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Plumpton College principal awarded OBE
Mr Des Lambert, Principal of Plumpton College, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to land-based education and young people.
Des Lambert has been the principal of Plumpton College in Sussex since 2003
While Lambert has been principal of the college, a specialist in land based education that provides professional training in viticulture, oenology and wine business, since 2003, he has worked there since 1975.
Lambert, who recently announced he would be retiring by the end of this year, said: “I am delighted and proud to receive this honour. Helping young people learn and develop their careers is one of the most privileged and satisfying of occupations and to do this in an area encompassing all that goes on in the land based industries and the countryside is most rewarding. The award reflects the hard work of all of the College staff.”
Last week, students taking degree courses in Wine Business and Wine Production at Plumpton College received their awards from the college.
At a ceremony held to mark their achievements, Lambert received a standing ovation from students, staff and invited guests on the announcement of his OBE.
Dr David Stokes, deputy principal at the college said: “This honour is exceptionally well deserved. Des has unfailingly supported young people in land based education since 1975 at Plumpton College. He has worked tirelessly to develop the College to provide excellent training for students to enable them to enter employment in land based businesses.”
This year the college launched the UK’s first wine business honours degree for those seeking a high-level career in the wine trade.
Based in Sussex, Plumpton College offers degrees in both wine business and production in partnership with the University of Brighton. Having launched its first wine course in 1996, the College now boasts a 10-hectare vineyard, dedicated Wine Centre (with a commercial winery and research centre) and a strong international staff team delivering courses to around 130 full-time students.