The History of Windmill Youth Group

" WE WE HARNESS THE ELEMENTS - SOME JUST SHELTER"

In 1978 Stuart Sykes, a policeman in the Lancashire Constabulary based at Blackpool, persuaded his boss to

start up a local group offering the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. 

Those early beginnings  offered only the "Volunteering" part of the scheme, 

it grew to take in all aspects of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

By the time of his retirement from the police service eleven years later, in 1989, hundreds

of local youngsters had been through all sections of the Award from Bronze to Gold. 

Following retirement, Stuart registered locally as an independent Duke of Edinburgh volunteer. 

The Windmill Group was born after Stuart took out a lease on the

 Great Marton Windmill on the outskirts of Blackpool. 

The Group helped to renovate the inside of the Windmill.

The Windmill Group was born but the building soon became too small for the Group's all-round activities. 

Today our group continues helping young people achieve their GOLD DofE Award.

If you are a young person hoping to work towards Gold DofE we want to hear from you.

We offer funding to help with Kit, Expedition Fees, Transport and Gold Residential Fees.

Use our CONTACT page to get in touch.