Reaseheath100: Recent Episodes
Reaseheath College
Reaseheath100 is a legacy podcast that delves into the archives of Reaseheath College, Cheshire’s leading land-based education establishment set in acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of Nantwich.
Each episode a member of the student or staff alumni will be interviewed about their memories of life at Reaseheath. If you would like to be feature, please contact alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk
Colin Baxter began his career at Reaseheath College in the 1980's as a farm vet lecturer before returning as a Governor.
Colin Baxter is now a Governor at Reaseheath College having arrived in Nantwich as a student farm vet qualifying in 1979.
Colin found himself being invited in to cover various agricultural lessons in 1980 and went on become a regular tutor of vet studies with Pat Cullen and Peter Green over about 10 years.
Part 2 of Colin's podcast follows as he becomes a Governor at Reaseheath College.
Graeme Lavery speaks to Lizzy Parkin about his role as Vice Principal and Finance Director at Reaseheath College.
Phil Marsden spoke to Lizzy Parkin during an open day at Reaseheath College. Phil spoke of his fond memories of life at Reaseheath and in Nantwich in the 90s and his hopes for his son joining the family business in the future
Adam Taylor recently graduated from University Centre Reaseheath with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Listen to his memories and experiences to date.
Andy Gibson talks to Lizzy Parkin during a visit to Reaseheath to share his experiences of Landscape Architecture with potential students
Kirsty Howarth chats to Lizzy Parkin about her experience at Reaseheath University Centre following her exciting career change into Landscape Architecture.
Sam Walton chats to Lizzy Parkin at the Cheshire Show about his life as a Reaseheath student and member of staff.
Lyndsey Hunter spoke to Lizzy Parkin at the Cheshire Show about her experiences of Animal Management at Reaseheath College and progressing onto a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Lynsdey now runs an animal handling workshop taking animals into schools with her business http://www.animalstakeover.co.uk/ (Animals Take Over).
Lyndsey Hunter spoke to Lizzy Parkin at the Cheshire Show about her experiences of Animal Management at Reaseheath College and progressing onto a degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Lynsdey now runs an animal handling workshop taking animals into schools with her business http://www.animalstakeover.co.uk/ (Animals Take Over).
Jackie talks about her RHS course at Reaseheath and how it set her on a new pathway to her dream of running her own business. Jackie owns Canalside Nursery in Wrenbury and enjoys putting all her horticultural knowledge to good use with her customers.
Jackie talks about her RHS course at Reaseheath and how it set her on a new pathway to her dream of running her own business. Jackie owns Canalside Nursery in Wrenbury and enjoys putting all her horticultural knowledge to good use with her customers.
Student Ambassador and graduate Rebecca Thornton talks about her Reaseheath experience and support she received from Wellbeing.
Student Ambassador and graduate Rebecca Thornton talks about her Reaseheath experience and support she received from Wellbeing.
To wrap up our series talking to students at Presentation of Awards, Liz talked to Felix Rowan-Young about his inspirational journey through Reaseheath College and University Centre. Felix is now a freelance outdoor educator and volunteers on the Chester Zoo Youth Board.
To wrap up our series talking to students at Presentation of Awards, Liz talked to Felix Rowan-Young about his inspirational journey through Reaseheath College and University Centre. Felix is now a freelance outdoor educator and volunteers on the Chester Zoo Youth Board.
Liz Parkin continues her interviews at the 2022 Presentation of Awards at Reaseheath College. Declan's tutor Cath Pilsbury starts by telling Liz how wonderful it has been to teach Declan who has been at Reaseheath for three years and began as a very shy teenager. Hear about Declan's fantastic story about how he has overcome some huge challenges in his young life with the help of the Foundation department at Reaseheath.
Closely following on from episode 38, Liz speaks to Lexi, daughter of Jill who graduated from the Access to Higher Education course in 2022. Lexi talks about how happy she was to receive the Outstanding Student of the Year award at the Reaseheath College Presentation of Awards service. Lexi and her mum Jill talk about how beneficial the course has been for her and how patient and supportive the tutors have been. Lexi is back at University Centre Reaseheath in September for a degree in Vet Nursing.
Initially Liz spoke to Charles' tutor Heather Hulse who shares her delight at Charles' distinction. Charles is on the Autistic spectrum and talks confidently how he has managed his condition and enjoyed improving his confidence by being Student Rep and interacting with his peers.
Liz Parkin met mother and daughter who did the same Access to Higher Education course 12 years apart. Jill talks about how the course helped her to meet lots of new people, improve her skills and re-learn how to study again. Liz also spoke to Jayne, course leader who remembers teaching Jill, and more recently her daughter Lexi who is featured in the next episode.
Liz Parkin enjoyed speaking to students at the 2022 Presentation of Awards held at Reaseheath College in June. Hannah completed her Technical Baccalaureate in Equine which is equivalent to 4.5 A Levels which includes maths and business so she is set for an exciting career in the equine industry.
Liz Parkin spoke to Daniel Burgoyne at the Reaseheath College Presentation of Awards 2022
Following on from Level 3 Business graduate Libby Bulkeley, Liz Parkin speaks with her Dad Ian about his memories of life as an agric student at Reaseheath in the 1980s and the big changes he has witnessed since. Ian also talks about his lifelong involvement in Cheshire Young Farmers and the Nantwich club. In April 2022 Ian and two friends Garry Walker and Fred Mottram (both ex Reaseheath students) hosted a 24-hour vintage tractor ploughathon in aid of Prostrate Cancer nd raised a staggering £12,500.
Liz Parkin spoke to Equine student Hallie Binyon at the Reaseheath College Presentation of Awards 2022
Liz Parkin spoke to Equine student Chloe Ball at the Reaseheath College Presentation of Awards 2022 about her award
Dee Sling, course leader for business, has nominated Libby Bulkeley for an award as she is an “all round fantastic student”. Libby speaks about her experience with staff at https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) over the last two years. Amazingly, Libby has secured an apprenticeship with Aldi (something that is hard to come by). Well done! Libby's father studied at Reaseheath so it is a really important place for her to remember today.
Phil Dale chats to Lynne Lomax about his experience at https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) . After leaving school with no qualifications at 15, Phil joined Reaseheath when he was 18. This led him to complete his A-Levels and go to Aberystwyth University when he was 21. During this time, Phil met his wife at Reaseheath! Since then, Phil has had a varied career but based upon plant genetics. Phil shares memories of his experiences at Reaseheath and after a tour, he shares his views on the campus today.
Peter Clark visited https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) with his family and shared his memories of his mother's time at Reaseheath. Peter’s mother, who lived in Nantwich, studied cheese making and his father, who lived in Yorkshire, studied Poultry. They met each other whilst studying at Reaseheath in 1935. Peter, who has had an interest in cows from an early age, shares his reaction to the robotic milking parlour when he saw it on his tour of Reaseheath’s campus. The amazing facilities on Reaseheath’s campus opened Peter’s eyes and are something that students today “should take advantage of”. Peter kindly donated milking memorabilia in the form of a cheese press to Reaseheath. Thank you!
Abi Donaldson and Georgina Nixon speak to Lizzy Parkin at their graduation from University Centre Reaseheath. Wanting a very specific based course, Abi from Bolton chose https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) and studied bakery. With no real interest in academic subjects, Georgina from Crewe wanted to study a more focused course at college. Since graduating in 2021, Abi and Georgina have opened a cake shop together in Chorley, Lancashire called http://www.thenortherncakeryco.com/ (The Northern Cakery Co) doing walk-ins and cakes to order. Reaseheath has given Abi and Georgina great memories to treasure forever.
Charlotte started with a Level 2 course in baking, progressed into Level 3 and onto her Foundation Degree at University Centre Reaseheath. Since graduation Charlotte has opened a business called https://www.facebook.com/cakeologyco1 (Cakology Co) and now has her own shop on a busy high street in Bolton. Charlotte and Sam share their fond memories of times at Reaseheath, including some lovely comments from mum!
Liz Parkin enjoyed a very informative and inspirational conference called https://cultivateconference.co.uk/ (Cultivate) hosted by https://www.hillsgreen.co.uk/ (Hillsgreen Marketing) at Heaton House Wedding venue between Macclesfield and Congleton. In this episode, Liz speaks to past student Danny Newton and his middle-year placement host Mick Heath, owner of Heaton House Farm. In 2003 Danny started the 3-year Diploma in Agriculture and spent his middle-year working with Mick, the 6th generation of his family to run the farm. Mick talks about his longtime support of Reaseheath and our placement students and the developments over at Heaton House from a working farm to a very popular (and stunning) wedding venue. Danny talks about his passion for farming and teaching people about the field-to-fork agenda including life at his farm where he milks the cows then delivers the milk to his local community.
Sam Copeland started her https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) journey as a student and is now a very popular lecturer on the Bakery and Patisserie course. Sam has been with Reaseheath as a full-time member of staff for nine years. Sam says that teaching allows her to make a difference to young people’s lives whilst doing a hobby that she loves! Sam graduated from her foundation degree and earned her Bachelor of Science before catching the “education bug” and studying to become a teacher. She speaks about a cake that her and her students have created for https://reaseheath100.com/ (Reaseheath 100)…
Meredydd David was Principal at Reaseheath from 2004 – 2018. Before this, he had worked on a farm in Aberystwyth until his early forties. During this time, Meredydd had been a lecturer in the county agricultural college where he progressed to be head of the land-based department. From there, Meredydd was appointed Vice Principal of Sparsholt college in Hampshire from 1998-2004. Meredydd speaks of the highlights of his time at Reaseheath, including the outstanding status given to the college by Ofsted and a visit to Reaseheath from the Queen. In retirement, Meredydd has supported colleges in difficulty, helping them to improve and recover.
Peter Brand joined Reaseheath on 1 January 1965 and look early retirement in 2002 and talks to Lizzy Parkin about his teaching journey that began in Berkshire. Peter was an Extra Mural coordinator visiting "Extra Mural" students which literally means "Outside the Wall" in Latin. He has lots of memories of colleagues and course delivery and considers his biggest claim to fame, was being one of the founders of the Student Bar! In 1992 staff numbers were cut by the Cheshire Country council restructure so Peter seized his opportunity for early retirement.
Laura graduated from Animal Management at Reaseheath in 2011 having just moved back to the UK from Canada. She wasn't completely sure what way her career would take her, but she knew her passions of animals and photography needed to be featured. Laura spent five years feeling unfulfilled in her office job when an opportunity arose for her to join her Dad's business in doggy day care in Wybunbury. Listen to the wonderful activities (including nap time) that Laura entertains the dogs with. Find out more about Laura's business at https://www.tullysretreat.co.uk/ (Tully's Retreat )
Pat Cullen's joined Reaseheath in the 1960s on day release. From his early career as a pig farmer, he moved into teaching and found himself at Reaseheath College as a pig lecturer in 1983. Pat shares his memories of Principal George England who interviewed Pat both as a student in 1968 and also for his job nearly 20 years later. He was here during the transition from Cheshire County Council control to Reaseheath being independent. Pat fondly remembers the regular trips to John Parkin's (previous episode) at Mill Farm in Aston with his students, giving them taste of life in a proper family farm. Even in his retirement, Pat is still working in the field of agriculture and his son Mike, is a lecturer in our Agricultural Engineering team.
This interview with John Parkin, father in-law to the presenter Lizzy Parkin, was recorded back in April 21, long before the first ever episode of this Reaseheath100 Podcast series. Lizzy used John as a guinea-pig for her demo podcast which formed part of her interview to become the Marketing & Communications Manager. Thankfully she got the job! John had a long and varied connection with Reaseheath, from being a student in the 1950s, to then living in Reaseheath Old Hall and farming on the land when his family were tenants of Cheshire East. John moved to his own farm in Aston where he kept the relationship going by inviting students to visit their farm as part of their studies (more about this in the next episode with Pat Cullen) Sadly, John passed away in October 2021 before Lizzy had a chance to delve deeper into his memories, but at least we have this little snippet to share. Before he died, John's family commissioned a book about his life, over 200 copies sold in aid of the https://rabi.org.uk/about/ (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) (RABI) and raising almost £2,000. John, a stalwart of the Nantwich Agricultural Society will be fondly remembered at this years Nantwich Show, which, as it happens, moves to Reaseheath Old Hall for the first time in it's 125 year history!
Harry Delaney, retired horticultural lecturer was invited to join a staff alumni afternoon tea earlier in the year. During this chat with Lizzy, he takes us on a tour of the campus highlighting some particularly special plants. Harry joined https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath) in 1995 and retired when he was 71 but he makes regular visits back to assist students and current staff with projects and plant identification.
Every now and then, you meet a couple who radiate love and fondness for each other. Rachel and James Yuill are one of those couples. As winners in our Valentines "Did you find love at Reaseheath" competition, Rachel and James were invited back to enjoy afternoon tea with us. Listen to their lovely story...
To mark Valentines Day, Reaseheath launched a competition to find the most romantic stories from our alumni network. Couples were invited to share their memories of how they met, or what their Reaseheath wedding was like - did you know we host weddings here?! We caught up with soon to be Mr & Mrs Thompson who speak fondly of their time at Reaseheath
Vic Croxson was Principal of Reaseheath from 1987 until 2004. He was only the fourth principal following in footsteps of Lambert, W.B Mercer and George England. As the last principal to be appointed by Cheshire County Council who considered Reaseheath College as a jewel in their crown, Vic talks about the changes post-1993 when Reaseheath moved from local authority control to become incorporated as a further education corporation with a new set of freedoms and responsibilities. In this part 2 of this interview, Vic shares his memories of the second half of his career at Reaseheath.
Vic Croxson was Principal of Reaseheath from 1987 until 2004. He was only the fourth principal following in footsteps of Lambert, W.B Mercer and George England. As the last principal to be appointed by Cheshire County Council who considered Reaseheath College as a jewel in their crown, Vic talks about the changes pre-1993 when Reaseheath moved from local authority control to become incorporated as a further education corporation with a new set of freedoms and responsibilities. In Part 1 of this interview, Vic shares his memories of the first half of his career, tune in to Part 2 to find out about life post-Cheshire County Council.
Phil Gibbon has been an Agriculture tutor for over 20 years and talks fondly of his memories teaching self-confessed naughty boy "Little Ben" Nicholson in 2005. Ben also shares his experience of Reaseheath and how, after a year of doing animal care, he wanted to move into agriculture and now has his dream job of being a dairy herd manager. It's a heart-warming reunion between tutor and student at the Cheshire Show.
Tony Lavelle was confined to Reaseheath College in 1967 due to Foot & Mouth and he wasn't allowed to return to his family farm in the Wirral. He shares memories of life at Reaseheath during that time with moving tributes to friends who farms lost hundreds of cattle. Tony also shares lovely memories of fun times of student life, accommodation and how he had the canteen staff wrapped around his little finger! Now Tony's grandson is due to start at Reaseheath so we will interview him in 50 years time!
Dairy farming is in the blood of Jillian Pugh-Elkier, one of Reaseheath College's most recent Agricultural graduates. Jillian talks about her "energetic" life as a student, referring to student nights as "something else" with a twinkle in her eye. Jillian certainly enjoyed her time at Reaseheath, with a special mention of favourite tutor Mark Walton. Jillian is also keen to travel abroad and study dairy farming across the world to bring back to her home farm in Shropshire.
Geoff Briggs chatted to Lizzy Parkin about his long career at Reaseheath College spanning 30 years. Geoff, originally from Lancashire, planned to qualify, and work in, agriculture and during his training years he heard a lot about Reaseheath from his peers. Never planning to actually teach, an opportunity presented itself to Geoff and he started his first stint of https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/further-education/courses/agricultural-engineering/ (Agricultural Engineering )teaching in 1968 Within a few days Geoff met is wife Sue at Reaseheath and after ten months they were married. Tune in to hear about Geoff's return as Head of Engineering in 1981, followed by his role as Vice Principal alongside Principal Vic Croxson.
Visitors to the Reaseheath College stand at the Cheshire Show were in for a surprise treat when Lizzy Parkin met Twm Brunton from Flintshire. Twm spent five years at Reaseheath, firstly taking a https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/further-education/courses/forestry-and-arboriculture/ (Forestry and Arboriculture )and then continued on to https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/further-education/courses/agricultural-engineering/ (Agricultural Engineering). Twm now runs a forestry business combined with an agricultural machinery hire company. Just as the interview was coming to an end, Twm's college friend Chris Morecambe joined the conversation and informed Lizzy of Twm's special talent of singing in the shower. This is no ordinary singing - Twm is an incredibly talented Welsh Opera singer and gave us a little rendition... Enjoy!
Lizzy Parkin chats to Equine students Shelly Degnan and Honor Challand about their time at Reaseheath in 2016.
Lizzy Parkin spoke to Alan Moss at the Cheshire Trade Show in July 2021. Alan shared his memories about being a day release student travelling once a week from Lancashire to Reaseheath in the 1960s.
Lizzy Parkin met horticulturist Tom Deans in Nantwich town centre just as judging began for Nantwich's entry to the annualhttps://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom ( RHS Britain in Bloom) competition. This year, Reaseheath have added to the competition with a Reaseheath100 flowerbed. Glaswegian Tom Deans joined Reaseheath College in the 1970s as senior lecturer in horticulture. His role was to look after a trailblazing course that combined a slightly advanced level of horticulture with business supervision. This was in partnership with South Cheshire College who supported the delivery of the Supervisor Studies under the National Examination Board (NEBS). Tom retired from Reaseheath age 60 in 1994 as the Head of Horticulture but continued as a part time horticulture teacher for a further 20 years. Tom has also been very involved with the RHS as an examiner and assessor, and until Covid was paying regular visits to Reaseheath to assess the standards of the RHS courses offered. Find out about the https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/adult-learners/horticulture-courses-adult-learners/ (Horticulture, Floristry and RHS courses at Reaseheath here) or call 01270 625 131
We met Jason Smith at the Cheshire Show and he told us about his time at Reaseheath in 2013 as an apprentice. Jason needed an agricultural qualification in order to take over a farm tenancy and his apprenticeship allowed him the time to do this and carry on working. Jason has since traveled extensively around the world to see farming in many countries. In Australia he was inspired to set up his https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeflQt1q42z2shIaEaWr2vA (YouTube channel Udder Madness) to show people how farming works in the UK.
Lizzy Parkin chats to Lorraine and Graham Evans about their memories of life at Reaseheath College in the 1980s. Lorraine and Graham visited the college and recreated a very special photo - of their engagement 40 years previously! Read about their love story on the https://reaseheath100.com/mr-and-mrs-evans-what-a-reaseheath-romance/ (Reaseheath100) website. To share your memories of Reaseheath, please email alumni@reaseheath.ac.uk or call Susie Menlove on 01270 613 224
Marcus Clinton is just the 6th Principal in 100 years of https://www.reaseheath.ac.uk/ (Reaseheath College). Marcus talks about his background in, and passion for, land-based education.
Reaseheath100 is the celebration of 100 years of Reaseheath College, from humble beginnings as a small college offering certificate courses in agriculture, dairying, poultry husbandry and horticulture to a leading education establishment delivering further education courses, higher education degrees, apprenticeships and adult courses.
During the Reaseheath 100 Podcast we will be chatting to students and staff past and present about their memories of life at Reaseheath.