Celebrity Patron amazed by College Graduates

Celebrity gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh, addressed graduating students of Writtle College today during a special ceremony held at Chelmsford Cathedral, Essex.

During his address Alan said: "I have been attending these ceremonies over several years now, I've lost count of how many, and yet the achievements of the students never ceases to amaze me."

As Patron of Writtle College which is a partner of the University of Essex, Alan went on to endorse the specialist skills that graduating students will take into their selected employment fields, saying: "Knowing what I have learned about this College and the kinds of people that Writtle turns out, I have no doubt that our landscape is in the safest of hands."

An Honorary Doctorate was also awarded today to Essex sportsperson, Sally Gunnell in recognition of her services to sport and the promotion of well-being. Other Honorary Doctorates were presented to Peter Philpot, owner of Barleylands in Billericay Essex, Christine Walkden, a celebrated horticulturist, and Wol and Sue Staines supporters of undergraduate horticultural and garden design students.

Graduates were presented with their degrees by Principal of the College, Professor David Butcher, alongside him was Nigel South, Pro Vice-Chancellor from the University of Essex. Tomorrow (Friday 10 Sept) Graduates will be addressed by Graham Gooch, former cricketer and presented by Dr Colin Riordan, Vice- Chancellor from Essex.

A total of 220 students will have graduated over today and tomorrow from the specialist College's subject areas in Horticulture, Sport, Equine & Animal Science, Design, Agriculture, Conservation and Management Studies.

Photographs

Alan Titchmarsh - Writtle College Patron, with Writtle College Graduates.
(l-r) Alan Titchmarsh - Writtle College Patron, Sally Gunnell -Honorary Doctorate, Peter Philpot - Honorary Doctorate
(l-r) Wol and Sue Staines - Joint Honorary Doctorates, Christine Walkden - Honorary Doctorate