Hampshire recipients of Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

A total of 42 participants from across Hampshire were presented with their Gold recognition certificate at a ceremony in Chandler's Ford.

The event was organised by the DofE Hampshire Forum and took place at Chandler's Ford Methodist Church, with HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, presenting certificates to each recipient.

Gold achievers with the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson. (Image: Paul Fitchett)

Mr Atkinson, who also serves as president of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the county, said: "Yet again, Hampshire’s young people have demonstrated exceptional commitment and determination in gaining this prestigious award.

"They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

"There remains a real need for leaders to support the next generation of participants, and I would encourage this year’s Gold Award holders to continue their involvement by volunteering their time and skills."

More than 120 guests attended the ceremony, which was compered by Andrew Kent, a vice president of the DofE Hampshire Forum.

Adventurer Rupert Jones-Warner, known for his major mountain ascents, also spoke at the ceremony.

He shared photographs and reflections from his Everest climb, encouraging the young people to embrace challenge and recognise their potential.

Gold Award holders represented a range of organisations, including Scouts, Girlguiding, Air Cadets and several Open Centres.

To earn the Gold Award, participants completed each of these areas:

• Volunteering - from environmental conservation to charity shop support
• Skills development — including performing arts, cooking and crochet
• Physical activity — ranging from cycling to Morris dancing
• An expedition — with routes spanning the Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor and beyond
• A residential — from projects in the New Forest to an NHS careers introduction at Basingstoke hospital

Civic leaders and guests in attendance included the Mayor of Eastleigh and the chair of Hampshire County Council.

Mr Kent said: "What a wonderful example yet again of high achievement by young people in Hampshire.

"It is great that so many young people were able to attend and receive the recognition they deserve."

The Gold Award typically requires more than 50 hours of volunteering, 18 months of skills and physical activity, a four‑day expedition, usually in “Wild Country” terrain, and a five‑day residential with people previously unknown to the participant.

Young people in Hampshire can access financial support for their Gold expedition through the Lord‑Lieutenant’s Fund, which has supported participants for more than 20 years.