James Martin with Bakery and Patisserie students Cedric Mandaya, Katie Gibson and Amy Lowe

in Bakery and Patisserie students supported award winning chefs Will Holland, James Martin and Matt Tebbitt as they demonstrated how to cook tasty dishes.

Cedric Mandayo, Katie

Support for Food festival Reaseheath joined the growing ranks of businesses and organisations supporting the Nantwich Food and Drink Festival.

As well as sponsoring east Cheshire’s biggest event, we took part by highlighting the cooking and horticultural skills of our students. College staff presented ideas on how to eat healthily and save money by growing vegetables at home and demonstrated bread making, along with other food based fun activities.

Gibson and Amy Lowe, all 19, worked as commis chefs in front of an appreciative audience.

Katie said: “It was very interesting working with the chefs and being part of the action. It was a really good experience and a great thing to put on your CV.”

Bill’s soup celebrates food heritage Reaseheath’s Food Centre Training and Communications Co-ordinator Julie Bent and Business Development Manager Katherine Tunnicliffe join fellow sponsor Michelle Gaunt and Nantwich Food Festival directors Deborah Robb, Roger Mills, John Coulter and Graham Fenton

The event brought a buzz to Nantwich town centre and attracted record breaking crowds from all over the county, to the delight of town traders. The influx of visitors also provided an opportunity for local charities to raise their funds and their profiles.

Festival chair Deborah Robb said: “The atmosphere and turn-out went beyond our wildest dreams. The festival definitely enhanced Nantwich’s image as a great tourist destination as well as developing the area’s reputation for excellent food products.”

A mouth-watering soup created

by Bill Pearson, a member of our Training Development Team, was crowned individual winner of Nantwich Town Council’s “Dabber’s Dish” competition during the Nantwich Food and Drink Festival.

Bill’s recipe for a Nantwich cheese and onion soup celebrates the town’s rich food heritage and uses local produce where possible.

See the full recipe at www. dabberdish.wordpress.com

Royal Welsh support continues Reaseheath continued to support the Welsh farming community by sponsoring the finals of the Welsh Young Farmers competition at the Royal Welsh Show. The hotly contested events were held daily throughout the four day show. We also sponsored the All Wales YFC Shearing Finals.

(See also page 25)

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Competitors in the Reaseheathsponsored shearing competition at the Royal Welsh Show

Shows Reaseheath triumphs at RHS Flower Show There were celebrations all round after our horticulture and floristry teams carried off top medals at the prestigious RHS Flower Show Tatton Park.

Two show gardens, created by degree level garden design students, were awarded silver gilt and silver medals. Both gardens were in the ‘Inspire’ zone, an area dedicated to cutting edge design and fresh ideas.

Our florists were equally delighted with their silver medal, awarded for their galaxy inspired, contemporary design.

The silver gilt medal, which is just points under a gold, went to Japanese inspired garden 無 (Mu - No Thing).

Designed by former professional musician Jonathan Price, the garden was part of the show’s ‘galaxy’ theme and was sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Jonathan used to play

principal cello for Manchester Camerata but had to change career after being diagnosed with a neurological condition.

He has a lifelong interest in gardens, art and architecture and is studying for a BSc in Garden and Landscape Design, funded through the Musicians’ Benevolent Fund.

Jonathan said: “Creating a garden for the RHS was a privilege at this early stage in my career. It has been an exciting and unexpected departure from the sound world I worked in previously to one of form, colour and the infinite variety of plants.”

The silver medal provided the icing on the cake for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice, which approached us to build a show garden to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

Lead designer was Rick Tomlinson, who combines his studies with running his garden business, Sycamore Landscapes.

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Cheers! Jonathan Price celebrates silver gilt medal with fellow students Ged Washington, Sheena Booth and Michelle Perkin and lecturer Ken Higginbotham

Rick Tomlinson and fellow students Jess Hughes, Daniel Guy and Hannah Timmis celebrate their silver medal with Vice Principal Dave Kynaston

Chancellor George Osborne and Vice Principal Dave Kynaston admire our floristry stand

Dream jobs for florists Two floristry students are living their dreams after being offered the chance to work as floral designers in Bermuda.

Emma Ollier and Jen Latham set off for the sunshine island after completing their Level 3 Diploma in Floristry. They were offered jobs by former Reaseheath student Lisa Holroyd, who runs three florist shops there. As well as staffing the shops, the florists work in hotels creating floral designs for events.

Jen said: “I came to college because I wanted

to learn about the wider aspects of floristy such as contemporary styles and techniques. Thanks to Reaseheath’s contacts within the industry, I have the chance to travel and work in another part of the world. It’s really exciting!”

Emma, who has gained both her Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Floristry with us, added: “This is an amazing chance to experience a new lifestyle and culture. I’m so lucky - some people study for years and don’t get such a great opportunity.”

Bermuda bound - Jen Latham and Emma Ollier

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Study Tours

Invaluable African wildlife experience Animal management students were directly involved in valuable conservation work during a study tour in Botswana’s Northern Tuli Block.

A group of 26, who are studying for degrees in Zoo Management, Animal Behaviour and Welfare or Wildlife Conservation, helped wildlife researchers collect data on species diversity and abundance. The records will play a valuable part in on-going studies of the area’s fauna.

The Northern Tuli Block is well known for its diverse wildlife, particularly for its high numbers of elephants and big cats. Our students were kept busy identifying and surveying species, downloading data and taking part in other handson research. As well as helping the reserve manager to maintain day to day records, this method of research is invaluable for our students.

The group also enjoyed game drives and bush walks and spent one night sleeping out under the stars.

Our group study an elephant skull

Discussions and lectures were included during the two week tour.

Although we have offered study tours to Africa for a number of years, this is the first time we have visited Botswana. It was so successful that many students want to spend longer working on conservation projects there.

Said Kevin Palmer, Course

Manager BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology: “This was a dual purpose trip which was very relevant to both the students’ studies and to their future careers.”

This was just one of a number of study tours to zoos, conservation centres and museums - including one to Holland - enjoyed by our animal management students.

Course building for Food students get a taste Britain’s top horse show for Spanish culture

World No. 1 showjumper Ben Maher with some of our student arena party Our food technologists visit a Cava specialist

Equine students and staff came under the spotlight for the third year running when they provided the arena party for the Horse of the Year Show. A team of 36 students and two staff were on duty for a full week helping Olympic course designer Bob Ellis and fellow international designers to build courses to test the world’s best showjumpers.

Apart from having a lot of fun, the students received useful training and took the opportunity to catch up with competitors including world

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No. 1 showjumper Ben Maher, who gave a demonstration at our equestrian centre last year.

-- Cantering along the beach, rafting and surfing were again top activities for students during a repeat of our popular study tour to Ireland. Twenty-four students spent five days at the Donegal Language School in Connemara.

Their action packed programme also included a visit to the National Stud of Ireland.

Our food technology students visited Spain for a taste of the local food, wine and culture.

A 34-strong group spent four days visiting food and drink manufacturing sites in Catalonia.

The students’ busy schedule included tours of wineries producing Cava and standard red and white wines and a day in Barcelona, where they visited the La Boqueria Food market to see the range of fresh Spanish foods.

They also toured an anchovy

factory to watch the fish being processed and visited a chocolate manufacturer.

The trip was sponsored by our long term supporter Bernard Lloyd through his company Central Catering Ltd. Smaller groups have enjoyed study tours to America previously, but this year we chose a European destination as we wanted to give as many students as possible the chance to look at the industry outside the UK.

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Study Tours

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Students look at farming world wide Agriculture students experienced farming in extreme climates during a fact finding study tour to Canada.

A group of 23 Degree and Level 3 Extended Diploma students visited elite pedigree dairy herds and a beef trials farm in Ontario. The beef unit is part of the University of Guelph’s agricultural research programme and our students were able to examine the latest studies into breeding and nutrition. On the dairy

farms they looked at systems which allow the cows to remain indoors most of the year while maintaining the highest welfare standards.

The group also spent a day sightseeing in Toronto, including visits to the CN Tower and Niagara Falls.

We run these popular study trips every year, alternating between research centres in Canada and the USA. -- Sheep milking, yoghurt making, Wensleydale cheese production and

Agriculture students enjoy a visit to Niagara Falls

even a farm which owns a pub were examples of diversification visited

by Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Agriculture students during a study tour to Yorkshire.

Former Reaseheath

students welcomed current learners onto their farms to look at different systems ranging from extensive hill farming to a dairy unit with a robotic milking parlour.

Some groups also visited a deer farm.

European excellence Challenges for for engineers adventure sports

Our agricultural engineers at Koop van der Wal

Agricultural engineering’s trip to European manufacturing centres of excellence gave students a valuable chance to go ‘behind the scenes’.

This popular annual study tour to Holland and Germany included its regular visit to Koop van der Wal, a world wide Dutch agricultural machinery importer and exporter. Our students explored the workshops and parts department and talked to the mechanics and technicians responsible for the company’s success.

They also spent a day at the Museum voor Nostalgie en Technick.

In Germany the 35 strong

group was privileged to tour the production line at the global headquarters of CLAAS and meet designers and craftspeople. The students then saw the machines in action and were lucky enough to have a test drive!

Another highlight was a VIP factory tour with Amazone, agricultural machinery manufacturers, with Head of Marketing Matthias Beuke.

This was followed with a visit to the demonstration arena to see the machines at work.

These included prototype devices such as tractors fitted with GPS navigation systems and self leveling crop sprayers.

Adventure Sports students have fun crewing an ocean going yacht

Exciting and fast paced activities continue to challenge our adventure sports students.

Along with regular activities such as canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rock climbing, mountaineering and mountain biking, our students are encouraged to take part in expeditions.

Our degree students spent half term kayaking and canoeing down the River Spey while another group went hiking in Snowdonia. A mixed student group are off to the Cairngorms for winter skills

training in February, when they will learn how to journey across winter terrain safely.

Preparations are under way for our annual winter sports study tour, which this year will take place in Austria, and we are also planning to repeat our highly popular week long sailing trip in ocean going yachts belonging to the Rona Trust.

These successful trips allow our students to learn new skills by crewing the yachts along the south coast and to France and the Channel islands.

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Study Tours Bentley perfection for motor vehicle technicians Future motor vehicle technicians saw engineering perfection first-hand during a visit to one of the world’s most exclusive car manufacturers.

Thirty of our students watched production of two prestigious cars, the Bentley Continental GT and the Bentley Mulsanne, during an exclusive, behind-thescenes, tour of Bentley Motors’ Crewe factory.

The students saw world class craftspeople including coachbuilders, electronics specialists, paint experts and cabinetmakers producing the flagship marques.

The students were so inspired that several hope to apply for apprenticeships with Bentley once they have qualified. Cara Manfredi, who with twin sister Sian is

hoping to progress onto an engineering degree or an apprenticeship, said: “This was a brilliant opportunity for us to see the kind of work we might be doing in the future.”

Course Manager Steve Ellis said: “As a department, we try to widen our students’ horizons by exposing them to as many career paths as possible. The industry offers an exciting range of opportunities, from motor sport and vehicle design and testing to apprenticeships with leading dealers.”

-- Our motor vehicle students make an annual pilgrimage to Autosport International, which this year included the 2012 Formula 1 racing cars and a live action show featuring quad racing, the FMX Freestyle UK

Our vehicle technicians look at the world’s oldest Bentley during their visit to Bentley Motors

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team, the Jap Speed Drift team, Autosport’s Best of British cars and an appearance from the McLaren young drivers.

Over 40 Level 2 motor vehicle technicians were introduced to

the principles of aero dynamics and jet engines during a visit to RAF Cosford. They also looked at the development of petrol aero engines through the ages.

Motor Vehicle visit RAF Cosford

Wheely good experience for sports students

New experience for Sports Performance students

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Sports Performance students enjoyed a wheely new experience when they visited the National Cycling Centre, Manchester.

Once they’d learned how to stay upright on a fixed wheel track bike and got over the shock of riding up the steep banks, all completed the exciting challenge of cycling round the Velodrome.

They were introduced to track etiquette and fundamentals by an elite cycling coach before taking on two practice laps on the Cote d’Azur. Even regular cyclists were challenged by the new environment and technical demands, particularly as the bikes have no brakes and no quick way of slowing

down, but after two hours the students and staffs had developed new skills.

Another treat was meeting some of the world’s best cyclists, as members of the Team GB cycling squad were there for serious training. These included team pursuit 2012 gold medal medalists Laura Trot, Dani King and Joanna Rowsell, Sprint and Team Sprint 2012 winner Jason Kenny and 2012 Paralympic Games medalist.

Jody Cundy.

College Sports Maker, Sarah Ruff, said: “This trip was highly valuable, as it gave the students an insight into elite level performance in a sport which they hadn’t previously experienced.”

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Study Tours

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Experiencing careers in the Public Services Our public service students have been rioting on campus but it’s all been in a good cause.

They’ve enthusiastically taken part in public disorder training with Cheshire Police, acting as protesters in scenes which have allowed officers to improve their evidence gathering techniques.

Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma students also took part in ‘demonstrations’ during a trip

to Cheshire Police’s Winsford HQ, at the same time taking the opportunity to look at police equipment and dog handling techniques.

Other useful experiences have included completing the entry trial for new fire fighters with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, a test which entailed crawling through enclosed spaces wearing equipment and navigating

Ready to riot - our Public Services students

indoors with no visibility. A group also took part in a decontamination training exercise with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Our students have also spent a week at an army training

camp, gaining insights into careers in the armed forces, and some have visited a Royal Marines base. They are now looking forward to visits from representatives of the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.

Rugby team triumph Event shows inspire

Our Business and Events students prepare for their fashion show Top of the league - our victorious rugby team

Our rugby team carried off the title in the British Colleges Sport (BCS) North West Division 1 League after its best season yet playing against other colleges in our region.

The team has played four consecutive seasons in this very competitive league and has developed from strength to strength. The players, who are all under 19, study a variety of courses and come from all over the country.

Some also play rugby for their local clubs including Crewe and Nantwich RFCs. The team, coach Roy Arnold and their committed band of supporters have travelled around 400 miles to away fixtures and capped their achievements with the title clinching 44-7 win away

at Burnley College.

Our girls’ football team also got off to good start this year by winning their first tournament, which was run as part of Womens Football UK. Cheshire Football Association invited eight colleges across Cheshire to play a six a side tournament.

Our team finished victorious after winning all three of their matches. Our team plays seven a side matches in the league.

Reaseheath’s men’s first and second football teams continue to train and play successfully. Our mixed hockey team is improving steadily and is now competing in the league. We also have enthusiastic netball and men’s basketball teams.

A sparkling fashion show was among events organised by business and events management students to raise £800 for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.

The latest clothes from trend setting Cheshire company Fizz and Jazz were modelled on a catwalk in Reaseheath Hall. There were also fashion stalls providing opportunities to try out the latest hair, nail and beauty products.

Inspiration for the well supported event came from a visit to the Clothes Show Live in London, where our students enjoyed watching a Catwalk Show featuring the latest in men’s and women’s fashion, jewellery and accessories.

Rural Events Management

degree students researched the latest innovations during a visit to The Event Production Show.

The event showcases the diverse businesses in the industry. Our students investigated the latest technological developments such as mobile apps, wrist band tracking, entry systems and interactive screens.

Among highlights was a live debate with speakers from T in the Park, the 2012 London Olympics and Bestival.

Students and staff were brought up to date with current issues and how they are being solved by industry experts.

As well as making some good contacts, our students came away with plenty of inspiration for a Mad Hatters Tea Party, one of several events they ran during Reaseheath’s Family Festival.

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Countryfile foals get a good start BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson gave our equine staff and students full marks for the way they trained his foals.

Adam, who was guest of honour at our HE graduation ceremony last year, asked us to begin educating four of his Exmoor foals.

The project, which was filmed for two Countryfile programmes, gave students an unrivalled opportunity to use natural horsemanship skills on previously unhandled youngstock.

The foals followed a training programme devised by Head of Department and natural horsemanship specialist

Caroline Booth. Students studying for their Foundation Degree in Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship became involved once the foals could be handled safely.

The training programme was based on trust, understanding and compassion and followed the foals’ natural lifestyle and methods of communication.

Caroline Booth, Yard Manager Kim Bailey and students Taryn Hardman, Rachel Wood and Chris Jones were filmed building up the foals’ confidence until they were happily walking over and around obstacles and into a horse trailer.

Hub turns spotlight on horseracing careers

A foal enjoys his moment of fame with Adam Henson and Caroline Booth

Said Caroline: “It was amazing how trusting these foals became, to the point where they willingly did whatever we asked of them.

Working with them was a great opportunity for our students.

We would like to thank Adam enormously for his support throughout the project.”

Explained Adam: “I was very impressed with the facilities

and the expertise of staff and students on my last visit. I thought that it would be a perfect training centre for my foals. I was very confident that they would do well, but I was amazed at how far they progressed.”

Two of the rare breed foals are now continuing their education with our animal management department.

Top riders give competition masterclass

Cheshire Racing Hub co-ordinators Emma Owen and Sarah Hamlyn join Reaseheath’s Assistant Principal Rachel Ellis-Jones and Higher Education Programme Leader Dr Jan Birch, Professor Chris Proudman of the University of Liverpool and Kay Kent of the University of Chester

Reaseheath has joined other leading education establishments in a project to support and promote careers in Cheshire’s thriving horseracing industry.

The Cheshire Racing Hub will connect centres of education and training with horse racing related businesses throughout the region.

The initiative is being funded by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It is being led by Cheshire West and Chester Council and is

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supported by Chester Race Company, Deva Racing and Manor House Stables.

Project partners include the University of Chester, the University of Liverpool and Reaseheath.

Steering Group Chair Kay Kent of the University of Chester said that the project had brought together people and organisations with a real commitment to supporting and developing Cheshire and its surrounding areas as an acknowledged centre for high quality equine and racing related businesses.

Chinese eventer Alex Hua Tian jumping Tonto at the masterclass

Olympic dressage rider Richard Davison, talented young showjumper Joe Clayton and international three day eventer Alex Hua Tian gave top training tips at a masterclass at our Equestrian Centre.

Spectators had a rare opportunity to see leading riders demonstrate skills across the three disciplines which have taken them to the

top of their sport.

All three riders are sponsored by Martin Collins Enterprises, which provided and installed the competition surface in our indoor arena.

Alex Goldsack, Northern Sales Manager, commented: “We have an excellent relationship with Reaseheath and were delighted to partner this event in the college’s exceptional facilities.”

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Reaseheath spiders help to uncover drama of insect world Unusual spiders bred at Reaseheath co-starred with wildlife legend David Attenborough in a pioneering television series focusing on the unseen world of bugs.

The feeding behaviour of our Indian social spiders featured in ‘Micro Monsters in 3D’, a series for Sky One and Sky 3D which showed previously unrecorded detail through the use of macroscopic 3D filming.

Our spiders received the call to stardom because they are one of very few species to exhibit group living and

feeding behaviour. The vast majority of spiders are solitary. A vivarium containing around 200 spiders – one of ten colonies currently breeding at Reaseheath made the journey to Atlantic Productions film studio in London along with Lower Vertebrate and Invertebrate Keeper Chris Pye. Chris said: “Invertebrates are fascinating microscopic creatures but not many people appreciate what goes on in their lives. We’re hoping the series will lead to more film work in the future.”

Our social spiders are filmed in the high tech studio

Indian social spiders are relatively rare but our colonies have established so well that Keeper Lauren Lane has decided to write husbandry guidelines to enable other collections to keep these fascinating arachnids.

-- The outstanding care and excellent facilities we provide for our invertebrates has been rewarded with a prestigious BLUE CROSS

Animals in Education award. We won the Best Invertebrate Welfare Management category, with the judges being particularly impressed with the way the animals’ husbandry is incorporated into our students’ learning.

The judges visited our dedicated invertebrate room, which houses over 36 different species and includes a leaf cutter ant exhibition.

National Pet Month award Spotlight on animal welfare

Paul Sketchley with Emma Hunt, students Niall Catterall and Abbey May and rabbit Dinks

A sponsored dog walk and rabbit enrichment workshops were among activities organised by our animal management department to mark National Pet Month.

The programme was so successful, both in promoting responsible pet ownership and in raising money for animal charities, that it won the National Pet Month award for best event in the Education category and runner up for the best event overall.

Organiser Emma Hunt ran a ‘Go Walkies for Guide Dogs’ in Reaseheath’s grounds and also ran rabbit enrichment workshops encouraging families to make toys for their pets Other colleagues organised educational displays about responsible pet ownership.

Phil Sketchley, chair of the Trustees of National Pet Month, said: “We liked the balance between fun and education in Reaseheath’s events.”

Students join our conference speakers

Over 300 animal management students had the chance to learn from key organisations at a conference focused on animal welfare.

Leading speakers from The Kennel Club, the Blue Cross, the RSPB, the Countryside Alliance, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare and North Wales

Reptile and Raptor Rescue gave topical presentations covering legislation, welfare issues, scientific research and international activities. They also advised students about career opportunities and research grants. The conference followed the success of a similar event last year and was attended by students studying welfare topics.

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Research success celebrated Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management students Hannah Cantrell and Joanna Charlesworth took first and second place in the prestigious VETNET IP (Investigative Project) competition.

The students put forward scientific results from their final year investigative projects. Hannah, who has been working alongside otter keepers at the Chestnut Centre in Derbyshire, researched which substrate is preferred by otters when building their holts. Joanna’s subject was the effect of hydrotherapy on canine patients, a study which included a survey with professionals and clients.

Both pieces of work were selected for the competition finals, which were held at the Royal College, London during the annual VETNET conference. The competition is open to all land-based colleges. The students displayed their scientific posters and explained their findings to judges and delegates.

Hannah was presented with an ipad while Joanna selected a book to help with future studies. Both students have now left us to go to university.

Lecturer Lisa Gee said: “These two students put in such outstanding effort that we felt they deserved to be recognised at a higher level.

Students help threatened species Toads…

Undergraduates helped our resident toad population by conducting evening toad surveys around Reaseheath’s lake.

Our students erected mitigation fences along the college drive to prevent our toads becoming road fatalities during their return to their breeding site. The sheer density of toads on the lake (on some evenings as many as 200) also allowed students to observe breeding behaviours, to estimate the size and health of the population and to collect data which is contributing to nationwide studies on the species.

More Toads…

Members of Reaseheaths’ Herpetological and Entomological Society collected valuable data on Britain’s rare Natterjack toad and learned fieldwork techniques by working alongside trained volunteers.

Over 100 Natterjack toads were collected and processed

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before being released back into their North Wales breeding pools.

VETNET Investigative Project 2013 winners Hannah Cantrell and Joanna Chalresworth

We are delighted that they did so well.”

In another coup, a report on a research project carried out by Foundation Degree in Zoo Management student Jordan Bradwell and Foundation Degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare student Jessica Hackett has been published.

The pair wrote ‘The Effects of Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure on the Physiology and Behaviour of Captive

Corn Snakes’ after studying the snakes at Reaseheath’s zoo as part of their degree.

They submitted their work to the Association of British and Irish Wild Animal Keepers, which published it in the quarterly industry journal ‘Ratel’. Course manager Mel Chapman said: “This was a wonderful achievement and a cause for celebration for both the two undergraduates and for Reaseheath.”

Marine mammal emergency averted!

Threatened - the European Adder

…and Adders BSc Wildlife Conservation and Ecology students have contributed to long term research which will improve habitat for the threatened European adder.

The students visited sites on the Mendip Hills and Quantock Hills to record data on the snakes’ habitat. The research will contribute towards the students’ final year dissertation and will also influence long-term site management.

Our students practice rescuing a beached whale

A beached pilot whale was successfully rescued from Reaseheath’s front lawn by animal management students.

Fortunately the emergency wasn’t for real, but a simulated situation to enable 79 students gain an internationally recognised qualification in wildlife rescue.

The course was offered to students studying for their degree module in wildlife

health and rehabilitation. The students practised first aid and refloating techniques using life sized models of a whale, dolphins and seals.

All the students achieved their British Divers Marine Life Rescue “Marine Mammal Medic” certificate, which qualifies them to join the Marine Mammal Rescue Register and to help in marine wildlife emergencies.

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Zoo news Visitors were able to get close up and personal with our two tapirs when we opened our zoo for World Tapir Day. The only college in the country to have the animals in its collection, we have two Brazillian tapirs, Ernie, who is eight, and four yearold Timmy.

Student members of the Conservation Society supported the event by holding presentations on the importance of conserving tapirs and their habitat. They also created an animal trail which families followed round the zoo.

NEW additions to our zoo collection include seven young Roti Island Snake Neck Turtles which have come to us from Chester

Live lambing filmed for Countryfile Our live lambing and open zoo events brought in a record 5,000 visitors over two weekends. Among our visitors was BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, who was filmed joining in with students in the lambing sheds.

The programme showed

Zoo. The species originates from Indonesia and is critically endangered. Our students will carry out research projects on the animals, gaining valuable hands-on training and hopefully helping the species’ conservation programme.

We’ve also welcomed ‘Nzito’, a Milky Eagle Owl (or Verreaux’s Eagle Owl) which is one of the largest owl species and comes from the eastern regions of Africa. Nzito has been hand reared and was originally at Blackbrook Zoo. She is housed in our raptor area.

Our Zoo is open to the public during school holidays. For opening times and prices see www. reaseheath.ac.uk/zoo students taking part in a lamb health assessment and talking of their hopes for the future.

There was plenty of action, with one ewe producing triplets on cue for the film crew.

We have 550 North Country ewes producing around 1,100 lambs. As well as using the opportunity to educate both students and the public, we offer students paid work experience and the chance of managerial experience.

Agriculture student Nick Greaves describes his overnight lambing experiences to Adam Henson during filming for Countryfile

Ernie the tapir and Katie Almond (BSc Animal Behaviour and Welfare) meet visitors

Keepers Lauren Lane and Chris Pye with two Roti Island Snake Necked turtles

Ellen is Young Shepherd of the Year Agriculture student Ellen Helliwell was crowned Young Shepherd of the Year at a competition run by the Central Region of the National Sheep Association.

She became the first female winner of the title after proving she had the all round skills to make a successful commercial shepherd. The competition was held at the Winter Fair at Bakewell Agricultural Centre and attracted contestants from several counties.

As well as collecting a trophy and a cheque, Ellen also qualified for the NSA Young Shepherd of the Year national finals 2014. She narrowly beat Ollie Bagley, a fellow Level 3 Extended Diploma student, who is now working as a shepherd for Reaseheath.

The competition was made up of five key elements including live lamb selection, proving

Young Shepherds of the Year Ollie Bagley and Ellen Helliwell

an understanding of the requirements of the meat market.

As well as expanding her livestock and arable knowledge at college, Ellen spent a valuable year working in the industry and has also been a member of the lambing team at Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. She left for Australia immediately after gaining her qualification to work on a 7,000 hectare sheep and cattle ranch.

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Helen takes on dairy challenge Agriculture graduate Helen Machin was among the four finalists shortlisted for the RABDF Dairy Crest Dairy Student of the Year.

An ambitious next generation farmer, Helen completed her Foundation Degree in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) with us this year. She manages one of two dairy cow units at her family’s farm and plans eventually to take over and expand the business.

Helen visited a range of businesses and talked with

industry experts during her course, both in this country and during a study tour in Wisconsin, USA. She believes that this prepared her well for the RABDF challenge.

Reaseheath hosted the preliminary round of the competiton, in which a panel of judges questioned entrants from colleges and universities from all over the country. Six semi-finalists went on to tour Dairy Crest’s national distribution centre, where they each discussed the advantages

Butchers’ choice wins championship

Stephen Heath, James Raven, Phil Davis and Julie Baskerville show off their Supreme Championship trophy

Three students who graded pigs for meat quality saw one of their selection take a Supreme Championship at the All English Winter Fair.

Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Agriculture students Stephen Heath, James Raven and Phil Davis chose four bacon pigs which in their opinion would provide premium cuts for the butchers shop.

The carcases proved to be of such high quality that one took the Supreme Championship, along with several other awards, against entries from farms across several counties.

The show is run by the

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Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society and is an important diary date for members of the food and farming industries. The pigs came from our RSPCA approved high welfare unit.

The unit is used to introduce students to the best commercial and welfare standards. Practical instructor Julie Baskerville incorporated the grading into a practical session and carried it through to the show entry.

James Raven, said: “This was a great opportunity and I learned a lot about what buyers look for in a carcase. It’s difficult to get this sort of experience.”

RABDF finalist Helen Machin (third from left) with programme leader Jane Richardson, Nick Everington (Chief Executive RABDF) and Mike Sheldon (Dairy Crest)

and disadvantages of dairy farming in Britain.

The four finalists went on to make a presentation before top judges at the Farmers Club in London. Reaseheath agriculture students have made the final for the past two years.

Although she was finally pipped at the post, Helen

Harry’s research pays dividends A first year agricultural student made the finals of a national competition for his suggestions on how to breed dairy cattle for a more sustainable future.

Harry Hough, 17, took third prize in the strongly contested dairy category of the British Cattle Breeders’ Club’s (BCBC) Young Person’s Competition. He had to design and produce a ten minute multimedia presentation and was one of three finalists to give a presentation in front of delegates at the annual British Cattle Conference.

Harry, a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student, based his presentation around

said: “This was a really good experience and I made some useful contacts.

The coursework I’ve done at Reaseheath was very relevant to the competition because the lectures make you think about the different ways you can improve your own farm.” research into the British Holstein, a breed which his family use on their council dairy farm.

He focussed on how the breed is environmentally sustainable because it is so effective at producing milk from readily available forage. He was encouraged to develop the theme by Course Manager Graham Ashford.

Harry said: “I decided to look at which dairy breeds give the best return while least affecting the environment. I really enjoyed the research and learned a lot from it.”

Graham commented: “Harry did remarkably well against contestant who were older and more experienced than him. Both the winner and runner up were PhD students with considerable industry experience.”

Harry discusses his entry with lecturer Graham Ashford

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Inspirational Nantwich gardener honoured Horticultural students helped honour an inspirational gardener by planting trees in his memory in Nantwich’s community orchard.

Tony Gentil, who died last year aged 70, was formerly deputy head of horticulture at Reaseheath and was recognised as one of the country’s leading experts on orchard fruit. After his retirement he became a key figure in local conservation and horticultural associations including Cheshire Landscape Trust, Nantwich

in Bloom and Greenspaces South Cheshire.

It was his idea to launch a community orchard in the town’s riverside park.

At a dedication ceremony his widow, Mrs Elizabeth Gentil, unveiled a plaque in his honour and delivered three rare local varieties of fruit trees propagated by Tony. The trees, along with a further six donated by Reaseheath, were planted

by Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture students.

At the same time more

Horticulturists are top of the tree

Young Horticulturalist of the Year finalist Alex Tranmer with sponsor Tom Martell

Reaseheath horticulture students dominated the North West and Wales regional round of the Institute of Horticulture’s ‘Young Horticulturalist of the Year’.

National Trust Academy trainee gardeners Alex Tranmer and Alex Prain took first and third places respectively while David Buckley, a former Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture student who now works for The Garden Centre group, took fifth place.

The contestants included

students from several land based colleges and young people who are already working in the industry.

They had to prove their all-round knowledge during a ten round buzzer contest covering subjects from plant identification and science to tools and equipment.

Alex Tranmer, who works at the National Trust’s Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, attends college for specific block release training on the preservation of historic gardens.

Elizabeth Gentil, former Chairman of Nantwich in Bloom Doug Butterill, and former Reaseheath Head of Horticulture Tom Deans are joined by students and staff at the dedication ceremony

trees were handed over by Cheshire Landscape Trust, bringing the total of trees in the orchard to about 30.

Mrs Gentil said: “Tony left us a great legacy. Over his career he did much to help change the face of

arboriculture from ‘a forester who does things with trees’ to a respected profession where practitioners’ achievement is measured in the same way as academic achievement - by peer scrutiny.”

Students help Nantwich to bloom Nantwich’s showpiece flower bed was remodelled by horticulture students, helping the town win Gold in the RHS North West in Bloom competition.

Level 2 Diploma in Horticulture students moved yew trees from the central bed in the town square which were blocking panoramic views of the town’s historic buildings, replanting them in a more suitable position alongside St. Mary’s Parish Church. The bed was replanted with colourful perennials and some annuals in time to impress the judges.

The students also joined Nantwich in Bloom volunteers to ensure that the town’s flower beds, tubs and baskets were in top condition. They labelled plants so townspeople could learn more about the species and varieties.

As well as helping the town to score more points

Owen Taylor, Matthew Lamb, Matthew Hemmings and Tom Mathers bring colour to Nantwich’s showpiece flower bed

for its blooms, the project enabled the students to gain valuable practical skills, particularly in the moving of mature trees.

Said Nantwich in Bloom Secretary Sue Hughes: “We were delighted that Reaseheath’s horticulture and garden design students became so involved with the scheme. With their help we plan to take on more demanding projects around the town.”

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Vintage play at golf tournament There was high praise for sports turf students who organised the 20th Reaseheath Open - Vintage Day 2013, our annual tournament for players aged 65-plus.

The tournament, which attracted competitors from across the region, took place on our commercial nine hole golf course.

Tournament leaders were Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horticulture students Alex Heaton and James Heathcote, who are aiming

for careers as greenkeepers or sports groundsmen. They took charge of 17 volunteer students from all horticulture courses, many of whom worked 12 hour days during the week of the competition to ensure that the course was in first class condition.

The tournament team was helped by Horticulture Services Manager James Grundy, Deputy Head Greenkeeper Simon Hewitt and greenkeeper Sebastian Tame.

Winner Keith Johnson,

Reaseheath teams up with Bernhard Grinders

Winning golfers celebrate with the sportsturf tournament team

71, said: “We had a really good day. The students had done a brilliant job to get the course in such a good condition.”

The tournament was supported by local

businesses and raised £377 for the On Course Foundation, which provides golf skills and employment training for wounded servicemen and servicewomen and for war veterans.

Fishery students adopt a canal

Peter Bryan and Steve O’Sullivan exchange the canal adoption certificate watched by countryside lecturer Richard Sandland and fisheries management students

Ben Taylor (International Training Manager) shows how to sharpen a cutting cylinder using a Bernhard cylinder grinder

Our horticulture services staff and students were brought up to date with the latest turf grass technology during a training day with industry leader Bernhard Grinders.

The training day concentrated on the maintenance of turf machinery and featured presentations and demonstrations of precision cylinder and bottom blade grinding.

Bernhard Grinders is a leader in the manufacture of turf grass machinery and is involved in

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tournament preparation and maintenance at 65% of the world’s top golf courses.

The company is a major supporter of research and education.

A second session offered the chance of Continuing Professional Development for those already working in the industry. Around 20 representatives from golf and football clubs, including former Reaseheath students, attended.

Both days were supported by the Greenkeeper Training Committee.

Students on our new Level 3 Fishery Management course have made quite a splash by adopting part of a canal!

Fishery Management Lecturer Peter Bryan and Steve O’Sullivan, volunteer coordinator for the Manchester and Pennine region of the Canal & River Trust, have exchanged a formal adoption agreement enabling students to take over general maintenance of a one kilometre section of the canal at Middlewich.

The project will give students a fantastic opportunity to undertake realistic practical work and to gain useful estate and fishery management skills.

These include resurfacing a towpath and managing a copse of trees.

Although our fisheries department is taking the lead on this project, students on our other countryside courses will be involved. The Countryside department is also hoping to engage in further opportunities such as ecological surveys and arboriculture work.

-- Countryside students have been working closely with The National Trust, the Forestry Commission and several local authorities on a range of projects. One project has been carrying out habitat improvement on the Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve, which is owned and managed by Cheshire East Council.

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Dishes impress at M&S Innovative dishes created by food industry students have shown such potential that they may be taken further by Marks & Spencer’s.

Foundation Degree in Food Industry with Management students were tasked with creating attractive, tasty and competitively priced deli products which would tempt the typical M&S customer.

The students had to follow strict retail industry standards and deliver a product presentation before a ‘dragon’s den’ of food experts. The judging panel was led by M&S product developer Barbara Ross, who is responsible for the

retailer’s popular ‘Taste Italian’ range and is involved with launching in-store deli counters nationwide.

The students had to draw on a wide range of knowledge including food safety, nutrition, marketing, product positioning and costings. The final presentations replicated meetings between potential supplier and buying panel.

Barbara Ross was joined on the judging panel by Reaseheath’s Head of Food Toni-Anne Harrison and Technical Manager Katharina Vogt. All products received positive feedback and there is a strong possibility that two or three will be reviewed by M&S

New food partnership will support industry

The University of Chester’s Director of Food and Drink Growth Graham Bonwick and Leatherhead’s Business Innovation Manager Steve Osborn celebrate the new partnership with Reaseheath’s Toni-Anne Harrison, Business Development Manager Katherine Tunnicliffe and Senior Technologist Derek Allen

Our £7.3million Food Centre has become part of a new collaboration aimed at improving the transfer of knowledge between companies and research centres.

The partnership, between Reaseheath, the University of Chester and Leatherhead Food Research, will offer a ‘one stop shop’ for small, medium and large food and drink businesses. The comprehensive service will provide access to research and development, processing

technologies and bespoke training and cover subjects ranging from ingredients, traceability, product shelf life and packaging to project management and waste management.

Food Centre Head ToniAnne Harrison explained: “This is a very exciting collaboration offering real combined strengths which will appeal to a wide cross section of companies.”

Further details contact g.bonwick@chester.ac.uk

Abby Brown, Emily Clayton and Jess Riding show their winning dish to Barbara Ross from M&S

for further development.

The winning dish was a sweet potato and spinach dauphinoise created by Abby Brown, Jess Riding and Emily Clayton.

Commented Barbara: “I was really impressed with the overall level of presentation skills and with the recipe

formulation and design of the dishes. The students showed an excellent knowledge of the deli counter and had carried out consumer taste testing to a high level. M&S has a reputation as a leader in food innovation and initiatives like this help us to build up a talent pool.”

Food Centre unwraps food mystery

Marian Pusey and Matt Tebbit discuss the qualities of cheese slices.

Our Food Centre was the location for a programme in a Channel 4 series explaining the science behind modern food production.

Food Unwrapped explored the ingenious and high tech production methods used to make some of our favourite foods.

Thanks to our specialism in dairy food production, we were chosen to show the science behind the manufacture of processed cheese slices and why they have the edge over natural cheeses when used for cooking.

Dairy food specialist Marian Pusey was filmed explaining the manufacturing process to presenter and chef Matt Tebbit.

Said TV Programme Director Sam Grace: “We wanted to find out how cheese slices are made and how much cheese goes into them. We came to Reaseheath because we knew that the Food Centre would have the facilities and experts we needed to explain the process to the public.

Hopefully, viewers found the visit behind the scenes surprising and fascinating.”

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Students make weddings extra special Weddings at an exclusive local venue will be even more special thanks to the skills of Reaseheath construction students.

Level 3 Diploma in Carpentry and Joinery students built an arbour of green oak in the walled garden at Combermere Abbey to provide a focal point for photography and a quiet area for guests.

Due to the unusual materials and exacting

requirements, the students used traditional methods of joinery. The structure was built in sections in our bespoke construction workshops before being erected at the former monastery.

Explained tutor David Allman: “This was a really interesting project which gave students the rare opportunity to learn the traditional hand skills needed for a quality build. Working with green oak requires a

Engineers carry off top awards Two talented trainee engineers carried off top awards in a competition aimed at finding the nation’s best construction plant apprentices.

James Scott and Adam Hughes were both regional winners of the Construction Plant-hire Association’s ‘Stars of the Future’ competition, and James went on to take the national title for the best Level 3 construction plant apprentice.

The finals, which attracted entries from 11 colleges nationwide, were held during the PLANTWORX construction exhibition at Stoneleigh. The prizewinners received their awards from Richard Noble OBE, a World Land Speed record holder.

James is based at the Bodmin depot of the Ashtead Plant Hire Company and completed a return journey of 600 miles to attend his block release college course.

He was chosen to represent Reaseheath because of his commitment to going the extra

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Level 3 Construction Plant Apprentice of the Year James Scott

mile in his studies and for the way he supported fellow apprentices.

Adam, a Level 2 apprentice, works in the Smethwick depot of Gunn JCB. He was selected for his natural ability when working on construction plant machinery and for the high standard of his work in both written and practical sessions.

Course Manager Simon Keen said: “We are delighted that these two outstanding apprentices have been recognised with such prestigious awards. They both thoroughly deserve the recognition and they are definitely ones to watch for the future.”

Combermere Abbey owners Peter Beckett and Sarah Callander Beckett at the arbour with tutor David Allman and students Josh Cooke, Matthew Brehaut, Mike Potts and Josh Beckett

great deal of forward planning, preparation and attention to detail, particularly as you can’t use machinery.

“By working on this project, the students have learned skills which might otherwise be lost.

They have also gained essential experience liaising with a client.”

Peter Beckett, co-owner with wife Sarah Callander Beckett,

said: “I invited Reaseheath to become involved because I liked the idea of working with our local college. It has been a fantastic way of combining scholastic requirements with a practical project. We now have an unusual and eyecatching feature for brides, bridegrooms and their guests to use and enjoy.”

First engineers graduate with benchmark qualification The first engineers have graduated with a new national benchmark qualification for the milking equipment industry.

Staff from four of the UK’s major manufacturers - De Laval, GEA Farm Technologies, Fullwood and Lely - received their awards at the inaugural conference of the Milking Equipment Association (MEA), held at Reaseheath.

The LTA MEA Parloursafe scheme gives accredited status to specialist engineers and aims to raise installation and servicing standards. It is hoped the provision of a clear career development path will attract more young engineers into the industry.

Based on best practice in the supply, installation, maintenance and use of milking equipment and in animal health and welfare, the scheme is the first to link training excellence from the three areas of engineering, food and agriculture.

Offered from Level 1 to Level 4, the qualifications are accredited by the Landbased

Technician Accreditation (LTA) and awarded by the Institution of Agricultural Engineers.

The scheme, delivered by Reaseheath, has proved extremely popular and has 400 students registered. Working in conjunction with employers, course manager Mike Cullen delivers 16 days of training at college or in the company’s workplace. For further info contact michaelc@ reaseheath.ac.uk -- A new agricultural engineering programme run uniquely by us for New Holland has had an enthusiastic take-up from dealers nationwide.

The course is aimed at young people and has a high content of sales and marketing as well as engineering. It is being offered to business minded 16-18 year-olds who are already employed or who would be keen to take on a parts sales and marketing related position within a dealership.

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For further details about RADA projects and programmes contact Lesley Innes 01270 625131 Lesleyi@reaseheath.ac.uk

Funding bid will help farming businesses Our agricultural advisors are to help 50 farmers with challenged areas of their business following a successful bid for funding from the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

The project, which will run for 18 months, will help the businesses become more profitable and sustainable over the long term. We aim to encourage efficient farm practices by providing a range

of specific technical help, advice and planning.

The £48,250 funding will be spent on accessing farmers in most need and providing them with expert input, as well as managing the project from Reaseheath.

A steering team of specialists who share an interest in assisting farm businesses will be working in close partnership with the Cheshire Agricultural Chaplaincy.

Dairy conference is a big hit with farmers

The Prince’s Countryside Fund was set up by Prince Charles to tackle key issues which negatively impact on rural Britain. In particular, he is keen to secure a sustainable future for British agriculture and the rural economy. Since its launch in 2010 the fund has handed out £3.3million to projects nationwide. As only 15% of projects receive funding, we were thrilled when ours was one of just 16 selected out of the latest 290 applications.

Our successful bid was formally announced at the Royal Welsh Show and accepted by Lisa Forbes, Reaseheath’s Agricultural Development Academy (RADA) Customer Relationship Manager. The project will be managed

by Lesley Innes, who has successfully handled our

RDPE Livestock Northwest Cheshire programme over the past four years.

RADA Manager George Fisher said: We are delighted to receive this funding. The project will open up new doors for us to work with farmers that do not usually interact with Reaseheath and the knowledge transfer work that we do. Most importantly, it will enable us to help farmers that are in urgent need of support and business improvement.”

Bovine TB brings lively debate George Fisher, Richard Ratcliffe and Lisa Forbes join speakers Mark Yearsley, Robert Craig, Phil Feeney, Tom Halton, Michael George and Ian Scarisbrick

Over 70 farmers discussed the economics behind different systems of dairy farming at Reaseheath’s annual dairy conference.

Delegates packed the John Platt Centre to capacity to hear regional speakers describe their own business systems.

Funded by RDPE Skills (Defra) and sponsored by farming consultants Harvey Hughes, Nantwich Vets, the HSBC and solicitors Butcher and Barlow, the aim of the conference was to stimulate farmers to think through their production systems

and what improvements they might make.

Summing up after a lively closing debate Richard Ratcliffe, a member of the organising committee and a Reaseheath governor, said: “This was a very stimulating day with excellent discussions throughout. We had six superb speakers who were all very positive about the future of the dairy industry.

“Although some were from out of the immediate area and farmed under different conditions, we could all empathise with them."

A debate about the challenges of Bovine TB attracted an audience of over 90 farmers, students and industry representatives.

Held as one of our regular RADA knowledge transfer events, the highly controversial and current topic encouraged a positive and lively discussion with everyone in agreement that the bacteria responsible for bTB must be eradicated.

The effect of the disease on the local farming industry is particularly significant, as Cheshire is an ‘edge’ region and now faces livestock movement restrictions.

Attendees posed questions to a panel of experts which included dairy vet

Den Leonard (Lambert Leonard and May), AHVLA vet Helen May, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Richard Gardner, Reaseheath farm manager Mark Yearsley and Cheshire dairy farmers and TB Eradication Group members Phil Latham and Ian McGrath.

The audience asked questions on a wide range of topics including the history of TB, testing procedures, vaccination and wildlife management. The majority of the panel felt that a degree of control of badger numbers will be required to reverse the spread of this terrible disease. The evening was chaired by Richard Fair, NFU Farmer Chairman for Cheshire.

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Adventure sports go on vole patrol Adventure sports students took to the water to help conservation charities in their fight to save the water vole.

Twenty-one Level 3 Extended Diploma students linked up with Cheshire Wildlife Trust, the Canal & River Trust and the John Muir Trust to help log suitable habitat along Cheshire’s waterways. The students surveyed 36 km

of rivers and canals, looking for evidence of the secretive mammal. Their research will help Cheshire Wildlife Trust to log sites of interest and help it to protect areas where voles live and thrive.

The water vole is one of the UK’s most endangered mammals, with numbers that have declined by over 80% since the 1980s. Loss of

Here be dragons

Adventure Sports on vole patrol

habitat and predation by the American mink are two of its greatest threats.

As well as helping to conserve the water vole, the students’ action helped with their second year project on impact and sustainability. It also counted towards their John Muir Trust’s

Explorer Award, which helps students to appreciate the need to conserve wild places.

Student Sophie Bates said: “This has been an amazing experience. It’s great to think that we have been helping endangered animals, and having fun too.”

No more clangers for young bell ringers

The komodo dragon work party join Chester Zoo team leader Karen Lambert

Chester Zoo’s Komodo dragons have newly painted bedrooms thanks to the efforts of Reaseheath Herpetological and Entomological Society (RHES) members.

Impressed with the enthusiasm and passion of our students, who have worked on several projects at the zoo, Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates Gerardo Garcia invited them back to help with the refurbishment of the Komodo Dragon house in the Islands in Danger section.

As a reward for cleaning and repainting three bedrooms,

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the team had a behind-thescenes tour and looked at some of the zoo’s projects.

A highlight was seeing exotic species like the Boelans python and Emerald Tree Boa. The students also took the opportunity to meet key staff and ask questions.

-- RHES members also spent a week taking part in the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums ‘Big Bug Bonanza’, helping to raise awareness and interest in insects and other creepy crawlies by holding events at our zoo.

The young bell ringers show off their stays

Junior bell ringers sent an appeal for help to our countryside department when they needed new stays for their church bells.

A stay is a piece of wood which is designed to break to avoid damage to more expensive metal bell castings and equipment.

These tend to crack under youthful enthusiasm and so have a limited lifespan.

Head of Countryside Jamie Cook and a team of trainee tree surgeons came to the rescue

by felling a small ash tree, then skilfully cutting a piece off the trunk. This was later converted into squared lengths in our construction workshop.

The ash tree needed to be removed as it was on the site of our new hall of residence, Platt Hall. The stays are now in place at St Mary’s Parish Church, Nantwich, and the young bell ringers have the confidence of knowing that a stay can be replaced instantly should anything untoward happen!

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Food and farming close-up for Malbank pupils

Reaseheath at a glance

Pupils from Malbank Sixth Form College learned about the links between food production and farming during a visit to Reaseheath.

They were accompanied

by Geoff Thompson MBE, former world karate champion and executive chairman and founder of international charity the Youth Charter.

The Youth Charter develops educational projects which provide a legacy from major events such as the London 2012 Olympics. The charity works with inner city, rural and suburban schools and has been involved with Malbank for over two years.

The pupils looked at global issues such as climate change, food poverty and sustainable communities.

They visited our dairy herd and pig unit and looked at how our anaerobic digester

-- Adventure Sports

Subject areas Further and Higher Education -- Agriculture -- Animal Management -- Business and IT -- Construction -- Countryside and Conservation -- Engineering -- Entry and Foundation Programme -- Equine -- Floristry -- Horticulture -- Food Technology -- Greenkeeping and Sports Turf -- Motor Vehicle -- Public Services -- Sports Performance and Excellence

Malbank sixth form college pupils chat to Geoff Thompson during their Reaseheath visit

is helping to solve energy challenges. They also potted up culinary herbs in our horticultural unit.

Explained Geoff: “The aim of the Youth Charter is to inspire the next generation, particularly as these young people will be the custodians

of the environment.

“It is very important that young people understand where their food comes from, how it is produced and what effect this has on our natural resources. They also need to know how important it is to eat healthily and keep active.”

Top student Taryn rides high Bishop Heber High School pupil Taryn Denny was riding high after receiving a trophy for being the best horse care student on our Vocational Opportunities Programme.

Taryn is one of over 100 Key Stage 4 pupils from secondary schools throughout Cheshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire who successfully completed vocational qualifications with us this year.

Over 300 pupils aged between 14 and 16 attend college one day a week while continuing to study for conventional GCSEs at school. They can choose to study horse care, horticulture, agriculture, construction, motor vehicle,

-- Dairy Champion National Skills Academy for Food and Drink

Associate College of

Total students Further Education (full-time/part-time): 2,500 Higher Education: 710 Apprenticeships: 580 Work-based Learning: 127 Adult and Community Learning (Autumn Term): 524

Estate College grounds: 21 hectares Owned and rented farm land: 330 hectares Land leased to Crewe Alexandra Football Club: 6 hectares

Turnover Academic year 2012/13: £26.4 million

Facilities

Student of the Year Taryn Denny is presented with her trophy by sponsor Sue Blackshaw of Nantwich Saddlery

animal care, food studies or adventure sports.

Taryn was selected after impressing instructors with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn. She hopes to join one of our equine courses and to follow a career as a horse therapist.

Said Reaseheath’s Pre 16 Learning Manager Graham Morgan: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people in their final two years at school to receive a practical, work-related experience as part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum."

On-site accommodation for 705; five catering outlets; student lounge/bar; learning resource centre; HE study area; sports hall; climbing wall; multi gym; sports pitches (rugby, football, crown green bowling, cricket); commercial nine-hole golf course; indoor riding arena

Staff 620 (including part-time and casual workers)

Further Details Please ask for a prospectus Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DF

www.reaseheath.ac.uk

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Family Festival draws in the crowds The action packed programme on offer at our Family Festival proved a big hit with the 7,000 visitors who poured through our gates.

There was something for everyone and hundreds of activities including demonstrations by celebrities, dog, calf, pig and sheep shows, tours of our zoo, birds of prey, a

Diary Dates...

Come and see us November 2013

Mad Hatter’s tea party, farmers’ and craft markets, bands, choirs and dance groups.

Joins us on Sunday 18 May 2014 for the next Reaseheath Family Festival!

The Pen Llyn Lusitanos during their classical dressage display

9 Courses Information Event (FE and HE) 10am 9-10 Your Horse Live 10-11 Croft End Equestrian Centre Courses Information Event (drop-in) 16-17 English Winter Fair, Staffordshire 23 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event

December 2013 7 Courses Information Event (FE and HE) 10am

January 2014 18 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am 21-23 British and International Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) Turf Management Exhibition 22-23 LAMMA farm machinery, equipment and services show

February 2014

Horticulture students Peter Roberts, Michael Nadin, Paul Byrne and Richard Hudson-Davies with their winning garden ‘Gone Fishing’

Action from the pig show with Dewi Hughes and first placed Phil Gleave

2 Croft End Equestrian Centre Courses Information Event (drop-in) 8 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am 13-16 Telegraph Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show

March 2014 1-2 Lambing weekend 8-9 Lambing weekend 8 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event

April 2014 26 Courses Information Event (FE only) 10am 22 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event

May 2014 Champion calf handler Lizzie Mercer receives her trophy from judge Ray Brown

Professional chef Brian Mellor admires our farm shop with Senior Technologist in Patisserie and Bakery Andy Dale

18 Reaseheath Family Festival 18-19 Croft End Equestrian Centre Courses Information Event (drop-in) 26 Warrington Horse Show 28-29 Stafford Show 31-1 Woodfest

June 2014

Students Association member Ben Lloyd joins floristry student Robyn Longden at the Mad Hatters Tea Party

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Young visitor Jack Thompson meets ‘Coll’, an eight week old Savigny’s Eagle Owl handled by Jimmi Hill from the International Centre for Birds of Prey

7 Church Farm, Wirral, Courses Information Event 10 Courses Information Event (FE and HE) 6pm 12-15 Bolesworth Classic Showjumping 17-18 Cheshire Show 26-27 FE graduation

www.reaseheath.ac.uk l 01270 625131 www.reaseheath.ac.uk Written and edited by Reaseheath’s Press Officer Lynne Lomax 01270 613279 l Designed inhouse by Colin Barnes