Sanquhar youngsters collect Duke if Edinburgh awards

Nov 11 2009 by Iain Pollock, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

DUKE of Edinburgh Awards have been presented to 11 very proud young people at a ceremony in the Community Centre, Sanquhar.

Margaret Chalmers, the chairperson of the Mid and Upper Nithsdale Open D of E Group warmly welcomed a large attendance of parents, grandparents and friends to witness the hand over of these prestigious awards by Angus Campbell, Chairman of the Dumfries and Galloway Area Committee.

Carol Baird in her voluntary capacity as a co-ordinator in Mid and Upper Nithsdale, gave a brief background to the DofE Awards.

There had been a successful group for a number of years but like everything it was difficult to keep it going forever.

After an informative visit to Sanquhar Academy by Carol Baird, some 30 pupils showed a keen interest.

There are now 23 youngsters now all beavering away at their different projects.

To gain each of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards it is essential to progress through each of the four progressive disciplines, Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Expedition, to obtain their certificates and qualify for their respective awards

On some occasions, she continued, her garden was packed with tents with first aid scenarios, all great fun as well as great hilarity for map reading and grid references studies with the youngsters.

Ali White, the Expedition Co-ordinator, introduced each of the award winners who were warmly congratulated and presented with their badges and certificates by Angus Campbell from Castle Douglas.

The presentations included: Silver Award with a Gold Expedition Certificate to Sean Bax; Silver Award to Andrew Usher; Bronze Award plus a Silver Certificate to David Rundle; Bronze Awards to Colin Baird, Lauren Elliott, Isaac Nelson and Glen Watson; Bronze Section Certificate to James Caldwell. Rory Bax, Lyndsay Burton and Seonaid Goodwin will shortly receive their own Bronze Awards.

After the presentations, several of the youngsters delivered an amusing poem relating many of their involvements.

An example of the importance of these awards was demonstrated by Carol Baird, who had been proudly presented with her own Gold Bronze Award by the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace.

She related how she found it to be the most important addition to her CV on successfully applying for her first job when she left school.

Also present on this occasion were Kirsten Bax, the previous chairperson of Mid and Upper Nithsdale D of E Group; Andy Baird committee member; Community Council Provost Joe Ramsay; and Councillor Jim Dempster.

This winter training session programme commenced in the community centre on Wednesday and will be held every fortnight.

There are places available for all ages between 14 to 26 years. All interested in joining the awards project can contact Carol Baird on 01659 50124.