Holme Lacy Open Day 2012
Every year Herefordshire College of Technology’s Holme Lacy Campus opens its gates to the public for an informative, fun and action packed day out. This year’s event took place on Saturday 26th May, was luckily blessed with good weather and welcomed around 1,000 people.
Staff and learners showcased a wide range of the superb work that goes on at the Campus. Demonstrations included sheep shearing and spinning through to blacksmithing and forgework, plus numerous displays including equine, forestry, ATV and chainsaws. Tractor and trailer rides took visitors on tours to see the 257-hectare estate and working farm. For those feeling a little more energetic, a variety of activities including clay pigeon shooting and a climbing wall were on offer. Visitors were free to wander around the site, meeting the residents in the Animal Care Centre and admiring the beautiful gardens tended by HCT learners. There was also a selection of stalls plus a range of refreshments available to purchase at the event.
Visitors to the event were also excited to meet surprise special guest, Emma Patrick who was the Olympic Torchbearer for the Ludlow leg of the Olympic Torch Relay. She was joined by her mother and College Governor, Elizabeth Patrick and also her sister who works at the Holme Lacy Campus, Katherine Patrick. Emma is the full-time coach to Great Britain’s fantastic Paralympic Gold Medal winning swimmers, Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis. She has trained them for the Sydney Games and remains totally committed to them on their journey to represent GB at London 2012.
Assistant Principal for Land-Based Studies, Rob Dunn commented, “We are very grateful to Emma for giving up her valuable time between coaching sessions to visit our Open Day. There was a lot of interest in the torch and in the outstanding work Emma has been doing with Sascha and Nyree. All the staff and learners at Holme Lacy wish them every success at London 2012”
