chichester_matters_2

Published Fortnightly - Issue: 150 Edited by: Mike Pink & Caroline Ponto Friday 17th June 2011

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Chichester Matters

South of England Surprise

Brinsbury staff and students from Horticulture, Carpentry, Floristry and Animal Care proudly displayed their work and animals at the South of England Show 2011, with their fingers crossed for best display in the ‘Wildlife & Farming’ area. Not only did they win this, they also received the HSBC prize for Best Trade Stand and were then presented with a cup for Best in Show!

The show was opened at the waterwheel by the Earl of Carnarvon and after Brinsbury campus & events co-ordinator Jan Dougharty had finished schmoozing, Paul Allard and Ryan Brown posed with him for a photograph.

Paul Allard and Andy Richards, from the Carpentry & Joinery Team, wanted to contribute to the Brinsbury stand at the South of England Show. When they were told that the theme of the show was water this year, they suggested making a water wheel, which will now remain on campus.

A brief was given to all of the students to research a suitable project and the design idea was given to Tim Scott, a first year student, to draw up the detailed drawings required. All of 15 Carpentry & Joinery Level 1 Diploma students took part in the project, with

individual teams working on different parts until assembling the finished product.

It was a four week project, the majority of it extracurricular. A mixture of modern and traditional skills and techniques were required, which provided a unique learning experience for the students. It also helped with their numeracy and personal & social development skills, which are included on their course.

Alison Read, head of Brinsbury Campus said, “The press absolutely loved the waterwheel constructed by the Carpentry students and landscaped by the Horticulture students, and the public and dignitaries were very taken by the wide range of student-created displays.

“The judges chose us because of the range of work, our enthusiasm and the students who spoke so knowledgeably about each of their areas. Fantastic news and great endorsement of our fantastic students!”.

Continued on pages 4 & 5 >

The cottage garden and waterwheel in all its glory at the South of England Show 2011, Ardingly

New mum keeps her chicks warm

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I started at the college in April 2006 after serving for 23 years in the Royal Navy, logistics branch. As Executive Officer my role incorporates not only acting as Executive Assistant to Shelagh and Julie Sleeman but also undertaking the role of Executive Secretariat Office Manager and Manager of Reception Services. On a day-to-day basis I have to be ready for anything, from last minute changes to the principal’s diary (a frequent event) to issues that need looking into on reception.

In many ways this is what keeps me motivated, no day is ever the same. One minute I am sorting out meetings, the next organising travel and the next meeting with Tiffany and a CTM to discuss the next great idea for the reception foyer.

In order to be effective in my role I need to be able to react quickly, deal politely with people from all walks of life and be consistently flexible! I love working at the college and am lucky to work with two wonderful teams. I have a great working relationship with them all, it’s a pleasure coming into work each day.

In addition to my ‘day job’ I also works as an associate lecturer, teaching evening classes in Roman History to adults. I start my PGCE in September and hope one day to fulfil my ultimate goal which is to be a lecturer for the Open University, something I can combine with my role here in college.

Kim Drummond – Executive Officer, EA to the Principal and Chief Operating Officer

I have been in my role since January 2011 and have worked at the college since February 2010 as a halls of residence supervisor at Woodlands halls of residence.

I have over thirteen years experience of administration, having previously worked in local government and the private sector.

I am the first point of contact in the Executive Office, with the best view (the Cathedral), and provide administrative support to Catherine Vinall, Trudy Baxter and Kim Drummond.

My duties include organising the Business Breakfast Meetings, room bookings, typing, photocopying, answering the phone, collecting the post, ordering stationery and providing refreshments.

Mayte Wyatt – Administrative Assistant

I studied here at college on the HIDAPS secretarial and administration course before starting work in an aeronautical company as a float secretary. After 3 years I was promoted to administrator and cost controller for a search and rescue helicopter programme to assist during the tender process with the MoD. I joined the college in July 2007 as secretary to the Vice Principal (Corporate Services).

My role quickly changed to Personal Assistant to both Vice Principals and has now settled as

Personal Assistant to Andy Green, Deputy Principal, and Sarah Stannard, Vice Principal. My general duties include managing diaries, dealing with telephone enquiries, co-ordinating meetings, producing papers and generally providing assistance to those who need it on behalf of the executive team.

In addition to this, I administer insurance, licences and contracts across the college. I also organise and co-ordinate events on behalf of the executive team such as AGM, Graduation and Celebration of Achievement, now known as Stars. I love being a PA; it’s fast moving and no day is ever the same. I like being busy and this role certainly keeps me on my feet! I work with a great team and have met some fantastic people at the college. I love the atmosphere and consider myself very lucky to work here.

Trudy Baxter – Personal Assistant to the Deputy Principal and Vice Principal & Corporate Services and Events Administrator

Get to Know... The Executive Support Team

Closing the LoopIntimidated by soaring landfill taxes and keen to build on its environmental credentials, Chichester College is taking a holistic approach to going ‘green’. The Environmental Committee are continuously reviewing areas of the college where there is room for improvement, and packaging and food waste is a particular area that has been identified.

Naturally concerned about the amount of valuable resources being sent to landfill, estates manager, Kevin White, researched waste management systems and discovered a company that can offer the full package; including the trial of a new on-site organic waste reduction unit.

Closed Loop was formed from the expertise that delivered a ground breaking ‘closed loop’

system at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, diverting in excess of 70% of all Games waste from landfill.

The Closed Loop team, who have also worked with leading high street retailers and quick service restaurants, are working closely with the college stakeholders (caterers, cleaners, waste contractors) and student Green Team to audit the current system, monitor consumer behaviour and design a programme that specifies packaging ‘inputs’ and then encourages staff, students and visitors to segregate their rubbish in order that this material can be recovered.

The Programme will also incorporate the Closed Loop reprocessing facility in Dagenham, which is one of the first to use state-of-the-art technology to return certain plastics (PET and HDPE) back into food-grade material which can then be incorporated back into the packaging sold to the college.

Principal Shelagh Legrave said, “We are very proud to be the first organisation in the country to be trialling this system and are excited to lead by example with our policies on sustainability. This is a way for us to save money which can be better invested in our students, as well as an opportunity to protect our environment and respect that our resources are not infinite.”

Closed Loop have invited the Environmental Committee and student Green Team to visit this site later in the year.

Trudy Baxter, Kim Drummond and Mayte Wyatt

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Team of the MonthThe Brinsbury Show & Country Fayre was a great success this year. This event would not have been possible if it were not for the brilliant job that the Maintenance & Grounds Teams did behind the scenes.

The whole team worked so hard before the event to ensure that Brinsbury looked amazing.

On Saturday 7th May, Jay Golds, John Belchamber, Ryan Custance and Bob Ponsonby were in to set up for the show. They just kept on going, until every job was done and we were ready for the show.

On the day of the show, Jay, John and Ryan were amazing. Nothing seemed to be a problem, whatever happened – even when the toilets overflowed in Brinsbury Hall, they didn’t lose their cool! They were always there; totally professional, working tirelessly as a team. They were helpful, considerate and were here putting everything away, long after everyone else had gone home.

On Monday morning, everything was put back to normal, as if by magic. But I know that it was the Maintenance & Grounds teams that did it all, without anyone having to ask.

They truly are a great example of our core values in action, by showing total commitment,

being truly professional at all times, with a real ‘can do’ attitude.

I could not have done my job without them. Thank you.

Jan Dougharty – Campus & Events Co-ordinator

Trailwalker NearsChichester College staff and students will test their stamina and endurance by taking part in Trailwalker UK, a 100km course across the South Downs, competing against soldiers from the famously tough Gurkha regiment.

Trailwalker, which takes place on 16 and 17 July 2011, requires teams of four to complete the equivalent of two and a half marathons in a toe-blistering 30 hours to raise money for Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Trailwalker was started by Gurkha soldiers in Hong Kong in 1981 as a training exercise to test endurance and encourage teamwork. The teams of four can be male, female, mixed or veterans, and must start together, go through

each checkpoint together and finish the course together. Whether they walk or run the course most teams will still be going long into the night, and probably into the following day.

The Gurkhas currently hold the record for completing the course in an amazing 9 hours and 50 minutes, but for most the challenge is about lasting the distance, and the average time taken is around 24 hours.

As well as the challenge to complete the course within the time limit, we must also raise at least £4,500 in sponsorship. These funds will support Oxfam’s work in relieving poverty and suffering around the world, and The Gurkha Welfare Trust, which was set up in 1969 to relieve hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Army and their dependents in Nepal.

Trailwalker statistics:� The course record is 9 hours and 50 minutes, held by Queens Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment, but the average time taken is 25 hours � This walk is the equivalent distance of two and a half marathons and an ascent/descent equivalent to climbing Ben Nevis and Snowdon � The 2,240 people taking part will collectively walk four times around the world, taking at total of 200 million steps � Participants have come from the US, Nepal, the Caymen Islands, Australia – as well as the UK � A third of the teams taking part come from the corporate sector Logistical support will be provided by 250 Gurkha soldiers, including 13 chefs and 3 bagpipers � Over the three days, the Gurkha chefs will produce: 25,000 cups of tea, coffee and squash,10,000 Nepalese curries and 2,000 cooked breakfasts!

Chichester College has entered 3 teams into this life-changing challenge. Please sponsor whatever you can by visiting the Virgin Money Giving pages:

Executive Team – Shelagh Legrave, Toni Mills, Michael Pink and Caroline Ponto (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/chichestertrailwalkers)

Cons Team – Paul Morris, Marcus Stables, Sophie Murray and Marie Bond (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Chichestercolcons)

A Team – Jamie Bunce, Robin Benjamin, Chris Turner and Tom Walters (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/JamieBunceChichesterCollege)

We will be fundraising throughout the last weeks of term, including at the staff BBQ, with various competitions and raffles, so please support us by joining in with the fun!

The Maintenance Team at Brinsbury

A view of the South Downs near Upper Beeding by Caroline Ponto

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As in previous years, our equine team stayed onsite for the week, working hard each evening building the courses fresh for each day; helping to set up the show jumping areas and tend to the horses. The artistic blacksmiths competed in a lengthy competition and our cattle won three rosettes; cared for during the show by the agricultural team.

Clips of Brinsbury work and an interview with Ali were shown twice on BBC South Today. “I was so proud to see you and we also saw a shot of our cows. Very well done ― it will definitely be in the diary for next year!”, said Shelagh. “Well done to everyone who worked so hard to make our stands and exhibitions a success. It takes lots of commitment and long hours, but it is worth it for the great publicity we get and the opportunity to show potential students the best place to study”.

All in all a highly successful event and wonderful opportunity to showcase the talent and hard work of our Brinsbury Campus students.

Waterwheel Cottage GardenAs an effective source of energy for food production and water control, the waterwheel was once a common sight across the world. Waterwheels would be found along-side rivers, created with precise engineering to ensure maximum power efficiency. The waterwheel exhibited at the South of England Show was designed and built by the carpentry students at Brinsbury. The wooden structure was the centre piece to the ‘Waterwheel Cottage Garden’.

The garden was inspired, designed and created by Jo Golesworthy, year 1 Extended National Diploma in Horticulture. The construction of the garden was by a group of year 1 and 2 horticultural students including Tim Eykyn, Caroline Hatch, Tom Christian, Greg Oakley and Keith Francis. The group worked together to choose water loving British plants, as well as creating interest for a variety of wildlife in the Veronica, Allium, roses, lavender and flowering blossoms. The backdrop of birch and maple gave structure to the scene as well as interest from the colours and formats of the foliage. The movement of both wind and water created an audio setting to the area through the branches of trees, and the rushes and grasses at the foot of the arboretum.

The theme of the working water garden pulls on the ‘cottage garden’ idea, encompassing natural wood piles throughout the garden and natural stone set in the water and surrounding area. Wood also supplies a great location for nesting insects, encouraging an array of native birdlife to the garden. To enhance the design and showcase the talents of Brinsbury there were a number of original design pieces from the Blacksmithing department at the college. Butterflies and dragon flies, displayed around the waterwheel to complement the planting, enhanced the colour schemes of the traditional cottage garden theme and demonstrated water loving wildlife.

All materials used in the garden were recycled, from the apple crates to the artificial grass. To add to the working element of the garden a small area was given over to herbs. The plants chosen are largely native to the UK and were sourced from local nurseries. All materials had been collected from the Brinsbury college grounds including the farm area, and a conservation protected area on site, Stone Barn (a disused stone farm building).

Special thanks are offered to John Shipman from Maple Tree Nursery, Yapton (part of the Fresh Acres Nursery Ltd, wholesale suppliers of plants, for lending the majority of the plants seen in the garden. Thanks to John and his team for all their support. Special thanks are also due to Nick Richards of Far Plants, Yapton, West Sussex for his offer of the Astilbe and Scabius. The additional wooden apple crates were generously provided specifically for the show by Lyn and Andrew Tullet of The Flower Barn, Barnham, West Sussex. The grasses were donated by David Allen from Meadow Gate Nursery, Chichester, West Sussex, specialists in ornamental grasses and perennials. Manor Nursery, Angmering, West Sussex kindly offered the trees, roses and herbs.

South of England Show

Proud winners: Some of the hard-working teams from Brinsbury Campus

Alison Read receives the ultimate accolades at Ardingly Jan Dougharty, Ryan Brown, the Earl of Carnarvon and Paul Allard

< Continued from front page

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A Plan for JapanWhilst studying at Chichester College, I found out about a global exchange program that Chi is a part of, called the Global College network. At the time, I was half-heartedly studying Japanese with a friend, and toying with the idea of visiting Japan at some point. Once I found out about the scholarship, I asked some of the staff at college, and they put me in touch with the international department, who told me everything there was to know about the program. After thinking about it as best I could, I decided to go for it and try to get a place. And I’ve been living in Kyoto attending a local high school for the past 8 months now.

If you truly wish to learn a language and learn it well, moving to the country where it’s spoken is probably one of the best ways to go about it. When you first arrive, there’s no denying it’s tough. For the first few months I studied harder than ever before and it still seemed like I wasn’t getting anywhere. I’d never been so far away from my friends and family for so long. However, if you keep at it you’ll suddenly find

yourself speaking to someone and making new friends without even thinking about it. Looking back and seeing how you’ve progressed just by talking to people is incredibly rewarding.

Studying aside, living in another country has been really fun. Going to new places every week and being able to experience new things just by getting a train into town is amazing.

When I got off the plane it felt like I’d moved to the future. Being able to learn about the culture of a country and differences in the way people think has been enjoyable as well. I’ve seen some things here that I don’t think I’ll ever forget, and it’s definitely given me a whole load of stories to tell. When you come home, you’ll have a wealth of new knowledge to help you in any way, and if you decide to carry on and study at a university level, it should put you way ahead.

Studying abroad and learning to express yourself in a new language is also a good way to build your character. Talking to people I didn’t know well used to make me uneasy, but having to do it in another language meant I didn’t have time to worry, and I’m now more outgoing, which is something I never expected to get out of this!

So if you want to know everything there is to know about a country and its people, and get an unmatched standard of language education just by chatting to friends, I’d recommend looking into studying abroad with the GCN above everything else. If you do decide to go for it, I can only wish you the best of luck and hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

Gareth Richards

Gareth Richards in Japan

Tourism students promoting Greek holidays

Take a Chance on GreeceThe College Travel Shop recently held an event to promote holidays to Greece. The staff and students dressed up as Greek Goddesses and Greek sweets (baklava) were given away, made by Presley Swensson, lecturer in Hospitality.

Raffle tickets were on sale for £1 to win tickets to the well known London show, Mamma Mia! Deputy principal, Andy Green, drew the winning number and the prize went to Ros Slaughter, sports development manager.

Until the end of today (18th June), the department is holding a special offer, which allows you to get an additional 5% off any Olympic holiday.

For more information, visit College Travel, located next to P.O.D. Market in the link corridor at Chichester Campus, or call extension 2306.

Cara Benson-Jones – Work Experience Student

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Holistic SkillsFabulous news from North London and the South and South East UK skills complementary competition.We sent five entries and came away with five medals.

� Silver Aromatherapy – Rebecca Ellison � Bronze Aromatherapy – Sam Cork � Gold Reflexology – Marina Walsh � Silver Reflexology – Natalie Eade � Bronze Reflexology – Sarah Jane Richardson

Comments from the judges were:“Highest standard seen throughout the entire tournament.” “...Never seen such creative (aromatherapy) blends.” “Immaculate turnout... Outstanding customer care and professionalism.” “Really hot on health and safety.”

In seven years of entering this competition, we have taken the top prizes for the last six years. Julie McFadden, leader of the holistic competition club said, “We did not like the feeling of coming away empty handed on that first outing, so we determined that our students would be the best of the best”, a sentiment taken entirely to the heart of every holistic student since. The work put in to perfecting presentation, and that ‘je ne sais quoi’ is reflected in the coaching and dedication of the staff and the sheer delight at hearing news like this is shared by the entire hair and beauty team.

A very well deserved result – it makes all of the hard work worth it. To see students sweeping the board for demonstrating the outstanding skills learned here makes everyone proud to be part of Chichester College.

Adding this success to that already earned in other beauty competitions, it will be some time before you see the Cheshire cat grins fade from our faces!

June Brent – CTM for Hair & Beauty

Coat of Many ColoursEd Excel Pre Voc students, Jack Hickey and Josh West, have transformed a neglected Suzuki jeep. Since September 2010 the pair have been working on the jeep under the guidance of Motor Vehicle tutor Jason Knowles.

The jeep required a thorough valet, after removing lots of rubbish from inside. It was carpeted throughout, and a new radio wired in together with interior lights. The brakes were then cleaned and refitted.

As the students favoured different colours, the jeep was painted with an interesting palette. With the help of an overhead projector, Josh painted on Scooby Doo, the Tazmanian Devil and a bulldog. He is definitely the artist, whilst Jack prefers the greasy jobs!

Jack and Josh hope to return to Brinsbury as students on further courses in September.

Sue Furmston – Learning Assistant

Final Jazz GigWednesday 29th June - End of year gig for Chichester Jazz Courses at The Fountain, South Street, Chichester. Free entry.

Bringing Latent Talent to LifeMonday 20th June is a date to put in your diary. Chichester College Access to HE Diploma Art & Design students’ end of year show is one not to miss. The collaborative exhibition entitled ‘Imagine’ will include paintings, sculptures and installations; textiles, etchings and prints; photographic and digital work.

The work of these artists is particularly fascinating because of the students’ varied and rich life experiences. The Art & Design Access program is specifically tailored for mature students wishing to return to education. From circus performer to yacht master, the students’ diverse backgrounds have enriched and inspired imaginative and

distinctive pieces. Lesley Blakelock said, “This show is about us, the students, who we are, and where we are going”. Juliette Bijoux added, “Many of us are now going on to university and this show is an opportunity to acknowledge that this is where it started!”. The exhibition, sponsored by Jane O’Rouke Cup Cakes, has been entirely organised by the students. The private view will be held in the foyer and mezzanine level of E Block and the exhibition will run until 24th June 2011.

Jude Clough – Art Student

Chichester College | Westgate Fields | Chichester | West Sussex | PO19 1SB t: 01243 786321 f: 01243 539481 www.chichester.ac.uk

Welcome to Our New StartersLauren Ashworth Administrative Assistant

Nicole Aitken Childcare Apprentice

This week’s tip of the week enables you to easily create a website address with only a fraction of the characters.

For example, I have converted:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/maths/number/powers_roots/revise1.shtml

to http://tinyurl.com/6dsr8ok

The benefit?The next time you have to give out, or text, a long website you can simply send out the ‘tiny’ version instead.

How?1. Go to http://tinyurl.com/u 2. Copy (ctrl + c) your long web address 3. Paste (ctrl + v) the long URL into the box 4. Click the ‘Make a Tiny URL’ 5. Done – copy it from the screen!

There are other sites that offer a similar service for free, including;

http://bitly.com http://snipurl.com http://goo.gl http://owly.com

ILT Tip of the Week by Keith Burnett

Vacancies

Curriculum Team Manager in Sport & Public Services Closes on 23/06/11

Associate Lecturer in Business & Economics Closes on 23/06/11

Reprographics Technician Closes on 30/06/11

Chichester Cycle ChallengeThose of us who took part in the Challenge for Change clocked up 59,511 miles via 4,050 trips and saved over 6,340 kg of CO2 through trips for transport purposes. Congratulations to prize winners for their outstanding effort and commitment to the challenge!

Team Prizes:500+ size category1st: Chichester District Council – 15% participation 2nd: University of Chichester – 8.1% participation 3rd: Chichester College – 5.7% participation

20-49 size category3rd: Maintenance, Chichester College – 30% participation

7-19 size category1st: A Level GCSE, Chichester College – 100% participation

A Level GCSE team have also won a day out at Goodwood Races.

New Cyclists Award:The organisations who achieved the highest % of new cyclists taking part in their size category won certificates.

7-19 size categoryA Level GCSE, Chichester College – 50% new cyclists

Weekly Prizes:Week One: 8 - 15 MayLush Hottie massage bar and tin: Julia Bowering – Registrar

Week Two: 16 - 22 MayMadison’s Cyclist’s First Aid kit: Samantha English – Human Resources Officer

Week Three: 23 - 29 MayLush Wiccy Magic Muscles massage bar and tin: Clare Dulson – Learning Assistant

1 litre bottle of Green Oil green bike cleaner: Matt Pratt – Painter & Decorator

Cinema Ticket WinnersCongratulations to the following people that have earned a cinema ticket by getting back on their bike or encouraging someone else to!

New Cyclists:� Christopher Galloway – Student Tutor � Helene Loizides-Dickson – Lecturer in Additional Support � Mike Pink – Graphic Designer � Rachel Coleman – Careers Assistant � Victoria Elrick – Student Tutor � Vikki Andrews – Student Tutor

Encouragers:� Christopher Galloway – Student Tutor � Hannah Mitchell – Administrative Assistant � Caroline Ponto – Press & Communications Officer � Lydia Stapely – Student Tutor � Rachel Coleman – Careers Assistant

A Level winning team in action