Meeting the main man!

6:47pm Sunday 25th March 2007

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After six years of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at St Clere's Open Award Centre in Stanford-le-Hope, completing the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards along the way, six young people from Thurrock recently got to meet the Duke of Edinburgh himself at St James' Palace when he presented them with their Gold Award Certificates.

It was with trepidation that they left home early that morning in anticipation of meeting the 'Main Man' himself and they were delighted.

The Duke knows his Award and asked questions about what they have achieved and was interested to know they were the fourth group from St Clere's Open Award Centre to go to New Zealand where they completed voluntary community service in the service.

Some did environmental work on a remote island called Motoihu Island working along side local New Zealanders while others went to Otawhiwhi Marae working alongside the Maori people.

They did Thurrock proud and some have decided, after completing their Award, to stay as voluntary leaders as our Award Centre to help other young people achieve their DofE ambitions.

Dave Wheatley (recently taking up the appointment of voluntary Award Centre Leader) and Dave Angus (voluntary trainer) accompanied the young people to St James' Palace.

The Award is operated through the Essex Association of Boys Clubs and our Centre has thrived for over 20 years now in Thurrock seeing many young people achieve their Awards and long may it continue.

St Clere's is open every Monday evening 7.30pm - 9pm (term time) for young people 14-23 who wish to take part in the Award.

You don't have to be a pupil at St Clere's School to join.

Pass on your congratulations to Thurrock's successful gold award winners. Please post your comments here.