Award Update South East

2007-09-25T01:21:00.000-07:00

Sir Tom Farmers Visit To The South East Office

When Sir Tom Farmer, Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Trustees and Peter Westgarth visited the South East on the 28th June, their objective was to view the Regional
Offices and meet the staff. There was also time for them however to join in a discussion concerning future developments with key Award supporters. Key areas highlighted against future developments were the recruitment and retention of adult volunteers, the cost of training, child protection, and the move for youth service to work with targeted young people with accredited outcomes.

The top right picture shows Sir Tom Farmer presenting the South East’s first regional sponsor with a certificate. We are pleased to welcome Alistair Cole and Adventure Lifesigns to the Region.

Sir Tom Farmers Visit to The Magna Carta School

Following his visit to the South East Office Sir Tom along with Peter Westgarth and Simon Whitmore travelled to The Magna Carta School to see the Award in action.

Over 150 young people all involved in the Award and a large number of staff who volunteer their time for the Award stayed after school to meet Sir Tom.

The displays the young people put together were without fault and represented the Award as a whole. Photographic presentations of the Expeditions Section combined with personal accounts highlighted the uniqueness of this section.

First Aid demonstrations highlighted how the young people are learning life skills as part of their Award and how their newly found skills are benefiting their community. Others had put on a production of the Wizard of Oz including all the backstage and behind the scenes work required to make a production successful.

Many young people talked about their various activities as part of the Physical Recreation Section again highlighting the diversity of opportunity available to young people.

Gold Award Participants who return to the school to complete their Award from a local VIth Form College presented their Residential Project by recounting a trip to Morocco.

A huge thank you to all the staff at The Magna Carta School and to the young people who represented the Award in action to such a high
standard.

Adventure Lifesigns

We are extremely pleased to announce that the South East Region is now supported by Adventure Lifesigns, who on the 1st of September 2007 became our Premier Regional Sponsor.

Adventure Lifesigns provide a huge range of services to both young people and adults, including international expeditions, navigation awards, national governing body awards, first aid training, and remote medical training to name but a few.

As such, their support will be focused primarily on the training elements of regional activity, and we are pleased to recognise their support in producing this newsletter.

If you would like any further details on the services they provide please visit: http://www.adventurelifesigns.co.uk/.

Staff Changes for Award Officers

Ali Moore - Ali has left Bracknell-Forest to work for West Berkshire as an Area Youth Worker.

We would like to welcome Karen Dynan and Laura Reed to Bracknell Forest. Karen has worked for Bracknell Forest Council for 4 years as the Quality Assurance and Training Manager. Previous to this Karen ran a youth centre for Wokingham District Council for nearly 12 years.

Peter Littlefield - Peter joined the South East as the Award Officer of Portsmouth in January 2002. Previously to this Peter was the Outdoor Education Manager. We wish him all the best for his retirement.

Amanda Green - Has worked within Portsmouth City Council for 8 years and took up the post as Award Officer in June 2007.

Kier Schiltz - Acting Award Officer for Surrey

Until a new appointment is made in Slough please contact Pinder Sagoo regarding Award information in that area.

Gold Award Presentations

On the 12th July over 900 young people were presented with their Gold Award at Windsor Castle. Luckily the rain held off and a lovely day was had by all.

The South East were lucky to have six groups of young people from Slough, Surrey, Kent and Medway along with many others from the Region.

Groups were introduced to Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex, as well as meeting some inspirational celebrities.

Stop Press!
National Road Show

This event will take place in the South East Region in May 2008. Details to be confirmed. Please see enclosed programme details.

Millennium Volunteers

Millennium Volunteers certificates are still available from Heather. Please see contact details below.

Contact No: 02392 698 840
E-mail: hmcconsultancy@btinternet.com

Training Courses

First Aid
We are very pleased to announce the South East Region is now affiliated with the British Heart Foundations Heartstart UK initiative. The scheme is set up to provide members of the community with basic training in emergency life support by attending a free 2 hour course. Anyone aged over 10 can attend a course and receive a certificate of attendance.

Anyone interested in delivering the course as part of the Regional Delivery Team needs to contact Simon in the office. An instructor’s course has been scheduled for Saturday 3rd November; the course is free, although if you would like lunch there is a £10 charge. To attend the course you must hold a current First Aid Certificate (min 16 hours) and be able to evidence your coaching/instructing or teaching
experience.

There are also First Aid at Work (4 day), Outdoor Emergency (2 day) and Emergency Aid (1 day) courses booked throughout the year. Details can be found on the Regional Diary Dates page of this newsletter and on the
website.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Courses

Expedition Assessor Accreditation The new expedition assessor accreditation scheme will be
operational from the 1st January 2008. This course replaces the current Wild Country Assessor Scheme which has been running for the past 15 years

The new scheme is a more generic course covering all elements and levels of the Expeditions Section. Those attending the course will become accredited at Bronze, Silver or Gold level depending on their personal experience and need.

The one day course will have certain pre-requisites for attendance such as attendance at an Introduction to the Award course to ensure those assessing have an understanding of the full Award. A Regional Training Team will be set up to deliver the course led by Simon, those wishing to become either Course Directors or Course Tutors need to contact Simon to discuss the process, numbers will be strictly limited and those wishing to become Course Directors will have to apply and then attend the necessary training.

Modular Training Framework

The templates for the MTF certificates are now available from the Regional Office for those who have begun to deliver courses under the framework. Anyone proposing to deliver a course under the MTF could you please let Simon have the details so that he can monitor the use of the MTF. As the Regional Training Team develops quality assurance visits may be introduced using experienced trainers from around the Region to ensure standards are maintained to share good practice.

Information For Award Officers….

Conference for Independent Schools at Lancing College

We look forward to meeting all the Independent School Operating Authority Award Officers at the very picturesque setting of Lancing College on the 6th November 2007. We hope all will be in attendance.

The day is due to start at 10:00am. Objectives to be discussed at this
conference include:

· The new OA Licence.
· IT Infrastructure Developments.
· New Award Material.
· The Modular Training Framework..
· Licence Reviews.

Please bring any questions you may have regarding any of these topics on the day.

Brighton Conference

The SE Regional Annual Conference is now confirmed for Friday 25th and Saturday 26th January 2008. The conference will be held at the Holiday Inn, Brighton on the Friday and will be focused on the changing youth agenda. The intended audience are all Award Officers, their line managers and Principle Youth Officers or equivalent.

The Saturday is to be held at Lancing College, West Sussex with focus moving to good practice at all levels of the Award. The day will be focused at everyone involved in the Award from all Operating Authorities. The reasoning behind the decision to hold the course on a Saturday was to allow volunteers, group leaders, assessors, supervisors etc to attend in order to allow any
messages to be delivered directly to the practitioners who deal with young people involved in the Award on a daily or weekly basis.

SERCO Bursary’s

Please note that there is money still available for the 2007/2008 year.

If you require the application forms please contact Angharad at the South East Office:
angharad.purser@theaward.org

So far the South East have given grants to Brighton and Hove in order to enable 6 young people from 2 Award Groups to be able to take part on their Gold expedition. The bursary enabled the young people to purchase expedition equipment as well as funding part of their gold expedition assessment.

Grants from the South East Office have also been given to young people Isle of Wight and West Sussex.

2007-07-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

2007-07-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

List of Access Organisations signed by your local Operating Authorities:

Wilderness Expertise, Bracknell Forest
Small Bore shooting association, Bracknell Forest
Centurion Target Sports Club, Bracknell Forest
Kujo-Ryu Ju Jitsu, Bracknell Forest
The Spotm, Bracknell Forest
Priestwood Youth Centre, Bracknell Forest
Adventure Education Work, Bracknell Forest
The Wayz, Bracknell Forest
NRG, Bracknell Forest
TRAX, Bracknell Forest
Whitegrove Youth Centre, Bracknell Forest
Youth Forum, Bracknell Forest
Connexions Summer U Project, Brighton & Hove
Adventure Unlimited, Brighton & Hove
Coalition 4 Youth, Brighton & Hove
Concordia, Brighton & Hove
Southeast Dance, Brighton & Hove
Blackland Farm Girlguide Association
Havant Youth Sail Training Scheme, Hampshire
Calshot Youth Ski Club, Hampshire
Connexions, Hampshire
North East Hants/Water Activities Centre, Hampshire
Havant District HCYS, Hampshire
Hampshire County Youth Council, Hampshire
Calshot Activities Centre, Hampshire
Be Your Best Foundation, Hampshire
Gosport & Fareham Inshore rescue service, Hampshire
East Hampshire District Youth, Hampshire
Winchester District, Hampshire
The Gwennili Trust, Hampshire
Test Valley District Youth Service, Hampshire
HCYS - Gosport District, Hampshire
HCYS - Havant District Hampshire
HCYS - Rushmoor, Hampshire
Fareham District D of E, Hampshire
Hart District Youth, Hampshire
Basingstoke MV, Hampshire
Hart & Rushmoor Connexions Office, Hampshire
Ocean Youth Trust South, Hampshire
South East Hampshire YMCA, Hampshire
Meadowside Leisure Centre, Hampshire
Hampshire Youth Service - New Forest District, Hampshire
New Forest District Youth Team, Hampshire
Forestry Adventure,Hampshire
Farnborough Hill School, Hampshire
UK sailing Academy, Isle of Wight
Island Youth Water Activities Centre, Isle of Wight
Medina Valley Centre, Isle of Wight
RedTIE Theatre, Isle of Wight
Ryde Extreme Performers,Isle of Wight
West Wight Youth & Community Centre, Isle of Wight
UKSA, Isle of Wight
Move on Café, Jersey
Royal Life Saving Society, Jersey
Beaulieu School, Jersey
The Kent Artwise Factory, Kent
Safe Schools Peer Mentoring Project, Kent
East Kent MV Project, Kent
The Grand, Kent
Bewl Water Outdoor Centre, Kent
Aylesford School, Kent
Reach for the Sky, Kent
Kent Members of the UK Youth Parliament, Kent
Kent County Council Youth & Community, Kent
Northfleet Youth Centre, Kent
Morning Star Trust, Medway
Strood Youth Centre, Medway
Reach for the Sky, Medway
Parkwood Youth Centre, Medway
Medway Youth Parliament, Medway
Medway Active Communities, Medway
VSU MV, Medway
Woodies, Medway
Medway Detached Youth Work Project, Medway
Mid Kent College - Public Services Dept, Medway
New Brompton College, Medway
New Brompton College - After Schools Club, Medway
Kent Youth, Medway
Sail Training Association, Portsmouth
Peter Ashley Activity Centre, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Youth Service Central, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Youth Service Central North, Portsmouth
Portsmouth Youth Service South, Portsmouth
Releasing Potential, Portsmouth
Reading MV Project, Reading
Reading Youth & Community Service, Reading
Positive Futures, Reading
Youth Group RDG, Reading
Slough Taekwond Club, Slough
Jubilee Sailing Trust, Southampton
No Limits, Southampton
Princes Trust, Southampton
Breakout Youth Project, Southampton
Southampton Institute, Southampton
Sholing Youth Project, Southampton
Weston Youth Project, Southampton
Positive Activities for young people, Southampton
Woolston Youth Project, Southampton
Dynamic Adventures, Surrey
Sayers Croft Trust, Surrey
Surrey Sports Development Unit, Surrey
Connexions, Surrey
Frimley Green Youth Centre, Surrey
Adventure Doilphin Dolphin(Hungerford), West Berkshire
Adventure Dolphin (Pangbourne,) West Berkshire
Adventure Dolphin (Newbury), West Berkshire
West Berkshire Mencap West Berkshire
BACYP Millennium Volunteers ,West Berkshire
Pangbourne College, West Berkshire
Eastern Area Youth Team, West Berkshire
Dowlands Area Youth Team, West Berkshire
Newbury Area Team, West Berkshire
Thatcham Area Youth Team, West Berkshire
Thrift Music Theatre Company, West Berkshire
West Sussex Youth Service (Worthing Team), West Sussex
The Fayer – Crawley,West Sussex
West Sussex Youth Service (Arun Team) West Sussex
West Sussex Youth Service (Horsham Team) West Sussex
Mid-Sussex Youth Service Team West Sussex
Aour Youth Service Team, West Sussex
Positive Activities for young people, West Sussex
Thomas Bennett Youth Wing, West Sussex
Princes Trust XL - Berkshire Windsor & Maidenhead
Eton Wick Youth & Community Centre, Windsor & Maidenhead
Pinkneys Green Youth Camp; Community Centre, Windsor & Maidenhead
Cox Green Youth & Community Centre, Windsor & Maidenhead
Castle Hill Youth & Community Centre, Windsor & Maidenhead
Outdoor Education Project, Windsor & Maidenhead
Charter Youth & Community Windsor & Maidenhead
RBWM Youth Forum, Windsor & Maidenhead
The Windsor Boys School Boat Club, Windsor & Maidenhead
Wokingham Youth Service projects, Wokingham
Wokingham Waterside Centre, Wokingham
Woodley Airfield Youth Centre, Wokingham
Silverdale Youth centre, Wokingham
Mobile Youth Centre Wokingham
Bulmershe Youth centre, Wokingham
Earley Centre Point Youth Centre, Wokingham
Twyford Youth Centre, Wokingham
Wokingham Villages Youth Project, Wokingham
Wokingham Youth Centre, Wokingham

2007-04-16T03:27:00.000-07:00

AWARD NEWS
SOUTH EAST
NEWS FROM THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD IN THE REGION Issue 54 March 2007

The annual South East Regional Conference took place on the 7th and 8th February 2007 at the Courtyard Marriott hotel in Reading.
The first day of the conference allowed the delegates to hear from Lister Baynes on the review of the Wild Country Expedition Panels as well as hearing news from Richard White on the developments with Commercial Access Organisations and the Other Adventurous Projects. Lister delivered the key recommendations of his report to the conference and then took questions from the floor, many of which focused around the quality of the assessment experience and how this varies across the panels and in some cases from assessor to assessor.

Richard updated those present on the process of Other Adventurous Projects and what they actually are. A new form is now available from the Awards website (http://www.theaward.org/participants/index.php?ids=2939&id=1986) he also offered some
reassurances that commercial providers delivering the Expeditions Section of the Award are coming under closer scrutiny and their licence agreements are being reviewed.

Again a lively question and answer session followed. Full details of both of these sessions can be found in the conference report.

Day two saw us joined by 20 extra delegates, despite the snow, and the conference continued with a look at some of the training opportunities currently available from National Governing Bodies. This was followed by various sessions during which delegates worked in groups to discuss the topics ranging from remote supervision to the Aim of a venture. All of which provided some useful feedback for us to take forward.

The end of the conference question panel fell a bit flat but we did get away early!

We would like to thank everyone that took part in the two days and especially Christine Froud for all of her hard work in setting up the whole thing.

Dawn and Simon’s Trip to the SW Office

On February 19th Dawn and Simon went to visit the South West Regional Office to share ideas and learn how the South West Regional Office worked and how the Award is delivered in the South West.

South East Team Building Day in Brighton

On the 20th March 2007 the South East Office took some time out to go and visit Roger Simmons the Award Officer for Brighton and Hove.
The day started out with a visit to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, to view the state apartments followed by a visit to the Brighton and Hove Office to learn how The Award is delivered. Before returning there was just enough time for a quick visit to the pier for fish and chips!

The New North Yorkshire and Humber Region

The North East Region has now been split with the North Yorkshire and Humber Region being created. The new Award Director Neil Forrest. Neil has been working for Humberside & North Lincolnshire Council for the past 17 years, initially as a Youth Officer and latterly as the Principal Youth Officer. Prior to that he was a Youth Officer in Norfolk and started his career as a teacher in Middlesbrough.

Neil, aged 48, has been involved in the Award since the age of 14. He holds the Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, is an accredited expedition assessor and has been involved in the management of the Award in his various posts as well as serving on the Regional Committee in the East Midlands.

New National Access Organisations

WRVS have signed up as a National Access Organisation for the Service & Skills Sections of the Award.

Young People who help at WRVS projects can have the opportunity to:
· Work in the Coffee Shops (Service Section)
· Help with ward rounds (Service Section)
· Retail skills in hospital shops (Skills Section)
· Meals on Wheels (Skills or Service Sections) – if helping in the kitchen and gaining Food Hygiene certificate it would be Skills; if helping with actual deliveries etc. it would be Service. (Each young person who gets involved with this will also have a CRB check carried out, as they would potentially go into vulnerable people’s homes).
· Emergency Services Course – ½ day induction course, including trial exercise and wash-up. The WRVS go to major emergency sites and refugee centres, providing catering for the emergency services etc. and this course would show young people how they respond to such emergencies and how they interact with the Local Authority Emergency Planning Department, Fire, Police etc.

The first projects to sign up were:
· Nottingham – Nottingham City Hospital and The Queen’s Medical Centre
· Leicester – Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital
· Sunderland – Sunderland Royal Hospital
· Hayward’s Heath – Princess Royal Hospital
· Barrow-in-Furness – Furness General Hospital
· Sheffield – Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Adult Recognition Certificates

Please note that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has withdrawn the certificate of Adult Recognition and replaced it with:

A Certificate of Special Thanks – only available to Operating Authorities on order from ASL, the current cost of this certificate is 50p. (This certificate is suitable for all adult volunteers).

Ten Year Supporters Certificate- this is available from the Regional Office, please submit details of all work undertaken with dates over the past ten years. (A formal nomination form will be available following further discussion at the May Award Officers Meeting).

Local Award Presentations

So far this year the South East Regional staff have represented the Award at 19 Local Award Presentations around the region, these have seen many hundreds of young people receive their Awards at all levels, as well as numerous adults receiving recognition for their services to the Award locally. Shirley and Simon have both been overwhelmingly impressed with the standard of events and the focus on detail, the range of guest speakers. The presenters’ have ranged from Lord Lieutenants to Atlantic Rowers and has even included a live web link to a former Award participant in New Zealand. Young people from a huge range of backgrounds have received their Awards from Youth Offending Institutes to the biggest Independent Schools, from Regional Athletes to those with profound physical needs. It is these young people that have made each and every event special so our biggest thanks must go to them. We would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of these events, we are well aware of the amount of time and effort that goes into the administration of presentations. It is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of the local staff and volunteers that so many young people receive their Awards in the region.

Thank you all and many congratulations to everyone, young or old, who has received an Award so far this year.

Guests of Gold Award Presentations 2007

This year we have had 3 good turnouts at Gold Award Presentations. Our guest presenters who have attended have included, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mrs Sarah Goad, the Deputy Lieutenant of West Sussex Mrs Lillian Holdsworth and the Vice Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Sir Guy Acland. We would like to say a big thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to congratulate the young people on their Gold Award Achievement.

Community and Business Excellence Awards

The Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead has chosen The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as one of her charities. As a result The Award in the South East has benefited from £2,400 thanks to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Community and Business Excellence Awards.

On Thursday 1st March 2007 Shirley Price Award Director for the South East received a cheque for £2,405. The cheque was presented by Cllr Mary-Rose Gliksten Leader of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Steve Arundale, Director of Commercial Banking South, The Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBS”).

Shirley has said “We would like to thank the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Community and Business Excellence Awards for their support of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The money they have raised will enable the charity to continue to benefit many 14-25 year olds in the South East to take part in the Award, where they will be able to gain valuable new skills, enterprise and friendship.”

TRAINING COURSES

So far this year the Regional Office has hosted a wide range of training opportunities and over 60 people have so far attended Train the Trainers and Introduction to the Award Training days.

AWARD TRAINING
The feedback from all that have attended has been very positive and we are delighted at the numbers attending.

We must say thank you to Noel Apps for giving up one of her Saturdays to come along and help deliver one of the Introduction to the Award days, if anyone else is interested in coming along to help, either for more experience or because you have a large contingent from your authority coming please contact Simon in the office.

FIRST AID
Simon recently qualified as a First Aid at Work Instructor and will be offering some first aid courses at very reasonable rates, courses we can deliver include the First Aid at Work (4 day) course, First Aid at Work Refresher (2 day) course, Appointed Persons (1 Day) course and Expedition First Aid (ECP 2 day) Course. If you are interested please contact Simon to discuss your requirements, he is happy to deliver the courses at local venues if you have enough interest.

Continuing on the First Aid theme, we are hoping to become a British Heart Foundation Heartstart Centre in the near future. The idea behind the Heartstart Scheme is to provide people with the basics of emergency life support to deal with an incident in an urban situation. The course is 2 hours long and certificated and available to anyone over 10 years old. Simon will be heading this up but he is looking for a team of instructors to deliver the courses locally, possibly to young people during their Award training. The courses are all free and cannot be delivered for profit, anyone, interested in possibly getting involved please contact Simon.

BEL TUTOR TRAINING
The Region will be holding a Sports Leaders UK BEL Tutor Training day on Saturday 12th May for anyone involved in the delivery of the BEL course. Places are limited so please book quickly.

We will be looking at the Award’s Modular Training Framework to see how we can incorporate it into our training programme over the coming months and any feedback from Operating Authorities would be gratefully received.

If you have any courses you want us to advertise in the newsletter please let Angharad have the details.

Please note that all courses may now be booked online at: http://www.theaward.org/southeast
Once on the website please click onto training and courses and then onto the online booking form.

The Courses

Training the Trainers:
This is a one day course that is specifically designed for Award Officers and those with training responsibilities.

The aim of this course is to explore delivery methods, style and content to facilitate high quality training provision. It will also help to ensure that we are all delivering a similar message about the Award.

Introduction to the Award:
This is for those of you who would like to help deliver the Award, especially if there is a large contingent from your area.

The aim of this course is to give a basic introduction to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It is intended for adults with some knowledge and experience of the Award, although adults with no previous experience may be accepted.

BEL Tutor Training:
This course provides those who wish to deliver the Level 2 Award in Basic Expedition Leadership with the information necessary to meet the requirements of Sports Leaders UK. The course is an essential element for all those who wish to act as course directors.

This course is for anyone who is involved in the delivery of Level 2 Award in Basic Expedition Leadership. Those wishing to act as course director must hold the minimum of a Walking Group Leader award.

Appointed Person- One Day First Aid Course:
This is a one day course covering the minimum requirements for First Aid training as recommended by the Health and Safety Executive. The aim of the programme is to assess the priorities of treatment, demonstrate resuscitation procedures and the action to be taken when dealing with First Aid in the work place.

This course is for anyone who has a First Aid responsibility in a small workplace or has an interest in learning the basic principles of First Aid.

First Aid At Work Course:
This course is provided for those who wish to become First Aiders within the workplace. At the end of the course two independent assessors conduct the examination. Successful candidates receive a certificate valid for 3 years from the examination date.

This course is for anyone who has a First Aid responsibility in the workplace, this Award is also valid for many National Governing Body Awards such as the Mountain Leader Award.

Quoted in the latest edition of Award World. An excerpt from HRH The Earl of Wessex’s diary, on what he thought of the Golden Trangia Competition.

“The South East Region held a really well attended event at Fontwell Racecourse which included the final of the Golden Trangia cookery competition. This involved teams of two preparing and cooking a two course meal using the Trangia camping gas stove. Some of the ideas were really very good and I was just thankful that I didn’t have to judge it, especially as chocolate seemed to feature very highly.”

Important Information For Operating Authorities

License Fees 2007/2008
The cost to the delivery of The Award continue to rise and whilst The Award has made savings and economies in many areas, the licence fee will by increased by 4% for the year commencing 1st April 2007. In addition we have also been informed by our tax advisors that the licence fee should be subject to VAT. This is due to the licencing of an Operating Authority represents a commercial transaction. Therefore, this year you will receive an invoice rather than a request for payment. The invoices will be raised through our trading subsidiary, The Award Scheme Ltd.

License Reviews
The format of licence reviews will be the same as previously used in past years. Priority will be given to those who wish to have their reviews at a specific time to work with OFSTED/JAR.
Licence reviews will start taking place this summer.

Mid Wales Country Panel
Please note that the new version of the Mid Wales Country Panel website is now up and running at www.midwalespanel.co.uk.

Other Adventurous Projects
Please note that the updated guidance notes and application form for OAP’s can now be found online.

Statistics For 2006/2007
Please note that you should have all received the 2006/2007 Annual questionnaire. Please return to the South East Office by the 1st May 2007. An electronic copy is available on request.

List of Operating Units
Please note we will be asking for a list of your local Award Groups. To be returned with your statistics for the 1st May.

Independent Schools Conference
Currently the Independent Schools Conference is scheduled for the week beginning 5th November 2007. Further details will be released shortly. In the meantime if you have any items that you wish to be discussed please contact Simon at the South East Office.

Please note that the updated guidance notes and application form for OAP’s can now be found online.

General Information

Activenture Volunteering Opportunities

During 2007 Activenture are running 13 residential opportunities. For more information please visit the website: www.londonyouth.org.uk/activenture
Or contact Les Pond by phone or email.
Tel: 01342 828218
Mob: 07917 506871
Email: les@hindleap.com

South East Trip to London

On the 30th January 2007 the South East Office had a day trip to the London Office, followed by a dusk outing on the London Eye.

This provided an ideal opportunity for finding out new ideas and how the London Region works differently to the South East. It was a very informative and helpful day.

Thank you Heather

After 5½ years as part time South East Region D of E/MV co-ordinator we have to thank Heather Coghlan for all her help and support in running D of E/MV in the South East. During this time 1956 young people registered with MV 798 of whom gained the 100 hour award and 527 young people gained the 200 hour award.

Farewell from Macdonald Baron

Dear All

It is with regret that I am announcing my departure from Slough Borough Council. I have been with the Youth Service for nearly 7 years and therefore I will miss working here very much.

I am leaving for a variety of reasons both personal and professional.

I officially finish on the Friday 23rd February. As yet I don't know where I will go. The world is my oyster! Wherever I go, be assured that I will volunteer for a local D of E group, after all I don't want to waste my BELA.

My thanks go to you all for the support over the years. I particularly want to thank the Berkshires, as we have always worked as a team and also to Roger in Brighton and Hove who helped us to deliver our first Gold expedition in 2003.

Finally to all at the South East office who have been so
helpful over the years.

I'll miss you all.

Macdonald Baron

2006-11-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

50th Anniversary Celebrations at Buckingham Palace

Over 5,000 volunteers and supporters attended a Garden Party held at Buckingham Palace on the 13th July 2006. The Garden Party was to say thank you to our Operating Authorities for supporting us over the last 50 years.

The event was attended by Her Majesty the Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Also joining us on the day were icons of the last 50 years.

Although over cast the rain stayed away for a very enjoyable day. With plenty of food and drink to keep everyone happy.

We were glad to see representatives from all of our Local Authorities plus 8 of our Independent schools colleting an Operating Authority Certificate of Thanks.

For all those that were able to attend from all of us at the South East Office we hope you had a brilliant time.

The Cornbury Festival 2006

The Cornbury Music Festival was held on the 8th and 9th July. It featured acts such as Robert Plant and Texas.

The Awards Tent contained general information on the Award and had a variety of activities to entertain the adults and the young people. From Indian Head Massage to Origami. The tent was managed by staff and Award Volunteers.

The Earl of Wessex was greeted in the VIP tent and then came to the Awards tent, where he met a group of Award participants and some of the volunteers.

Garden Party At Woolley Park

On Sunday 25th June a Garden Party was hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire at Woolley Park. The event was attended by HRH The Earl of Wessex.

The Garden Party was held to celebrate the involvement of volunteers within the Award in Berkshire and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.

Medway “It’s a Knock Out”

As part of the 50th Anniversary on the 16th July 2006 23 teams of young people took part in Medway’s version of “It’s a Knock Out”.

It was a fantastic day with approximately 200 spectators cheering on the teams.

Events in and Around the Region.

During this very exciting year there are many various fundraising events happening with in your local areas. Please help the SE Region in raising funds to further the development of the Award.

Isle of Wight Celebration Camp

The Isle of Wight 50th Anniversary Celebration camp took place over the weekend of 15th and 16th July. The camp included a presentation of Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards by the deputy Lord Lieutenant. Although the event was not attended by huge numbers, a good time was had by all, including some new recruits who had not camped before. The Isle of Wight celebrated by looking back at past highlights of the Award's history and undertaking new activities. They finished the weekend with a celebration cake and a presentation of Awards.

Brighton & Hove Gold Expedition to the Cevennes National Park 2-6 August 2006

This years expedition was drawn from a mixed group of young people from Brighton & Hove, with other young people joining the venture from Medway, Exeter and Windsor & Maidenhead. The weather was good for the venture especially during the assessment expedition, all the young people completed their expedition. There were also young people involved in a residential which involved replacing fencing and dry stone walling around the site.

East Sussex Presentation

On the 30th July East Sussex Duke of Edinburgh's Award held a Garden Party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee and to present nearly 50 young people and adult volunteers with their Gold Awards and Level 2 Awards in Basic Expedition Leadership. The event was held at Herstmonceux Castle and was well attended by various local dignitaries, in addition the Lord Lieutenant presented the certificates and Tom Avery, the Artic Explorer, was the invited Guest. Peter Westgarth was also in attendance and offered his closing comments on the day. All in all a very successful and enjoyable day.

FONTWELL RACEDAY

On the 30th September Fontwell Racecourse in West Sussex held a Charity Raceday in aid of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

This day would not have been possible with out the help of our sponsors Insinger de Beaufort, Paul Challen, Chase Moran, Lexus Cars, Mercers and Eastbourne and District Managing Agency.

We would also like to thank everyone who supported the auction and helped to raise £4,600.

Congratulations to Lillian Holdsworth and Nikki Hamilton-Street and all the other members of staff from the West Sussex Office who put a lot of time and effort into the running of this event.

FINAL OF THE
GOLDEN TRANGIA

The 30th September was also the final of the Golden Trangia Competition which saw teams competing from all over the South East, including a team from AWS Germany.

18 teams of young people took part on the day plus 3 leader teams. A good time was had by all and the food looked amazing.

Congratulations and well done to everyone that took part in the competition, the results were as follows:

1st AWS Germany - Beth Webber & Daniel Kershaw
2nd Hampshire - James Pendleton & Andy Coakley
3rd Guernsey - Jack Etheridge & Daniel Kershaw

The results for the Leaders were as follows:

1st Hampshire - Lisa Niezgoda & Gareth Price
2nd Hampshire - Wendy Buckle & Julie Nixon

The South East Office would also like to say a big thankyou to Alistair Cole at Adventure Lifesigns who supported and helped with the judging of this event. Also a thankyou to the other judges on the day Mr Lister Baynes Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition Advisory Panel and Capt ChrisTrowbridge from the Army Catering Corps.

Winning Recipe

Congratulations AWS (GERMANY)
Beth Webber and Daniel Kershaw
Dairy Lea Tomato Bread & KW Spatzle

Ingredients:

Starter
1 Ciabatta Roll
6 Cherry Tomatoes
3 Dairy Lea Triangles
2tsps balsamic Vinegar
2tsps Olive Oil
2 Basil Leaves
1tsp pepper

Method:

Dairy Lea Tomato Bread:
Cut bread in half horizontally
Slice tomatoes and place on each slice of bread
Cut Dairy Lea into chunks and place on top of tomatoes
Rip basil leaves into small bits and scatter on top
Drizzle balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top of each slice of bread
Shake pepper on each slice of bread

Main Course
2 Chicken Breasts
6 Mushrooms
4tsps Olive Oil
Half a pack of Spatzle
1 Medium Red Onion
1 knob of butter/margarine
Hand full of broccoli
Water
50g grated cheese

KW Spatzle:
Cook of broccoli until just about soft
Cut onion and fry in oil
While onion is frying cut up chicken
Add more oil to pan and fry chicken and mushrooms
When chicken is cooked add spatzle, water and butter/margarine. Cook through
Add broccoli
When heated through add cheese
Serve. Eat and Enjoy

General Information

Problems with the Country Code!
As many of you may be aware we have had a number of complaints this year regarding gates being left open in fields. We appreciate that the Country Code states that you should leave gates as you find them. But could you please advise groups to be extra careful when out on expeditions.

DEAMS Training
A big thank you to Christine Froud and Sam Bennie for conducting 2 successful DEAMS Training Days for all those with problems. We hope everyone is now more comfortable with the system. Hopefully there will be more dates next year for those of you who still have problems.

Southampton Photographic Competition Winners

Four young people in Southampton celebrated the 50th anniversary for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in August when they received prizes for taking the best snaps in a Photograph Competition organised by the Southampton Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

First prize winners were Harry McCarthy, Lincoln Smith and Robert Neale, they each received an Activity Weekend for themselves and a friend kindly donated by Southampton Water Activity Centre.

Taking second prize was Liam Davis, his prize was an Activity Weekend for himself and a friend, and this prize was kindly donated by Woodmill Outdoor Activity Centre. The prizes were presented by John Thorn, Manager of Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC) and Shirley Price, South East Region Director of the Award. The theme of the competition focussed on the four sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards .

20th ANNIVERSARY OF PAUL HAMLYN PERFORMANCES
AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Four Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants from South East Hampshire attended a special performance of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro on Sunday 9th July. The Royal Opera House was celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Paul Hamlyn Performances, an initiative to give people their first experience of live opera via the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Having navigated their way to Covent Garden, through the tube system Michelle, Cathy-Ann, Laura and James, who take part in the Award through Hampshire County Youth Service, were “blown away” by the opera. The day was an excellent example of the type of incredible opportunity that enable young people to “enjoy and achieve”…

For details of the Royal Opera’s Paul Hamlyn Performances visit the website at: http://info.royaloperahouse.org/hamlyn/

Andy Kennedy, The Award Project, Wessex YOT

2006-04-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Newsletter...

SOUTH EAST REGIONAL NEWSLETTER 2006

It was a Colossus Event!! That caused a Tidal Wave of Excitement

The Duke of Edinburgh’s South East Regional event at Thorpe Park on Saturday 25th March was a fun day out for the whole family.

Through the kind donations of many people the Award was able to raise £134 to go towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Jubilee fund.

We would like to say a big thank you to all our volunteers that helped out on the day in promoting The Award.

With the rain holding off in the morning the Award group from the Isle of Wight were able to clown around and entertain the Depth Charge queue with various circus skills, from stilt walking to juggling.

We hope that everybody who came had a fantastic time and will continue to support our other 50th Anniversary Events.

2006 SE Regional Conference

The South East Regional Conference took place in February at the Innlodge, Portsmouth.

This year's theme was ‘Present, Past and Future’ of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Around 100 people attended the 2 day Conference which included a trip to the Spinnaker Tower for the delegates on the Wednesday afternoon. HRH The Earl of Wessex met 100 Award Participants at the Guildhall, Portsmouth before joining us for the Conference Dinner and as our after dinner speaker.

After the dinner a raffle was held which raised £360.00 to go towards the Jubilee Fund. A big thank you to all those who donated prizes.

The Chief Executive of the Award, Peter Westgarth, joined us on the second day of the Conference to speak about the future of the Award. Further details to be found in the conference report which will be available shortly from the SE Office. The Conference for 2007 will be held in Berkshire.

Having a Ball!

On Saturday 18th February 2006, 300 award supporters and friends were having a fantastic time at the Kent Grand Ball which was held at the Detling Showground, Maidstone, Kent.

Congratulations to Shirley

Shirley Price has recently received her 25 year certificate and personal letter from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

WELCOME!

Welcome to Angharad Purser who joined the staff at the South East Office on 1st March 2006. Angharad is a Bronze, Silver & Gold Award holder

Fundraising 50th Year

During this very exciting year there are many various fundraising events happening with in your local areas. Please help the SE Region in raising funds to further the development of the Award.

Racing for Success

On Saturday 30th September West Sussex County Award Committee will be on starters orders for a fun day of family entertainment at Fontwell Park Racecourse.

There will be 7 sponsored races starting from 12 midday, and finishing at 5:50pm. Admission to the races will be free for children aged 16 and under.

Grandstand and Paddock £12.50
Premiere Enclosure Badge £17.50
Full details will be available in the next few weeks.

For further information please contact Nikki Hamilton-Street on 01243 782 080.

FINAL OF GOLDEN TRANGIA

The final of the Golden Trangia will also be taking place at Fontwell Park Racecourse on the 30th September. So remember to get all your entries in.

Ever thought About doing your Expedition Abroad?
Here’s some ideas!
Gredos Centre
· The Gredos Centre offers a well established Field Studies and Outdoor Activity Centre in the Sierra de Gredos, in Spain. Where they are able to offer school programmes and expeditions. They are beautifully located and border a nature park with fantastic views of the mountain range.

The Gredos Centre offers a unique environment for the Expedition part of the Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. The expeditions can be done by:
· Hiking
· Biking
· Horse Riding
The centre is able to provide the whole training and route planning prior to the expedition.
For more information visit the website at www.gredoscentre.com

Brathay Exploration Group Ltd
· Brathay provide the opportunity to young people (15-25) with adventurous opportunities to improve their skills, and increase their experience and understanding through treks.
· They offer the opportunity to complete a section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award providing there is appropriate proposals and authorisations.

Brathay offer expeditions in Tanzania, India, Guatemala and California to name but a few.
If you are interested please visit the website at: www.brathayexploration.org.uk

The Royal School of Church Music

The Royal School of Church Music are running short courses in singing and organ lessons during 2006 . For more information contact Chris Wardle on 01306 872 807 alternatively vist the website at www.rscm.com/courses

Subsidised Outdoor Training
Opportunities
Over the past 5 years Plas y Brenin and the Mountain Training Trust has supported The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

They believe that young people need to be given every opportunity to have a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience. Plas y Brenin can offer volunteer leaders, youth workers, teachers and participants training and assessment courses at a subsidised rate.

Helen Barnard The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator, is available to offer advice on courses and keep you up to date with subsidised training opportunities.
For more information please contact Helen Barnard on 01690 720 214 or email: HelenB@pyb.co.uk Alternately visit the website at www.pyb.co.uk/dofe
It was a Tree-mendous Day
During March tree planting ceremonies took place across the country at Woodland Trust sites. 50 trees were planted at each site. The South East Region tree planting took place in Hampshire and our thanks go to Andy Kennedy who arranged for 50 trees to be planted by participants from the Award Project who are currently doing conservation work as the Service element of their Award.

Dates for Your Diary
Thursday 13th July - 50th Year Award Supporters Garden Party
Wednesday 20th Sept - Award Officers’ Meeting
Wednesday 27th Sept - SE Regional Advisory Committee

Youth Activities..Get Involved!!!!

Activenture
Activenture are looking for any individuals or groups of volunteers who would be interested in going to an Activenture for a residential activity holiday as companion helpers to disabled/ special needs young people.

Many volunteers who take part in this use it to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Service Section.

If you are interested in this Les Pond training and recruitment advisor is able to visit organisations or groups of potential volunteers to give multi-media presentations regarding Activenture.

For further information please contact Les Pond on 01432 828 218 or email: les@hindleap.com

It’s A Tall Story
Is the life for you out at sea if so then Tall Ships Adventures is for you. Tall Ships offers you a challenge of a lifetime, and offers you the chance to sail into the Atlantic, Mediterranean or the North Sea. The voyages can last anything from 5-25 nights depending on the voyage that you choose. This would be an ideal opportunity for a residential for anyone doing their Gold Award. However you may need to take part or even organise fundraising events in order to cover the cost of one of these adventures. For more details contact Tall Ships Adventures 2A The Hard, Portsmouth, Hampshire. PO1 3PT.
Tel: 023 9283 2055
Email: info@tallships.org
Record Books
Please note that the pricing guide for the Record Book Packs for 2006/2007 are as follows:
Bronze £11.00
Silver £11.00
Gold £16.50
With effect from 1st April 2006 until 31st March 2007.

South East Training Days

October 2006
Thurs 12 - New Leader Training
Sat 14 - New Leader Training

The cost of the course is £30. Please visit website for more information www.theaward.org/southeast