Derwen Fete Weekend success

There were happy faces and wagging tails aplenty when hundreds of visitors – including walkers, runners and pet dogs galore – enjoyed sunshine and fun when they attended Derwen College Fete Weekend, making it the College’s most successful fundraiser to date

The busy weekend from 27–28 May featured a sponsored walk, fun run, fete, dog show and dozens of crafts and gifts stalls. The event is expected to have generated a magnificent total of more than £25,000 for Derwen Charity, with sponsorship money still coming in.

Students past and present, families, staff, volunteers and the local community all visited the specialist further education college’s bustling Marketplace over the weekend.

The sponsored walk and fun run took place on Saturday. The winner of the 10k fun run was triathlete Ian Laing, Congratulations also to 79-year-old Olive Morris who raised more than £600 on her 53rd walk for the College. Several runners achieved the 10k distance for the first ever time, and many walkers and runners raised amazing amounts of money.

First ever dog show

On Sunday, the College’s first ever Dog Show was a huge success with crowds of well-behaved pooches lining up to compete in fun categories including waggiest tail, most handsome dog, cleverest dog and most appealing eyes. Judge Karen Boyce, of Beastly Thoughts Professional Dog Services, had an extremely difficult time choosing winners between such handsome and talented competitors.

Over the whole weekend, the College was host to up to 30 local artisan stallholders, there were games and activities, bouncy castles, and the College’s outlets were all open, including a very popular ice-cream stall selling Derwen-made ice-cream.

This was the first year that the specialist college, in Gobowen, had combined so many events into one bumper weekend.

Derwen College Principal and CEO Meryl Green thanked everyone who attended who helped make the weekend such a success.

She said: “It was wonderful to see so many people support Derwen, through walking, running, entering the dog show, or simply spending money on stalls and in our The Walled Garden Café, Orangery Restaurant, Garden Centre and Gift Shop and Vintage Advantage charity shop outlets.

“We enjoyed some glorious weather, and appreciated all the happy faces and lovely feedback from everyone who attended. We are delighted that the weekend has generated more than £25,000 across the Marketplace, and there’s still sponsorship money to come in.

“Thank you to everyone involved in making this our best fete yet!”

GOLD celebrations at the palace

A phenomenal 19 Derwen College students and graduates were at Buckingham Palace on Friday, receiving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at a reception hosted by Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. We are hugely proud that a total of 23 students and former students were invited to the palace to celebrate achieving the top Gold standard.

To reach Gold is extremely impressive, taking dedication and commitment. It’s no exaggeration to say that these intrepid young men and women have seen blood, sweat and tears along the way.

Graduate Mary collected her award from the palace earlier in the week, and student Ellie had to postpone her big day, and will be attending later in the year.

Thanks to Flora’s mum for sharing this lovely story about Flora’s special day:

“Flora and I had a lovely day and it was great to see the other Derwen students again and celebrate together. Flora had a small seizure when we were in the front courtyard of the palace (too excited!). We were taken inside the palace till she felt better and then instead of going back out and round to the garden we were taken by a footman through the palace and came out the door the king apparently uses. Flora is feeling very special now. Please pass our thanks and admiration to DofE Manager Steve for all that he helped out young people to achieve.”

Graduate Amy (AJ) enjoyed the day and took the opportunity to remember former student Caitlin, who sadly passed away two years ago, before she had the chance to complete her Gold Award. Amy wore a butterfly badge in remembrance of Caitlin
Amy said: “I’ve had an amazing day, it is a little bit sad as Caitlin should be with us making us laugh but I know she will be looking down on us.”

Former student Sam, says: “I was so proud to achieve my Gold DofE. It was the best feeling and we going to Buckingham Palace to celebrate with all my DofE friends was one of the best days of my life!”

Ciara’s Mum, Fiona, said: “Ciara had a wonderful time. She would never had achieved it this if Derwen staff hadn’t believed in her and given her the opportunities. Steve and his team have given her so much confidence.”

Congratulations to all our DofE legends.

Proud to be Natspec Award finalists

Derwen College is very proud to be shortlisted for two Natspec Innovation Awards.

These Natspec awards recognise and celebrate innovative practice in the specialist further education sector; practices that are improving outcomes for students.

We are Natspec Awards finalists in the Innovative Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing category. This is for a hearing project run by our nurses team alongside NHS England. The Hearing Checks Project highlighted the need for regular ear checks for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. This was especially important for students vulnerable to hearing problems. We also looked at how to make hearing tests more comfortable and accessible for students with sensory issues or anxieties around health checks.

Natspec finalists for Partnership working

We are also finalists in the Innovative Partnership Working category. This is for the mutually beneficial partnership we have forged with local film-making company Rocking Horse Media. Oswestry-based Rocking Horse Media are filming a pilot television comedy/drama with an inclusive theme at the College. They are also providing meaningful work experience and information to students and supported interns.

With a shared vision for promoting inclusivity in the workplace and on screen and stage, students have gained unique experiences from this partnership. Well-known actors have worked directly with students. Rocking Horse have also helped deliver workshops on continuity, acting and directing as part of our Careers Week.

Rocking Horse founder Gareth Thomas is an Industry Champion for Performing Arts. He has as also judged talent shows, provided students with professional acting headshots, and videoed and photographed events such as the annual Christmas show.

Winners will be announced in an online ceremony on 25 May. Trophies will be presented at Natspec’s National Conference on 13 June.

We feel honoured to be shortlisted among so much innovative student-centred work going on across all the Natspec Colleges. We everything crossed head of the ceremony. Good luck, everyone!

 

Perfect work placement for Oliver

A dedicated Horticulture student has proved his skills and work ethic by leading the way as the first ever learner to get regular work placements at a national business. 

Oliver, who is a student at Derwen College Walford, near Shrewsbury, has started a weekly work placement at Emstrey Crematorium and Cemetery in Shrewsbury, run by national business Dignity Funerals. 

Keen gardener Oliver works in the large memorial gardens every Wednesday afternoon, and has already completed a long list of jobs in just three weeks. He enjoys his placement so much that he says he’s hoping to carry on a supported internship and get a job with the crematorium team. 

Oliver travels with teacher Ruth every Wednesday to the tranquil 33-acre site. He’s cleared shrubs and ponds, planted roses, cut grass, and enjoyed using the industry standard leaf blower.

This week, he’s turned his hand to building, working with concrete for the first time to help create one of the crematorium’s personalised memorial gardens where families can choose a heart or circle shape to place a casket and remember their loved ones in a quiet and beautiful environment. 

Practical learning

Oliver, who is autistic and has associated learning difficulties, thrives in an environment of practical learning, and is quick to pick up practical skills. 

He is the first student to be offered a placement by Dignity Funerals, which runs 46 crematoria across the UK. 

Business Leader Kristian (check full name and spelling) says: “After talking to staff at Derwen Walford, and speaking to team member Peter Leddington who has worked at Derwen College previously, I was keen to see if we could create a working partnership.

“I discussed with head office, putting policies and plans in place to make it work. Oliver proved himself from the first visit. I want to support him as much as possible and see this as an ongoing partnership. 

“Oliver has great attention to details, arrives to work in the right uniform and on time. He fills in his time sheets, and is treated the same as every one of the business’s 4,500 employees. It’s a real preparation for adult life.”

Oliver has also had to learn to communicate with members of the public and be considerate to visitors coming to the chapel or visiting memorials, who are coping with loss. 

Peter Leddington says: “He has had to learn to stop work when a hearse arrives, be respectful and quiet until the hearse and family cars have passed.” 

Peter has worked at Emstrey Crematorium for six months, having come full circle since starting his career as an apprentice at the crematorium 33 years ago. He is relishing using his horticulture and teaching skills to support Oliver. 

Gardening opportunities

Teacher Ruth Braddick says: “It’s a brilliant work placement for Oliver as there’s so much variety. He has the chance to try out different areas of horticulture and gardening and is always learning new things but in a familiar environment, and building his confidence learning skills he’s never tried before. It’s expanding his knowledge of gardening opportunities.”

Oliver says: “I like Derwen Walford because I can do gardening and use a lot of machinery and tools. I like working at the cemetery and would love to get a job here one day.”

Oliver is part of the College’s in-house gardening business Leaf It To Us, which supports community projects and local gardens. He also works at Cambrian Heritage Railways and won a recent Derwen College Spring Planter Competition against horticulture students from Walford and Gobowen sites. 

He also spends many weekends volunteering at Whitchurch Cricket Club completing duties as required for the grounds team. 

Derwen College Walford lead Liam sums up Oliver’s work ethic and ambition. He says: “From my point of view. It’s a pleasure to meet a young man who is so passionate about his studies and has a vision for the future of work. Day by day, Oliver is growing his confidence and developing his work and life skills. Keep it up Oliver!”

Students growing plants and trees from seed

Horticulture students have been growing their own trees and plants from seeds and cuttings, which are now for sale in the Garden Centre Shop.

Students have cultivated horse chestnut trees, which were grown from conkers collected on Derwen College campus. Conkers were chilled in the fridge to help them to germinate (cold stratification) before being grown into small trees.

Other plants grown from seed are gooseberries, redcurrants, carrots, tomatoes and lupins.

Students Harry, Max and Scott were among those who learnt skills such as germination and taking cuttings, and can now see the fruits of their labours for sale to customers.

Learning Support Assistant Ryan Arrowsmith said: “Students collected lupin seeds from the Walled Garden, and conkers from near The Orangery Restaurant last year, and have now been able to watch them grow from scratch.

“If anyone’s looking for fruit or veg, or has a garden or woodland big enough for horse chestnut trees, then visit Derwen Garden Centre today to pick up a bargain. Plants are priced from 99p, with horse chestnut trees at just £1.99.”

Derwen College Garden Centre is open Monday to Saturday 9am-4pm and Sundays (and bank holidays) 10am-4pm. The Garden Centre provides meaningful work experience for students with special educational needs and disabilities on the College’s Horticulture pathway.

Planting perennials for the future

The Derwen planting team have been busy creating bee and butterfly-friendly flower displays in nearby Oswestry.

Our Nursery Production Manager Paul Moss, client Anton Berry and the Horticulture team have been at Cae Glas Park in Oswestry this week, starting planting for a gorgeous summer display. Paul has been asked by the town council and Oswestry in Bloom committee to design and plant displays with perennial pollinators such as bees and butterflies in mind.

He has selected and planted perennials that are pollinator friendly. These plants will complement the floral bedding plants in borders and baskets in the centre of the park. Radio Shropshire’s Paul Shuttleworth and Oswestry in Bloom chairman Natalie Bainbridge visited to chat to Paul this week. Paul was on Radio Shropshire this week talking about how he chose plants, including many of his favourites. Listen again at https://derwen.me/OswestryinBloom (1 hour 9 minutes into the programme).

Paul’s planting has included perennials: Rose Everglow Ruby, Citus Thrive shrubs, Abelia Kaleidoscope, Escallonia pink, Buddleia butterfly bush and Lonicera honeysuckle. He says a least two thirds of the chosen plants are pollinator friendly. They are also all available to buy in the College’s Garden Centre and Gift Shop.

He says: “We’ve been planting all week, and have really enjoyed sourcing and planting perennials that will come back season after season, rather than just the short-lived bedding plants. It’s a greener way of planting and is more friendly for bees and butterflies. A lot of the plants also have gorgeous scents. We’ve had some really positive comments from visitors to the park.

“The main beds and baskets will feature bedding plants, which add an instant display of colour. I think we’ve got the best of both worlds.”

 

 

 

Derwen bees buzzing for summer

As the weather warms up, Derwen beekeepers have been checking up on our three hives of bees; making sure our colonies are safe, clean, happy and well-fed.

Student beekeepers Sophie Dempsey and Thomas Walpole, along with staff beekeepers Garden Centre Supervisor Will Lyon and MIS Manager Trevor Sharples, opened up the hives to observe whether the bees were doing well.

Kitted out in beekeeping suits and hats, kindly provided by beekeeping clothing and accessories provider BJ Sherriff,  the Beekeeping Club team cleaned up the hives, and took out the blocks of fondant icing which had been feeding the Derwen bees through the winter. With near-by fields of rapeseed in full flower, as well as fruit tree blossom in the College orchard, there is plenty of nectar and pollen for the bees to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Keeping the hives clean and tidy, and inspecting every week to check for queen cells, is a vital part of maintaining the colonies. As is ‘supering’ – a ‘super’ is a box placed on top of the hive to collect honey.

Though they don’t hibernate, honey bees rarely leave the hive during winter. They cluster together, preserving energy and keeping warm. They start making honey again when the weather improves around April time, or when the temperatures reach around 16 degrees or above.

The team are looking ahead to splitting the colonies to create more colonies over the coming months.

Bee club

Students Sophie and Thomas have embraced Bee Club, and will be creating video diaries of their journey into beekeeping. They are being joined by Horticulture student Kian Davies soon.

Derwen College will be selling Derwen honey and beeswax in The Garden Centre and Gift Shop. The shop already has a long waiting list of eager customers.

Derwen College first acquired hives last spring, in a partnership with WoodMor Foundation, to develop a beekeeping programme which provides work opportunities for students with special educational needs and disabilities.

The Horticulture team cleared an area which students named ‘McGregor’s Garden’. Three hives and a beekeeping shed were set up for the College’s new European honey bees.

The College is in the process of setting up BeeTV to follow the antics of the drones, workers and queens. A camera will be following the bees’ activities 24 hours a day. You’ll be able to watch our busy little pollinators from the live link on our website.

On track for a stronger, more confident future

Train enthusiast and Derwen College student, Harry, is combining his hobby with learning important life and work skills, at a weekly placement at Oswestry’s Cambrian Heritage Railways.

Harry is a student at Derwen College Walford, near Baschurch. He is on a Core Skills programme aimed at supporting him towards future independence and employment.

Harry, who is autistic and has some associated learning difficulties, enjoys a work experience placement, every Thursday at Cambrian Heritage Railways, as part of his work with the college’s horticulture enterprise ‘Leaf It To Us’.

Cambrian Heritage Railways trains run from Oswestry to Weston Wharf. The Oswestry station boasts a railway museum, restored signal box, period ticket office and waiting room.

Harry works alongside other volunteers and Volunteer Coordinator Phil Liddell clearing and maintaining the overgrown railway track at Oswestry. He has been going every week for two months and loves it, working hard, declaring: “No pain, no gain!”

Teacher Ruth Braddick says that the experience is benefitting Harry in many different ways. “When he first started here, Harry needed help to walk across the railway line and uneven ground. As we’ve seen his confidence grow, his balance has improved and he is able to navigate the landscape confidently on his own. It’s good for students to be exposed to different environments and challenges. He will now ask for help, and is stronger, fitter and more confident than when he started.”

Learning life skills

Volunteer Coordinator Phil accompanies Harry and teacher Ruth (who also gets stuck in with the strimmer). Ruth praises Phil for his patience and kindness. “Phil is absolutely brilliant with our students. He’s such a nice bloke and explains what needs doing and why, clearly. Phil is good at encouraging Harry to focus on the job, and really look at what needs doing.”

As well as learning work skills, students are learning many life skills. “The students have been able to meet different people, and other volunteers, and to talk to them. It’s not just about the work, they are gaining the skills needed to interact and build self-esteem,” continues Ruth.

Harry says he has learnt horticulture skills but also about how to stay safe and aware. “It’s fun. I’ve learnt that you have to sign in and out of work, how to stop the train in an emergency, and how to cross the track safely. You don’t step on the sleepers as they are wood and can be slippery.”

Harry also enjoys seeing the trains, and is looking forward to being a passenger on the train soon. “I like trains. All trains but especially steam trains.”

Phil says: “He’s a cracking helper. We’ll make sure he gets a ride on a train as a thank you. We might even be able to let him wave the guard’s flag.”

Leaf It To Us

Leaf It To Us have worked on many local projects, including for Baschurch Parish Council, where they have helped clear a balance pond and have created and maintained a roundabout.

They’ve even helped to tidy the garden at Harry’s Mum’s new house. Harry’s experience has meant that he is able to help with the gardening at home, and is proud to say that he is now able to cut and move logs to help his Mum.

Ruth says that Harry’s work experience has supported him to be more independent in many different ways.

For example, as a member of Derwen College’s Student Union Board, Harry visited the Houses of Parliament on a college trip to London and tackled six flights of stairs.

Ruth says: “He would never have managed that before, and it was great to see him managing two steps at a time rather than gingerly considering every single step.

“He was straight up and down the stairs, and walked all over London.

“It was great to see how his confidence has grown, too. He had previously only met his fellow Student Union Board members on Teams, yet was confident to interact with them.”

Cambrian Railways run trains from April to September, with additional special events such as a Beer Festival from 2-4 June. They also offer private hire and driver experience days.

The Railway has long-term plans to extend the line to Gobowen, where Derwen College has its main site. We look forward to Harry and future student recruits, being part of this vision.

Derwen pedallers complete 24-hour Spinathon

We raised more than £13,000, with donations still coming in!

Derwen College Sports Coordinators, Sian Thomas and Steve Evans, completed a phenomenal 24 hours on spin bikes, finally dismounting happy, though a little saddle sore, at 10am on Saturday, 25 March.

The Spinathon raised funds for students and clients, including funds for new accessible sports changing facilities. The determined duo were joined by supporters, students and staff embarking on their own personal challenges; some students had never been on a spin bike before and were spinning for up to an hour, others completed far longer sessions on the bike.

The Spinathon featured 23 spin bikes, which were all kept spinning through the day and night thanks to fundraisers offering from one to 24 hours of their pain, sweat and tears.

Sian and Steve were delighted to receive offers of entertainment through the night. Spinners enjoyed acts by Magician Dean Raymond, local band The Recursives, Oswestry Jive Club, Performing Arts students, DOT (Derwen on Tour) sign, song and dance group, as well as a party courtesy of the Derwen Pride takeover.

Oswestry Mayor Jay Moore joined the challenge for the big finish on Saturday morning, even getting on a spin bike with his mini Mayor son.

The event was streamed live with messages of support coming from across the UK all through the night.

Cross-college event

Sports coordinator Steve Evans said: “Thank you to everyone who supported us through this challenge. The pain and exhaustion were real, and I don’t think we could have done without all the support that we had.

“I loved that it was a cross-college event with staff and students joining together from all areas to help raise money. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding the event kept us going. Everyone motivated each other and inspired others to do more and challenge themselves. It wasn’t just about us doing 24 hours as everyone taking part had their own personal challenges which was really inspiring.

Sian Thomas said: “It is just unbelievable that we smashed last year’s target, raising an incredible £12,700, with more still coming in.

“Absolutely everyone involves deserves a huge thank you, but I have to mention my sister Katy, husband Mark and colleague TerriAnn who gave up their time to suffer the full 24 hours of spinning to support us.”

“The whole event was amazing but never again!”

Truly team work

Derwen College Chair of Trustees, Kathleen Kimber said: “I want to congratulate all who have been involved in planning and supporting the operation of the Spinathon, and all the spinners. Sian and Steve have emphasised one of the huge strengths of the College, which we see all the time in students’ and clients’ achievements.  You set the challenge; you encourage and raise aspirations; you equip for success, and you work alongside each other.  It is truly team work and the number brought into the team on this occasion is awesome.

The event was sponsored by Oswestry School, Bridge Coffee, Coach House Fitness, Active8 Gym, Planet Doors, Tanat Valley Coaches, Shropshire Design & Print and Co-op, Rocking Horse Media.

There’s still time to support the efforts of our spinners, so please donate.

Inspiring visitors for Careers Week

We’re always keen to have guest speakers and experts come into College to talk to and inspire students.

This week, for Careers Week, we’ve been lucky enough to have visits from Jane Steventon, manager of Severn Hospice’s Refresh Cafe, and actor/director/producer Sam Retford.

For Careers Week, Jane spoke to Hospitality and Food students about running Refresh Cafe and about supporting student George Weston in his weekly work placement at the cafe. George’s role involves taking orders and serving customers, and just this week he’d been learning to use the coffee machine to make a cappuccino.

It was Jane’s first visit to Derwen and she said how much she’d enjoyed seeing the campus and meeting students. “You are all so lucky to be students here!” she said. She even arrived with a car boot full of donations for The Vintage Advantage charity shop. She has promised to visit again, soon.

Sam, on the other hand, is already an Industry Champion for College. So, we were delighted that the Coronation Street and Ackley Bridge actor, held brilliant workshops for Performing Arts students. Sam worked with students on acting, improvisation and puppetry and answered questions about his work and own inspiration.

Both visitors were kind enough to drop in after having previous visits for Careers Week cancelled due to snow.

Thanks also to supported intern Anna who helped to arrange visits from industry experts across all of our pathways as part of her work experience.

 

Competitions Week success

Students have enjoyed showcasing their work skills, as well as their talents in gaming and creative writing, for our Competitions Week.

Retail held an Easter-themed Visual Merchandising Challenge at the Garden Centre and Gift Shop; Hospitality and Food ran a roast dinner competition.

Performing Arts held a Showcase of Talent, which saw dancers, mime artists, singers and signers take to the stage. The competition was judged by Performing Arts lead Jess Vaughan, who was joined by the wonderfully talented Performing Art graduate Giverney Blomley and College industry champion Gareth Thomas, from Rocking Horse Media. First place went to Anna Redding (singing), second to AJ (physical theatre) and third to Dan Bridge (singing). DDC (Derwen Dance Crew) were ensemble category winner.

The winners of our recent Poetry Competition were also announced on National Poetry Day. Well done to winner Aysha.

Gaming competitions took place in the Bradbury from Monday to Thursday and were extremely competitive! Digi Dave still hasn’t got over being beaten at Dirt 5 by student Dan.

 

Poetry competition winners

Derwen wordsmiths were rewarded today when special guest poet and writer Jan Hedger visited College to judge our Poetry Competition, during Competitions Week, and on World Poetry Day.

Jan, who is an industry champion for College, had the difficult job of judging some brilliant work from students at our Gobowen and Telford sites.

The winner was Telford student Aysha Taylor, who joined the presentation via Teams and was later awarded with her Gold medal and certificate.

All entries were given feedback from Jan, who is a well-known local Oswestry author.

The winning entries were:

First place went to Telford student Aysha about how teddy bears feel.

Jan said: “I chose this poem because I loved the way you see the teddies as having feelings. This is called a metaphor and is very clever. It was also a list poem, which I loved.”

In second place was Lauren’s poem ‘If I Didn’t Have a Voice’

Jan said: “From the beginning it made me chuckle, then it made me think how scary it would be to not have a voice.

In third place was Lucas with a poem which Jan praised for its good rhythm and attention-grabbing beginning.

Jan also gave a highly commended awards to Anna Redding’s All About My Feelings, which Jan said was beautiful and descriptive poem. She said, sheI particularly like the line ‘like a flower reaching to the stars’

And to Jack’s poem about radio which also impressed. She said “I loved hearing how happy you are waking up and also listening to the radio from 2-5pm on a Sunday.

Thank you to Jan for reading all the poems, and for taking the time to review them.

She said: “Well done to Aysha and to all the students who wrote such brilliant poems. You are all winners! Keep up the writing.”