College tribute to pioneering agriculturalist Robert Bakewell
Brooksby Melton College principal Chris Ball with the Robert Bakewell storyboard
A COLLEGE has unveiled a plaque and storyboard celebrating its links with 18th century British agriculturalist and stock breeding pioneer Robert Bakewell.
Regarded by some as Leicestershire’s most famous historical figure, and recognised as one of the most important figures in the British Agricultural Revolution, Bakewell provided a blueprint for all improved farm livestock.
Back in his time, people used to stay with Bakewell at Dishley Grange, Loughborough, to learn how to produce animals and become agriculturalists.
The New Dishley Society, a group which promotes Bakewell’s work, had been trying for many years to get a memorial to Bakewell and his work which led to them approaching Brooksby Melton College, renowned for its own agricultural teaching and heritage.
And last Thursday a commemorative engraved Swithland Slate plaque to Bakewell and a storyboard on his life were unveiled outside the college’s Bakewell Hall on its Brooksby campus.
Among the distinguished guests present included the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton and High Sheriff of Norfolk and Royal Agricultural Society of England chairman Henry Cator OBE who gave the main speech. Others included Mayor of Melton John Illingworth, representatives from the college and New Dishley Society.
The plaque and storyboard were dedicated by college governor and county councillor Pam Posnett.
New Dishley Society chairman Pat Stanley said: “It was an absolutely wonderful occasion.
“We approached the college because we wanted to make sure Bakewell’s name lives on and so when new students go to there one thing they’ll see will be Robert Bakewell.”
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Weather for Melton
Thursday 20 June 2013
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Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
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