A GROUP of 37 Hampshire adventurers have proved their mettle and shown they have what it takes to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

At a celebratory event, organised by the DofE’s Hampshire Forum and supported by Hampshire County Council, the Gold Award recipients were honoured with the presentation of a Hampshire certificate of appreciation from HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and president of the forum, Nigel Atkinson.

He said: “These young people have demonstrated a huge amount of commitment and determination to gain this very prestigious award, and they can be very proud of their achievement.

“I know they will all have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge too. As there is a real need for leaders to train the next generation of young participants, I would urge them to continue their good work and enjoyment by offering their time and skills as volunteers for the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.”

Also present at the celebration was councillor Roy Perry, pictured inset, leader of Hampshire County Council and a vice president of the forum. He said: “I commend all of those who undertake to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award. To take that achievement to gold level is to be congratulated especially – these award holders should be very proud of their achievement, which is tremendous. Working towards a Duke of Edinburgh Award offers young people wonderful opportunities to learn new skills, meet new people and learn from experiences that will stand them in good stead for their future.

“DofE represents a major challenge, and gaining the Gold Award is a real achievement,” said Martin King, chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Hampshire Forum. I hope to see many more young people following in their footsteps in the years to come.”

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationwide scheme, requiring participants to spend time volunteering, learning or improving a skill, taking part in a physical activity, and undertaking an expedition with a group of friends.

In the case of the Gold Award, a young person will typically give over 50 hours of volunteering, spend a total of eighteen months on the skill and physical activities, and undertake a four-day expedition in terrain classified as “Wild Country” – from Snowdonia and the Yorkshire Dales, to Scotland, Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons – camping overnight, carrying all their kit, and being fully self-sufficient.

Those going for gold are also required to spend at least five days away from home on a challenge with people they don’t know.

List of the 2018 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients for Hampshire (broken down by district)

BASINGSTOKE & DEANE

Timothy Taylor

Adam Bolton

Claire Read

Tim Read

Shannon Jones

Sarah Bourne

EAST HAMPSHIRE

Harriet Newell

Frederick Saunders

Kate Willett

Charlie Murrell

Rosella White

EASTLEIGH AND WINCHESTER

Charlotte Giles

Tom Hardwick

John Mandley

Emma Redfern

Matthew Varney

Amy Cutts

Kumuthu Amaradasa

Freya Anderson

David Carnegy

Aden Craig

Ritesh Ramachandra

Amy Webber

FAREHAM AND GOSPORT

Michael Guthrie

Victoria Rogers

HART AND RUSHMOOR

Madeline Wigley

HAVANT

Madeline Brooks

Rebecca Barrows

Lauren Hogg

Felicity Wade Palmer

NEW FOREST

Connor Hansford

Edward Rogers

Edward Locke

Thomas Morris

TEST VALLEY

Charlotte Grimsey

SOUTHAMPTON CITY

Gemma Hoyes

Lauren Whittaker