MUSICAL MR MITCHELL WINS SCHOLARSHIP

Posted 10 June 2002

A WILTSHIRE lad with a passion for music has won an Entrance Scholarship to Harper Adams University College, in Shropshire.

Thomas Mitchell, of Warminster, in Wiltshire, has been winning medals as a percussionist in the Gillingham Imperial Silver band since he was just six years old. His musical talent has taken him on a foreign exchange to Germany and he has also played for the Wessex Youth Band, with whom he took part in a grand concert at City Hall, Salisbury.

Currently studying 'A' Levels in Biology, Geography, Economics and German in the Gillingham School sixth form, Thomas will join Harper Adams in September to study for a BSc Agriculture and Animal Science Degree.

Thomas is a farmers' son who has helped look after 200 dairy stock since an early age and has tackled practical work such as lambing, hedge-laying and the rearing of Middle-White cross pigs on a unique, slow-growing natural system. At Harper Adams, he hopes to develop his skills and prepare for an international career in agriculture.

Richard Jopling, Head of Liaison at the University College, said: “The selection panel was very impressed with Thomas' application, particularly taking into account his enthusiasm and determination to work within the dairy sector. He is a dedicated chap, determined to make the most of his abilities and succeed at the highest level."

Harper Adams University College is the UK’s largest, specialist centre of Higher Education for the land and food based industries. It currently has around 1800 students on undergraduate and postgraduate courses and has an international reputation for the quality of its courses, research and graduates.

A number of Entrance Scholarships are awarded each year on the basis of a written application. If you would like further information about courses at Harper Adams, please ring 01 952 815 000 and ask for a prospectus.

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