Thursday, February 22, 2007
February 2007
Regional Update February 2007
Dates for the Diary
There is an ‘Introduction to the Award’ course scheduled to take place at Christ College, Brecon on the 30th March at a cost of £20. Please can you advertise this course to potential delegates. The course is suitable for new leaders or existing leaders who would like to update their knowledge of the Award.
Other forthcoming courses / events are
3-4th March Off-Site Safety Management, Libanus £125
19-20 April Expedition Supervisors Course, Sennybridge £85
24th May Corporate Challenge, Crickhowell £1000
25th May Celtic Challenge, Crickhowell £120
20th June Golf Day, Vale of Glam £495
12-14th October Adventure Race, Snowdonia £400
Further information on all of the above is available from the Brecon office.Unfortunately we have had to cancel the ‘Introduction to the Award’ training day which was due to take place in North Wales on the 2 March.
Wales Volunteer of the Year Award
There are 5 categories for this prestigious Award, winners of which will be invited to attend an Award Ceremony in Cardiff in June this year. The categories are;
· Over 25
· Under 25
· Green volunteer (any age, with an environmental project
or organisation
· Trustee
· Group (two or more individuals, whether as an informal group
or a formally constituted organisation)
If you have someone you would like to nominate and would like further information please contact WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 email: help@wcva.org.uk or download from www.wcva.org.uk/volunteering.
The closing date for nominations is 13th April 2007.
It would be great to take this opportunity to recognise some of the Award’s hard working volunteers.
Wales Review
The Award in Wales has been undergoing a review of activity and resources and as a result there are two major changes scheduled to take place over the next few months.
The Award has for the past 10 years been involved in the development of a project supporting young people within the Criminal Justice System to access the Award. The project involves 16 staff and 7 partner Youth Offending Teams and Probation Services. The project has become so successful that the decision has been made to support the creation of a separate charitable company; Community Justice Interventions Wales (CJIW); which will be self sustaining and will enable the continued expansion of this very valuable work.
It is envisaged that the new company will commence its operation from April 1st. Full details of the new company will be made available in due course.
The review has also focused upon the resources required to support the current objectives of the Award and this has lead to an examination of staffing and direct costs associated with events. The consultation process has now ended and as a result three of the administrative / support job roles within the Wales Office have been affected.
A new full time role of Award Project Support and Administrative Officer (PSAO) has been created.
· A part time role (3 Days); Human Resources Support and
Administrative Officer; has been created by CJIW.
The impact of the above restructuring has been that Emma Morrow has accepted redundancy, from April 1st Beverly Williams will transfer over to CJIW and Rhian McDonough will undertake the new role of PSAO.
Many thanks to both Bev and Emma for all their hard work over the past 10 / 4 years.
The Award Website
The Award website now has a very informative Training Zone, which is ideal for leaders etc. To view the Training Zone go to
http://www.theaward.org/awardofficers/index.php?ids=1816&id=1032
We also have a Parents page which is really informative if you have any parents who wish to know what their child will experience by doing the Award. To view this please go to http://www.theaward.org/parents/index.php?ids=1522&id=1452
Dates for the Diary
There is an ‘Introduction to the Award’ course scheduled to take place at Christ College, Brecon on the 30th March at a cost of £20. Please can you advertise this course to potential delegates. The course is suitable for new leaders or existing leaders who would like to update their knowledge of the Award.
Other forthcoming courses / events are
3-4th March Off-Site Safety Management, Libanus £125
19-20 April Expedition Supervisors Course, Sennybridge £85
24th May Corporate Challenge, Crickhowell £1000
25th May Celtic Challenge, Crickhowell £120
20th June Golf Day, Vale of Glam £495
12-14th October Adventure Race, Snowdonia £400
Further information on all of the above is available from the Brecon office.Unfortunately we have had to cancel the ‘Introduction to the Award’ training day which was due to take place in North Wales on the 2 March.
Wales Volunteer of the Year Award
There are 5 categories for this prestigious Award, winners of which will be invited to attend an Award Ceremony in Cardiff in June this year. The categories are;
· Over 25
· Under 25
· Green volunteer (any age, with an environmental project
or organisation
· Trustee
· Group (two or more individuals, whether as an informal group
or a formally constituted organisation)
If you have someone you would like to nominate and would like further information please contact WCVA Helpdesk on 0800 2888 329 email: help@wcva.org.uk or download from www.wcva.org.uk/volunteering.
The closing date for nominations is 13th April 2007.
It would be great to take this opportunity to recognise some of the Award’s hard working volunteers.
Wales Review
The Award in Wales has been undergoing a review of activity and resources and as a result there are two major changes scheduled to take place over the next few months.
The Award has for the past 10 years been involved in the development of a project supporting young people within the Criminal Justice System to access the Award. The project involves 16 staff and 7 partner Youth Offending Teams and Probation Services. The project has become so successful that the decision has been made to support the creation of a separate charitable company; Community Justice Interventions Wales (CJIW); which will be self sustaining and will enable the continued expansion of this very valuable work.
It is envisaged that the new company will commence its operation from April 1st. Full details of the new company will be made available in due course.
The review has also focused upon the resources required to support the current objectives of the Award and this has lead to an examination of staffing and direct costs associated with events. The consultation process has now ended and as a result three of the administrative / support job roles within the Wales Office have been affected.
A new full time role of Award Project Support and Administrative Officer (PSAO) has been created.
· A part time role (3 Days); Human Resources Support and
Administrative Officer; has been created by CJIW.
The impact of the above restructuring has been that Emma Morrow has accepted redundancy, from April 1st Beverly Williams will transfer over to CJIW and Rhian McDonough will undertake the new role of PSAO.
Many thanks to both Bev and Emma for all their hard work over the past 10 / 4 years.
The Award Website
The Award website now has a very informative Training Zone, which is ideal for leaders etc. To view the Training Zone go to
http://www.theaward.org/awardofficers/index.php?ids=1816&id=1032
We also have a Parents page which is really informative if you have any parents who wish to know what their child will experience by doing the Award. To view this please go to http://www.theaward.org/parents/index.php?ids=1522&id=1452
Friday, November 03, 2006
October 2006
Regional Update
Award Video Footage
The Award is keen to collate any footage that has been taken of events in the 50th Anniversary – if you have any such footage that you are willing to send in to us that would be great.
Photographs and Press Cuttings
On a similar note – in the Region we are keeping a photographic diary of events in the 50th Anniversary. If you would like any of your events that have taken place this year included in this diary – do please send them along with a brief description. Any newspaper cuttings also.
General Council
There are still places available at General Council which will take place from 5 -7 November in Edinburgh. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Earl of Wessex and Award’s Trustees will be joining delegates from the UK and around 300 delegates from overseas who will be attending their International Forum. The event will be hosted by veteran TV journalist and new presenter Martyn Lewis.
Further information and an application form is available on the website.
SERCO Funding
Just to let you all know that of the £10,000 Serco donates to the Award each year, £6,482 is still available for funding disadvantaged young people including young offenders.
As you may be aware, we have £1000 allocated to Wales to pass onto groups which I’m sure would make an enormous difference.
All we need is a handwritten letter from leaders with photographs and stories about how the money would change lives/give young people opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have had.
If you would like to apply for some SERCO funding, please forward your information to Steph.
Residential Opportunities
The City and County of Swansea are running 2 Residentials during 2007. The dates of the Residentials are 3-7 and 9-13 April and will be taking place at the Gower Activity Centre, Swansea. Activities include, surfing, teambuilding, navigation, rockclimbing, abseiling and much, much more. For further information, programme and application forms please contact Seb Haley at Seb.Haley@swansea.gov.uk or visit the Gower Activity Centre at www.goweractivitycentre.org.uk.
Tall Ships
Tall Ships have found some restricted funds that can be used for young people nationally - so all voyages in November and December are available to the young people for only £50 + insurance and travel to/from the ships.
Can you find some 16-17 year olds for the youth voyages and 18-25 year olds for the adult voyages?
Ideally, the young people should be disadvantaged so that Tall Ships can use their funds to help top up their contribution to the original voyage fee.
For further information please contact Chas Cowell on 02392 832055 or chas.cowell@tallshops.org
Change of Date
Please note that the date of the Special Needs in North Wales has changed from the 31st October to the 27th November. Many apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
Dates for the Diary
SEN Seminars South Wales 20/11/06 North Wales 27/11/06
Gold Award Presentations 14th & 23rd November 2006
Wild Country Assessor Accreditation Course 2-4th February 2006
Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) 1st Aid 9/10th December, Craig y Nos Country Park.
BELA Courses
We will not be running a BELA course this year, however there are several providers who are.
MW Guiding Services - please contact Mike Lloyd Wood on 01443 453494 or email mwguiding@cix.co.uk or click here to view the website.
RCTraining – Please contact Robert Clapham on 01792 865139
Caerphilly CBC – Please contact Richard Batten on 01495 200113
Flintshire CC – Please contact Bill King on 01352 758139
Of course, there are other providers who will be running BELA courses throughout Wales.
Plas y Brenin
Please remember that Plas y Brenin continue to run many subsidised training events for Award Leaders. For further information please contact Helen Barnard on 01690 720214.
Talking to parentsThanks to the generosity of The Pears Foundation, we have been able to produce a new range of materials to be used when speaking to the parents of prospective Award Participants. We have been able to carry out research with groups of parents, both of participants and non-participants, throughout the country. The focus groups looked at attitudes to and knowledge of the Award, as well as feelings about existing leaflets for parents. Parents had strong opinions about how they would like to have the information delivered to them. The concept of having a parents’ evening where they could ask questions and have their fears relieved, and meet the Award Leaders involved, was seen as the most popular approach. Working alongside The Response Team – an agency with a lot of multi-cultural experience – and working parties consisting of Award Officers, leaders and parents, we have been able to develop this new range of material. Many of the items can be adapted by individual Award Leaders or Operating Authorities to use within their individual groups and/or their local communities.
The new range of material includes leaflets and PowerPoint presentations. Printed copies of the generic leaflets are available from The Award Scheme Ltd (www.theaward.org/shop - 0131 553 5280 - asl@theaward.org)A wide range of templates of these new items, for use by Award Groups and Operating Authorities, can be found at: www.theaward.org/downloads - please complete the brief registration form and then follow the link to the download site. A collection of new photographs and detailed guidance for using the templates will be posted on the same site next week
MLTA Autumn Conference 11th November 2006
The MLTA is the association for all mountain leaders and supervisors who are registered with Mountain Leader Training within the UK and Eire.
The MLTA autumn conference will be hosted by Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre.
Based on member’s responses the provisional program for leaders includes the following subject areas:
Best practice in mountain and crag leadership
Teaching of navigation skills
Multi-pitch climbing skills
The National Navigation Award Scheme
Rope-work for Mountain Leaders
The Higher Awards (IML, MIA & MIC); How to achieve them
Coaching climbing movement skills
Incident reports and lessons learned
The MLTA Conference is supported by the National Mountain Centres - Plas y Brenin and Glenmore Lodge, AMI, BAIML, MLTE, MLTW & MLTUK who will provide the workshop leaders.
The cost of the conference will be £40 for members of MLTA. Non-members - £50. Non-members attending on the day will be eligible for a £10 discount if they join MLTA subsequently.
The Sunday following the Conference is intended to be a less formal day spent on the excellent mountains and cliffs of Snowdonia for both candidates and workshop providers.
MLTA members who book early will have the chance to win a valuable prize; a day of free instruction or guiding for themselves and a friend by a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors who are supporting this event. Date to be agreed later.
MLTA members who get one or more non-members to book at the same time will receive a £5 reduction in their next annual subscription.
A Conference programme and booking forms are available at www.mlta.co.uk
Canoeing Activity on the River Thames
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expects all Operating Authorities and their staff / volunteers to follow the safety advice and guidance of any government agency or national governing body.
The following statement outlines the Awards policy for operating on the River Thames whilst under the warning board system which is detailed below:
These guidelines appertain to the River Thames only.
The following operational guidelines must be adhered to
Yellow Boards –No Award ventures including journeying may take place this includes training, practice and qualifying ventures. However site specific activities with appropriate risk assessments may take place i.e. weir work. If during the activity the status changes to Red Boards follow Red Board advice.
Red Boards – no Award Activity will take place.
The Award will be in consultation with the BCU, ALAA and the Environment Agency to explore criteria when activities could take place when red boards are displayed.
Loops and Links
If you are planning a venture around Merthyr/ Rhondda Valleys you might find this website most useful. www.loopsandlinks.co.uk It gives information on the wildlife in this area, outdoor centres and accommodation, ideal for both expeditions and explorations. There is also a resource available detailing a number of routes suitable for day walks and expeditions.
Award Video Footage
The Award is keen to collate any footage that has been taken of events in the 50th Anniversary – if you have any such footage that you are willing to send in to us that would be great.
Photographs and Press Cuttings
On a similar note – in the Region we are keeping a photographic diary of events in the 50th Anniversary. If you would like any of your events that have taken place this year included in this diary – do please send them along with a brief description. Any newspaper cuttings also.
General Council
There are still places available at General Council which will take place from 5 -7 November in Edinburgh. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Earl of Wessex and Award’s Trustees will be joining delegates from the UK and around 300 delegates from overseas who will be attending their International Forum. The event will be hosted by veteran TV journalist and new presenter Martyn Lewis.
Further information and an application form is available on the website.
SERCO Funding
Just to let you all know that of the £10,000 Serco donates to the Award each year, £6,482 is still available for funding disadvantaged young people including young offenders.
As you may be aware, we have £1000 allocated to Wales to pass onto groups which I’m sure would make an enormous difference.
All we need is a handwritten letter from leaders with photographs and stories about how the money would change lives/give young people opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have had.
If you would like to apply for some SERCO funding, please forward your information to Steph.
Residential Opportunities
The City and County of Swansea are running 2 Residentials during 2007. The dates of the Residentials are 3-7 and 9-13 April and will be taking place at the Gower Activity Centre, Swansea. Activities include, surfing, teambuilding, navigation, rockclimbing, abseiling and much, much more. For further information, programme and application forms please contact Seb Haley at Seb.Haley@swansea.gov.uk or visit the Gower Activity Centre at www.goweractivitycentre.org.uk.
Tall Ships
Tall Ships have found some restricted funds that can be used for young people nationally - so all voyages in November and December are available to the young people for only £50 + insurance and travel to/from the ships.
Can you find some 16-17 year olds for the youth voyages and 18-25 year olds for the adult voyages?
Ideally, the young people should be disadvantaged so that Tall Ships can use their funds to help top up their contribution to the original voyage fee.
For further information please contact Chas Cowell on 02392 832055 or chas.cowell@tallshops.org
Change of Date
Please note that the date of the Special Needs in North Wales has changed from the 31st October to the 27th November. Many apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.
Dates for the Diary
SEN Seminars South Wales 20/11/06 North Wales 27/11/06
Gold Award Presentations 14th & 23rd November 2006
Wild Country Assessor Accreditation Course 2-4th February 2006
Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) 1st Aid 9/10th December, Craig y Nos Country Park.
BELA Courses
We will not be running a BELA course this year, however there are several providers who are.
MW Guiding Services - please contact Mike Lloyd Wood on 01443 453494 or email mwguiding@cix.co.uk or click here to view the website.
RCTraining – Please contact Robert Clapham on 01792 865139
Caerphilly CBC – Please contact Richard Batten on 01495 200113
Flintshire CC – Please contact Bill King on 01352 758139
Of course, there are other providers who will be running BELA courses throughout Wales.
Plas y Brenin
Please remember that Plas y Brenin continue to run many subsidised training events for Award Leaders. For further information please contact Helen Barnard on 01690 720214.
Talking to parentsThanks to the generosity of The Pears Foundation, we have been able to produce a new range of materials to be used when speaking to the parents of prospective Award Participants. We have been able to carry out research with groups of parents, both of participants and non-participants, throughout the country. The focus groups looked at attitudes to and knowledge of the Award, as well as feelings about existing leaflets for parents. Parents had strong opinions about how they would like to have the information delivered to them. The concept of having a parents’ evening where they could ask questions and have their fears relieved, and meet the Award Leaders involved, was seen as the most popular approach. Working alongside The Response Team – an agency with a lot of multi-cultural experience – and working parties consisting of Award Officers, leaders and parents, we have been able to develop this new range of material. Many of the items can be adapted by individual Award Leaders or Operating Authorities to use within their individual groups and/or their local communities.
The new range of material includes leaflets and PowerPoint presentations. Printed copies of the generic leaflets are available from The Award Scheme Ltd (www.theaward.org/shop - 0131 553 5280 - asl@theaward.org)A wide range of templates of these new items, for use by Award Groups and Operating Authorities, can be found at: www.theaward.org/downloads - please complete the brief registration form and then follow the link to the download site. A collection of new photographs and detailed guidance for using the templates will be posted on the same site next week
MLTA Autumn Conference 11th November 2006
The MLTA is the association for all mountain leaders and supervisors who are registered with Mountain Leader Training within the UK and Eire.
The MLTA autumn conference will be hosted by Plas y Brenin National Mountain Centre.
Based on member’s responses the provisional program for leaders includes the following subject areas:
Best practice in mountain and crag leadership
Teaching of navigation skills
Multi-pitch climbing skills
The National Navigation Award Scheme
Rope-work for Mountain Leaders
The Higher Awards (IML, MIA & MIC); How to achieve them
Coaching climbing movement skills
Incident reports and lessons learned
The MLTA Conference is supported by the National Mountain Centres - Plas y Brenin and Glenmore Lodge, AMI, BAIML, MLTE, MLTW & MLTUK who will provide the workshop leaders.
The cost of the conference will be £40 for members of MLTA. Non-members - £50. Non-members attending on the day will be eligible for a £10 discount if they join MLTA subsequently.
The Sunday following the Conference is intended to be a less formal day spent on the excellent mountains and cliffs of Snowdonia for both candidates and workshop providers.
MLTA members who book early will have the chance to win a valuable prize; a day of free instruction or guiding for themselves and a friend by a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors who are supporting this event. Date to be agreed later.
MLTA members who get one or more non-members to book at the same time will receive a £5 reduction in their next annual subscription.
A Conference programme and booking forms are available at www.mlta.co.uk
Canoeing Activity on the River Thames
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expects all Operating Authorities and their staff / volunteers to follow the safety advice and guidance of any government agency or national governing body.
The following statement outlines the Awards policy for operating on the River Thames whilst under the warning board system which is detailed below:
These guidelines appertain to the River Thames only.
The following operational guidelines must be adhered to
Yellow Boards –No Award ventures including journeying may take place this includes training, practice and qualifying ventures. However site specific activities with appropriate risk assessments may take place i.e. weir work. If during the activity the status changes to Red Boards follow Red Board advice.
Red Boards – no Award Activity will take place.
The Award will be in consultation with the BCU, ALAA and the Environment Agency to explore criteria when activities could take place when red boards are displayed.
Loops and Links
If you are planning a venture around Merthyr/ Rhondda Valleys you might find this website most useful. www.loopsandlinks.co.uk It gives information on the wildlife in this area, outdoor centres and accommodation, ideal for both expeditions and explorations. There is also a resource available detailing a number of routes suitable for day walks and expeditions.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Regional Update September 2006
50th Anniversary Events
We’re drawing ever closer to the end of our 50th Anniversary Celebrations, and what a year it has been. To mark this special occasion we will be producing a booklet with information on all of the events that took place in Wales and further a field! The booklet will include brief reports on what happened, photographs and also a summary of the funds raised.Please contribute to our book of messages
As you know, 2006 marks the 50th Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK. To commemorate the successful achievements of the Award and celebrate the future of the Programme in the UK and beyond, a number of events are being held around the world, culminating in the combined General Council/International Forum in Edinburgh (where the first General Council took place) in November 2006.The Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who has tirelessly driven its development over the past 50 years and remains actively involved to this day. To acknowledge the Patron’s involvement in reaching this milestone and to celebrate the role played by our partners, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is considering the production of a Book of Messages.
ObjectiveThe Book of Messages, as the name suggests, will contain a letter or message from the main supporters of the Award, for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, about their involvement and how the Award has made a difference in their area.Donors and Trustees are also invited to contribute to the book.We are currently considering how it will be best to present this book to the Patron.ActionWe ask each Operating Authority Award Officer to:
Approach the main supporter of the Award in their County (for example, this could be the Headteacher in the Independent School, the Head of the Education & Library Board, the Head of Youth Service, the County Councillor or the Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisation etc.) and ask them for a brief paragraph/message (maximum of 50 words) congratulating the Patron on the 50th Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The message must include the name of the person it has come from, their job title/role, the name of the organisation and should be accompanied by a copy of the organisation’s logo. Logos must be provided in a jpg format at 300dpi so that they can be printed correctly.
Alternatively, they could approach volunteers or young people and ask them to write the message on behalf of the Operating Authority.
Timings
September 2006: All contributions should be forwarded to Sam Bennie at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EU or email: samantha.bennie@theaward.org
November 2006: The Book is presented to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
We can only produce this unique book if everyone gets involved, so please act now and make sure the Award receives your contribution by the cut-off date!
Dates for the Diary
Liaison Committee Meeting 15th September 2006
Wales Advisory Meeting 18th September 2006
Development Officers Meeting 18th October 2006
SEN Conference, North Wales 31st October 2006
Gold Award Presentations 14th November 2006
23rd November 2006
SEN Seminar, South Wales 20th November 2006
General Council, Edinburgh 5 – 7th November 2006
Staff Changes
I am sad to say that Ann O’Toole has left us for pastures new. Ann has a new job as a peripatetic Music Teacher in the Gwent area and left us on Friday 25th August. Our best wishes go with Ann.
I am also pleased to inform you that Rhian has returned from her maternity leave.
Dewi Evans has recently started with the Award as the Welsh Language Development Officer. I am sure that if you haven’t already met Dewi, you will in the not so distant future.
New Chair for the Wales Committee
After 10 years service, John Ellis has retired as the Chair of the Wales Committee. I would like to thank John for all his support over the years and am sure that we will still be in touch from time to time. I would like to welcome Prof. Richard Daugherty who has kindly agreed to take over the Chair from John.
Special Educational Needs Seminar
There will be two 1-day SEN Seminars taking place in North and South Wales during the Autumn. The aim of these seminars is to raise awareness and also to see how the Award can evolve to be more practical for both young people with disabilities and SEN and also to the leaders who support them. A programme and further information will be sent out shortly, the seminar is free but there is a limit of 40 delegates per seminar. If you have any information or models of good practice in this field please contact Rhian McDonough at Rhian.mcdonough@theaward.org.
Can you Help?
The Award is looking for a number of individual case studies to illustrate the wide range of young people from all backgrounds who participate in the Award. It would be great to have one from each Operating Authority and if you know of any young person who has a particular story to tell about how the Award has influenced their lives please ask them to get in touch with Rhian.
Climbing Wall Supervisors Award (CWSA)
MLTUK has just launched a major consultation on whether or not there is a need for a CWSA. A consultative document sets out one possible model and via a questionnaire seeks feedback from all interested organisations and individuals.
Please pass this information on to any relevant people and encourage them to complete the questionnaire at www.mltuk.org.
General Council 5-7 November 2006
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award General Council is held every two years. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl of Wessex will be joining the Award’s Trustees and delegates in Edinburgh. There will be a programme of speakers, seminars, entertainment and showcases of young people’s achievements – something for everyone. If you are interested in attending this event please contact your Award Officer.
Paddle Ventures
A new booklet containing revised advice on canoeing ventures has been published. This can be downloaded at: http://esnups.com/web/paddleventures.
50th Anniversary Events
We’re drawing ever closer to the end of our 50th Anniversary Celebrations, and what a year it has been. To mark this special occasion we will be producing a booklet with information on all of the events that took place in Wales and further a field! The booklet will include brief reports on what happened, photographs and also a summary of the funds raised.Please contribute to our book of messages
As you know, 2006 marks the 50th Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK. To commemorate the successful achievements of the Award and celebrate the future of the Programme in the UK and beyond, a number of events are being held around the world, culminating in the combined General Council/International Forum in Edinburgh (where the first General Council took place) in November 2006.The Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who has tirelessly driven its development over the past 50 years and remains actively involved to this day. To acknowledge the Patron’s involvement in reaching this milestone and to celebrate the role played by our partners, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is considering the production of a Book of Messages.
ObjectiveThe Book of Messages, as the name suggests, will contain a letter or message from the main supporters of the Award, for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, about their involvement and how the Award has made a difference in their area.Donors and Trustees are also invited to contribute to the book.We are currently considering how it will be best to present this book to the Patron.ActionWe ask each Operating Authority Award Officer to:
Approach the main supporter of the Award in their County (for example, this could be the Headteacher in the Independent School, the Head of the Education & Library Board, the Head of Youth Service, the County Councillor or the Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisation etc.) and ask them for a brief paragraph/message (maximum of 50 words) congratulating the Patron on the 50th Anniversary of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The message must include the name of the person it has come from, their job title/role, the name of the organisation and should be accompanied by a copy of the organisation’s logo. Logos must be provided in a jpg format at 300dpi so that they can be printed correctly.
Alternatively, they could approach volunteers or young people and ask them to write the message on behalf of the Operating Authority.
Timings
September 2006: All contributions should be forwarded to Sam Bennie at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Gulliver House, Madeira Walk, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1EU or email: samantha.bennie@theaward.org
November 2006: The Book is presented to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
We can only produce this unique book if everyone gets involved, so please act now and make sure the Award receives your contribution by the cut-off date!
Dates for the Diary
Liaison Committee Meeting 15th September 2006
Wales Advisory Meeting 18th September 2006
Development Officers Meeting 18th October 2006
SEN Conference, North Wales 31st October 2006
Gold Award Presentations 14th November 2006
23rd November 2006
SEN Seminar, South Wales 20th November 2006
General Council, Edinburgh 5 – 7th November 2006
Staff Changes
I am sad to say that Ann O’Toole has left us for pastures new. Ann has a new job as a peripatetic Music Teacher in the Gwent area and left us on Friday 25th August. Our best wishes go with Ann.
I am also pleased to inform you that Rhian has returned from her maternity leave.
Dewi Evans has recently started with the Award as the Welsh Language Development Officer. I am sure that if you haven’t already met Dewi, you will in the not so distant future.
New Chair for the Wales Committee
After 10 years service, John Ellis has retired as the Chair of the Wales Committee. I would like to thank John for all his support over the years and am sure that we will still be in touch from time to time. I would like to welcome Prof. Richard Daugherty who has kindly agreed to take over the Chair from John.
Special Educational Needs Seminar
There will be two 1-day SEN Seminars taking place in North and South Wales during the Autumn. The aim of these seminars is to raise awareness and also to see how the Award can evolve to be more practical for both young people with disabilities and SEN and also to the leaders who support them. A programme and further information will be sent out shortly, the seminar is free but there is a limit of 40 delegates per seminar. If you have any information or models of good practice in this field please contact Rhian McDonough at Rhian.mcdonough@theaward.org.
Can you Help?
The Award is looking for a number of individual case studies to illustrate the wide range of young people from all backgrounds who participate in the Award. It would be great to have one from each Operating Authority and if you know of any young person who has a particular story to tell about how the Award has influenced their lives please ask them to get in touch with Rhian.
Climbing Wall Supervisors Award (CWSA)
MLTUK has just launched a major consultation on whether or not there is a need for a CWSA. A consultative document sets out one possible model and via a questionnaire seeks feedback from all interested organisations and individuals.
Please pass this information on to any relevant people and encourage them to complete the questionnaire at www.mltuk.org.
General Council 5-7 November 2006
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award General Council is held every two years. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl of Wessex will be joining the Award’s Trustees and delegates in Edinburgh. There will be a programme of speakers, seminars, entertainment and showcases of young people’s achievements – something for everyone. If you are interested in attending this event please contact your Award Officer.
Paddle Ventures
A new booklet containing revised advice on canoeing ventures has been published. This can be downloaded at: http://esnups.com/web/paddleventures.
Monday, January 23, 2006
January 2006
Award Update - Wales
January 2006
Happy New Year!
January 2006
Happy New Year!
Steph
Photo Competition
To celebrate the Award’s 50th Anniversary we have launched a global photographic competition, ‘The Spirit of the Award’ - so test your photographic skills to the limit by taking part. You could win an Olympus camera worth £1,000 and produce the Official Award photographs for 2006.For further information, please visit http://www.theaward.org/participants/index.php?ids=2404&id=1640
50th Anniversary
As we begin our 50th Anniversary year, please find below information from Head Office which outlines what they have achieved so far and are hoping to achieve throughout the Anniversary year.
Firstly, the fantastic news is we've reached our first £1million! This is a great milestone and gives us a firm foundation for the Jubilee Fund to build on next year.
Here’s the story so far!
The Countess of Wessex held a reception at St James Palace on 26th September for key broadcasters and production companies. We generated great interest in covering the 50th Anniversary, particularly through documentaries, and we are now following up with individual companies. We even have the chance of a place on Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire!
19th October saw our official 50th Anniversary press launch at Buckingham Palace. We also had a photocall with 50 Award Holders - one from each of the last 50 years. You can see the photo on our 50th web pages - www.theaward.org/50 then click on "news".
Plans for a music festival are coming along well, and we will keep you informed of any updates.
We have a date for next year's Garden Party - it's Thursday 13th July.
Here's a quick reminder of some of the other events taking place next year
3 Peaks - all systems go for 13th/14th May 06.
British 10k London Run - we've secured 60 places in this, which takes place on Sunday 2nd July. Award Runners are asked to pay a £30 registration fee and to set a goal of fundraising £300 for the Jubilee Fund. Award Runners will also receive a small hospitality package on the day.
Jubilee Fund Challenge - this will be the title for the participant fundraising initiative. We are challenging Award Participants to raise at least £100k for the Jubilee Fund - we hope the total amount will be presented to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at GC/IF in Nov 06. Participants will be able to count this towards their Service Section - and everyone who takes part will receive a thank you from the Award. In addition to this those who raise certain amounts will be entered into a draw for concert tickets & gift certificates from Award Partners.
For up to date information on what is happening in Wales go to www.theaward.org/wales
Training Opportunities
There are 2 New Leader (Introduction to the Award) Training Courses scheduled to take place in Mid Wales (Elan Valley Lodge, Rhayader, 25/3/06) and South Wales (Ynyshywel Centre, Hengoed, 8/4/06). Both courses are £20 and I would be grateful to receive names of potential delegates ASAP.
The REC Emergency First Aid Course is a modular first aid course which was designed by specialist doctors working in remote health care. The courses are a balance of learning and practical skills, intermixed with scenarios of real life situations. If you would like to attend one of these courses, Bigfoot Services are running courses monthly from February to December at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus at a cost of £120. For further information, please contact Bigfoot services direct on 01874 625077. Mention that you are an Award Leader when you enquire.
DEAMS
It is hoped that the DEAMs course will take place on the 13th March 2006 at the MRC Centre in Llandrindod Wells. Further information and confirmation of places will be sent out shortly.
Quarterly Newsletter
You should have, by now, received the Xmas Newsletter which was sent out during the middle of December. If you have not received this, please let me know and I can send you a copy. Feedback on the newsletter would be greatly appreciated and don’t forget the caption competition!!
The deadline for articles for the Spring Edition of the Newsletter is Friday February 10th 2006. Please send all details regarding the Newsletter to Rhian.mcdonough@theaward.org
Golden Putter
The Welsh Regional Heat of the Golden Putter will be taking place at the Vale of Llangollen Golf Club, North Wales on 31st May 2006. The cost of the competition is £10 and the winner and runner-up will qualify for the final at Wentworth on the 21st July 2006.
Further information and application forms are available from Ian Gwilym at ian.gwilym@theaward.org and also via the Award website
Gold Presentations
There are 2 Gold Award Presentation Ceremonies taking place shortly. The dates are 23rd and 28th February. There will be 6 groups from Wales attending over the 2 events.
MLTE / MLTW Conference.
To be held at Plas y Brenin on Saturday 25th March 2006.
This conference will be practically based and it is planned to have workshops / presentations / activities to stimulate all involved with MLT Award delivery.
Practical sessions
Coaching of climbing movement skills.
GPS use and ML/WGL application*
Peer belaying techniques and safety*
‘Practical Application’
New hardware – locking and friction belay devices. Krabs. Ropes
Ghylls and Gorges. Qualifications on the margins.
Analysing the technical difficulty of navigation.
Theory
The law and the outdoor leader
Assessment styles
How to Direct a course
Cost £50.
Contact: 01690 720314
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Award Update - Wales
December 2005
Hi,
This is the second edition of our Blogg which is designed to keep you updated with developments within the Award across the UK.
Hope you find it useful.
Steph
Gold Award Presentations
We have recently seen over 150 young people being presented with their Gold Awards at St James’ Palace. The Presentation which took place during October was a great success with Katherine Jenkins presenting the certificates. The November presentation saw 4 groups from Wales attending with David Hempleman-Adams and Tom Avery present the certificates. My thanks go to all the presenters, VIPs and Marshals who attended both Presentations. There are no dates confirmed for 2006 Presentations but we will keep you posted.
50th Anniversary
The launch of the 50th Anniversary took place on 19th October 2006. This was an excellent event and we have had several positive responses from Gold Award Holders who saw the launch and would like to get in touch to help during the year.
There is one update for our regional celebrations which is a change of date for the Celtic Challenge. The event will now take place on Friday 26th May 2006 with the optional camping still available on Thursday the 25th.
SERCO BURSARY
We still have an amount of funding available for you to apply for on behalf of Young People who are finding it difficult to get themselves the essential gear for the expedition section of the Award. The application forms are simple to complete and all we ask in return is that you provide us with a short case study of how the grant made a difference to the young person perhaps with a few photographs. If you are interested please contact the office for an application form.
Royal Visit November 2005
On November 10th 2005, HRH The Earl of Wessex visited North Wales to observe potential participants taking part in a ‘passport to adventure’ day in Anglesey; Bronze Award Holders being presented with their certificates and also a celebration of 10 years partnership with the Probation Service; unveiling a plaque at St Davids College, Llandudno to celebrate their 40th year and finally to a drinks reception at Conwy Council Offices.
The day was very successful and HRH left feeling very positive about the Award in Wales.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped on the day.
Diaries
Just to inform you that the Award is not producing the A4 or pocket diaries this year – I know many of you have enjoyed receiving these in the past . . . you will however, have to make different arrangements this year.
Training Opportunities
The Assessor Accreditation is filling up nicely and I anticipate a full course in January. The course which is taking place in Plas y Brenin has always been successful so to guarantee a place please contact me as soon as possible.
Web Site
We are currently experiencing problems with the Award website (a national problem, not only in Wales!) As soon as these problems have been resolved we will continue to update the website regularly. Please keep us informed of items you would like to see or remove from the site!
Quarterly Newsletter
As mentioned in the October Blogga, we are producing a quarterly newsletter which will be available before Xmas.
Many thanks to both Carmarthenshire and Swansea for their inputs!
Mountain Leader Training Association
Mountain Leader Training Wales are supporting the development of a UK wide Association for qualified leaders and leaders in training. Membership of the Association has several benefits as outlined below and will offer an opportunity for those wishing to increase their experience to network with others and gain access to additional training.
Membership
Full Membership is open to leaders who have passed the assessment course one of the national awards of the UK’s Mountain Training Boards.
The relevant awards are SPA, WGL, ML(S), ML(W), and higher awards.
Associate Membership is open to leaders who have registered for any of the above awards but have yet to pass an assessment course.
The Benefits
Talk to other members, share ideas or concerns and have your say via the lively Forum
Browse the Library of topical articles and features
Receive regular informative e-newsletters
Access to a program of Further Training workshops and related National Events
Contact leaders looking for work on the Notice Board
Priority channel to get information from the Helpdesk
Advice on and access to Insurance for member’s activities.
Access to preferential rates on Clothing and Equipment
Additional Benefits
MLTA is run from the Mountain Leader Training offices at Siabod Cottage and members have direct access to staff member Phill Thomas, who is a mountain guide and a former deputy head of an outdoor education centre. He can answer most of your queries and is supported by other highly experienced staff members.
How to join?
Go to www.mlta.co.uk and join on-line.
The MLTW, together with the other home nation training Boards, provides training and assessment for the following awards: the Single Pitch Award (SPA) which trains leaders to supervise others on single pitch crags and climbing walls, the Walking Group Leader Award (WGL) which trains leaders to lead others on the lower mountains and moorland type terrain, and the Mountain Leader Award (Summer) (ML) which trains leaders to lead others in all of the mountains of the UK and Ireland in non-winter conditions. These awards are widely considered as benchmarks of competence in mountain training and as such are recognised by the HSE’s Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, Department for Education and Skills and many other bodies.
For further information on the above courses please go to: www.mltw.org
These courses are also run by Plas y Brenin, North Wales with further information available from Helen Barnard on 01690 720214 or email helen.barnard@pyb.co.uk. Award leaders can get preferential rates for these courses.
Hi,
This is the second edition of our Blogg which is designed to keep you updated with developments within the Award across the UK.
Hope you find it useful.
Steph
Gold Award Presentations
We have recently seen over 150 young people being presented with their Gold Awards at St James’ Palace. The Presentation which took place during October was a great success with Katherine Jenkins presenting the certificates. The November presentation saw 4 groups from Wales attending with David Hempleman-Adams and Tom Avery present the certificates. My thanks go to all the presenters, VIPs and Marshals who attended both Presentations. There are no dates confirmed for 2006 Presentations but we will keep you posted.
50th Anniversary
The launch of the 50th Anniversary took place on 19th October 2006. This was an excellent event and we have had several positive responses from Gold Award Holders who saw the launch and would like to get in touch to help during the year.
There is one update for our regional celebrations which is a change of date for the Celtic Challenge. The event will now take place on Friday 26th May 2006 with the optional camping still available on Thursday the 25th.
SERCO BURSARY
We still have an amount of funding available for you to apply for on behalf of Young People who are finding it difficult to get themselves the essential gear for the expedition section of the Award. The application forms are simple to complete and all we ask in return is that you provide us with a short case study of how the grant made a difference to the young person perhaps with a few photographs. If you are interested please contact the office for an application form.
Royal Visit November 2005
On November 10th 2005, HRH The Earl of Wessex visited North Wales to observe potential participants taking part in a ‘passport to adventure’ day in Anglesey; Bronze Award Holders being presented with their certificates and also a celebration of 10 years partnership with the Probation Service; unveiling a plaque at St Davids College, Llandudno to celebrate their 40th year and finally to a drinks reception at Conwy Council Offices.
The day was very successful and HRH left feeling very positive about the Award in Wales.
Our thanks go to everyone who helped on the day.
Diaries
Just to inform you that the Award is not producing the A4 or pocket diaries this year – I know many of you have enjoyed receiving these in the past . . . you will however, have to make different arrangements this year.
Training Opportunities
The Assessor Accreditation is filling up nicely and I anticipate a full course in January. The course which is taking place in Plas y Brenin has always been successful so to guarantee a place please contact me as soon as possible.
Web Site
We are currently experiencing problems with the Award website (a national problem, not only in Wales!) As soon as these problems have been resolved we will continue to update the website regularly. Please keep us informed of items you would like to see or remove from the site!
Quarterly Newsletter
As mentioned in the October Blogga, we are producing a quarterly newsletter which will be available before Xmas.
Many thanks to both Carmarthenshire and Swansea for their inputs!
Mountain Leader Training Association
Mountain Leader Training Wales are supporting the development of a UK wide Association for qualified leaders and leaders in training. Membership of the Association has several benefits as outlined below and will offer an opportunity for those wishing to increase their experience to network with others and gain access to additional training.
Membership
Full Membership is open to leaders who have passed the assessment course one of the national awards of the UK’s Mountain Training Boards.
The relevant awards are SPA, WGL, ML(S), ML(W), and higher awards.
Associate Membership is open to leaders who have registered for any of the above awards but have yet to pass an assessment course.
The Benefits
Talk to other members, share ideas or concerns and have your say via the lively Forum
Browse the Library of topical articles and features
Receive regular informative e-newsletters
Access to a program of Further Training workshops and related National Events
Contact leaders looking for work on the Notice Board
Priority channel to get information from the Helpdesk
Advice on and access to Insurance for member’s activities.
Access to preferential rates on Clothing and Equipment
Additional Benefits
MLTA is run from the Mountain Leader Training offices at Siabod Cottage and members have direct access to staff member Phill Thomas, who is a mountain guide and a former deputy head of an outdoor education centre. He can answer most of your queries and is supported by other highly experienced staff members.
How to join?
Go to www.mlta.co.uk and join on-line.
The MLTW, together with the other home nation training Boards, provides training and assessment for the following awards: the Single Pitch Award (SPA) which trains leaders to supervise others on single pitch crags and climbing walls, the Walking Group Leader Award (WGL) which trains leaders to lead others on the lower mountains and moorland type terrain, and the Mountain Leader Award (Summer) (ML) which trains leaders to lead others in all of the mountains of the UK and Ireland in non-winter conditions. These awards are widely considered as benchmarks of competence in mountain training and as such are recognised by the HSE’s Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, Department for Education and Skills and many other bodies.
For further information on the above courses please go to: www.mltw.org
These courses are also run by Plas y Brenin, North Wales with further information available from Helen Barnard on 01690 720214 or email helen.barnard@pyb.co.uk. Award leaders can get preferential rates for these courses.
