FROM THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS/SUPPORTERS AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN OR STILL ARE ENGAGED IN THE WINDMILL GROUP EXPERIENCE...

Jacob Trainor 

4th year Student. 

Modern Languages and Business, Newcastle University. 

Gold achieved 2015. 19 Day Ultimate Exped 2015.

Since my time in the Windmill Group, I have sought to enhance my cross cultural skill set, global awareness and adaptability.

To this end, via self funding and university or government grants, I have actively immersed myself (this means living with locals from another country) in a veritable range of cultures across the globe, in order to solidify strong intercultural competencies. These countries, with corresponding total time investment, are: France (4 months), Peru (4 months), Mexico (4 months), Spain (1 month), Uruguay (1 week) and Quebec (4 months). 

Beyond this, I have completed a three week introduction to the Korean language and culture in Seoul, as well as travelling to Morocco, the USA, around Spain extensively and Argentina. 

So what was it all about?

Well, I am now fluent in two languages (Castilian Spanish and French) beyond the asset of my english mother tongue, whilst being culturally in tune in a variety of countries (possessing that famous nouse much mentioned by Stuart). This means, with aid of this specific example, I can turn up to a food cart in Mexico and ask for a ‘tortoise,’ knowing I will get a sandwich rather than a grilled reptile and hence establish a positive vibe which is not only beneficial to myself, but also representing Britain abroad. More broadly, it means I can communicate fluently in the native language and directly to the hearts of 513 million more people than a monolingual anglophone. In addition, I have the self-confidence and adaptability to know I could move anywhere in the world and establish connections and/or a life for myself. Finally, I have a high degree of emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, as forming relationships and assuaging worries and angst in a foreign language is an exercise which promotes active listening, observation and the initiative to utilise the words at my disposal to the desired end. 

The present

Currently, I am in my final year at Newcastle university, reading a mixture of French, Spanish and Business in order to put the cherry on top of my degree process. 

Besides this, I am also the Unit Senior Under Officer, in other words most senior officer cadet, at the Northumbrian University Officers’ Training Corps (Closest Windmill equivalent to role would be group chairman). I was granted this position as both army staff and fellow officer cadets recognised my aptitude and dedication. It is via this role that my leadership, people and time management skills are evidenced, as I communicate integral information and direct over 100 pax, for whom I strive to be the best possible example, whilst equally to give them opportunities to challenge and develop themselves. A small example of this, was hosting an entirely french spoken dinner night for the unit’s french speakers, which I will equally be doing in Spanish, to help maintain and improve language level for this contingent. These will continue throughout the year and hopefully become a small part of the Corps’s culture once I move forward.

Leading on from this, It must be said that the entire Windmill Youth Group setting put me on the path to where I am today. The skills of resilience, self-reliance, communication and adventure, to mention a few, were the fuel that has seen me arrive to where I am, more aware of who I am and what I’m all about. What was also of major impact was the awareness of a need for personal development being a Windmiller engendered, as I have searched for and continue to seek ways in which I can improve myself, regularly reflecting on areas for personal development.

Post university, I am looking to pursue a career in the army, with a view to work in the diplomatic/security sphere as a future potential option.

I am massively grateful to Windmill for such a valuable part of my life. 

Jacob 

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A message from Beaverbrook House:

I just wanted to say thank you so much for dedicating your time with your Duke of Edinburgh group of young people to tidy up our garden. This makes a real difference to our carers here in Blackpool, ensuring that those caring for a loved one with can access the gardens safely during their time with us. Carers tell us that respite and time spent here at Beaverbrooks House gives them time to reflect, rest and form friendships with those who understand and your donation helps to keep this vital service available.

Thank you for this very valuable support and for thinking of us.

Faye Atherton

Head of Services

Blackpool Carers Centre, Beaverbrooks House, 147 Newton Drive, Blackpool FY3 8LZ

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Windmiller

 I had an interview at Sandhurst .Then a phone call  informing me that i had been accepted as a pharmacy technician in the army. I wanted to thank you for all the experiences and training that i had gone through with the Group which helped secure me the position of which 4 were available between 11 candidates for the yearly intake.

Thanks

 NCO 

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 Windmiller 

As an active member of the windmill group from 2006 to 2011 - joining the group every year since on Christmas Day for hospital based carol singing to patients - I am pleased to say I have benefitted greatly from the Windmill Group. 

While I was a regular member of the group I participated every week in the training sessions organised and run by the group leaders, along with numerous weekends away and expeditions abroad. The group leaders - who volunteer huge amounts of their time in the best interests of the group and its members - need no encouragement to organise these training sessions, and other activities. This is because they are fully aware of the need to promote healthy living, teamwork, communication, preparation, planning and respect in the young people they support - skills which are vital elements in today's society. 

The group worked with me to increase my confidence along with many other parts of my personality and skill set. This group did not just build the confidence of myself and many like me, but also encouraged us to think about the needs, welfare and interests of others (for example by spending Christmas Day at the local hospital and involvement in other community projects). This I know from personal experience can be a massive emotional boost to those who found them selves in the Blackpool Victoria hospital on Christmas Day. 

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Windmiller 

Hello from Nepal.I have just finished walking the Annapurna Circuit. The walk was tough especially when we were over 5400 meters high.I walked for hours uphill in freezing snow.I do not think it would have been possible without the Windmill Group showing me how strong I am. My Gold D of E Expedition to the Isle of Skye changed me and made me a much stronger person.Thank you for everything you have done and making this trek in Nepal possible.

CH.

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From mother of Windmiller

 My son started attending The Windmill Youth Group, I had never come across the group before and came across the website while looking for a place for my son to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme. 

The Windmill Youth Group goes above and beyond all basic requirements to complete the Duke of Edinburgh award, the children who attend the group not only gain an award but an experience which teaches life skills. 

They receive weekly training to ensure that they have an excellent fitness level that enables them to participate in weekend activities such as hiking, canoeing and trekking expeditions. The weekend activities in turn develop skills and build confidence. 

During the weekly training sessions they are taught discipline and also learn the value of team spirit. This is evident from the photographs posted on the website of their visits to Snows Heights and the hard work they have put in to transform the former activity centre. 

At the Windmill Youth Group they are taught a sense of community, and there are regularly a team from the group at local events. Many in the group are qualified first aiders and will attend the local events in that capacity. For the Britain in Bloom contest groups have been litter picking in their local town each Saturday morning. 

The Windmill Youth Group instils values, gives the members a sense of worthiness and rewards hard work. This is a rarity in this day and age.

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A Reference to a National Charity.

I have known  the chair/trustee of the Windmill Youth Development Group(WYDG) since 1989 (30 years). During that time I have worked in close liaison with the WYDG as the Secretary of the Lancashire Outward Bound Association(LOBA) a charitable association which is affiliated to the Outward Bound Trust The LOBA raises money to send young persons on Outward Bound Courses.

* Please explain how and when you have experienced or observed the work they do with children and young people.

I have recognised at first hand the time and effort the WYDG devote to the development of young people. Especially in preparing them for meaningful employment. We have selected many of them to attend Outward Bound (OB) courses over the years and we have been extremely satisfied with the outcomes. My Association (LOBA) are cognoscente that we have to raise the money for the courses and we wish to spend it wisely. We do not want a young person dropping out of an OB course through lack of mental and physical preparation, that means that our funds have not been fully utilised. With the WYDG that is never the case. All the youngsters we support from them complete the courses and with glowing reports.

* Please comment on the work that Windmill Youth Development Group do and the difference it makes for children and young people. 

This is overwhelming. The WYDG provide Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) opportunities for young persons from Bronze through to Gold.

This is becoming a rare facility because most of our local schools only go to Bronze Award with a few going to Silver and very few going to Gold Award level. 

Annually the WYDG youngsters are regular attendees at the Palace to receive their Gold Award. They also go into quality apprenticeships, into further education and to university. I know of many of the youngsters who have followed that path and are now in secure and progressive employment. 

Also, I have known the group for so long, so many of those youngsters are into stable relationships and now with children of their own, who are now members of the WYDG.

* Is there any other information you would like to give. 

The chair of the WYDG has a very strong committee comprising of once youngsters in the group who want to invest in future youth and other adults who feel the same. I know that the chair has received invaluable support from the Treasurer of the WYDG,  who has spent a lifetime career in education and supporting the DofE because of its values.

SW