Grassroots Issue 33 by Reaseheath College

THE LATEST NEWS FROM REASEHEATH | ISSUE 33

Family Festival back with a bang

Centenary celebrations begin

3 Graduates mark career milestone

Investment ensures continued growth

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Family Festival

Family Festival fun! Back with a bang after a two year absence, Reaseheath’s renowned Family Festival attracted record breaking crowds - making the event the best and biggest since its launch 26 years ago. Around 11,000 visitors enjoyed our action-packed event, which offered hundreds of fun activities and displays and also showcased many of our business partners and local organisations.

Watch the action!

bit.ly/FamFest22

Reaseheath100

Centenary celebrations shared Reaseheath College is 100 years old this year! Our Family Festival gave us a fantastic opportunity to share our centenary celebrations with our local community and former students, staff and supporters. Our main theme was our rich history as a land based educational establishment, and how rural industries have developed over the past 100 years to reach today’s high level of technology.

Reaseheath100 Commemorative flower bed celebrates centenary

Watch at bit.ly/ReaseheathCentenaryWood

A commemorative flower bed celebrating our 100th birthday has taken centre stage in Nantwich Town Square. The project, in partnership with Nantwich in Bloom, marks our long history as an educational institution and invites our local community to share this significant milestone with us. Designed and planted by Royal Horticultural Society students, the flower bed has Reaseheath’s blue and gold logo and the number 100 planted out in colourful bedding.

Centenary Wood marks two special occasions Conservation students celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee plus Reaseheath’s 100th birthday by planting a new wood of carbon busting trees. The 800 trees - a wide mix of British native species - were donated by The Conservation Volunteers as part of its ‘I Dig Trees’ campaign and form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a countrywide initiative to plant trees as a lasting legacy in celebration of Her Majesty’s 70 year reign.

The planting was carried out by students from all countryside courses and by members of our Conservation Society. Agriculture students prepared the newly dedicated one hectare plot, which required ploughing, harrowing and mulching. The new Centenary Wood will extend an existing larch wood on the college estate. A wildflower meadow, a wetland area and a network of rides and glades will be established to provide a mosaic of habitats.

Families flock to centenary lambing event Reaseheath became an educational institution in 1921 when it opened its campus to male students only. It soon expanded to offer courses in agriculture, dairying, poultry keeping and horticulture to male and female students and has remained at the forefront of horticultural innovation ever since. Our horticulture students have helped Nantwich in Bloom members for the past six years, completing tasks such as planting and pruning fruit trees in the town’s community orchard and renovating flower beds outside Nantwich Parish Hall.

Families flocked from far afield to enjoy our two Lambing and Zoo weekends - and also helped us to celebrate our centenary year. We welcomed a capacity crowd of 2000 visitors daily to these very popular events, with everyone enjoying meeting the newborns and learning about the advancements in agriculture which our college has seen since its launch in 1921 as the Cheshire School of Agriculture. Stars of the show were our new flock of Highlander sheep which have been recently introduced to the college farm.

The 341 ewes successfully gave birth to over 630 lambs! Our mini zoo was also very popular, with crowds enjoying strolling round our enclosures and learning fascinating facts about our 1000 plus collection from our zoo keepers. Watch at bit.ly/RHCLambing2022

Reaseheath celebrates 100 years of cheesemaking We celebrated 100 years of cheese making at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards - the world’s largest cheese and dairy show. Reaseheath has been training dairy students since its launch as the Cheshire School of Agriculture in 1921 and we marked the special occasion by producing a unique Reaseheath 100 cheese. The Cheshire cheese was made in our industry standard food processing halls by degree level apprentice dairy technologists on our Eden programme

using traditional methods and cultures from a century ago. We also proved that we fully embrace modern technology, research and development by displaying a seaweed cheese which we are developing in partnership with Oceanium and Mara Seaweed. Reaseheath is a leading supporter of the International Cheese and Dairy Awards and our Commercial Development Coordinator Julie Bent, who co-ordinates our industrial training and trials within the international dairy sector, is a member of the event’s organising committee.

Floral tribute for Reaseheath100 Level 2 florists celebrated our centenary birthday by creating displays showing how floristry skills have evolved over the past 100 years. The students researched techniques and materials used over the century to illustrate how their industry has progressed - and how some current trends have come full circle.

Watch at bit.ly/RHCNantwichOrchard

Tree gift preserves tradition Reaseheath has donated a ‘Discovery’ apple tree to Nantwich’s Community Orchard as part of its year-long centenary celebrations. The variety was developed in the 1950s and is one of the earliest English eating apples. It joins a further 47 fruit trees in the orchard, which is on Nantwich Riverside and is maintained by Nantwich in Bloom volunteers. The tree was planted by Level 2 horticulture apprentices Natasha Devine and John Bradburn under the guidance of Nantwich in Bloom Chair Sue Sherwood, Vice Chair Tom Deans and

They created two displays which went on show in our Centre for Horticulture Environment and Sustainable Technologies and were much admired by passing students and staff. One incorporated traditional and contemporary design to create a ‘Then and Now’ picture of wedding floristry while the other featured contrasting designs with flowers and accessories in our corporate colours of blue and gold. Both used sustainable materials.

Master of Horticulture Harry Delaney, who between them have served a total of 85 years in our horticultural department. Nantwich Community Orchard was established in 2008 to help preserve and maintain traditional fruit varieties and now has 29 apple varieties, three pear varieties and three types of plum tree. Any passer-by can pick and sample the fruit during the harvesting period.

Outstanding Investment

Continued investment ensures progress Reaseheath College and University Centre Reaseheath have some of the most progressive facilities and resources in the country and we have continued to invest despite two challenging years.

Institute of Technology We are among high performing educational institutions to have benefitted from government investment into higher level technical skills and innovation through Institutes of Technology (IoTs). IoTs are collaborations of specialist colleges, universities and employers who work together to produce skilled workforces for priority sectors such as agri-technology, sustainable food production and environmental land management. Led by Cheshire College South and West, our IoT also includes Warrington and Vale Royal College, Macclesfield College, Priestley College, the University of Chester and employers within the Cheshire and Warrington LEP region. We are using our share of the £13million funding to expand our offer of higher technical qualifications, higher apprenticeships, degrees and professional courses for adults. We are integrating further state-of-theart technologies into our teaching farm, agri-technology centre and food innovation centre including an automatic cattle feeding system and a new arable data centre, which will run alongside our dairy data hub. We are also expanding our teams of vocational and academic experts and ensuring current lecturers are at the forefront of sector developments.

Vertical farm completed The UK’s largest training and research centre for vertical farming has been completed on campus and is allowing us to grow crops and ornamental plants in stacked layers indoors under controlled and sterile conditions. This project showcases technological innovation within this specialised sector and is part of the Institute of Sustainability and Food Innovation, a joint venture between Reaseheath and our academic partner, the University of Chester.

We will be offering undergraduates and businesses the opportunity for applied research and technical training and are already linking with local schools, particularly in the practical application of digital and STEM subjects.

MP praises technical advancements Edward Timpson CBE, Member of Parliament for Eddisbury, praised Reaseheath’s efforts to deliver technical innovation within the landbased sector during a fact finding campus tour. Mr Timpson visited our recently installed automated robotic milking system and its associated data hub, which are delivering training in cutting edge green technology skills to agricultural students, undergraduates, specialist engineers and members of the farming community. The Lely Astronaut A5 system has two robotic milking stations incorporating sophisticated data processing which deliver highly accurate readings in areas such as feed intake, milk yield and cow health. The data is available on touch screen in our Robotic Milking Centre and also on large screens in the data

Vertical farming is viewed positively by environmentalists because it offers a means of growing safe, healthy and nutritious food with low food miles and smaller land requirement.

hub, where it is providing training in the emerging areas of digitalisation, robotics, sustainability and data-driven dairy management. Mr Timpson also admired the technical innovation of our vertical farm and learned that both projects were supported by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership through its Local Growth Fund.

Specialist resources for T Levels Academy pioneers zero emission training Reaseheath and industry partner First Bus have established the UK’s first bus and coach engineering academy and together we are delivering tailored training to apprentice engineering technicians in the maintenance of next generation, zero-emission transport vehicles. Our new Engineering Apprenticeship Academy is on nearby Hurleston Business Park, where we have repurposed and upgraded a generous site formerly used as a salvage and vehicle recycling centre. We have invested £250,000 into the buildings, which offer purpose built, heavy engineering workshops, dedicated classrooms, a restaurant, a meeting room and staff offices, and a further £50,000 into state-of-the-art training equipment. First Bus, one of the UK’s largest bus operators, has worked closely with our engineering apprenticeships

Watch at bit.ly/FirstBusApprentice-Liam

team on the design and content of this bespoke Level 3 programme and has supplied hybrid electric training buses along with the latest electronic and diagnostic testing tools. We have recruited a team of experienced tutors and skills coaches and have created a workplace style environment to maintain a seamless switch between depot and learning. The first cohort of 21 apprentices, including several girls, are part way through their block release training and will play a leading role in the company’s transition to a zerocarbon fleet.

A successful capital funding bid is enabling us to provide a wealth of specialist resources for T Levels for 16 to 19 year olds. These new qualifications have been developed to meet the needs of businesses, have a technical focus and are an attractive alternative to A Levels. They offer a mix of classroom learning, practical training and a substantial industry placement with a relevant employer, so students leave with the specialist knowledge for their career and the option to go on to university, take a higher apprenticeship or continue into the workplace. From September 2022 we’ll be offering three T Levels: n Onsite Construction n Design, Surveying and Planning n Business Management and Administration To support these exciting new qualifications we have received £1.9 million in government support to provide an Innovation Hub within our Construction Department. Replacing an outdated building, the new hub will consist of a ground floor joinery workshop with three new classrooms above including a state of the art IT suite. Building is scheduled to be completed in October. An additional £290,000 is being spent on specialist equipment including 3D imaging. T Level Business Management students will benefit from an £80,000 refurbishment of dedicated classrooms which will provide an additional collaborative working space and top of the range IT equipment. We also have many other plans in the pipeline to support a wider range of T Levels for 2023. Learn more at www.reaseheath.ac.uk/t-levels

UCR Graduation

UCR graduates enjoy belated celebrations University Centre Reaseheath (UCR) graduates from the academic years 2019 / 2020 and 2020 / 2021 have belatedly celebrated their success alongside peers from our academic partner, the University of Chester. The spectacular ceremonies were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and were held in historic Chester Cathedral. On each occasion around 300 UCR graduands were awarded degrees in agricultural science, animal science, canine clinical behaviour, equine science, zoo management, wildlife conservation and ecology, landscape architecture, adventure sports and coaching, rural events management, dairy technology and food science. Watch at bit.ly/UCR-Graduation2020

Class of 2020

Class of 2021

Dean’s Awards

Special recognition went to the recipients of our Dean’s List awards: Meredydd David Award for Academic and Technical Excellences n 2020 Josie Wall - FdA Rural Events Management n 2021 Stephanie Nish - FdSc Dairy Technology (Eden Programme)

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Undergraduate Research n 2020 Leah Cox - BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and Ecology n 2021 Beth Hewes BSc (Hons) Zoo Management

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and Personal Progression n 2020 Imogen Quirk BSc (Hons) Equine Science n 2021 Sarah Pettitt FdSc Agriculture

News from UCR Watch at

bit.ly/UCR-DayneMcleggan

RABDF success for agriculture undergraduates Two agriculture undergraduates celebrated success in the prestigious Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) Awards. Hannah Morten who has since graduated with a Foundation Degree in Agriculture with Dairy Herd Management, was runner-up in the RABDF Farm Health Management Award (University Category), while fellow undergraduate Ben Broughton was one of seven finalists in the RABDF Dairy Student of the Year. Both awards attracted high numbers of entries from educational institutions nationwide. Sadly, Covid-19 restrictions meant that Hannah missed out on her award ceremony at Dairy-Tech and Ben was unable to give his presentation live at the Farmers Club in London. But both felt that their achievements were highlights in a challenging year.

Access to HE students rewarded Two highly committed students who prepared for degree study on our ‘Access to HE’ programme have had their academic achievements recognised with lucrative regional awards. Dayne Mcleggan (pictured) and Rory Brace, who had both been out of formal education for over ten years, each received a £600 bursary at the Open College Network West Midlands Brian May ‘Access to HE’ Learner Awards. Both agree that their one year course has opened new and exciting doors to further study and career opportunities.

Landscape architect is rising star BSc (Hons) Landscape Architecture graduate Nathan Webster has been recognised as one of the most promising young stars of the UK’s landscaping industry. Nathan was a winner in the prestigious Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2021. The initiative recognises and rewards the 30 top young people in the sector and is one of the highest awards achievable. Contestants were judged by respected industry professionals and scored on their passion, skills, qualifications, achievements and goals, plus their potential to inspire new entrants. Nathan, who is a landscape architect for Wright Landscapes, received his award at FutureScape 2021. He has also won a British Association of Landscape Industries award for his design of a client’s garden.

Dayne, who originates from the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos, has progressed onto a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture Science. He plans to return to his homeland and use his skills and knowledge to help build the islands’ rural economy. Former events manager Rory is following his passion for landscape architecture.

Alumnus honoured by British Horse Society

Project earns awards and benefits employer A research project completed as part of our degree level Eden training programme earned a dairy technologist three major awards and industry-wide acclaim - as well as financially benefitting her employer. Stephanie Nish, Environment, Health and Safety Co-ordinator for Arla Foods Lockerbie, applied sophisticated technology already at her workplace to determine the criteria for optimum firmness of cheese curd at cut. She used this data to modify the recipe for her employer’s cheese manufacturing process, resulting in improved fat retention which in turn increased cheese yields.

Stephanie carried out her project under the supervision of lecturers while studying for her Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology. She completed her practical research at her workplace. The Eden programme is a bespoke education initiative, supported by leading dairy companies, which produces world-class employees through degree level apprenticeships.

Equine Science alumnus Mary Lennon has been honoured for her tireless support of the British Horse Society (BHS). Mary, who is Treasurer of the BHS Greater Manchester Committee, received the BHS ‘Volunteer of the Year Award’ from BHS CEO James Hick in a presentation held at Reaseheath’s Equestrian Centre and attended by Cheshire and Manchester committee members. The award recognises the outstanding achievements of BHS volunteers, supporters and partners, with Mary being selected for her promotion of the BHS, her help in recruiting and supporting new members and in particular her efforts to protect safe riding routes through the official recording of Rights of Way. She also co-organises fund raising rides and events. Mary left the world of banking after 30 years to follow her passion for horses. She returned to study at UCR, graduated in 2011 with a First Class BSc (Hons) Equine Science degree and now runs a successful mobile equine faecal egg count business.

Emerging survey technique detects newts BSc (Hons) in Wildlife Conservation and Ecology undergraduates from UCR are using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to survey Reaseheath’s ponds for the presence of great crested newts.

leave minute traces of eDNA which can be detected during analysis of water samples.

This rapidly emerging survey technique is highly effective at confirming the presence of rare or hard to survey freshwater species and is becoming widely used by professional ecologists. Animals and plants which inhabit water

Our undergraduates are surveying all 12 ponds on our estate and identifying where populations of great crested newts exist, allowing us to focus our efforts on the future management of this European protected species.

Focus on Further Education Daisy recognised as future floristry star Talented Level 3 Diploma in Floristry student Daisy Annandale has been recognised with a prestigious industry award. Despite being the youngest contestant in The Florist Magazine and Good Florist Guide’s ‘Thirty under Thirty Awards’, 17 year-old Daisy was selected as the ‘One to Watch’, with judges agreeing that she shows enormous promise and has a great future ahead. The award was presented at a conference attended by over 100 leading florists and allied professionals. Alongside her studies Daisy works for Flores Diem, a florist and house plant specialist. She was nominated by the company’s Creative Director and Designer Vivienne Derricutt, herself a Reaseheath ICSF Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry student, who encourages her to progress. Daisy began her floristry studies as a Level 2 Diploma student and is keen to move on to Level 4 in the future. Celebrations were also in order for former floristry students Sarah Harry and Zoe Hall, who opened their shop ‘Wild Bramble Blooms’ in 2019 while studying for their Level 3 Diplomas in Floristry. Their business has been invited to join the Good Florist Guide after being recognised by industry peers for its high standards and excellent designs.

Agriculture student is BBC Countryfile Champion Inspirational student Morgan Tudor flew the flag for young farmers at the finals of the prestigious BBC Food and Farming Awards. The Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture student was one of three national finalists in the Countryfile ‘Young Countryside Champion’ category. The award is presented annually by Countryfile, the BBC television flagship series, and celebrates young people who are making a positive impact in the countryside. Morgan took over his family’s farm in Montgomeryshire at the age of 18 after his father died in a tractor accident. Despite his youth he has continued the farm’s transition from beef to dairy and also completed his qualification with us. He was nominated for the Countryfile award by people within his community, all of whom were impressed with his resilience, passion and determination to carry on the legacy left by his father, a highly respected award winning and progressive farmer.

Gamekeepers praised by NGO Game and Wildlife Management students were praised for their professionalism and efficiency after they supported a prestigious clay shooting competition. The Level 3 Diploma students were on duty at the National Gamekeepers Organisation (NGO) 2021 Golden Grouse Clay Shoot at Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire Moors. The first year students released the clays and scored on the stands throughout the six hour competition, which attracted 140 high aiming competitors from across the NGO membership. As well as highlighting shooting expertise, the competition is a key networking event and our students met and were commended by significant industry figures for their excellent attitude and appearance. The students were accompanied by Course Managers Ged Hunston and Dr Julia Casperd. Ged said: “This was a real opportunity for students to gain experience and it also allowed us to highlight the

quality of the young people we are producing.” Reaseheath’s Game and Wildlife Management department has a well established partnership with the NGO and the organisation delivers additional, industry recognised, training courses to our students. For further details see: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/gamewildlife-management

Watch at

bit.ly/ReaseheathHOYS2021

Arena party praised for HOYS support Our equine student arena party again earned praise from key industry professionals for its support of the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) the world’s most famous horse show. Forty students and staff worked alongside the show jumping course designers and supported the dressage championship, the Pony Club mounted games and the harness scurry throughout the action packed, five day programme. Their efforts helped to provide a seamless spectacle for thousands of visitors and were much appreciated by the organisers, who praised the team’s enthusiasm, high standards and work ethic. Always a favourite event, HOYS 2021 was particularly memorable as we celebrated a decade of providing

the arena party and also the start of Reaseheath’s own centenary year. In addition to gaining high profile industry experience and meeting elite riders and trainers, the students, from main campus and from outreach centres Croft End Equestrian Centre, Oldham, and Burrows Lane, Knowsley, received unique event management training including health and safety and emergency drills alongside vets and paramedics - a superb addition to their CVs. Our equine students also regularly provide the arena parties for other prestigious events.

Superb stockmanship skills win calf show Agriculture students proved they were more than up for the challenge of the college calf show by producing stockmanship skills to the highest standard. Over 20 students prepared youngstock from Reaseheath’s dairy herd and demonstrated their handling ability in a showring on the college farm. Prominent cattle judge Ray Brown, who farms the renowned Bidlea dairy herd, had a difficult task to choose the winners of the four classes and in particular the overall championship, but Lorna Preece was eventually selected as champion with James Tipton taking reserve champion and Caitlin Corkill in third place. All three are first year students on our popular Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture, which has a full middle year placement and is equivalent to three A levels. Mr Brown, whose son Adam, a former Reaseheath student, has recently diversified the family business into ice

cream, commented: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for the students to prepare and present calves to the highest standard. The result has been a credit to them and to their lecturers, who have done an excellent job in teaching them how to present animals correctly. This type of hands-on experience is of great educational value.”

Stylish home for mongooses Our yellow mongooses are enjoying a stylish new enclosure in Reaseheath’s mini zoo thanks to the efforts of Level 2 Diploma in Animal Management students. The students designed and built the replacement home for mongooses Bertha and Barry in practical ‘stretch and challenge’ sessions in which they were encouraged to research the animals’ natural habitat and use sustainable building practices. The result is an eyecatching enclosure, highlighting the illegal wildlife trade, which has been built entirely from recycled and repurposed materials. Gifts from college departments were combined with further donations from the public and local businesses such as Nantwich Saddlery, and the build was supported by our Animal Centre’s dedicated maintenance team. Students in a working group named ‘Timmy’s Team’, in honour of our resident tapir, were involved in the design and sourcing of materials. They replicated the mongooses’ habitat in the semi desert scrubland and grasslands of southern Africa and included enrichment features to encourage natural behaviour such as exploring, foraging and sleeping. ‘Timmy’s Team’ was also involved in training the mongooses in preparation for their move, using positive reinforcement to encourage them into their transport crates.

Focus on Further Education Will’s fast track to success Up and coming racing driver Will Redford is enjoying his first full season in professional racing alongside his studies as a Level 2 IMI Diploma in Light Vehicle and Repair with us. Will represents Leyland based Kinetic Motorsport and is chasing the Milltek Sport Civic Cup, an exciting club level senior championship which takes place over seven race weekends at some of the UK’s most prestigious race tracks. He races a Civic Cup spec EP3 Type R, with a top speed of 130mph on track, which is a big step up from the 2021 season when he raced a Saxo in the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Will has taken an unusual path into the notoriously expensive world of motorsport. He has developed his craft by racing online in sims (virtual racing simulators) - then realised he was pretty good at it! He made the final selection in a scholarship competition, where he was noticed by Westbourne Motorsports and was offered a semi funded drive for the remaining half season in juniors. He wants to continue developing his skills as a mechanic, as it gives him a secure qualification and also helps him to understand how his car works. Watch at

bit.ly/WillRedfordFirstRace

Students impress at inter-college competition Talented students from Reaseheath and partner colleges from Cheshire and Warrington proved they have outstanding skills by impressing judges at a new inter-college competition. The Cheshire Skills Competition, a collaboration between Reaseheath, Warrington & Vale Royal College, Macclesfield College and Cheshire College South & West, enabled the sharing of good practice and expertise and was aimed at developing world class skills, confidence and life skills. Categories were hosted by different member colleges, with Reaseheath holding the automotive competition in our Centre for Advanced Engineering and Agri-Technology. Teams of motor vehicle students who are studying for a Level 3 or Level 2 IMI Diploma in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair were challenged to remove and replace a cylinder head gasket on a stand mounted engine and were then

bit.ly/CheshireSkillsAutomotive quizzed by professionals to test their depth of knowledge. Teams from all participating colleges won awards. All students enjoyed a brilliant day representing their college and mixing with peers, and it was a similar story when five of our student bricklayers and joiners contested the construction category hosted by Warrington & Vale Royal College. All five were placed in the top three in their section and are now entered into the regional WorldSkills UK competition, at Bolton College. They will be joined by three student plasterers for this competition, and hopefully some will qualify for the WorldSkills UK finals.

Fantastic season for footballers Reaseheath’s five talented football teams have ended their best season to date by winning or being highly placed in all their league tables. Our alliance with the Crewe Alexandra Football Education Academy gives top playing students the chance to represent Crewe Alexandra Football Club in the Community and Education Football Alliance League (EFL), while our membership of the Association of Colleges (AoC) Sport enables us to contest the English College’s Football Association (ECFA) league. We are also able to offer additional coaching sessions and a tailored training programme within Crewe Alexandra’s academy alongside our Level 2 and Level 3 Sports courses and to first year undergraduates on our BSc (Hons) in Football Coaching. This paid off supremely, with our Category 1 Men’s Team winning the EFL league (North Central 1). Our other four teams, including our

Watch at

women’s team, also enjoyed success in the ECFA league. Another great privilege for our footballers was the chance to play a league fixture against Burnley Football Club’s affiliated team at Crewe Alexandra’s Mornflake Stadium. This thrilling match, won by Reaseheath 3-1, introduced our players to a high match atmosphere and gave non playing sports students the chance to support the team and spectate at a professional ground. Watch at

bit.ly/RHC-CreweAlexVsBurnleyFC

Funds roll in for RAG Our students have proved their determination to ‘make a difference’ by raising considerable funds for charity despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. Members of our Student Association (SA) handed over a cheque for nearly £15,500, raised over a two year period spanning lockdown, to children’s charity Make-A-Wish UK. This tremendous effort will help to make the wishes of ten young people with critical illnesses come true. The funds were raised through Raising and Giving (RAG) virtual activities and individual challenges included SA members covering more than the distance between Lands’ End and John O’Groats (874 miles /1,407 km) in a week by walking around their local parks. Our construction department raised over £1000 by making and selling garden planters, four SA members ran a half marathon in London, raising £1,500, and an agriculture student completed a sponsored sky dive. Watch at

bit.ly/RH-MAW-21

Fundraising for this academic year’s RAG charities, Hope House Children’s Hospices and Body Positive, reached an impressive total of over £13,000. Main events have included another daring sky dive, this time by five SA members, and our hard working RAG team also organised and tackled the 35 mile Sandstone Trail across challenging Cheshire terrain. We also had numerous other fund raising events during RAG month. n In addition to our RAG charities, animal management students collectively walked, ran or cycled over 10,000 miles to raise funds for the RSPCA n All departments were involved in collecting non perishable food, household items, toiletries and treats to make up a bumper Christmas delivery for Nantwich Foodbank n Our Wellbeing team organised the biggest cross college charity collection we have ever seen for those affected by the war in Ukraine.

Apprenticeships Politicians praise industry focused apprenticeships Two senior politicians have paid tribute to the way our College and University Centre shape our apprenticeship programmes to meet current and future requirements of industry. Minister of State for Higher & Further Education, Michelle Donelan MP, and MP for Eddisbury, Edward Timpson CBE, both praised Reaseheath’s efforts to deliver transferable and work-ready skills which meet the demands of fast evolving markets and, crucially, make apprentices more employable. Their remarks came during a campus visit in celebration of National Apprenticeship Week. Our Westminster visitors enjoyed meeting agriculture, engineering, horticulture and butchery apprentices and seeing the hi-tech teaching facilities on campus, many of which have been supported financially by the Government. The politicians viewed Reaseheath’s impressive robotic milking parlour and data hub, and heard from several Level 2 Stockperson apprentices, who praised their learning experience and supportive lecturers. They also chatted to apprentice service engineers from throughout the UK whose employers have chosen Reaseheath as their preferred trainer. Watch at bit.ly/RHC-MP-Visit22

Watch at bit.ly/RHC-WorldSkillsButcheryFinals

WorldSkills UK gold for apprentice butcher Former butchery apprentice Jason Edwards proved he is the nation’s best by winning a gold medal at the WorldSkills UK Butchery national finals. Jason completed his FDQ Diploma in Professional Butchery Level 2 with us and manages Littlers Butchers, a high street shop in Hartford. This is his second medal at national level and follows the bronze award which he won at the WorldSkillsUK finals in 2019. He has now moved up to international level and will represent Team GB in the ‘young butcher’ category at the World Butchers Challenge in California, USA, in September. The seven WorldSkills UK finalists included a second Reaseheath Level 2 butchery apprentice, Richard Silverman

WorldSkills UK is the nation’s largest celebration of vocational skills training. The finals are normally held at the NEC, Birmingham, but were awarded to specialist regional centres due to Covid-19 challenges. Reaseheath’s outstanding butchery facilities were selected as the venue for the butchery finals.

Lewis rides high Former Level 2 Equine Groom Apprentice Lewis Ecclestone is riding high as a liveried helper at the royal stables at Windsor Castle. Lewis, 19, is a member of the team which cares for around 20 of the Queen’s ceremonial horses and prepares them for duties such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee parade. Since joining the Royal Household last summer he has gained the privilege of exercising the horses in Windsor Great Park, and is now learning how to drive a carriage and how to ride postillion on a horse which is drawing the carriage. Lewis originally applied for his dream job when he was 16 but was asked to reapply when he was 18. He used the

from The Lambing Shed Farm Shop, Knutsford. The contestants completed two days of intense competition, demonstrating technical expertise and professionalism and working to UK and international standards.

time to complete a Reaseheath equine apprenticeship based at Poplars Farm Riding School, Staffordshire. As well as helping him through his interview and riding assessment, he reports that he continues to use all the skills and knowledge he gained at college….and that he’s having an amazing time!

IMI supports carbon neutral future www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk/food-science/foundation-degree-in-dairytechnology-project-eden

Apprentice successes at international cheese awards Cheeses produced by apprentice dairy technologists on our degree level Eden programme won gold and silver awards at the International Cheese and Dairy Awards - proving our students are capable of manufacturing cheeses which are among the best in the world! Apprentices David Lawley (Muller Telford), Stephanie Nish (Arla Lockerbie), Abigail Matthews (Saputo Davidstow) and Jodie Wild (Arla Settle), made the cheddar cheeses in our industry standard food processing halls during training sessions with our experienced tutors. The awards came in the Student Cheesemakers class at the international show, which attracted over 4000 entries and is part of the world’s biggest and most prestigious cheese festival. Classes are highly competitive and

winning entries must be outstanding in flavour, texture and taste. All 11 apprentices in the current Eden cohort, along with 13 Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology and Management students, also stewarded for top judges and networked with senior industry professionals.

Automotive electrification and how it is driving towards a carbon neutral future was the main topic for discussion when our awarding body partners, The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), visited our progressive Engineering Apprenticeship Academy. The academy is home to the UK’s first dedicated bus and coach academy and our visitors were keen to see how we have worked with industry partner First Bus to provide a comprehensive and relevant apprenticeship programme for the company’s apprentices.

Our Eden programme is a unique higher level education initiative, driven and supported by leading dairy companies which recognise the importance of investing in talented employees.

Accolades for construction plant apprentices A construction plant apprentice who remained focused despite serious illness has been recognised with a national accolade. Lucy O’Rourke, who works for Sunbelt Rentals, received the Judges Special Award at the Construction Plant-hire Association’s ‘Stars of the Future Awards’. The prestigious competition is an annual industry highlight and recognises outstanding engineering apprentices who have the potential to be sector leaders. Judges selected Lucy after hearing that, despite being hospitalised with Covid-19 complications, she completed her college studies and remained keen to return to work. A second Reaseheath apprentice, Beth Doel from HSS Hire, was also a national winner for her inspiring and well conveyed personal statement. We took a further five regional awards and Reaseheath itself was runner up in the

‘College of the Year’ category, resulting in us being the overall most successful training provider.

Michelle Barrett, Business Development Manager, and Tony Lawson, End Point Assessment Manager, toured the training facilities and gave a presentation on the benefits of IMI student membership to the First Bus apprentices. First impressions were excellent, with Michelle commenting: “The retail automotive industry is a dynamic and exciting sector which is evolving rapidly. This forward thinking academy is exactly what we need to ensure a seamless move to zero emissions.” Watch at bit.ly/IMI-Visit-REAA

Industry Excellence Networking event for veterinary practices Professionals from over 20 registered veterinary practices attended a networking event which we held during Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month. This was a partnered event with the British Veterinary Nursing Association and gave attendees the opportunity to discuss relevant topics such as industry challenges, recruitment, skills gaps and staff wellbeing, plus the chance to obtain Continuing Professional Development. Headline speaker was Stephanie Sorrell, a European Specialist in Internal Medicine and RCVS specialist in Feline Medicine, who is also passionate about improving wellbeing within the veterinary profession. Topics for discussion included the clinical coach support we offer and the importance of mentors and strong leadership. Attendees also toured our specialist Centre of Veterinary Nursing, many leaving excellent feedback. Over 80 training practices have apprentices with us or take our students on work experience. For more about our veterinary nursing degrees, diplomas and apprenticeships see: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/courses/ veterinary-nursing For more about upcoming industry sector events see: https://reaseheathbusinesshub. com/events

Third industry accolade for Food Centre Our outstanding Food Processing Halls team has achieved the highest standard of food safety and hygiene within a food production facility for the third consecutive year. Following a rigorous audit against the latest BRCGS (British Retail Consortium Global Standard) Version 8, the team, led by Quality Assurance Co-ordinator Laura Bateman, was again awarded the prestigious AA standard. This is the highest benchmark for best practice in food manufacture and proof that our Food Centre operates under highly controlled conditions and at the highest industry standards. This benefits both our students and business partners who use our dedicated trial facilities for new product development. These include Oceanium, a biotechnology company which develops bio-packaging and food products from sustainably farmed seaweed. We offer online and in-house training courses in partnership with key awarding bodies. See how we can help your business: www.reaseheathbusinesshub.com/ food-centre-facilities

We are working in partnership with the University of Chester to establish an Institute of Sustainability and Food Innovation. This institute will combine our state-of-the-art facilities, including a food science research laboratory currently under construction, to support testing, trials and research, and will further develop our strong collaboration with the food and drink industry. The institute will explore and establish new methods of food production across the supply chain, from source to consumer, driving efficient and sustainable practices which mitigate environmental impact and improve food quality and nutritional value. This outstanding resource will educate degree and diploma students and be used by professional partners, further strengthening our collaboration with the food and drink industry.

Electrification training for Bentley Our motor vehicle team is delivering bespoke electrification training for Bentley Motors, helping the company to meet an increased need for skilled technicians in this fast changing area. The High Voltage Level B course is offered to selected employees involved in Bentley’s progression to hybrid and all electric vehicles and who require specific training within their current roles. The training, which combines online and practical learning, is delivered at our new Engineering Apprenticeship Academy, where we have a hybrid Bentley Bentayga for training purposes. Bentley has invested in focused training for Motor Vehicle Programme Leader Wayne Dyson to ensure that the course aligns to the Volkswagen Group’s levels of training.

Food Innovation Hub

We have also developed a bespoke Hi Voltage e-Learnng refresher programme for Bentley’s specialist engineers, enabling the company to ensure alignment of processes and procedures. This provides a comprehensive e-Learning and assessment package combining online theory with a practical assessment on the vehicle.

BHS Chief Executive praises sector partnerships

Zero Carbon Conference attracts widespread support A virtual conference aimed at tackling climate change, hosted by Reaseheath, attracted over 200 businesses, organisations and individuals. We and partners Cheshire East Council and Sustainable Nantwich organised the Cheshire Net Zero Carbon Conference as a regional response to COP26. Our aim was to support and guide businesses and organisations across all sectors to successfully meet regional, national and global net zero carbon targets. Other event supporters included Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce,

the Institute of Chartered Accountants, the University of Chester, the National Farmers Union, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) and utilities company EQUANS. Our headline speaker was Jonathon Porritt CBE, a renowned international environmental expert, writer, broadcaster and campaigner, followed by keynote lectures from sustainability specialists and a session to help businesses measure carbon usage and begin planning for change. Attendees indicated they are committed to a localised net zero programme. Watch at

bit.ly/RHC-NetZeroConference

The Chief Executive of the British Horse Society (BHS), James Hick, praised our thriving sector partnerships when he visited Reaseheath’s Equestrian Centre during our annual Equine Industry Week. The initiative puts the spotlight on the diverse equine careers available and encourages students to consider their options. James toured our training facilities and learned about the ways we work with employers to ensure our courses are relevant to the equine industry. He was particularly impressed by our efforts to align our training to match the requirements of employers through collaborative partnerships and noted our strong links with industry bodies. He was also delighted that students can study for BHS qualifications alongside their college studies. Throughout Equine Industry Week our students benefit from the knowledge and experience of a range of visiting professionals and also enjoy study trips to commercial businesses and charities.

Partnership pioneers advanced construction training Our Construction department is partnering Cheshire Surveys, land surveyors and setting out engineers, in an initiative to deliver advanced digital and skills training to students and apprentices, plus professional and technical qualifications to those already working in construction and allied industries. The Advanced Construction Training (ACT) project, funded by Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, enables selected colleges to partner with leading sector employers and to invest in sophisticated digital surveying equipment.

have the latest technical equipment and design software including digital surveying equipment, auto-CAD and VR headsets.

The collaboration aims to develop and promote skills in new technology which will help companies of all sizes to build high quality, sustainable and efficient buildings and infrastructures. Our partnership with Cheshire Surveys is providing direct insight into advanced technology and practices and as an ACT Centre of Excellence we are privileged to

Watch at

bit.ly/RHC-JamesHick

Community News Reaseheath Remembers Reaseheath united to mark Remembrance Day in honour of the people and animals who made and continue to make sacrifices during conflict. A campus-wide effort delivered 142 knitted or crocheted poppies which were used to create a display of the number 100, linking the centenary of the Royal British Legion with our own 100th birthday.

Reaseheath is new home for Nantwich Show Nantwich Agricultural Society has announced the relaunch of the Nantwich Show – and it’s coming to Reaseheath! The show will celebrate its 125th anniversary on fields to the rear of our campus and will be a fantastic event, as we’re also celebrating our own centenary.

Sustainability and innovation will be at the heart of the show’s agenda and the programme will offer a spectacular range of animals, technologies, businesses and family entertainment.

One of our community’s most popular events, the Nantwich Show had been held annually for more than 70 years but was forced to cancel in 2019 due to heavy rain and for a further two years due to Covid-19.

Chairman of the Nantwich Agricultural Society, Michael-John Parkin said: “There is a perfect synergy between the Nantwich Show and Reaseheath. We are very much looking forward to welcoming the public back to this well loved event at the heart of our community.”

The eagerly awaited comeback has been welcomed by the Nantwich Show volunteer team and by Reaseheath. Watch at

bit.ly/RHC-RemembranceDay2021 Building Heroes military veterans gathered at our flagpole to honour the fallen. Our construction department has a long history of retraining these veterans in property maintenance and is hugely successful in supporting them in their career change. Our countryside department made a display of wooden crosses, our agricultural department decorated its model cow, and other tributes included a portrait of a carrier pigeon by animal management students and commemorative cakes from our bakers. Equine students plaited poppies into the manes of horses, engineering students learned how military vehicles advanced during wartime and our florists made a sustainable wreath which was laid at Nantwich War Memorial by our Principal, Marcus Clinton.

www.nantwichshow.org

The Nantwich Agricultural Society is actively recruiting new volunteers, sponsors and exhibitors. Please email info@nantwichshow.co.uk if you could support the Nantwich Show, either now or in the future.

Nantwich Buddies thanked for support Local volunteers received a surprise ‘thank you’ for their invaluable support of our Covid lateral flow test centre, which in turn helped us to ensure a safe return to campus. Nantwich Buddies, a community volunteer support network, aided our own testing team daily for two weeks by registering and marshalling students, staff and visitors and by cleaning and disinfecting the testing booths. Nearly 6000 lateral flow tests were administered and the extent of measures put in place enabled face to face teaching to resume as seamlessly as possible. We showed our appreciation of the volunteers’ hard work by presenting them with hand tied floral bouquets, Reaseheath cheese and vouchers for college activities.

Louise Woodman, Director of People and Culture, also thanked staff and student volunteers for ‘going the extra mile’ in helping to ensure the smooth running of the test centre.

Watch at

bit.ly/RHC-FieldToFork-March22

Pupils create healthy ‘Field to Fork’ meal Pupils from Wrenbury Primary School are learning about sustainable food production and healthy eating as part of a ‘Field to Fork’ initiative run by Reaseheath. The pupils are using our Food Centre to prepare nutritious dishes which include salads and vegetables they have previously sown at college. They are being supervised in their meal preparation by our Level 3 Diploma in Food Technology and Management students led by Simon Radley, former executive chef and director of catering at The Chester Grosvenor. Simon, who completed over 30 years at the five-star hotel, has designed

recipes for tasty treats such as pumpkin flat bread, soda bread, hummus, oakleaf salad and fusilli pasta with pea shoots, and trained our students in its preparation. The pupils are enjoying their practical sessions in our Food Centre and glasshouses, and have even germinated vegetable seeds in our vertical farm so they can compare the growth under this sophisticated system.

Scout group enjoys new base Nantwich’s 38th South West Cheshire Scout Group has a new base at our construction department while the group prepares for the demolition and rebuild of its headquarters. The collaboration benefits both partners, as the scouts, cubs and beavers can now meet at our roomy carpentry workshops or classroom, while our T Level students and apprentices will potentially become involved in site surveying and practical construction at the new headquarters. The scout group is also offering to support students in gaining Queens Scouts or Duke of Edinburgh awards

or in taking on leadership roles within scouting, and also supplied and ran its climbing wall at our Family Festival. Andy Gould, Curriculum Area Manager for Construction, said: “I am delighted that we have such a productive community partnership, particularly as we share the same values in helping to shape the young people of today, both mentally and physically.”

Amputee footballers impress global influencers We are proud to be the national base for the England Amputee Football Association (EAFA) and were delighted to welcome visits from freestyle footballers and global influencers Billy Wingrove and Kieran Brown in the run-up to the European Amputee Football Championships. Billy filmed his sessions with the EAFA’s elite squad for ‘The F2’ YouTube channel, while Kieran invited national goalkeeper Thomas Atkinson to join him on our all weather pitch for a series of challenges. All the players who were involved demonstrated spectacular moves and both Billy and Kieran were in awe of their skills and with our fantastic facilities. EAFA was set up in 1990 to improve access to football for those with a limb disability and is credited with raising awareness of the game and ultimately changing perceptions within the sport.

Alumni News Antarctic adventures for Dan Dan Lewis, a former Level 3 Construction Plant Engineering Apprentice, has enjoyed his second incredible Antarctic experience as one of three vehicle engineering managers overseeing the heavy duty vehicles which provide logistical support to the British Antarctic Survey.

Graduates enjoy sweet taste of success Three Foundation Degree in Bakery and Patisserie Technology 2021 graduates are enjoying the sweet taste of success after opening their own businesses. Abi Donaldson and Georgina Nixon have formed a partnership and are running their own cake and coffee shop, The Northern Cakery Co., in Chorley providing sweet treats for all occasions. They both ran successful online cake businesses while UCR undergraduates and combine running their shop with meeting orders for preexisting and new online customers.

He is in charge of the traverse fleet, the expedition vehicles which haul the fuel, scientific equipment and supplies for the survey team, and describes his role as a great adventure, with the added incentive that he could be helping to solve climate crisis. He spends half the year in Antarctica and the remaining six months in the UK testing how mechanisms react in low temperatures, modifying equipment and preparing them for shipping.

Nairobi internship for Charlotte Passionate about primates, Charlotte Daniels has secured a rare internship in Nairobi, Kenya, with the United Nations Environment Programme Great Ape Survival Partnership, a collaboration of governments, research institutions, United Nations agencies, conservation organisations and the private sector. After graduating from our BSc (Hons) Zoo Management (First Class) in 2015 she gained two seasonal jobs at UK wildlife parks, then volunteered at a chimpanzee rescue centre in Cameroon. She then became a chimpanzee caregiver at Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre, Dorset, for four years during which time she completed her MSc Primate Conservation, had her first piece of research published and was invited to apply for her internship.

Charlotte Lawler is also enjoying the buzz of running her own cake shop after launching Cakeologyco online while an undergraduate. She too built up a regular customer base via Instagram and FaceBook and has now extended her range of bespoke cakes, cup cakes, brownies and treats at her Bolton shop. Previously Level 2 and Level 3 Diploma in Professional Bakery students, they say that the creative and business skills they gained at both college and university gave them the confidence to take their projects forward. Their additional professional certificates and advice from our Business Hub were the icing on the cake!

In the future she hopes to work for a global conservation organisation, helping to implement government policies.

Stay connected! We love to keep in touch with former students through our growing alumni community. Whether you’re continuing with studies, entering employment or progressing in your career, please let us know how you’re getting on.

Find out more at: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/alumni

Reaseheath at a glance... n SUBJECT AREAS

Further and Higher Education and Apprenticeships

Powerful anti-violence campaign launched A powerful campaign emphasising that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated has been launched across Reaseheath’s campus and across the campuses of our academic partner, the University of Chester. Cheshire’s ‘Reflect and Respect’ campaign has been funded as part of the UK Government’s national Safer Streets initiative and received £550,000 thanks to a successful bid from John Dwyer, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire. Our partners include RASASC (Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre) Cheshire and Merseyside, Cheshire Constabulary and Chester Students’ Union. Measures to ensure students feel safer on and off campus include enhanced lighting and CCTV cameras, the development of a student safety app and the introduction of safe spaces for students who feel threatened.

There are also plans for a safe taxi scheme which allows students to use their student ID card to get home if they feel unsafe. Selected staff members have been specially trained as First Responders in the event of disclosures of sexual misconduct, and we have Sexual Violence Liaison Officers to provide ongoing support to students or staff. Thought-provoking posters, billboards and digital signage are alerting students and staff to sexual violence and controlling behaviours, and we are also able to access workshops promoting acceptable behaviour and encouraging healthy relationships.

NHS Silver Award for student wellbeing Reaseheath has been honoured by health chiefs for our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our students. We were proud to become the first college in Cheshire to receive a Silver Award for Self Care from the NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The award recognises our extensive efforts to provide our students with information and guidance on how to maintain good physical and mental health and on how to manage minor ailments effectively. These have included displaying self care posters and leaflets across campus, holding regular discussion of wellbeing issues at student and staff meetings and the introduction of mental health checklists in student bedrooms. The checklists

offer tips such as checking in with friends and taking regular breaks from social media. We have also appointed Self Care Champions from among students and staff and have developed a wellbeing plan based on the findings of a student survey.

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Adventure Sports Agriculture Agricultural Engineering Animal Management Business and Events Management Construction Environmental Conservation, Arboriculture, Fish Management, Game and Wildlife Management Entry and Foundation Learning Equine Floristry Horticulture Food Technology Motor Vehicle Public Services Sport

n STUDENTS Further Education: 2,200 Higher Education: 699 Apprenticeships: 600 Residential students: 690 Students using college transport: 660 Students supported with bursaries: 502 n STAFF Total Staff: 597 n ESTATE College grounds: 21 hectares Owned and rented farm land: 252.52 hectares Land leased to Crewe Alexandra Football Club: 6 hectares n INCOME Academic year 2020/21: £35.6 million n FACILITIES Onsite accommodation for up to 1,000; seven catering outlets; student lounge/ bar; learning resource centre/library; dedicated HE classrooms, lecture theatres and study pods; HE lounge and bar; two sports halls; sports pitches; multi gym; equestrian centre; campus farm; mini zoo; licensed food factory; vertical farm.

The award was presented to Safeguarding Officer James Payne and Student Life Officer Rachel Stoddard by CCG Community Engagement Manager Leanne Hill. We’re now preparing to apply for a Gold Award, which will ensure that our staff enjoy an equally high level of wellbeing support. For more information visit:

www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk

Come and see us! The carnival atmosphere of our Family Festival, the thrill of meeting newborns at our Lambing Weekends and the chance to learn more about the friendly residents of our mini zoo are just some of the reasons visitors pour onto campus each year. Our mini zoo is open to the public during most school holidays and at weekends, and our animals are always pleased to see visitors! We have a zoo school for young people and we run fun birthday parties and ‘Keeper for the Day’. There are also competitions at our Equestrian Centre most weekends, and we hire out our sports facilities. We hold regular open days for potential students and undergraduates, and taster sessions for specific subjects like construction, bakery or floristy. We also offer over 100 courses for adults, ranging from hobby tuition to professional qualifications, and we have a new Forest College, designed to re-engage young people with learning.

To find out more visit

www.reaseheath.ac.uk (College)

www.ucreaseheath.ac.uk (University Centre)

www.reaseheath.ac.uk/zoo www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ adult-learners

www.reaseheath.ac.uk Reaseheath College, Nantwich Cheshire CW5 6DF | 01270 613242

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