On 10th March 2004, the eighth
annual Shrievalty Awards were held
in the grand setting of Durham
Castle. 41 young people received
certificates of merit from The High
Sheriff of County Durham, Mr Peter
Cook.
Funded by The High Sheriff, Durham University,
County Durham Foundation and Durham
Agency Against Crime, the awards are given to
young people to honour their bravery,
determination and work in their communities.
They are nominated by family members, youth
workers, schools, the police and other
organisations.
Typical examples of the meritorious conduct
included a nine year old boy and an eleven year
old girl who as ‘Young Carers’ help to look after
their disabled mothers, a fifteen year old
budding actress who is blind and suffers from
juvenile arthritis and eight teenagers who
organise leisure activities for other young
people.
Due to the record number of young people
achieving this award, two ceremonies were held
in the Senate Suite at Durham Castle, and
another, later ceremony in The Dolphin Centre,
Darlington, hosted by the 2004 High Sheriff, Mr.
Richard Coad. The young people were
accompanied by their guests and the people
who had nominated them for their award.
Each recipient received their certificate and gift
vouchers from Durham Agency Against Crime.
Following the official presentations the young
recipients were guests for a grand tour of
Durham Cathedral.
Chief Inspector Bob Glass of DAAC said “We
often hear the negative things about our young
people but these awards paint a different and
more accurate picture. The youngsters
recognised today have contributed to the
community in a positive way, shown great
personal determination or refused to let their own
difficulties stand in the way.”
Peter Cook was very active in his support and
even commissioned a painting, the sale of which
raised funds for the Agency. Our thanks
must go to Mr Cook for his involvement
with DAAC during his year of office.
DAAC and the High Sheriff present this
scheme as an example of best
practice at the National Crimebeat
scheme, run by the High Sheriff’s
Association of England and Wales
(see www.highsheriffs.com) |
