Work experience with a difference
By Roisin McManus
Andersonstown News – 27 October, 2007
Sixth formers have enjoyed work experience with a difference thanks to the generosity of a West Belfast-based businessman.
Twenty-one sixth formers from St Patrick’s Bearnageeha in North Belfast and Ashfield Boys’ High School in the East of the city have just returned from a highly stimulating week cutting grapes in the Vineyard of Château de La Ligne in France.
The cross-community links between the two schools had been clearly recognised by Terry Cross, Chairman of Delta Print and Packaging in Kennedy Way. Terry, himself a past pupil of Bernageeha, contacted Headmaster PJ O’Grady with the exciting offer for the students to undertake the task of harvesting this year’s crop of merlot and cabernet grapes in Terry’s own vineyard at Château de La Ligne. A quick call to Andy McMorran, Headmaster at Ashfield High School, an instantaneous affirmative and the venture was underway.
PJ O’Grady paid tribute to the extremely generous offer. ‘‘ To fly our boys and their teachers to France, feed and sleep them in Château de la Ligne, teach them so much about the grape and wine industry and then sprinkle in those delightful tours of the Bordeaux area including Saint Emilion...well I really am stuck for words of gratitude, ’’ he said.
Ashfield Headmaster, Andy McMorran added: ‘‘It was a truly unbelievable experience due to the generosity of Terry Cross.’’
