Devon County Show - DCAA awards annual bursary to two Bicton College students

Devon County Agricultural Association has awarded its £1,000 annual bursary jointly to Bicton College students Sam Diepenbroek and George Rhind.

They were selected for the bursary from more than 135 agriculture and engineering students.

Both students are in the final year of their National Diploma in Agriculture at Bicton College.

Mervyn Hosking, Chief Executive of Devon County Agricultural Association, said: "The Association is pleased to continue supporting Bicton College students with the annual bursary of £1,000 to assist the recipients with their studies. The college makes the nomination each year."

Eighteen year old Sam Diepenbroek, from Seaton, has lived and worked on a farm all his life. One day he hopes to take over the responsibility of the family farm from his father.

His course tutor, Jeremy Silverton said: "Sam is a very knowledgeable and capable student who excels in practical sessions. His theory and written work, whilst always good, has been improving greatly now that he has begun his final year at Bicton College."

Sam is a keen member of the college rugby team and is delighted to have been chosen for the Devon County Agricultural Association award. He said: "I’ll spend the money on additional qualifications, such as Stockmanship and Tractor Sprayer test to get me better qualified, and the rest will help with travelling to college and personal protective equipment."

Nineteen year old George Rhind from Shirwell, Barnstaple has been interested in farming from a very early age and worked on many farms in the area. He hopes to have a farm of his own one day.

Course tutor, Jeremy Silverton said: "George is a keen and effective student and has a genuine interest in farming. He is an excellent team player, both in his studies and when representing the college rugby team. He is well liked by all the staff that teach him."

George said: "I’m really pleased, it will make a big difference to me, I’ll be able to take the qualifications I need to make a future in farming, like the basic stockmanship qualification and chainsaw certificate. The money will be a great help towards my accommodation and travel to college costs for next term, too."

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