Sussex Four Celebrate Successful Studies In The North
13 November 2012
Student Sam Woodhouse, who graduates from the University of Derby Buxton on November 17
Peter Gilliver, Programme Leader on theBA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree.
Four East Sussex students who swapped the south coast's downs for the Peak District's dales to pursue careers in outdoor leadership will graduate together from the same degree course this month (November).
After completing the Outdoor Adventurous Activities Foundation degree at East Sussex's Plumpton College; Tim Hobby, 25, from Brighton, Michael Duggan 31, from Teddington, Tom Watkins, 20, from Tunbridge Wells, and Sam Woodhouse, 22, from East Grinstead, all chose to enrol at the University of Derby Buxton in the heart of the Peak District to then complete a BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree over the last year.
Tim, Michael, Tom and Sam will collect their degree certificates from the University's Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire, at its Grade II* Listed Devonshire Dome in the town of Buxton on Saturday (November 17).
For Tim it was the range of outdoor activities on offer in the Peak District that initially attracted him to the University.
He said: "I love climbing and had visited the Peak District in the past, and loved it every time. I realised that if I wanted to pursue a career as an outdoor activity instructor then studying in that environment would be the best possible start."
Graduating alongside Tim will be Tom Watkins who was recommended the University of Derby Buxton by another friend from Plumpton.
He added: "Going to university so far away from home was quite daunting but I think knowing a few people on the course made it so much easier. It was nice that we could support each other through the course, which involved lots of team working, and it will be lovely to graduate alongside them."
Sam Woodhouse, who is now working as an Outdoor Education Development Tutor for The Prince's Trust, said: "Having both old friends and making new friends made University a great experience. I loved all of the climbing and the field trips, and truly wished I had studied for the full three years at Buxton."
Peter Gilliver, Programme Leader on the BA (Hons) Outdoor Activities Management degree commented: "It will be wonderful to see this group from Plumpton graduate amongst our other students. We are delighted they had all such good experiences in Buxton, and made the most out of our unique position in the heart of the Peak District.
"We wish them every success in their future careers."
All four will graduate with around 300 of their fellow students; as well as Honorary Graduates the Co-founder of the Tesco Clubcard Programme, Edwina Dunn, and serving Naval Commanding Officer, Rear Admiral Peter Hudson CBE.
For more information on studying degrees in Outdoor, Adventure and Countryside Management visit www.derby.ac.uk/udb
