8 September 2011
Prior to the graduation ceremonies, on Thursday 8 September, will be another reason to celebrate as College patron, Alan Titchmarsh MBE, officially opens the newest addition to the Writtle College campus – The Titchmarsh Centre for Animal Care.
Alan commented about the new centre: “It is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of the animal care and veterinary nursing professions.” The opening will take place on Thursday 8 September at 9.30am.
Following the opening ceremony, Alan will go on to join some of the 240 Writtle College students travelling to Chelmsford cathedral to receive their University of Essex accredited degrees. Two of the three graduation ceremonies will be held on Thursday 8 September, with the third ceremony taking place on Friday 9 September.
Graduating students on the Thursday will be from Writtle’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Agriculture, Business, Conservation, Floristry, Horticulture and Writtle School of Design.
Honouring students at the Friday ceremony for Sports, Equine and Animal studies/ science degrees will be Sally Gunnell OBE, who last year received an Honorary Doctorate from Writtle College in recognition of her contribution to British sport and athletics.
Honorary Doctorates this year be awarded to: Peter Harvey who has been a leading light in the study of natural history in Essex for well over two decades; Mike Porter who has a clear passion for educating young people and the general public from Essex about their food; Peter Wilkin who is Chairman of Wilkin & Sons, the manufacturers of the world renowned Tiptree Jams; Ben Maher who was the youngest rider to represent Great Britain in the Beijing (Hong Kong) Olympics in 2008.
This year the Duchess of Kent awards will be presented to Tamzin Mills, Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing, Michelle Williams, Sales Support Officer for Short Course Training, and Helen Fitch who is the Higher Education Quality Systems Development Manager.
The Students’ Union Rag charities, J’s Hospice and Chelmsford YMCA, will receive cheques from the money raised throughout the year through RAG activities.
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The Titchmarsh Centre for Animal Care
Animal care courses at Writtle College have become one of our most popular choices for our students. Over the years students have gone on to rich and rewarding careers in animal related industries and speak fondly of their time with us.
Early in 2010 the College embarked on a major capital development project to provide a fantastic new facility to house Writtle’s zoo and companion animals and to provide new teaching facilities.
The official opening of the Centre will take place on Thursday 8 September, 2011 at 9.30am.
Pictured - The outside paddocks at the Titchmarsh Centre