Show marks 50 years of Brinsbury Campus

The day was marked by the traditional Show & Country Fayre but also by a special celebration for an invited audience and students past and present, including Charles Ashby and Stephen Hine, two of the original students of 1965, Bertha Smythers, the original farm secretary and Charlie Hughes, Sussex Farmer of the Year 2104, a previous agriculture student at Brinsbury.

Shelagh Legrave, the college principal and Charlie Hughes were joined by Arundel and South Downs MP, Nick Herbert, to unveil the celebratory wooden sculpture which was created as the result of a student competition and made by Alex Hopkins, a furniture making apprentice at Chichester.

The sculpture sits in an anniversary garden area and consists of 50 pieces of iroka, each of which represents one of the College years from 1965-2015.

Mr Herbert spoke with many of the visitors to the 50 years exhibition and said: “I was delighted to attend Brinsbury’s 50th anniversary event and to join so many people in celebrating the enduring place of the college in our community.

“Long may West Sussex remain a rural county with a college which meets the needs of local employers and equips young people with the skills they need to participate in the rural economy.”

The Brinsbury Show was attended by bigger than usual crowds, who enjoyed a perfect May day.

Some of the highlights of the day included: a medieval battle re-enactment with foot soldiers, the Knockhundred Shuttles who entertained with their colourful costumes and traditional Morris dancing, the opportunity to handle a python, equine and dog grooming demonstrations, some very hot action in the forge with students giving demonstrations of hot forging techniques, tractor rides to visit the farm and see a cattle show and sheep shearing demonstration, terrier racing, local food, drink and crafts, a pop-up miniature golf course, kids fun tent and plants for sale raised by the campuses Foundation learners.

Really there was something for everyone at the show.

Dr Steve Millam, Brinsbury Campus Director said: “ It was a great day with record visitor numbers, everyone was keen to help us celebrate our 50 year milestone, students and staff alike worked hard to create an amazing show. Stall holders ran out of produce and the beer tent nearly ran dry. All in all it was a huge success. “

Report and pictures contributed by Anna White, White Consultancy.