Vale youngsters with golden touch - 02/10/06
Nine young Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients from the
Vale of Glamorgan have won civic recognition.
The award winners, who took the spotlight at a special reception
hosted by Vale Mayor Cllr Nic Hodges, were Rose Angell, Laura Gush,
Katy Jones, Theo Jones, Rachel Pugh, Adam Simmons, Ben Swallow,
Rebecca Williams and Tom Woolley. Two other golden young men,
Mathew Robinson and Jonathan Simmonds, were unable to
attend.
Each award winner, aged 17 to 25, had gained his or her gold
award by undertaking a wide choice of activities over a period of
at least 18 months in five sections – service, skiils, physical
recreation, a 50-mile expedition and a residential element.
Work for charities, voluntary groups, schools and on
environmental projects was combined with achieving musical, crafts,
driving and language skills. A range of pursuits, including rock
climbing and mountain biking, figured prominently in the physical
recreation section.
The residential aspect produced a range of activities from
involvement with charitable organisations to working at a sports
camp in Turkey and a gliding scholarship to undertaking a tasks on
Flat Holm and with the Royal Society for the Protection of
Birds.
The award has, for over 50 years, offered young people the
challenge to try new things, to learn more about themselves and to
work together for themselves and their community.
The presentation was also attended by Cabinet Member for
Education and Training Cllr Tony Hampton, Director of Learning and
Development Bryan Jeffreys, Director of the DoE Award in Wales
Stephanie Price and Principal Youth Officer Bob Fussell.
Vale award officer Dave Golding emphasised the tremendous amount
of hard work and commitment of the participants and the
contribution of those who had supported the youngsters in their
endeavours, including leaders and helpers, and added: “I am sure
that what the youngsters have gained personally will stand them in
good stead for their future careers.
"A successful occasion like this presentation evening helps make
all the effort very worthwhile.”
The scheme is offered at various venues across the Vale, and
further information can be obtained from the county office at
Cowbridge Youth Centre, Old Courthouse, Westgate, Cowbridge CF71
7AR; tel (01446) 774011; email dofevale@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk
Having received local recognition of their achievements, the
youngsters are now invited to attend a national presentation
ceremony given by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace
later this year.