The Golden Boys!
Wed 17 January 2009

Ben Casserly (21) from Uckfield and Ricky Hilton (22) from Welshpool, Powys have won gold and silver at EuroSkills 2008, the biggest European skills competition for young people. Ricky is apprentice to the 2005 World Champion Jim Blurton whilst Ben is apprentice to the England International Andrew Casserly. Both of these exceptional talents are sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools. Farrieronpodium.jpg The result was announced following an intense three days of competition in Rotterdam in which they competed in the Farrier event as the UK team. The boys won the overall event Gold but in addition, as every competitor is also marked individually not only did the Farrier team win gold but Ricky was awarded an additional gold medal for achieving the highest score in the Farrier competition and Ben was awarded the silver medal for achieving the second highest score.

 

EuroSkills is a new, pan-European, skills competition which was this year held from 18th-20th September in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Watched by around 40,000 spectators, the 400 competitors from 29 countries competed in 25 different competitions covering 49 different vocational skills.
FarrierRicky.jpg
Speaking from Rotterdam, Ben said on behalf of the boys: “Words really can’t describe how pleased we are with the results. The competition was tough and being up against the best Farriers in Europe adds a tremendous amount of pressure, but we’ve been training hard for this and managed to concentrate on the job at hand and doing the best we could. Competing at EuroSkills has been such a great experience and we’re just really happy we’ve managed to show the whole of Europe how talented the UK really is.”
Simon Bartley, Chief Executive, UK Skills said: “EuroSkills is creating a new platform enabling us to promote the incredible skills there are across Europe and to encourage skills development and vocational education. What Ben, Ricky and Team UK have done is proved that those skilled people live and work in our own country and should be celebrated for their ability.”
FarrierBen.jpg
Celebrity chef and Team UK supporter, Brian Turner, said: “It is easy to forget about, or think less of, vocational education but without these skilled people so much of the things we enjoy or take for granted every day – driving to work in your car, enjoying a clean office, eating in a great restaurant for example - wouldn’t be possible. Skills will always matter to UK businesses and the economy, so it is incredibly important that we encourage other people to choose this route and praise those that work hard to achieve their very best in their chosen fields. I send Ben and Ricky my heartfelt congratulations on their success.”
 
Skills Minister David Lammy said: “Each of the young people in the team have worked hard to earn to the right to represent their country - and it was inspiring to see them competing against the brightest and best from countries all across Europe. The results reflect the unprecedented investment we have made in skills training in the UK, and I hope the success of Team UK will inspire others to pursue excellence in their vocational skill.”
Farrier2.jpg

 

 

Ben Casserly (21) from Uckfield and Ricky Hilton (22) from Welshpool, Powys have won gold and silver at EuroSkills 2008, the biggest European skills competition for young people. Ricky is apprentice to the 2005 World Champion Jim Blurton whilst Ben is apprentice to the England International Andrew Casserly. Both of these exceptional talents are sponsored by Jim Blurton Farrier Tools.

Farrieronpodium.jpg

 The result was announced following an intense three days of competition in Rotterdam in which they competed in the Farrier event as the UK team. The boys won the overall event Gold but in addition, as every competitor is also marked individually not only did the Farrier team win gold but Ricky was awarded an additional gold medal for achieving the highest score in the Farrier competition and Ben was awarded the silver medal for achieving the second highest score.

The boys were part of Team UK - a team of 16 youngpeople representing the UK at EuroSkills and who achieved a fantastic eight gold medals and one silver medal in total.

 

Jim delivers a great clinic for Handmade Shoes

 Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd Spring Clinic Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October 2009  Continuing with the exceptionally high standard of clinicians presenting, the second Handmade Shoes (UK) Ltd Clinic of 2009 welcomed Jim Blurton AWCF an ... Read More ...