SW in Bloom Melksham have presented an award to Wiltshire College Lackham student Christopher Wiltshire.
SW in Bloom group say, “Over the past four years or so the foundation studies and horticultural students/ learners (and staff) from Wiltshire College Lackham have been very helpful to the town, assisting with various environmental enhancement projects as part of their studies and requirement for work experience, including; • Repairing a leaking pond by incorporating a liner in the Prince of Wales Garden (2015) • Repairing and reinstating a gravel path leading from the town centre to St Michael & All Angels Church (2016/17) • Reinstating a long stretch of overgrown path along the Riverside Walk (2018/19) • Growing 600 plugs of wildflowers in order to create a Melksham wildflower area/meadow (2018/19) • Assisting in the total renovation of “The Friends’ Garden” (2019)
The award, presented each year goes to a foundation studies student who attends the Lackham campus. The award is for the student, who in the eyes of the teaching team has; • Made the most progress in the academic year (compared to their peers). • Demonstrated an affinity with the wider green environment. • Made a positive impact on their tutor group. The recipient receives a £25 voucher along with a framed certificate of merit.
The teaching team at the college, for academic year 2018/19, selected Christopher Wiltshire as the second recipient of the award. Chris was part of the group who played a pivotal role in refurbishing the Friends Garden.
His college citation states, “Chris has made the most progress in the academic year. He joined late to the group but soon gelled with everyone. He has shown his skills whilst working in practical sessions and has made huge improvements in his written work. Chris definitely has a true love of the countryside and all that goes with it.
“During the work we have been doing with Melksham in Bloom he has outshone everyone with his enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. On practicals he puts 110% in every session and has shown a respect for the farm staff and the whole environment.
“Chris has had a positive impact on the tutor group. He has shown he can be a leader and is liked by everyone in his tutor group. He is respectful to staff and is always on time for all sessions.”
The award was presented at the annual awards ceremony held at Wiltshire College Lackham on Friday 28th June, being presented by Kathy Iles (chair of SWIB Melksham and town councillor) and Carl Gill (Bloom volunteer and former head of horticultures, floristry and foundation studies at Lackham).
