By Isle of Wight Observer
Network Ryde Youth Service has celebrated the success of 27 young people who completed their Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, at a ceremony held on Thursday, November 27. Families, friends, and councillors attended the event, where manager, Bex Swan, and DofE youth worker, John Grimes, spoke about the well-being benefits of the programme, and thanked parents and carers for their support.
Certificates were presented by Cllr Ian Dore, chairman of the IW Council, who praised the participants for their resilience and determination. He said their achievements showed the strength and potential of the Island’s young people.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a key part of Network Ryde’s youth provision, helping young people build confidence, learn new skills and contribute to their community. Over the past year, participants have completed skills and physical challenges and volunteered many hours to local initiatives. Bex Swan said the team were proud of every young person taking part, adding that a highlight this year was camping at Kingston Smallholding and feeding the goats.
Network Ryde is now preparing groups for 2026 and will hold two information afternoons in January for young people and their families: the DofE Bronze Information Afternoon on Thursday January 22 (3.30–5.30pm) and the DofE Silver Information Afternoon on Thursday January 29 (3.30–5.30pm). Young people must be in Year 9, or Home Education equivalent, to begin a Bronze Award.
Silver Award achievers were: Daisy Lovell, Amelie Lale, Lewis Dollery, Poppy Holliday and Harmony France.
Bronze Award achievers were: James Burke, Tom Burke, Kole Bates, Jake Bates, Esme Moran, Amber Moran, Mia Moran, Samuel Robinson, John Pushparajah, Mason Dowling, George Bowerman, Melanie Henry, Rachel Savill, Charlie Farr, Janaya Avery, Eva Couzens, Mary Couzens, May McCathie, Alfie Saker and Seth Trevallion.
