Ceremony to mark course success

The presentation at Shelley was attended by Horsham District Councillor Tricia Youtan. Councillor Youtan is this year Chairman of Horsham District Council, and wore the Chairman’s chain of office at the presentation. Also present was Michael Neale, Vice Chairman of Horsham District Neighbourhood Watch.

The personal framed certificates were presented by Councillor Youtan to each of the successful pupils. The individual presentations were photographed, so that pupils and parents can have a visual record of the event.

A Junior NHW certificate for the school was also presented to Mr David Bird, Shelley Head Teacher, and a group photograph was taken with all participants.

Also present were members of the teaching team of NHW volunteers, who had presented the 6 sessions of the JNHW programme.

This aims to show young people that they can make a difference, address their understanding of community issues, and help to make their community a safe place. In the presentation of the programme very significant assistance is provided by the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and also by the Magistrates’ Association. A Magistrate conducts a session explaining the functioning of the UK Court system, in which the pupils participate with role playing - a very popular and enjoyable event.

At the end of the ceremony all the participants were exhorted to remember what the course had taught them, reminding them that they were now members of Neighbourhood Watch “for life”, and to be sure to pass on to parents, grand-parents and friends all that they had learned.

Report contributed by Shelley Primary School. Photograph credit Brian Aldred - Sussex NHW.