Students from Weston College's Sport and Public Services Department visited Weston Town Hall last week to discuss the changes to Weston-super-Mare's town centre with Cllr John Crockford-Hawley, Chairman of North Somerset Council.

The students discussed projects such as the Tropicana, Backwell leisure facilities, the town square/Italian Gardens development and using sport as a rehabilitation tool.

Cllr John Crockford-Hawley said: "The students showed their excellent debating skills and their ability to present new ideas. They were very passionate about using sport to help people struggling with addiction.

"I wish all debates that I chair could be of this quality!"

Rugby

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: Weston 10-22 Huish

MOM: Tommy Bailey

Weston College first XV hosted Richard Huish first XV on Wednesday the 17th of January at Weston- Super- Mare RFC. Conditions for the fixture were exceptional with a cool but dry atmosphere throughout the event making conditions perfect for running rugby. After a confrontational opening 20 minutes Weston College scored their first try. An exceptionally well finished try by Harrison Lyon who burst through a tackle and scored a 15-meter run in. The try was the result of sustained phase play attack by the Weston side, which was just reward from their dominant opening play. From the kick-off Richard Huish scored a clinical try, punishing the Weston defence for not clearing their lines within their own 22.  

The extremely close affair continued long into the second half with both teams scoring a further two tries' making it a 12-10 lead to Richard Huish. After scoring their second try to keep the contest competitive Weston conceded their third try directly from the kick-off. With Richard Huish demonstrating consistency and organisation within their attack. With the score at 17-10 the away side changed their phase play attack into a more elusive style, catching the home side off guard. The commitment and effort levels from Weston were to be admired demonstrating a unity and collective approach which will see the benefit in the future during close fixtures.  

Richard Huish continued playing, elusive rugby to score their final try making the end result 22-10. Honourable mentions include Josh Gardner, who lead with exceptional passion and determination on his debut as Captain. Tommy Bailey worked relentlessly in defence with continued support in attack. Ethan Thomas controlled the backline and directed the team with some outstanding kicking from hand.  

Football 1st

Opposition: Richard Huish

Score: 5-2

MOM: Cory Thomas Barker

Richard Huish welcomed Weston College Mens 1 to play a league fixture in ECFA Mens category 2 south west (south). As the game started Weston controlled possession and moved the ball around on a difficult pitch. They created a good number of early chances which we were able to convert and went into a 2 goal lead thanks to Tom Llewellyn and Lucas Vowles. With the game in Weston’s control we created more chances with good play down the wide areas and holding good possession through-out the half. Just before the break with a lack of concentration from Weston’s part Richard Huish were back into the game 2-1 at half time. After the break both teams were going forwards looking to either get back into the game or run away with it. With Weston still having more of the ball they raced into a 4-1 lead with both Tom and Lucas sharing the spoils once again. Again through a mistake from Weston Richard Huish were allowed them back into the game at 4-2. With the game entering the last 20 minutes Weston took control and slowed the game. Weston Still had chances to further the lead and Cory Thomas-Baker was able to score a goal to remember from 35 yards. Weston ran out winners 5-2. We wish Richard Huish all the best with their remaining fixtures.

Netball

Opposition: Bridgwater

Score: Weston 30-19 Bridgwater

POM: Chloe

A great start to Weston Colleges first match back since Christmas. All the girls were enthusiastic to get on and start the match . The match started very quick with great movement especially by Chloe and Lucy around the attacking circle edge . Court defence was hard for Bridgewater to play through with some great opportunities for Jodi to intercept a lot of the attacking play . 1st quarter ended 12-6 to Weston .

Going into the 2nd quarter the girls settled and slowed play down to allow for a more controlled attack and to limit some mistakes made in the first quarter . Weston pulled ahead with some fantastic shooting and rebounds by Erin and Megan finishing the second quarter 20-10 .

The 3rd quarter both teams made changes, Bridgewater came on with a confident start which made Weston have to dig deep . The whole squad pulled together while they settled with new players on showing great interceptions and marking by Beth and excellent man on man marking and back up play by Ella finishing the third quarter 24-16.

Going into the 4 th quarter Weston showcased their talent by continuing to back each other up and create lots of opportunities for each other to intercept and get turn over ball by Chloe and Beth Playing GD.

A great first match with lots of amazing match play  and attitude. 

Our hospitality and catering department is always busy in the Grove Training Kitchen and Restaurant on the second floor of the Knightstone Campus. Whether they’re making treats to sell around the College, or serving the public in the evening, they are always learning and improving their skills.

We’re taking a look back at the best guest chefs and experiences they’ve had over the last term…

Making canapés and serving front of house at Berwick Lodge

Our students were given a fantastic opportunity at the start of the year to serve front of house at an event at Berwick Lodge, and make canapés with head chef, Istvan Ulmann. They had a fantastic day, making a variety of dishes for a BBQ event and afternoon tea, and Istvan later returned to the College to deliver a guest session in our Grove Restaurant. Read the full story here.

Weston Wok from the College’s atrium

Back in February, a few of our Level 3 students decided to run their own Weston Wok lunch business from the Knightstone Campus atrium! They cooked lunch for paying members of the public, staff and students, fresh in front of them.

A vegetarian chef came for a visit

Elisabeth Guillén, Head Chef at The Gloucester Old Spot in Bristol, came in to lead a class of our Level 3 students. She taught them about traditional Spanish recipes with a vegetarian focus, creating some fantastic dishes and showing the diverse flavours you can create, even without meat! You can read the full story here.

Serving a party of 40 guests in the Grove Restaurant

The College recently held a special celebration for winning the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, so our hospitality and catering students worked hard throughout the day to make a three-course meal for all 40 VIPs. Everyone was thoroughly impressed with the food and all their hard work.

Working at the Cheltenham Festival

22 of our students attended the Cheltenham Festival to serve thousands of visitors over the week. They encountered a few famous faces while working in the Gold Cup Restaurant, Paddock Restaurant and The Sizzling Jack prepping food and serving front of house.

Find out more

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in hospitality and catering, we offer a range of courses and apprenticeships that can help you on your way! 

Click here to find out more...