Last Supper in the Gallery

Sam Turner, Hospitality and Catering lecturer, reports back on the poignant final service in the Gallery restaurant before the staff and students move out and over to the sparkling new kitchens in the new College building.

Part of the experience we offer our second year level 2 learners is a practical assignment task which gives them the opportunity to employ and demonstrate the skills that they have acquired during the course so far. The assignment asks them to plan, organise and host a themed event that focuses on a particular country or region from around the world. They are strongly encouraged to broaden their cultural awareness and fix their attention beyond Europe and the students decided to base their event on Mexico.

As it turned out, this themed event was immensely successful and also very emotional, as it bade a final farewell to the Gallery restaurant. The stage was set for the Gallery’s ‘swan song’ and the evening did not disappoint - it did justice to and proved worthy of the restaurant’s grand finale.

This themed evening was one of those experiences that will live long in the memory of all those who took part in it. All credit is due to those who contributed to organising and marketing the event. In fact it was so well organised that I had the easiest of tasks in supervising them.

The group were being assessed on all aspects of the planning, preparation and execution of the task, and were supported and guided throughout by both Sarah Hogben (their tutor) and myself.

The evening was a huge success. The menu was perfectly balanced in flavour, colour and texture, and combined authenticity with simplicity. The dishes were fresh, honest and unpretentious, cleanly and beautifully presented and revealed a virtuoso of depth and flavour. The service was smooth and seamless, which was an incredible achievement in itself, as the Gallery restaurant was packed to capacity.

The ambience and mood of the evening was reminiscent of an eatery in down-town Monterrey or Guadalajara, and had a distinct atmosphere of a ‘fiesta’ (but also intermingled with a little melancholy and an air of finality). As one diner concluded, it was “a fantastic way for the Gallery restaurant to end.”

Find out more about Hospitality and Catering courses here.

Lillian Boutté at WKC

Here’s a post written by Julie Parker, the Programme Leader for Music, following Lillian Boutté’s visit to West Kent College on Tuesday 16th March.

The day started when Lillian arrived at the college in a bright green outfit, in warm sunshine. Richard Simmons and I showed her around the music department. You may know Richard as a WKC Music Visiting Lecturer with an immediately likeable character, and huge experience over the years, including playing with Elvis Presley’s band. He was Lillian’s piano player years ago and the one who helped set up contact with her a few months ago, when I told him I wanted to organise a student field trip to New Orleans. When we took Lillian around, she was pleased to see all the students happily engaged in guitar lessons, rehearsals, theory and other topics, and asked us about our ethos and our curriculum. Looking at the department afresh through the eyes of an outsider, it was quite impressive.

Nearly two years ago James Sedge and I toured the Deep South of America and the Big Easy was a three-day stop amidst experiences in Mississippi, Memphis and Chicago. When we left New Orleans we knew we had to go back there. We also knew we needed to take our students with us. New Orleans has a magical and memorable quality, particularly if you are interested in music, and Lillian seems to personify the city – in just one day she achieved legend and superstar status amongst our students and staff through her warmth, positivity, talent, and her enthusiasm and huge personality.

We started with an introductory talk in the Lecture Theatre. When Lillian warned us at the outset that she “woke herself up as she talked so much”, we knew it was going to be free-flowing! She answered in detail every student and staff question about her life, career and musical associations, and she did it with both humour and illuminating political insights.

We also found out about the many musicians Lillian has worked with over the years - and all the anecdotes about her early career, from driving around the US for 19 years while the men drank liquor at the back of the bus, to the stroke-affected alcoholic pianist with a paralysed left arm which occasionally “came to life on its own” on stage, causing mayhem and hilarity by producing very loud, sudden and out-of-tune bass notes on the piano in the middle of the set.

From there Lillian introduced her film, The Sound After The Storm, which details the city’s efforts to come to terms with the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I was not ready for the film’s raw emotions and Lillian, whose family, friends and musical colleagues were featured in detail, wept throughout. After passing her a packet of tissues I soon realised I needed them back, as the devastation was overwhelming. Several other staff and students were deeply affected, and at the end of the film there was complete silence for about a minute, then huge applause. Afterwards, the thirteen 2nd year Foundation Degree students who will be visiting next year said they are now desperate to go, and they felt personally involved. The film has won "Best Documentary" at the Zurich International Film Festival.

Following the solemn and sometimes harrowing film interlude we moved on to a vocals workshop, where music degree singers learnt backing vocal harmonies to some gospel and traditional songs. Lillian worked with all the vocalists in turn, making sure they all knew their parts, and Richard accompanied the session on the piano. An audience of other students watched and sometimes joined in on the choruses. The songs the group rehearsed were performed later that night at Mojo’s Bar, when the students sang alongside Lillian, backed by a music staff band.

The evening has been described by all as the best night the department has ever held. The pub was packed with students, staff, family and friends of the music department. The music began with a showcase for the music department’s finest bands and musicians. It featured excellent sets from Charlotte Jacobs, Ghost In Mirrors, Billy Jupp, Goldie Reed, Gavin Crowhurst and Bareface. The music department tutors took the stage at 9pm, and started with “Buddy Can You Spare a Dime”, sung by David Migden. This set the mood for Lillian’s arrival, and she did not disappoint. The next 45 minutes were filled with beautiful ballads, exciting Gospel, and cool funk songs. Lillian was accompanied by Donna Rudd on “Natural Woman” and by Holly Hunt, France Amann, Helen Garrod and Charlotte Jacobs on “Iko Iko”. The pub was filled with feelings of excitement and goodwill - people were aware that they had a world class singer and band on display in Tonbridge. The evening continued until 12.30am with more excellent music from David Migden and the Dirty Words, the Ollie Stevenson Jazz Trio, Paul Rippengal, Holly and the Multi-Tones, Sarah Tonin and UberJam. Many people stayed to the end, despite having work the next day.

This was the most exciting day in the music department’s history. We had important cross-cultural lessons, music workshops, American politics and an exceptional concert. This will all go towards making further connections with universities and music agencies in the USA.

LRC Photography Competition Winners

The Learning Resource Centre held a photography competition this term and the winners have now been announced.

There were 56 entries into the competition and they were judged by Bill Fearon, the Principal, Nik Guyatt, ILT Trainer, and Leonie Paris, the Marketing Manager. Entries were within four categories: Everyday Objects from a New Perspective; Self-Portrait; Landscape; and, Food and Drink. A first, second and third place was awarded for each category. Here are the winners:

Everyday Objects from a New Perspective: Tina Chatfield-Keller

Self-Portrait: Lindsay Riordan

Landscape: J Harvey

Food and Drink: Sharon Hall Shipp

All photographs are currently on display in Goudhurst Learning Resource Centre and will be there until the 26th March. Thanks to everyone who entered and look out for the LRC Student Poetry competition which is currently calling entries.

Lillian Boutté Visiting West Kent College

International soul, jazz and gospel singer Lillian Boutté will be performing with the staff and students of West Kent College Music Department at Mojo’s Bar, Tonbridge, on Tuesday 16th March. The evening will feature a one hour performance by Lillian, backed on stage by West Kent College lecturers, amidst a showcase of the department’s top student bands.

Lillian, named the successor to Louis Armstrong as Musical Ambassador of New Orleans, is spending the day at West Kent College to talk about her life and music, and her fund-raising work to rebuild the vibrant music scene of her native city after the devastation caused five years ago by Hurricane Katrina. She will also lead a Vocals Workshop with singing students and staff.

Lillian’s career has featured numerous albums, world tours and performances with musicians such as Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Humphrey Lyttleton. Her close friend and associate Dr. Martin Luther King spoke of her: "A voice like this comes once in a millennium". She also played a cameo role in the film Angel Heart which starred Mickey Rourke and Robert de Niro, and has since starred in the award-winning New Orleans documentary The Sound After The Storm which depicts the attempts of the broken city to reclaim its musical culture.

This visit signals the beginning of an exciting relationship between West Kent College and the city of New Orleans, and was initially arranged through Richard Simmons, Visiting Lecturer at West Kent College (and Lillian’s piano player for many years). Music Programme Leader Julie Parker and Access to Music Course Leader James Sedge will be attending a conference in New Orleans next month, in which they will meet the staff of the University’s Music Department, with the aim of setting up an annual student field trip for Music Degree students to New Orleans.

Lillian says, "I asked Julie if it was possible that I could share some stories about my home town New Orleans. It has worked out very well and I look forward to getting to know the students and staff, seeing my old friend Richard Simmons again, and to meet them all again in New Orleans next year. I look forward to the time we will spend together!"

Lillian Boutté plays Mojo’s Bar on Tuesday 16th March. The show starts at 8pm, it’s free and open to all. This is not to be missed!

Celebrating Success and Looking to the Future for 'New Skills, New Lives'

On the 3rd March 'New Skills, New Lives' (invited stakeholders to Oakwood House, Maidstone, to celebrate the first year of the enterprise. The event reflected on the successes and achievements gained during the first year and gave guests an insight into the strategic direction for the upcoming year. At the same time, the Kent Youth Offending Service took the opportunity to launch 'New Skills, New Lives' for young people.

The aim of the 'New Skills, New Lives' partnership, led by West Kent College’s Kent Probation and the Prison Service, is to give offenders the opportunity to increase their skills and qualification levels by engaging with local FE colleges and providers with a view to increasing employability and employment opportunities and therefore reducing reoffending. This is achieved by increasing access to FE funded literacy, numeracy and vocational skills delivered discreetly at probation sites, on the mobile training unit and on-site with employers.

Guest speakers for the event included Bill Fearon, West Kent College Principal, who opened the evening, Mike Hill, Kent County Council Cabinet Member, Amanda Honey, Managing Director for Communities Kent County Council, Rob Verity, Director of Interventions, Community and Partnerships Kent Probation, and Glan Hopkin, Head of Service Kent Youth Offending Service. All speakers emphasised the importance of 'New Skills, New Lives' and how the initiative contributes to achieving their organisational goals.

Steve Hyland, 'New Skills, New Lives' Project Manager, commented: “What makes this project unique in offender learning and skills is the strength of the partnership – each of our partners are thoroughly committed to the success of the project at both strategic and operational levels, meaning we’re able to provide a well-rounded service to our learners which has been designed from the ground up to meet their needs”.

During its first year of operation 'New Skills, New Lives' has offered excellent value for money, both in terms of delivery and in terms of developing partnerships. In the last year 'New Skills, New Lives' has seen over 200 Skills for Life qualifications and over 50 employment outcomes, some of those who joined the scheme have now gone on to re-train as tutors and are using their own experiences to encourage others to turn their lives around. The team and stakeholders are now eagerly awaiting the next year of operation and the development of 'New Skills, New Lives' for young people.

West Kent College Staff Awards 2010

West Kent College’s 2nd Annual Staff Awards took place on the 3rd March at Salomons Centre in Tunbridge Wells. It was attended by 150 staff, all of whom were nominated for awards, and the event sought to reward and celebrate achievements of Teaching and Support staff across the College.

Everyone nominated was voted for by their peers. The nominees in each category were then shortlisted by ‘judging pods’ and the overall winners were selected at a final judging meeting held in February.

Guests were entertained by local stand-up comedian Stephen Upsall, who also hosted the event, and a six-piece band, Round Midnight. Steve Hearn was also there to draw some wonderful and intriguing caricatures of staff.

Below are some pictures of the evening, including all of the winners.

Outstanding Lecturer of the Year: Julie Parker (Presented by Alison Monk)

The Support Award: Margaret Grove and the Tutorial Team (Presented by Gavin Davis-Holmes)

The Equality & Diversity Award: Sharon Hocking (Presented by Jackie Mathias)

The ICT Teaching & Learning Champion: Sophie Lawrence (Presented by Paul Boast)

The Leadership & Management Award: Wendie Morrison (Presented by Chris Hare)

The Cross-College Collaboration Award: Karen Hackett, Sally Cheeseman and Martin Tilbury (not pictured) from the Train-to-Gain Team (Presented by Karen Richardson)

Best Newcomer: Wendy Smith (Presented by Amanda Davidson)

The Innovation Award: Alison Jowett (Presented by Sarah Cremer)

The One-in-a-Million Award: Sam Oliver (Presented by Mary Hellyer)

Workplace Assessor Award: Stacey Dobberson (Presented by Marilyn Banfield)

The Unsung Heroes Award: Nigel Cornish (Presented by John Grafik)

The Teaching Staff Award – nominated by students: Dee Deol (Presented by Laura Ellis)

The Lifetime Achievement Award: Sarah Lake (not pictured), Jayne Youngs, Vera Bettice, Richard Homewood (Presented by Bill Fearon, Principal)

More photos can be found on our facebook fan page.

SkilledUp Winners

Following the earlier story about our successful SkilledUp competition, here are pictures of all the winners (apologies for the poor quality). Gavin Davis-Holmes, Director of MIS, presented the Carpentry awards and Paul Boast, Director of Adult and HE, presented the Brickwork awards.

Carpentry 1st Place: Josh Armer-Court.

Carpentry 2nd Place: Nick Keeling.

Carpentry 3rd Place: Jamie Mason.

Brickwork 1st Place: Richard Hoadley.

Brickwork 2nd Place: Barney Eastwood

Brickwork 3rd Place: Dean Sales.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the event and good luck to the winners in the ‘Best Of’ Final on 23rd June.

Construction students get SkilledUp at West Kent College

West Kent College held a heat of the regional SkilledUp competition on Monday, 1st March. The event was a competition for carpentry and brickwork students to complete a specific project, competing against each other and the clock. SkilledUp takes place in colleges across the county, with the top three from each college in each trade going on to compete against each other in the regional SkilledUp ‘Best of’ final on June 23rd, which will also be held at West Kent College. As a demonstration of the links between the colleges in Kent, the judging was carried out by South Kent College staff, with West Kent College staff having judged at South Kent’s Ashford and Folkestone campuses during the previous week.

Our winners were Josh Armer-Court in Carpentry, with Nick Keeling taking second place and Jamie Mason coming in third. In Brickwork, Richard Hoadley took the prize for first place, with Barney Eastwood second and Dean Sales third. Prizes were kindly donated by Makita and trophies by Wates.

Mark Taylor, a carpentry lecturer at the College, said: “The students were really eager to take part and compete against each other. I’ve seen some good work from all of them.”

The event was also attended by family and local employers, including Glen Lester of Lester Building Contractors, who has two West Kent College carpentry apprentices - one of whom being third-placed Jamie Mason - working for him. Glenn said: “I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen – not just Jamie and David’s work but all of the students. I would say to any employer taking on an apprentice to consider them as part of the team and a worthwhile asset – they have both added to our dynamic as they are young and full of enthusiasm.”