Monday, January 23, 2006
January 2006
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
