On Tuesday 3 March, Farnborough Market was officially re-launched by Eagle Radio DJ Peter Gordon (“PG”) together with the Mayor of Rushmoor, Councillor Diane Bedford, live on Eagle Radio. Students from the College were proud to play their part in this important local event.

Rushmoor Borough Council commissioned the College to run a competition, to write an inspirational poem about the Market. The winners, Emma-Louise Downe and Chloe McCaffray, members of the College Creative Writing Society, were delighted to perform their poem as part of the official opening ceremony.

Emma Louise said, “It was such an honour to be asked to create this poem. I'm glad that I got to have this experience with such wonderful people at the Market and hear their words of encouragement. I hope Chloe and myself did everyone proud."

Chloe added, “I thoroughly enjoyed reading our poem because not only did I have an amazing time seeing everyone come together as a community for the opening, but I gained experience; which I can put on my CV.  I want to thank everyone that got involved - it was a truly great day!”

Music students from the College string quartet and advanced jazz ensemble performed a variety of musical styles throughout the morning.  The string quartet are Tom Balch (violin), James (Harry) Moore (violin), Emily Blayney (viola) and Catherine Porter (cello).  The jazz ensemble are James Akers (tenor sax), Eilidh Reid (alto sax), Kit Connick (drums), He Chun Fang (keyboard), they were joined by Gabriel Stein (bass), a Language Assistant at the College.

Catherine Porter, a first year who played the cello in the string quartet said, "Playing at the opening of the market was a great experience.  It was really fun performing to such a supportive and appreciative audience."

Team members from ‘Conspiracy’, the College Young Enterprise team, were on the College stall throughout the day talking to shoppers about their company and promoting student artwork. Emma Butler, a first year student at the College, was also there displaying and selling the terrariums she had made.

Performing Arts students, who volunteer to help at the Prospect Youth Theatre, run for 9-16 year olds at the College, were on the stall to talk about their upcoming event, 'Frozen - Play in a Day'. This is a one day workshop taking place in the College's own Prospect Theatre on Friday 10th April 2015, involving dance, drama, singing and themed craft activities. The workshop welcomes those ages 5-8 and 9-12+.  Find out more and book a place.

Principal Simon Jarvis commented, “The College was proud to be asked to be part of re-launching the Market, which is a vital amenity for our local community. Having so many of our students involved demonstrates the important part they play in the life of Farnborough.”