DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD SCHEME 1974-75 was a hectic year, with nearly 60 boys taking part in the scheme. As with any operation of this size it has only functioned with the considerable help and encouragement which has been forthcoming from colleagues, parents and new-found friends and we thank them all for their efforts. BRONZE
The 'Physical Activity' Section broke new ground with some boys choosing trampolining and golf rather than the more usual gymnastics and athletic pursuits, whilst some took to the water to gain the A.S.A. personal survival award (Silver). Once more we are indebted to the British Red Cross for organising our First Aid class for the 'Service' Section and we were pleased with our 100 per cent success in the final tests which set a far from trivial standard in this important subject. The `Interests' Section produced a wide variety including the old favourites of stamp collecting and ornithology, as well as some welcome newcomers, war games and motor mechanics. I am sure that many boys found new hobbies or gave an established interest a new lease of life, and we are always most grateful to the wide variety of people who are only too pleased to avail us of their expertise and enthusiasm in both encouraging and assessing the boys. I hope we have gained many new friends in this way. The 'Expeditions' always require much painstaking preparation and I am sure that boys and parents will appreciate the need for this. The boys were however most fortunate with the weather, though some would argue with justification that the heat wave encountered in June was a little too much for anything so strenuous as their expedition involved. I am sure that many muttered discontent at having to carry sweaters, waterproofs, spare clothes and emergency rations for 15 miles in such conditions where an emergency seemed so remote from reality, but their doubts may vanish if they read on into the 'Silver' Section. Apart from minor navigational aberrations, and a few problems of living together, the expeditions passed most satisfactorily and seemed to be enjoyed, though some suffered from an overdose of sun. Twenty-four boys started the Bronze award in September 1974 and we happily record 24 passes: G. W. Tait C. Hawkswell M. B. Anderson R. J. Teale R. I. Hepworth R.A. C. Bronk N. J. G. Turnbull C. P. Johnson S.M. Burn M. St. J. Turner G. J. King D. M. Caulton S. C. Wetherell J. A. Lethem R. E. Craig R. M. Wilkinson H. J. McKinlay A. H. Day D. J. Fawthrop M. Gray
E. M. Parkinson J. W. Preece
R. J. T. Wilson A. J. Wright
D. Smakman, who gained the award at his previous school, also took part, and his knowledge of farming was a valuable asset to his cycling group. 23
