By IW Observer.co.uk
Island young people have been congratulated for their efforts and achievements in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) amid unprecedented times for the scheme.
James Attrill, just before finishing his year as the Island’s High Sheriff, presented the awards to young people who have struggled to complete their activities during the Covid pandemic.
Presented at Brading Youth and Community Centre, the awards were the first arranged by the Isle of Wight Council since the start of the pandemic two years ago. The evening also reflected on Prince Philip’s enduring legacy, following his death last year at the age of 99.
Robert Clark, Nick Spencer, Treeve White and Dylan Holdsworth all had expeditions to Dartmoor postponed, but eventually walked for four days across the moors, camping out for three nights, last August. Nick and Robert’s residential experience on a canal boat was postponed for 18 months, but they managed to experience the life of a skipper and lock operator last October. All four have gained the prestigious Gold Award.
Brading Youth and Community Centre has a thriving Open Award Centre and three members have achieved the Bronze Award. Lucy Idle, Christopher Templeman and Aaron Cooper all trekked around the Isle of Wight last summer, camping at Corf Scout Camp in Shalfleet and at Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell. Other activities included dog walking, horse riding, piano playing, youth work, football, cooking, representative on the school council and playing pool.
Other members of the youth club received section certificates: Grace King, James Milne, Macy Remnant and Lily-Mae Sadler.
Mr Attrill also presented High Sheriff awards to Barry Jackman, for his long service as a DofE leader and assessor, and Carol Taverner, the council’s DofE facilitator and long-term volunteer.
For more information about the DofE awards, contact: carol.taverner@iow.gov.uk.
Press Release