Duke of Edinburgh's Awards ceremony

SIXTY young people from Hastings and Rother were presented with Silver, and Bronze Awards and certificates from The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) at a special ceremony held in Bexhill.

The ceremony took place at Beulah Baptist church, Buckhurst Road, and the certificates and badges were presented by Cllr Meg Stroude, who is East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Families and Children.

The ceremony was introduced by Christine M'Baye, Service Manager YDS (East). Also attending were Chairman of Rother District Council Cllr Martin Mooney, Deputy Town Mayor for Bexhill Cllr Bridget George, and Deputy Mayor for Hastings Cllr Eve Martin.).

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DofE Area Co-ordinator Steve Border gave an update on DofE in Hastings and Rother where he said there has been a marked increase in DofE groups and participants over the past eighteen months.

Steve said: "Anyone between the sages of fourteen and twenty four can do a DofE programme and gain an Award if they show persistence, commitment and personal development."

To receive an award the candidates chose activities from three sections '“ Volunteering, Physical and Skills '“ to undertake for required periods of time for each section.

In addition they had to plan, prepare and successfully complete an Expedition as part of a small team, lasting three days for a Silver Award, including camping overnight, and two days for a Bronze. The expeditions took place in Ashdown Forest, Dartmoor and in the peak District.

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Volunteering activities chosen by the young people at the presentation included animal care, helping the aged and re-cycling.

In the skills section activities ranged from playing musical instruments and cooking to fishing and circus skills.

For the Physical section they took part in judo, dance, swimming, climbing and rugby.

Steve congratulated the young people for their achievements and hoped they will continue with their involvement with DofE and achieve Gold Awards.

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He added: "DofE participants do what they do with the help of their Leaders and volunteers so, on behalf of all the young people who have gained Awards, I'd like to thank the many adults behind the scenes who make it all possible."

For further information visit the DofE website at:www.dofe.org

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