Newbury College hosted a free Sports Taster Day 'Inspire West Berkshire' with special guest, British Equestrian Gold medallist Sophie Christiansen, who won three Gold medals in the 2012 Paralympics. The event took place on Saturday 2 November from 11.30am to 3pm and was held to encourage both disabled and non-disabled people to try new sports activities.
Sophie Christiansen inspired attendees by giving a presentation over lunch about life in sport and the London 2012 Olympics. The day was organised in partnership with West Berkshire Council, NHS Berkshire West alongside Get Berkshire Active, Berkshire Blind Society, Adventure Dolphin and Sport England. The event is part of the 'Inspire West Berkshire' campaign and is one of six leisure activities being held across the West Berkshire district. Those who attended had the opportunity to take part in a range of sports including Goal Ball, Wheelchair Basketball, Archery and Indoor Kayaking.
Newbury College Sports Maker and Enrichment Officer Joe Pegg who helped organise the event said, "To host an event of this nature is a great way to inspire and engage people in to sport. These events are put on to showcase what sports and activities are available and to get more people active. In order to run an event like this takes a lot of time and key partnership working, which is a testament to the work that goes on in and around West Berkshire".
The objective of day was to encourage people to get more active and to stay active and healthy. Each activity caters for children and adults of any ability, experience and confidence level. Everyone attending had the opportunity to set themselves a new challenge, make new friends with like-minded people or purely just to enjoy themselves.
Inspire West Berkshire is also looking at encouraging people to look at the possibility of volunteering and even setting up their own informal leisure groups. Inspire Co-ordinators were on hand on the day to discuss any needs and requirements to help a new groups move forward.
If you're interested in setting up your own leisure group, or want more information about Inspire West Berkshire. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.getberkshireactive.org, or call 01628 473 031 for more information.
Newbury College officially opened its new training restaurant on 22 October at 4pm with special guests, Roger and Sue Jones from Michelin Star awarded restaurant, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.
The official opening began with a welcome by Newbury College Principal Dr Anne Murdoch OBE followed by speeches from both Roger and Sue Jones. Sue addressed visitors with a talk on how they have developed their business while Roger enthused guests with his experiences in the catering industry including working for Margaret Thatcher and Her Majesty The Queen. Sue and Roger officially opened the restaurant by unveiling a commemorative plaque, which will be placed in the restaurant.
The College is delighted that Roger and Sue Jones agreed to open the restaurant. The Harrow at Little Bedwyn is one of the most highly acclaimed restaurants outside of London and has been recognised for its award winning food for 15 years. Roger and Sue were honoured to open the new training restaurant and said, It is a great privilege to be involved in such an exciting new development at Newbury College. The catering students will benefit hugely from having a real work environment alongside their training and tuition and we are delighted to be on hand for any advice or practical help that we can offer.
VIP guests included Mayor of Newbury Cllr Anthony Pick, Mayoress of Newbury Cllr Catherine Kent and Mayor of Thatcham Cllr Mike Cole. Guests were treated to canapés and drinks reception served by the College's catering students whilst touring the impressive restaurant and training facilities. Principal Dr Anne Murdoch said, We are excited to have this new training restaurant facility. It will be a fantastic opportunity to welcome in the local community and provide dining at affordable prices. The training facilities will also be a great experience for our learners.
As well as running their Michelin starred restaurant, Roger has become consultant to the Park House restaurant in Cardiff, is a judge on Decanter and Imbibe Magazine's regular wine tasting panels and writes as a wine consultant for Caterer and Hotelkeeper. Both Roger and Sue are very committed to their chosen charities for whom they raise funds through organising events both at The Harrow and pop-ups further afield as well as working closely with the next generation of chefs and managers through colleges and local schools.
The new restaurant development has been made possible with the help of funding from a grant provided by the Education Funding Agency through West Berkshire Council. Various departments will see the benefits of this purpose built professional training restaurant. Hospitality and Catering students will have the ability to put into practice what they have learnt in theory classes, while foundation learning students will be able to gain work experience in a controlled environment preparing them for work.
Sue and Roger visited the College recently to meet and talk with catering students bringing with them a rare truffle from the truffle farm which they helped discover. On their visit they were shown the training kitchen, toured the facilities and gave a talk to students about the rare truffles that they have helped discover at a local farm, the only truffle farm in the UK. Roger explained how they find truffles and excavate them from the ground, going on to explain how they are used in cooking. Roger also demonstrated his lobster fish finger specialty which students served at the opening.
Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, supported by Newbury College, have been named as the first ever winners of the Newcomer Employer of the Year award in the Thames Valley regional finals and will now progress to the National Apprenticeship Awards at the NEC in Birmingham on the 14th November.
The highly commended entries and winners were announced at a high profile awards ceremony which was held at Madejski Stadium in Reading on 19th September 2013.
Pat Frith, Sales and Account Manager at Newbury College said, "We are delighted to have supported Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions in structuring and developing their Apprenticeship programme, and that the quality of the Apprenticeship programme is valued as such an asset to their business. It is wonderful to see this commitment recognised in Hitachi's achievement of the Newcomer Employer of the Year Award for the Thames Valley. Everyone at Newbury College wishes them luck in the National Finals in November".
The awards are organised by the National Apprenticeship Service, who received in excess of 1,600 high quality entrants this year. Hitachi Capital's two-year Apprentice Programme, which saw its first intakes last September was commended for its excellent progression opportunities with apprentices getting thoroughly involved in the business and contributing new and fresh ideas. As well as their day-to-day involvement in the business, apprentices are studying at Newbury College to complete an Advanced Diploma in Customer Services.
Steve Pinchen, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions graduate & apprentice scheme manager comments: "We're delighted to be the Thames Valley's best new Apprenticeship Employers and that our early progress with our Apprenticeship Programme has been recognised
"It was a big challenge taking on 13 apprentices in one go over two locations but they've really gelled as a group and their ability to share experiences and work as a team really inspires others. We feel we're also making a big and worthwhile investment in the local community and in doing so, encouraging the future development of the business."
Mark Howard, NAS Divisional Apprenticeship Director, said: "This year's awards were an exceptional showcase of the outstanding apprentices and employers we have in our region. Given the high volume and extraordinary calibre of entries we received, those who reached the regional final really are the cream of the crop.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions for this superb achievement. They are a shining example of how Apprenticeships can allow employers to grow their own talent, and enable apprentices to build real careers."
Roc Technologies in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service and Newbury College is launching an apprentice scheme to attract and develop talented IT professionals from the local community.
The scheme was launched today with the appointment of Roc's first Apprentice. Mathew Lake joined Roc in July and is undertaking a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT Professional Competence for IT and Telecoms Professionals at Newbury College. In addition to his college education, Mathew will be working closely with Roc's experienced delivery professionals across a range of client environments.
Commenting on his new role, Mathew said "it's really tough to break into the IT industry for younger people, so it's great to be given the opportunity to develop my skills".
Local MP for Newbury, Richard Benyon, said "I am particularly pleased to hear that Roc has launched an apprentice scheme giving life-changing opportunities for people in the Newbury area".
Roc's investment in apprentices is driven by a desire to deliver excellence and value to its customers whilst nurturing the brightest technical talent. The scheme further cements Roc's commitment to support the local community in West Berkshire as well as addressing youth unemployment.
"There are a lot of bright and enthusiastic people in West Berkshire with a passion for technology. By harnessing this talent we can serve our customers better and give people a chance to show what they've got to offer" commented Steve Shirley, Operations Director at Roc.
Roc's Directors have made a commitment to employ four apprentices in the first phase of this scheme, working closely with Newbury College.
Pat Frith, Sales and Account Manager at Newbury College said, 'We are delighted to be working with Roc Technologies, supporting them in developing their Apprenticeship programme. Newbury College has provided expertise to many employers in structuring and implementing Apprenticeship programmes, as well as working with small business owners employing individual Apprentices. We are pleased that Roc Technologies has had such a positive experience, and applaud their commitment to nurturing talent".