Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

It is often said that if a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right. This year's Bronze and Silver groups have certainly lived up to this belief, and the results of their labours are just reward for a year of sustained interest and enthusiasm.

The summer term was inevitably dominated by the Expeditions; these were happy affairs enjoyed by all despite mixed fortunes with the weather. We thank Mr. Wise for preparing the Bronze group with his usual enthusiasm and Mr. Gaastra for being our assessor, and it is nice to report that he was very impressed by what he saw.

It has always been our policy to have the Silver expedition assessed externally and we are again indebted to the North Yorks Moors Assessment Panel, and to Messrs. Middleton and Schofield in particular, for giving up their time, and for allowing us to learn from their expertise.

The fact that the Silver groups were rather luckier than the Bronze with the weather, though pleasing to the boys, obviously disappointed our assessor, who confessed to praying for more adverse conditions throughout the weekend, in the hope that it would prove more testing. Since the prayers of the boys proved to be more powerful (on this occasion at least), a mock rescue was staged, with one of our number posing as an exposure case. The exercise was comical under the relaxed conditions which prevailed, but even so showed how impressively the boys may expect to cope with a genuine case if the unhappy event should occur.

I'm sure that most parents would agree that their sons are not the most forthcoming sources of information and it was with this in mind that we decided to have a Buffet evening for boys, parents and friends. The intention was to let everyone see just how many people contribute to the successful completion of the Award and we were happy to have the opportunity of allowing parents to meet representatives of assisting organisations and the many individuals who have helped with so many aspects of the scheme. The evening was rounded off with a show of slides taken during the expeditions. We hope everyone found the occasion both informative and enjoyable. BRONZE AWARD: D. J. Barron D. C. Bretherton G. B. Brawn P. W. S. De Silva A. M. M. Dixon J. C. Dryland P. T. Gittins C. N. A. Greaves J. R. A. Greaves R. F. Hart A. F. Heavens A. Hodgson P. D. Johnson J. A. Kneeshaw P. F. Lancaster T. C. Nichols A. D. Percival N. P. Plahe A. M. Pullan P. J. P. Smith D. A. J. Thomas T. G. White

SILVER AWARD: C. A. F. Brown S. Bruce-Jones J. H. Larcombe T. C. Moore I. A. Nichols R. W. Parkinson 26 N. J. Ramsden S. J. Tatterton

Peter Brooker continues to make progress at Gold level and is currently helping to run cycling proficiency courses and tests in local schools.

LOOKING AHEAD

September 1974 entrants: 23 at Bronze Level; 22 at Silver Level, of which 5 are entering direct, not having done the Bronze Award; 11 at Gold Level, of which 3 are entering direct, not having done Bronze or Silver. Whilst the overall numbers are very encouraging, the direct entrants at higher levels in the scheme are a source of pleasure and hope for the continuing progress of the Award Scheme.

I cannot possibly end without paying my personal thanks to all those who have helped with the scheme at all levels, and in so many ways.

D.H.H.

THE BRONZE AWARD

Twenty-two boys completed all sections of the award in this their first full year in the scheme.

The Service Section came to fruition with the presentation of First Aid Certificates by Messrs. Todd and Page, who had so enthusiastically instructed the boys on behalf of the British Red Cross.

The expedition involved one night under canvas and a 15-mile walk. The boys, in five separate groups, selected their own routes and made studies of such subjects as Wild Life and Ancient Buildings.

The wholehearted enthusiasm of all those taking part contributed greatly to the success of the group and the heavy thunderstorms during the final stages of the expedition did nothing to "dampen" their spirits. P.G.W.

GOLD AWARD

To those who haven't ever thought of participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, let me say a few words about its attractions. During school time you can spend countless hours collecting blisters, travelling around Britain, and sometimes you might be lucky enough to receive a small financial reward for the activity concerned and, above all, you should get great enjoyment from it.

The Gold Award consists of five sections: interest, community service, expedition, physical fitness, and a residential course. Unless one is overawed by a 50-mile walk, the sections are not strenuous. The physical fitness in my case was six one-hour sessions at the swimming pool and some speed tests. I can't swim well, yet I achieved a high enough standard. My residential course took place at an Acorn Camp, near Salisbury, run by the National Trust. For less than £10 this was a most enjoyable week's holiday, despite playing at lumberjacks for a week.

The interest is much the same as in the Bronze and Silver Awards— bridge became too energetic so I now do chess--and it takes a year to complete. Likewise the community service is taking me a year. For me, this is a police service and includes becoming a cycling proficiency instruc- 27