Pershore College student Lucy Foskett has been awarded the prestigious organic horticulture trophy, the HRH Prince of Wales Perpetual Challenge Trophy.
Lucy, who is studying on the college’s HND Organic and Sustainable Horticulture course, was awarded the trophy by the Master of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, Rex Thornborough.
The prize includes a cheque for £500 and a certificate, signed personally by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.
The award is presented to the student who best demonstrates a good understanding of organic and sustainable horticulture while demonstrating sustainable practices.
Lucy, who is going on to start the degree top-up at Pershore in September, was awarded the trophy for her very good understanding of the importance of healthy soil and for her investigations into the possibilities of using wool carpet waste as a peat alternative.
The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, first mentioned in City Corporation records in 1345, is a survivor from the mediaeval craft guilds, which exercised control over the practice of their particular crafts and ensured that proper training occurred through the system of apprenticeship.
Lucy’s award is one of many that students at Warwickshire College’s Pershore centre have won this year. Pershore College is a centre of vocational excellence in Horticulture and has offered HNC, HND and BSc courses in Horticulture for many years. Organic and Sustainable Horticulture is a new pathway on the HND and BSc courses and Lucy Foskett will be in the first cohort to graduate.
The college is offering a new part-time course in Organic Horticulture, starting this September. The Pershore Diploma course is aimed at those who want to study at Higher Education level on a one day per week basis. It is ideal for career changers or those who would like a more in-depth knowledge of organic principles and practices.
For more information visit http://www.warwicshire.ac.uk or call Rhona Toft on 01386 551131, email ratoft@warkscol.ac.uk .
