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Finchale's Monster Leeks Sweep Gold at RHS Tatton Park Flower Show

We've done it! After several years of exhibiting at flower shows across the country, Finchale finally has a Gold Award for Tatton Park in the bag.

Our show garden, "The Schedule", pays tribute to times gone by when many gardens and allotments, particularly in the North East, would grow oversized vegetables for the Leek Show or "Schedule". Like many post-war gardens in Britain, our show garden uses recycled household materials, such as old bricks, demolished bathrooms and corrugated iron to grow a variety of vegetables and flowers cost effectively and sustainably.

The garden has proved very popular with the public, as well as gardening celebrity Medywn Williams and the RHS flower show judges too! On 20th July 'The Schedule' was awarded Gold much to the joy of Finchale's horticulture staff and students. Finchale's prize winning leeks really have won a prize!

Well done to all involved and congratulations.

Captain Richard Annand, a hero of the Second World War, was remembered in a ceremony at Finchale to commemorate the 70th anniversary of his greatest act of bravery.
Captain Annand, was awarded the Victoria Cross for an extraordinary act of heroism on 15th May 1940. After the Second World War Captain Annand worked at Finchale College for over thirty years as Personnel Officer.
Despite losing his hearing in the war, Captain Annand's energy and ambition continued at Finchale. He worked tirelessly to help trainees overcome disability, gain independence and employment. Even after his retirement in 1979 Captain Annand continued to actively help others living with a disability.
On the 14th May the College was joined by The Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Rev Mark Bryant, Lieutenant General Robin Vaughan Brims, former commander of the field army, Lord Lieutenant of Durham Sir Paul Nicholson as well as mayors of Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland and a host of other dignitaries to attend the ceremony.
The College was delighted how the ceremony went and felt "it was a real celebration of a truly remarkable man whom we are very honoured to have had the pleasure of his dedication, determination and inspiration to our organisation".

News Story:
[ Finchale celebrates Disabled Veterans through commemorating a VC hero ]

The College Wins Gold Regional Health at Work Award presented by Durham & Darlington Community Health Services The award recognises the all round health at work that Finchale provides to both staff and trainees; a range of physical, mental and emotional health services are provided within the College.
Finchale have also been acknowledged as a Mindful Employer and have a Certificate of Commitment to healthy living. In addition to this, the college will be a much fitter place as plans to renovate our onsite fitness room get underway. The College fitness room will be relocated to a brighter and more accessible room and will be kitted with new fitness equipment. It is hoped that the new fitness room will be ready for use after the summer and open to trainees

Finchale is thrilled to announce that we are runners up at this years prestigious North East Business Awards in the "Best Not-For-Profit" category. The awards took place in April at Hardwick Hall. Although we did not sweep first prize, being a runner up for this award truly recognises the determination and clear ambition that Finchale has to help others.