The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Now and again we open a new Access Centre, hold an Award Ceremony, or have other important news. Visit this page regularly to find out what's going on in Bexley.

Updates & News 2006

September 2006 - Duke of Edinburgh Conquers The Medway

On the first weekend in September a group of nine Duke of Edinburgh participants took part in a 40km (25mile) canoe expedition.The young people aged between 15 and 18 were completing their Silver Award as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which is facilitated by Bexley Council's Education Business Partnership. The group set off from Tonbridge, which is the highest Navigation point on the river. In two days they managed to reach Allington Lock, the last part of the Medway before tides affect it. On the third day they made their way back upstream through Maidstone before returning their tired arms home.

Since April the young people have been training every Tuesday evening at Danson Lake to gain appropriate qualifications in Kayaking. This included a lot of swimming as they learnt to safely rescue each other while out on the water.

Ben Bullen, of the Education Business Partnership, said, "This is the first kayaking expedition organised by the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Bexley. Working in partnership with Danson Watersports we're looking forward to this being the first of many water based expeditions.”

To find out how you could achieve the Duke of Edinburgh's Award call the Awards Team on 020 8836 8236.

August 2006 - Plucky Trekkers Raise Cash for Disadvantaged Youngsters

A plucky group of nine intrepid Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme youngsters recently undertook a summer challenge to raise money for the Duke of Edinburgh's Jubilee Fund.

The group, aged between 13 and 18, are all members of the Duke of Edinburgh Award's Open Centres at Sidcup and Erith, planned and walked a 50km (32 Mile) trek along the North Downs Way near Maidstone in Kent.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is celebrating its 50th year in 2006. As part of the year the Jubilee Fund has been set up to raise money to support disadvantaged young people. The walk raised over £400 for the fund. Walk organiser and Bexley Council's Assistant Awards Development Officer, Ben Bullen, says: "Despite blisters and sore legs, the young people overcame an incredible challenge while raising much needed funds for other young people."

So far Bexley's Duke of Edinburgh participants, supported by Bexley Education Business Partnership, have raised nearly £1,000 towards the Jubilee Fund through the sponsored walk, BBQs, a sponsored silence and a sky dive!

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's contact the Education Business Partnership Awards Team on 020 8836 8266 or come along to the Erith Youth and Family Centre from 7pm on a Tuesday night or the Sidcup Youth Centre from 7pm on a Wednesday evening.