The Annual Presentation Evening- of which Mayor Cllr Nick Draper handed out awards- was held Wednesday (31st March 2010). The evening was ram-packed with young DofE-ers’ achievements extending through all four sections: Skills, volunteering, Physical recreation and expeditions. The event showcased a variety of acts such as Film-making and clarinet, to a display of Indian Dance and Keeping Fit. Merton’s DofE co-ordinator Carol Curtis described the night as, “Celebrating Young People’s Achievement…”

While Silver Award participant Chloe Marie Kelly O’Meera expressed enthusiastically, “It’s nice to see people collecting their awards with smiles on their faces.” DofE (short for the Duke of Edinburgh Award) began in 1956 and has attracted millions of young people all over the world. Consisting of three award levels which vary in hardness and time commitment: Bronze, Silver and Gold. A total of 167 Merton Youths have completed one award level within the pass year. Despite the easy-going appearance, anyone who has completed the award can reassure you that it is not an easy feat. Dedication, commitment and courage are all valuable skills developed by each of the individuals. Not to mention the humongous rucksacks, meals of beanzfeast and pasta, and no hike- of course- would be complete without fields of hormonal horses and raging sheep. So let’s give them all a round of applause: they deserve it.