A CITY centre building that has played a vital role in Exeter’s history is destined for a bright future thanks to its recent purchase by Exeter College.

The Grade II-listed property at 26 Queen Street, previously home of the University of Plymouth’s School of Arts, is being transformed into the Exeter College Music and Performance Academy. Part of an exciting building programme at the College, it is due to open early next year.

And among those working on the site for South-West based building contractors Midas is Exeter College’s own carpentry apprentice Tom Perryman, aged 19, of Honiton.

In the first year of studying for a two-year NVQ Level 2 qualification in Carpentry, Tom divides his week between lessons at the College’s Construction faculty in Sowton and work-shadowing expert carpenter George Jepps on-site at Queen Street.

Rebecca King, Deputy Principal at Exeter College, is delighted that one of the College’s own apprentices is involved in the project.

She says: “It is very special that one of our own construction apprentices is able to contribute to the refurbishment of this wonderful building.

“The Music and Performance Academy will be a dedicated centre of excellence for the talented musicians and performers that Exeter College attracts from the Exeter and heart of Devon schools,” she continues.

“The recording studios, editing suites, performance spaces and music practice rooms are designed to cater for all kinds of music, from classical and jazz to rock and pop, and our popular music technology courses, and the facilities will mirror the equipment that our students will face when they are in the industry.

“Likewise, Tom’s experiences working on this building will benefit him as he continues his training with Midas.”

Excited to be involved in the renovation of such an old building, Tom agrees: “I’m really enjoying being an apprentice because it means that I’m gaining my skills while I’m working rather than just in a classroom. When you are among other people who are already experienced in what you want to do, you learn a lot more – and you can always ask questions if you’re not sure.

“I’m also getting to see carpentry of a kind that I wouldn’t normally see on a newer building. At the same time, I’m finding out about the sort of tools used back in the day, as well as about all the modern ones.”

George, who has worked in the building industry for almost 37 years and has been a carpenter for the last 20, first trained as an apprentice himself too so understands what it is like.

He says: “It’s nice having Tom around to pass on my knowledge to, especially as I remember how much being an apprentice helped me. We all have to start somewhere, so if you’re working with someone who can help you as you are learning, then all the better.”

Midas’ site manager Peter Chown – a man with 44 years’ experience in the construction industry and another former apprentice – is also very positive about apprenticeships.

He says: “As an apprentice, you are not pushed in at the deep end; instead, you are eased in gently and trained by professionals.

“From the industry’s point of view, it’s good too, because many apprentices go on to become site and contract managers and remain loyal to their employers. It makes good sense that if you are trained well by your employer, there’s more of an incentive to remain with them once training has been completed.

“Working on this project is proving to be really enjoyable for all of us, not only Tom; it’s not every day that you get to work on a building with as much age and character as this one.”

Still housing a portion of the City Wall in its basement, 26 Queen Street became the new site for The Exeter Dispensary in 1843, three years after the foundation stone was laid by Sir John Buller MP. The stone can still be seen today on the corner of Northernhay Street and Queen Street.

The original dispensary, in Frienhay Street, was founded in 1818 by Dr Henry Blackhall to provide relief for the poor suffering from fevers and contagious diseases, and for children who were unfit to be admitted to the Devon and Exeter Hospital.

More recently, it became office for the National Health Service towards the end of the 20th Century, before the University of Plymouth moved into the building at the start of the 21st Century.

Now undergoing a refurbishment worth an estimated £600,000, Exeter College Music and Performing Arts students will have the use of approximately 465m² of space when the first classes begin there in early 2011.

TEN students have been presented with certificates in recognition of their business leadership skills.

Having gained their Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Introductory Certificate in Team Leading, they were awarded their Level 2 qualification at a lunch which had been especially organised for them in the College’s Business Suite at Victoria House in Exeter.

The awards were presented by Customer Services Manager Miranda Pammeter of Liverpool Victoria, the insurance company which sponsors the qualification, together with Exeter College Head of Business and IT Jenny Lyons and Assistant Principal Malcolm Walsh.

A mixture of full-time AS and BTEC Business students, aged between 16 and 19, they had completed their courses in addition to their other studies at the College.

All of them passed, and three – Hayley Flanagan, Jodie O’Reilly and Ben Small – were praised for their ‘excellent’ assignments, submitted upon completion of the two-day course.

Also collecting certificates were: Michael Footitt, Rosie Gough, Martin Hitchcock, Stevie Jones, Rebecca Preece, James Smith and Tina Stevens.

Sarah Henderson, of Business and IT at Exeter College and Young Entrepreneurs’ Support Solution, says: “Delivered through Studyflex for the CMI and sponsored by Liverpool Victoria, the qualification is a perfect stepping stone for those who would like to take on a supervisory role in business. They may also go on to complete the Full Certificate.”

She adds: “As part of their sponsorship of the qualification, London Victoria is offering a guaranteed interview, entry criteria permitting, within six months of the students leaving full-time education.”

STAFF and students are excited by the arrival of a new café, courtyard, and outdoor amphitheatre at Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) this autumn, which is already proving to be their cup of tea.

Starting off a new academic year in style, the glass-housed, ultra-modern eatery known as The Conservatory is now open for business in the Victoria Yard area of Exeter College’s CCI campus, off Queen Street, and is serving as a refreshing change, especially for regular CCI users including those studying Media, Art and Design, and Engineering.

Named The Conservatory because of its glass walls and light and airy feel, it has been painted a cheerful raspberry and white, with a similar colour scheme running through the carpet – all as chosen by students through their Learner Voice representation. It also features gallery space to be used for work by CCI Art and Photography students in the future.

Its glazed front opens out onto the courtyard and amphitheatre, which, like the new café, have been designed and built in response to students’ requests for further areas in which to relax and socialise between classes on this particular area of the campus.

As well as providing new seating areas, where students are already enjoying meeting for lunch, Media and Performing Arts students based in the CCI will be able to use the amphitheatre for occasional performances in addition to the existing performance space available to them indoors at the CCI Theatre.

Head of Estates Steve Strang says: “When designing the new café, we spoke to our Learner Voice group – who ensure students have their say in College decision-making – as well as students and staff based at the CCI, likely to be its core users, and Exeter College Students’ Union. We asked them what kind of building design they would like to see, the appearance of the external space, and how we should make use of it once transformed.”

Delighted with the outcome, Steve continues: “The Conservatory opened on the first day of the new term, and from the outset the feedback from every student I have heard talking about it has been brilliant.”

Among its student supporters is Rosanna Martin, aged 17, of Chumleigh, who is already enjoying her lunch breaks there with friends. Currently in her second year and taking five A levels at Exeter College, she says: “It looks very modern and it gives us a nice area for lunch and relaxing.”

Raphael Royo-Reece, aged 17, of Heavitree – also in his second-year and studying A levels – agrees: “It’s good that we are able to have a say in what happens at the College, and I think this was definitely a good idea. It has given us somewhere else to sit and relax, and I really like it.”

The Conservatory is one of a number of exciting projects planned at the College.

Deputy Principal Rebecca King says: “We’re already working on our next new project in the city which is refurbishing 26 Queen Street, an important building that has been empty for some time.

“We are looking forward to providing a dedicated Music and Performance Academy for our talented students, due to open early 2011. As with The Conservatory, it is important that we listen to the end users – our students and staff – and continue to invest in first class facilities for the region’s talent.”

Bridgwater-based contractors Henry W.Pollard and Sons originally moved on to the then unused piece of land in Victoria Yard to start building on The Conservatory back in April this year and have just added the finishing touches to their work. In total, the venture cost around £750, 000 for building work and fitting out.

AROUND 160 Exeter College higher education students donned their caps and gowns on Friday 22nd Oct to attend their Graduation Ceremony, held at Exeter Cathedral at 2pm.

Joining them to celebrate their achievements were around 500 guests, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress, and representatives of Exeter College and its Board of Governors, including Principal Richard Atkins, as well as other Devon schools, colleges, and universities.

The guest speaker was Flybe’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim French, who addressed, among others, senior representatives of the universities of Exeter, Plymouth, and Marjon, the Exeter College graduates of 2010, and their families.

The students were awarded qualifications ranging from BA and PGCE to FdSc, FdA, HNC and HND, in a broad cross-section of subject areas offered at the College, including Business Management, Health and Social Care, Performance Production, Legal Practice, Sports Therapy, Education, Early Years, Engineering, and Construction.

The ceremony began with a procession of dignitaries attending within the Cathedral accompanied by music provided by Exeter College Wind Band.

Once the students had collected their certificates, they were invited to afternoon tea at the Thistle Hotel in the city, held within the Cavendish Room and Devonshire Suite.

Julie Skinner, Head of Higher Education at Exeter College, said: “This is the third Exeter College graduation ceremony. It is always a wonderful occasion for students, their families, and the city, in which we are able to celebrate the success of all our higher education students here at Exeter College.

“The cathedral is a beautiful venue which lends itself to such a prestigious occasion and we are looking forward to returning again this year.”

LORRAINE FERNANDES, Founder of Exmouth-based sales consultancy and sales coaching company Higher Associates, knows a good deal when she sees one.

So when she heard about the YESS (Young Entrepreneurs’ Support Solution) Project, a new venture aimed at helping young people in Devon interested in setting up their own business, she was keen to offer her assistance.

Having delivered her first talk as Guest Speaker in June, entitled Top Ten Traits of Entrepreneurs, she will be returning to Victoria House in Exeter to run a second workshop on Tuesday, October 19 – Entrepreneurial Success with a Sales and Marketing Twist.

“The YESS Project offers an invaluable service to young people in the area,” says Lorraine, who set up her own business in 2008, now employs three staff, and serves a client base across the county of customers ranging from software developers to hoteliers.

“The UK economy is largely made up of small businesses run by innovative individuals,” continues the 29-year-old from Exmouth. A former pupil of St Mark’s Sixth Form, who studied Business Studies and left with three A levels, she went on to complete The Dales Carnegie Sales Advantage, studied NLP, and is a certified coach with CoachU.

“What the YESS Project has to offer budding entrepreneurs here in Devon will enable them to gain the skills necessary to go out into the marketplace and build their own successful businesses. As part of the bigger picture, YESS is fostering the income generators of the future and that is so important if we are to maintain and grow a strong local and national economy.”

Additionally, Lorraine took one student on over the summer on work experience and is now acting as a Business Mentor for those involved in the YESS Project. She is recommending others think seriously about doing the same.

“Owners of all businesses, large or small, know how difficult it can be to get a new venture off the ground, and through this project young people have the chance to meet and learn from people with real-life experience of the business world,” explains Lorraine.

“It’s nice to think that I can be among those who can help, motivate, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs,” she adds. “Who knows? One of them could be the next Bill Gates or Richard Branson.”

Based in Victoria House, Queen Street, Exeter, the YESS Project was set up earlier this year as a new initiative aimed at encouraging entrepreneurial activity among young people in Exeter and the Heart of Devon.

Backed by Devon County Council through Productive Skills for Devon, Exeter College, and a number of other organisations, it has been designed specifically for 14 to 19-year-olds with a view to boosting levels of employment locally through increased business activity and, in turn, the region’s economy.

Free and available to anyone within the above age bracket, there are three main elements to the programme, as follows:
• INFORMATION CENTRE – Based in Victoria House, 33-36 Queen Street, Exeter (opposite Exeter Central Station), a drop-in service is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, where advice, information and other business materials are on offer.
• MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME – A variety of successful local business people engaged in the scheme offer support and advice based on their experience and expertise in their specialist area of work.
• BUSINESS WORKSHOPS – Workshops are run to provide young people with the essential business knowledge they need to help them start up their own business.
Intended as a ‘one-stop shop’, the YESS Project is about taking a holistic approach towards venturing into the business world, according to YESS Project Coordinator Charlotte Hayes.

Charlotte adds: “Having local business owners like Lorraine involved means we can offer practical guidance to young people based on the genuine experiences of others, which is an incredibly valuable resource.

“As well as listening to their sound advice, they can ask questions and bounce ideas off their YESS mentors, reassured in the knowledge that these are people who have already established themselves in business and know both about the risks and pitfalls as well as the huge benefits and rewards this can entail.”

People can find out further information and register for the workshops by dropping in to see the YESS team at Victoria House on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Alternatively, they can call 01392 205604

WHEN EXETER-born Daniel Bonner landed a dream job at top London restaurant Fifteen a year ago, he couldn’t believe it.
Following a promotion to Chef de Partie at the fashionable eaterie famously founded by Jamie Oliver after only eight months, he has just been offered another – this time taking up the role of Chef de Partie at its sister restaurant in Amsterdam.
But the story doesn’t end there…
As 20-year-old Daniel begins his new life in Holland this month, 19-year-old Brynley Phipps – another former Exeter College Professional Chef Advanced Apprentice and also originally from Exeter – replaces him in London as the new Demi Chef de Partie.
Former St Peter’s School pupil Daniel completed his Level 3 in Professional Chef Advanced Apprenticeship in 2009 at Exeter College while employed by Phil Picton at The Cat In The Hat in Exeter. He says he is hugely grateful to both his College lecturer Dave Byford and Phil for having helped him on his way.
Also not forgotten are the kitchen staff at Le Petit Maison in Topsham who first sparked his enthusiasm for cooking while he earned pocket money washing the dishes as a teenager.
Having originally left his family home in Broadfields for London, Daniel’s early morning commute to work now consists of a 20-minute bicycle ride along Amsterdam’s pretty canals.
Already settling in to his new home in the Dutch capital, his responsibilities include running sections of the kitchen and training students.
“Being offered the chance to move to Fifteen Amsterdam was really exciting and at the same time pretty scary,” admits Daniel. “I knew it would mean getting used to living in a new country and learning a new language. But the people here are amazing and very friendly and welcoming. I’m having a great time.”
Meanwhile, in London, it is Brynley’s turn to cut his cloth at Fifteen’s flagship establishment. Although sad to leave friends and family in the South-West, he is hugely excited by the prospect of entering the world of fine dining and celebrity chefs.
A former pupil of Dawlish Community College, Brynley began his NVQ Level 2 Professional Chef Apprenticeship at Exeter College in 2007 while employed by The Devon Hotel.
He has then spent the last 20 months living in Doddiscombsleigh and working at The Nobody Inn where – originally taken on as he worked towards his Level 3 Professional Chef Advanced Apprenticeship – he completed his last service last week.
“It’s a pleasure to know I’m going to be working at the restaurant which Jamie Oliver made famous,” he says. “At the moment, it still feels crazy and overwhelming. It doesn’t feel real,” he says.
“I was literally buzzing when I got there,” continues Brynley, recalling how he felt when he arrived for his job interview.
“I was so scared because I knew I wanted to work there so much, but I worked from 9am until 4pm and completed lunchtime service, and it felt amazing.
“I am really grateful to them and to everyone at home who has supported me here in the South-West so far in my career. I’m looking forward to doing a good job of following in Daniel’s footsteps.”

WHILE would-be millionaires might have trouble convincing TV Dragons Deborah Meaden & Co that their inventions and innovations are good value for money in the Dragon’s Den, some of the nation’s youngest entrepreneurs will at least have chance to explore their ideas in the classroom.

With support from Exeter College, Cullompton Community College’s Business Club has been given an extra boost this term. Primarily assisting pupils studying towards their Applied Business GCSE and Certificate in Preparation for Working Life, the Club helps them research coursework projects with support from staff.

Jo Granton, Head of Business at Cullompton Community College, says: “With Exeter College’s assistance, we will be able to buy a colour printer and cartridges specifically for Business Studies.

“We will also be able to buy some Interactive Whiteboard software so students can learn interactively and collaboratively in the Business Club, and some up-to-date educational DVDs featuring case studies so students can gain a real insight into business life.”

She continues: “As we are a Business and Enterprise College, every student in Year 10 and 11 studies a Business-related GCSE.

“The Business Club provides a forum in which these students can meet and share ideas and good practice. It also helps pupils develop their Business vocabulary, improve exam technique and generally boost their confidence. They are thrilled to hear about our generous gift from Exeter College.”

While representatives of the local business community will be visiting as guest speakers to share their expertise over the coming months, pupils will also play out business scenarios aimed at developing their understanding of Business skills such as Financial Planning and Accounting.
Additionally, pupils will be entering this year’s National Enterprise UK Challenge later this term.

Meanwhile busy preparing to take part in Exeter’s 2010 Enterprise Day event during Global Entrepreneurship Week on November 19, the pressure is certainly on, admits Jo, whose team won last year’s inter-school competition co-sponsored by Devon Education Business Partnership, Exeter College, City & Guilds and Heart.

“We certainly have our work cut out to see if we can do it again,” she says.

Speaking on behalf of Exeter College, Director of Marketing and External Relations Chris Lorimer adds: “At Exeter College, we are delighted to support the activities of schools across Devon which not only help pupils in their younger years but equip them with skills that they can use in later life – whether at college or university, or in their future careers.

“We are delighted to have been able to give this worthwhile venture our backing.”

STAFF and students from Exeter College’s Hospitality, Hair & Beauty faculty will be offering free pampering at the Women’s Health & Wellbeing Day at Kennaway House in Sidmouth on Saturday, November 13 – an event organised by Local Women 4 Women to raise money for Force Cancer Charity.

The volunteers will be among a number of speakers, therapists and exhibitors on the day who will be providing taster experiences in their expert fields to women living with, or who have been affected in some way, by cancer, and any others women who wish to come along, between 10am and 4pm.

As well as lunch and networking opportunities, for a cost of £40 per person, visitors will be able to try T’ai Chi, Yoga, or Yoga Dance, choose a complementary therapy session from a range of therapists, including Reiki and ‘foot’ reading, and select from a choice of eleven workshops in everything from Confidence Building to Jewellery-Making and Wardrobe Re-design.

Under supervision, students aged 17 upwards and currently studying on a range of Hair and Beauty Therapy courses at Exeter College will be offering complementary hair styling, and taster pedicure, manicure, and Indian Head Massage treatments.

Exeter College Beauty & Spa Curriculum Leader Tracey Bennett, who also attended last year’s event, says: “There was such a lovely atmosphere at last year’s event, and the students found it an enriching experience for themselves as well as for the ladies for whom they were providing treatments.

“As well as helping boost their confidence, it allowed them to develop their therapy skills in an environment outside the College. Many of the women who attended the pamper day were so impressed they booked themselves in with friends to come along for a full day’s pampering at the College’s own H2B hair, health and beauty salon at a later date.

“The fact the students were doing something which was helping to raise money for Force and making individuals feel good about themselves at the same time made it even more enjoyable and rewarding,” she continues.

“I am very much looking forward to another successful event this year and hope to see as many women on the day as possible supporting the vital work done by this charity.”

Local Women 4 Women Co-Founder Heather Eardley adds: “The event is open to all women in the local community and offers them a chance to meet other women and find out more about the businesses they run or services they provide.

“We had really good feedback last year and everybody had a great day, with new friends or business contacts made along the way.

“Again this year, our activities are aimed at catering for a wide range of women, and we have included an art aspect as well this time with demonstrations and a speaker.

“Last year, the Exeter College students provided a fantastic opportunity for women to benefit from their skills, and at the same time try a new look or a beauty treatment which they had perhaps never experienced before.”

The 2010 Women’s Health & Wellbeing Day will take place at Kennaway House in Sidmouth on Saturday, November 13, 10am to 4pm.

Tickets cost £40 per person and include a workshop, therapy, exercise class, lunch and refreshments, retail stalls, demonstrations and speakers. Proceeds will go to Force Cancer Charity.

For further information and bookings, visit www.lw4w.org.uk or call 01395 568727.

To book an appointment at Exeter College’s in-house H2B spa and salons, or to find out more about range of treatments performed by students on offer, call 01392 205598.

EXETER COLLEGE welcomes back one of its star alumni to present awards to some of its present-day outstanding achievers.

As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, Luke Pearce – England’s youngest ever professional senior rugby referee – will be returning to home turf to give out prizes at this year’s AS Awards.

Taking place annually in recognition of outstanding achievement among its AS Level students, the 2010 event is being held at the College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI).

There, former Saracens fly-half Luke will also be giving a speech to students and their invited guests about his own memories of life at Exeter College and how the experience helped him to be where he is today.

From Exeter, he now travels the world with his top job as he referees matches featuring some of the greatest names in England Rugby Union and says he is delighted to be part of tomorrow evening’s celebrations.

“College was great fun for me,” recalls the 23-year-old, who studied A levels at Exeter College between 2004 and 2006 and went on to take the first two years of his degree in Sports, Fitness and Coaching there before completing his final year at University College Plymouth Marjon.

“Those were the freedom years after school and before university. I made a lot of friends there who are still my friends, so I am looking forward to speaking to some of the students tomorrow night who have just completed their AS levels and are now working towards their A levels.”

“Remembering how it felt when I was studying for my A levels, I know that it can sometimes be a bit daunting,” he continues. “I’d really like to give them a push and will be offering them a few training tips as to how I approached them.”

In total, 37 awards will be presented to the winners, all aged between 17 and 18 and now studying for their A levels, in recognition of their performance across the 37 AS Level subjects currently available at the College during the last academic year.

The evening will begin with a Reception in the CCI’s new café, The Conservatory, where students and their guests will be welcomed upon arrival with light refreshments and live music, to be performed by Exeter College Music students Ben Lee, Brendan Bolt and Yolande Hekt.

The awards ceremony will follow, from 7pm, in the neighbouring CCI Theatre, where Assistant Principal Anne Oxborough will give the introductory speech.

Anne says: “We are particularly delighted to be inviting back a former student who only a few years ago was studying here at the College himself and has gone on to be such a high achiever in his chosen field.

“This is the fifth year that the AS Awards have been held, and every year the atmosphere is excellent. There’s always a true sense of pride and joy among staff and loved ones as each of the students go up onto the stage to collect their prizes.”

To celebrate National Poetry Day, critically-acclaimed performance poet and humorist Matt Harvey gave an hour-long reading of extracts of his work to students at Exeter College yesterday.

Matt, who lives in Totnes, has had a number of books published, his latest being Where Earwigs Dare (Green Books: £9.95), and has written the Desktop Poetry slot for the Guardian for the last two years.

A regular contributor to BBC Radio 4, he is the creator of Empath Man who had his own Radio 4 mini-series which The Times described as “very funny, very satirical”. His recent Edinburgh show also gained excellent reviews, and earlier this year he was appointed as the Official Wimbledon Championship Poet for 2010.

Originally from Cheshire, Matt was brought up in Ireland and Scotland but spent most of his school years in Twickenham.

Now aged 48, of how he first became interested in poetry at a young age, he says: “I’ve loved poetry since I can remember – from rhymes when I was little, through to the nonsense verse of Lear, Carroll, Milligan, the Liverpool poets, especially Roger McGough and Brian Patten – and Pam Ayres!

“Then, I progressed to the wonders found in anthologies, old and modern. I just love reading (and writing, on a good day) lively, thoughtful, surprising words.”

Asked why he decided to pursue a career in poetry, he says: “I wouldn’t say I ever decided to ‘pursue’ a career as a poet. I’m still blinking in surprise that I seem to have one. I did many other things first – worked in a shop selling hand-made shoes, in a psychotherapeutic residential community, in a travelling hot tub and sauna outfit called Spa Tek, teaching computer skills, and much more.

“I began getting some paid poetry gigs in my late twenties, and made self-published books that sold pretty well, but I didn’t go full-time until my late thirties when my first Radio 4 series was commissioned, and I’ve been a full-time poet/writer/performer ever since.”

Matt attended the second of two events which took place at in the CCI Theatre at Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries yesterday to mark National Poetry Day in the hope that he might inspire others to pick up the pen and start writing too.

“I’d encourage everyone to try their hand at poetry, because it’s enjoyable and hugely satisfying. Once you’ve experienced writing something that works – that touches people, makes them laugh, cry, or sigh, anything that connects with the audience – it very quickly becomes addictive.”

Other contributions included a reading by performance poet Chris Gower, who works in one of the College’s Learning Resource Centres, and performances and screenings by Dance and Creative Media students at the College. On the day, students also found out who had won a cross-College poetry competition.

First-years working towards their BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production were among those showing off their creations. Having had only three weeks to prepare, they rose to the challenge and produced a series of short films based on this year’s National Poetry Day theme, Home.

Speaking afterwards, their tutor Alison Pym said: “Filmmaking is a creative process and it was great for media production students to work with poetry and be part of an event which they otherwise might not have become involved with.

“While much of our job is to help them learn the production skills and tricks of the trade, we mustn’t forget to feed the creative brain which is essential to their success in the media. National Poetry Day was a great day to start.”

Dee Bettany, Deputy-Head of the English, Languages and IB faculty which organised the celebrations, added: “We always do something to celebrate National Poetry Day in the English department, and this year we were lucky enough to secure Matt Harvey as our guest poet.

“Rather than simply organise events limited to English Language and Literature courses, we really wanted to draw students and staff from Faculties across the College.

“Poetry can become lost once immersed in the vast world of literature, so it’s important that we have a day like this to remind people of how much pleasure it can bring to their lives.”