Royal appointment for college manager

A manager at Derby College Group, who is playing a key role in a tree-planting scheme launched by the Queen, is looking forward to attending a garden party hosted by His Majesty King Charles III.

Jon Collins, head of land-based studies at the college, is among a select number of people who have been invited to Buckingham Palace in May to attend the Royal Garden Party.

As well as an opportunity to meet the King and other members of the Royal Family, he will enjoy an afternoon mingling with fellow guests, enjoying refreshments and exploring the palace grounds.

Mr Collins was nominated for the invitation by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, in recognition of his services to the local community.

Mr Collins has been instrumental in the development of Little Park Wood, situated in the grounds of the college’s Broomfield Hall campus in Morley.

Little Park Wood was created last year as part of the national Green Canopy programme, which marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Derby College Group is planning to plant 1,000 trees within the woodland over the next five years.

Mr Collins said: “I am very proud to have received an invitation to be a guest of honour at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

“This is a wonderful and unique opportunity, and I am very much looking forward to meeting members of the Royal Family and seeing the palace gardens.

“The development of Little Park Wood has involved many of my colleagues and students at Derby College and I am delighted that the work we have undertaken to contribute to the Green Canopy initiative has been recognised and acknowledged in this way.

“Little Park Wood will stand as a living legacy to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and I hope it will continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by many generations to come.”