STUDENTS from Pershore and Evesham Colleges celebrated their academic achievements at three ceremonies at St Mary’s Collegiate Church and Old Shire Hall, Warwick last week.

The graduates, who have spent the past few years studying veterinary nursing, arboriculture and horticulture at Pershore and graphics and photography at Evesham, donned traditional gowns, hoods and mortarboards at the Grade 1-listed Old Shire Hall before arriving with family and friends at the ceremony and presentation of awards at the 900 year-old church.

David Holmes, who gave the address at the Friday morning ceremony, said: “I was delighted to have been a part of the WCG Graduation ceremonies; it was a great honour to be asked to make the keynote speech, especially given my role as a governor. I do hope that the insights I shared will be helpful to all graduates as they embark on the next phase of their lives. I wish them all the very best for the future.”

Following the ceremony, the graduates, led by WCG CEO Angela Joyce, governors and VIPs, processed through the centre of Warwick, stopping at Market Square for the traditional mortarboard throw. Thereafter a drinks reception at Old Shire Hall finished off the special occasion.

Guests of honour and keynote speakers at the ceremonies were Sir Peter Rigby DL, chief executive of the Rigby Group PLC, Timothy Cox, Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire and David Holmes, CEO British Eventing.

At Friday’s ceremony WCG’s president Chris White and CEO Angela Joyce presented a fellowship of WCG to Steve Wood who served as a governor of WCG for 11 years .