RAF Shawbury young people scoop arts award

News from our partners RAF Shawbury

TWO young people from RAF Shawbury, Jamie Compton (14) and Bethany Doyle (15), have successfully completed the Trinity College London Bronze Award, in collaboration with Trinity College London, the Arts Council England and the Hive Music and Media Centre, Shrewsbury.

From L-R, Simon Jones, Shropshire Councillor; Jamie Compton, Bethany Doyle, Wing Commander Marcus Collinge.

Certificates were presented to Jamie and Beth at the RAF Shawbury Community Centre on Thursday 25 August 2016 by Wing Commander Marcus Collinge, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing at RAF Shawbury.

In order to achieve the award, Jamie and Beth completed a diverse 12-month course, which aimed to promote involvement within the Arts and develop specific skills which can later be utilised in a variety of different areas. The project was funded through the Armed Forces Community Covenant Connect-Create initiative which was a collaborative project involving Armed Forces Families, their local communities, and British Red Cross Shropshire Young Carers.

Award winners complete a year of assessment, at the end of which they must submit a portfolio which details all of their work. Throughout the project, Beth and Jamie participated in music lessons, song writing classes and rehearsals, as part of the Connect-Create music project. This culminated in a final musical performance at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury in March 2016. This show was watched by more than 600 people, which allowed Beth and Jamie to demonstrate their musical skills in front of a large audience.

To have successfully achieved the Arts Award, Beth and Jamie have demonstrated commitment to their work, a considerable talent for their chosen specialisation and a positive attitude towards learning.

Wing Commander Collinge said:

“This is a fantastic achievement with great support from the Armed Forces Covenant. It is worth noting that a substantial amount of the assessment focuses on the ability to impart knowledge to others, and further the development of peers. This makes Beth and Jamie’s achievement even more commendable, as it highlights their abilities to help those around them; they have not only developed their own skills, but have empowered others to develop as well.”

On receiving his award Jamie said:

“It is great that Beth and I have been the first from RAF Shawbury to receive these awards. It has been fun, the workshops have broadened horizons and I have a new respect for songwriters.”

Bet said:

“This award means a lot to me and as a GCSE music student, it has boosted my confidence and performance skills. Thank you to everyone who has supported this initiative, especially the team at the HIVE Shrewsbury and the Armed Forces Covenant for funding the project.”

 For more information contact:

Corporate Engagement and Communications Officer

RAF Shawbury

Shrewsbury

SY4 4DZ

Name: Sqn Ldr K Leach

Email: kim.leach347@mod.uk

Tel: 01939 250351 x7572