A lavish event, held at the Polo Centre at Coworth Park, Berkshire, members of royal families from across the world were in attendance as well as the rich and famous! The Westbury Hotel’s invitation to the college’s students highlights the continuation of strong relations between the five star hotel and Stratford-upon-Avon College, a relationship that began last year at the Cartier ‘International’ Polo event.
 
Ex student of the college, Ashley Shaw, currently runs the food and beverage department of the hotel. Ashley saw an opportunity for students to benefit in their personal development from this unique experience whilst he in turn would have staff who he knew would be hard working, dedicated and extremely professional. After the event, Ashley commented, ‘The conduct of the students was way beyond any expectation.’ He went on to state, ‘I am proud to say that I attended Stratford-upon-Avon College after seeing the calibre of students that the college is continuing to produce’.
 
Donna McHugh, Ashley’s assistant, ran this event which took place on 4th and 5th July. She was very impressed with the standard and dedication of the students who were involved. She also commented that she wouldn’t hesitate to offer any of the students a job in the future. “The way they handled themselves would meet the five star standards that are expected from staff working in the Westbury Hotel.”
 
Peter Harvey, catering lecturer from the college, accompanied and assisted the students during the polo event. He was impressed but not surprised by their diligence and ability to provide an excellent service to the guests. Peter said, “They were a credit to the college, the Westbury Hotel, and most importantly to themselves. They worked long hours and served some of the biggest VIPs they are likely to come across. Never for one moment did I feel they would not be up for the challenge.”

On the 26th July, the college is working with the Westbury Hotel again, at the Cartier ‘International’ Polo event at the Guards Polo Club in Windsor. Cartier celebrates its 25th anniversary of sponsoring this event and it promises to be truly memorable.

Photo Caption:
Stratford-upon-Avon College Catering students on the presentation stage,
with the exception of Robbie Fisher who was still busy working in the kitchen!

The students names are (from left to right): Adam Lovitt, Kris Coulson, Luke Hughes, Henri Igoe, Craig Jackson (kneeling), Lauren Bywater,
Ruth Wilson, Sophie Skinner, Alex Fleet, Jo Young, Maria Bloom and not in picture Robbie Fisher.