LOCAL teenager, Bradley Jones from Yarnbrook, was presented with his gold Duke of Edinburgh award at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday 22nd May.
Bradley, 19, who was part of the White Horse News delivery team when younger, has spent the last few years working towards his gold award which involved commitment in three areas of at least an hour each week; volunteering, learning a skill and a physical activity.
His volunteering element saw him help out at Bath Cats and Dogs home during their open days and fundraising events, as well as walking the dogs. He continues to work there when he can. Bradley learnt the guitar for the skill element, attaining a grade five with teacher Guy Townley. He also took courses in photography which he now continues as a hobby.
The physical activity saw him join Trowbridge RFC and he attended courses to enhance his knowledge of the sport.
He also took part in several expeditions including a five-day canoe trip along the river Severn, as well as learning first aid and paddle boarding.
Bradley said, “It is an honour to have such a highly regarded award and it was outstanding to go to Buckingham Palace. It was such a beautiful and fitting venue for the calibre of the award.
“The award was handed via BBC’s Carole Kirkwood, after it had been handed over by Sophie, Countess of Wessex. The whole experiment was a highlight as it has taught me so much about independence and team communication.
“I would like to add thank you messages to Guy Townley, who is a highly regraded and highly skilled guitarist, who taught me through the skill aspect, Bath Cats and Dogs Home for allowing me to do my volunteer aspect of my award and Trowbridge Rugby Club for the physical aspect, also the team at Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team (WOLT) for helping organise the expedition and the residential.”
