The land-based team from Bridgwater College’s Cannington Centre, had an extremely successful time at the Royal Bath and West Show in Shepton Mallet recently, when they walked away with a staggering four awards.

The College’s main stand, which showcased the variety of land-based courses that the College has to offer, was awarded Best Agricultural Trade stand at the show. The stand not only gave visitors the opportunity to find out more about the courses available, but take part in activities including, milking a cow, making fruit smoothies on a juicing bike, learning the ropes on the arboriculture swing and viewing floristry displays made by staff and students.

Two of the College’s Horticulture students were also a hit when they built a 4m x 4m garden based around the theme ‘growing your own’. Jack Hussey and Sid Morris designed and built the garden that was displayed at the show for guests to view.  The garden, that cost no money and was made up of produce grown at Bridgwater College, was given the Highly Commended award for the great work and effort that the students put into it.

Jack and Sid continued their winning streak when they took part in the Instant Garden Challenge. They were set the task of building a 4m x 4m garden in just two hours in front of the public and against stiff competition from other teams, including Lackham College. The duo were awarded both the Judge’s Award and the People’s Choice Award for the garden’s excellent design and appearance. Jack and Sid were presented their certificates by the High Sheriff of Somerset, the Hon Mrs Nelson and Katherine Crouch, the competition organiser.

Jeremy Kerswell, Head of Land-based Studies at Bridgwater College, said,

“It's fantastic that our staff team have once again been recognised for winning the best stand, but the real accolades must go to our students who excelled at the show all week. Not only those Horticulture students that were competing, but also the number of agriculture and equine students who worked behind the scenes at the show. They continue to be excellent ambassadors for the College and the show provides further opportunities for them to develop critical employability skills, many making contacts which provide them with employment when they eventually leave College.”