A popular student led lecture series has recently presented five students with horticultural travel bursaries to be used around the world.
The bursaries were raised from ticket sales to the ‘James Hearsum’ series of horticultural related lectures, which have been taking place throughout the academic year. Bursaries totalled £2,500 and were presented during the seventh lecture by guest lecturer, Phillip Askew Landscape Architect on Olympic Games Park.
The bursaries will enable the five awarded to travel to inspiring gardens and landscapes in both the UK and abroad. The students won the money as part of a Travel Awards scheme run through the CADE (Centre for the Arts and Design in the Environment – a Centre of Innovation at Writtle College Centre) web site.
Chloe Fleming, first year Foundation Degree student in Landscape Construction, received one of the top bursaries of £500, and will be travelling through North and South of France visiting gardens during the summer this year. MA Landscape Architecture student, Farimah Sadat Jamali, received £350 towards his travel to Gaudi Park in Barcelona.
Other bursaries were awarded to Peter Illman, William Stranger and Liam Sapsford, who collectively will be travelling to Madagascar, Singapore, the UK and France.
With a loyal following of visitors to the six earlier horticultural lectures, held at the College, all were delighted with the impromptu seventh lecture addition at the end of the series from Philip Askew.
Senior Lecturer in Landscape Studies, Greg Allen spoke about the final lecture held at Writtle College: “We combined our usual loyal audience with invited members of the Landscape Association (BALI) to hear Philip Askew deliver a fascinating overview of the extensive Landscape developments for the 2012 Olympics and the public Legacy Park beyond 2012.”
Talking about the success of the 2010-11 lecture series Greg went on to say: “the main aim of the lectures is to help inspire our students and keen local horticulturalists and to enthuse a passion for plants and landscape design. Following the success once again this year we aim to continue with the lectures next year, inviting more inspiring experts to talk at Writtle College.”
Roy Lancaster, who headlined the series this year, is best known for his work on the BBC TV Gardeners World and BBC Gardeners' Question Time. Roy’s lecture focused on his many plant finding expeditions.
Previously organised by horticultural College graduate, James Hearsum, this series was the fifth lecture series now aptly renamed the 'James Hearsum Lecture Series' retaining recognition for the series originator.
Pictured: Chloe Fleming (Foundation Degree Landscape Construction) receiving a travel bursary from Phil Askew, Assistant Project Sponsor for the Olympic Parklands and Public Realm.
Chloe will be travelling through France and visiting a range of French gardens including Versailles.