Maidenhead & Windsor

It will be an evening of "firsts" as the Maidenhead Royal Borough celebrates its latest Duke of Edinburgh's Award successes in gold-star style next week.

Fittingly in the year that the popular award scheme celebrates its landmark 50th anniversary, Maidenhead Royal Borough youngsters have for the first time notched up a record-breaking 175 awards – surpassing the previous best tally of 150.

Presenting the Maidenhead awards for the first time will be the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr Philip Wroughton – and the new venue of St Mary's School in Ascot rounds off the hat-trick of "firsts".

The high-profile Maidenhead event will see the record-breaking crop of young people from schools and youth groups across the borough line up to receive their awards from the Lord Lieutenant at the school on Wednesday March 8 at 7.30pm.

Collecting their bronze, silver or gold certificates will be young people from:

Maidenhead:
The Outdoor Education project, Castle Hill, Maidenhead – 25 young people receiving bronze, silver and gold
Cox Green Explorer Scouts, Maidenhead – four sectional awards at bronze, silver and gold levels

Windsor:
Churchmead School - eight young people receiving sectional certificates (this is the first time Churchmead pupils have been part of the awards presentation)
Windsor youth and community centre – one bronze award

Ascot:
Charters School – 15 bronze and silver awards
Hurst Lodge – 22 bronze and silver awards
St George's School – seven awards
St Mary's School – 79 bronze and silver awards.

For the first time this year a small number of Access certificates will be awarded to young people who have completed individual sections of the award as they work towards the full award.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, said: "What better way to celebrate the Duke of Edinburgh's award golden anniversary than with a record-breaking number of awards. All the young people involved have demonstrated terrific commitment and enthusiasm and should be justifiably proud of their achievements – as should the people who give up their time to help them reach their goals.

"The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards provide a truly unique opportunity for young people to develop and grow in confidence as they learn new skills and make new friends at the same time. Long may they flourish!"

Entertainment will be provided by St Mary's School choir, Hurst Lodge pupils who will sing and dance, and award winners who will recount their expedition experiences.

For further information about the Maidenhead Duke of Edinburgh's Award contact Award Co-ordinator Catherine Hurst on 01628 796478.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead