Eight dale people were invited to Buckingham Palace earlier this month to celebrate earning their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Thomas Cuthbert, James Cuthbert, Josh Leonard, Ethan Tweddle, Edward Sayer, Jess Lovatt and Niamh Linsley all started their DoE journey at Barnard Castle’s TCR Hub.
During the celebration event they had the opportunity to stroll through royal gardens and enjoy traditional garden games.
Attendees were inspired by speeches from celebrities and motivational speakers, with a highlight being an address on the main stage by Prince Edward, who congratulated the award recipients and celebrated their achievements.
Allie Mawer, who runs the scheme at The Hub said: “Earning a Gold Award is a major commitment. It typically takes at least a year to complete and involves several sections.”
These include doing voluntary community work, improving their physical health through sport, dance or fitness activity and developing new skills.
They also need to complete a four-day, three-night expedition in expedition in a wild and unfamiliar environment carrying only essential equipment, and spend five days and four night away from home with people they have never met before to build teamwork, adaptability and confidence skills.
The DoE leader said: “We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Their dedication, perseverance, and spirit exemplify what the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is all about.
“What made this moment even more special for this group is that they completed their Bronze and Silver Awards through the TCR Hub. Over the years, we’ve seen these young people grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.”
Erica Dixon’s triple gold weekend
A Lartington woman celebrated a triple gold weekend earlier this month by earning top honours in Special Olympics tournaments ahead of being given the Duke of Edinburgh Awards’ premier accolade at Buckingham Palace.
Erica Dixon travelled to London on Monday, May 12, for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award celebration, but first took a detour via Liverpool Aquatics Centre to take part in the North west Regional Swimming Championships.
The 25-year-old picked up gold medals in the 25m butterfly and 50m freestyle, as part of the Teesdale branch of Special Olympics team.
The team were met at the event by Matt Richards, the Olympian and Special Olympics Great Britain Swimming Ambassador.
Erica then travelled to London as a guest of the Special Olympics (North London branch) for an athletics event at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre, London, on Sunday, May 11, where she picked up gold in three events.
Talking about achieving the DofE award Erica said: “In his speech, the Duke of Edinburgh said that it was solo award, but a team achievement. He was right as I could not have done this without the help of several individuals and groups.
“I was very much supported by The TCR Hub, The Marie Curie shop in Barnard Castle, Special Olympics Great Britain (Teesdale Branch), Teesdale Athletics Club, Dean Midas Films, Bridge Creative, my family and the other people doing the five sections of the awards.
“It’s a great scheme and I’d recommend anyone thinking about doing it to contact TCR Hub who will give you information about it.”
