Congratulations to the Music For Life Students!

On Friday the 22nd of September 2006 Sunbeams Music Trust held an Awards ceremony for 21 artists who had gained their Music for Life Programme Qualifications.

(From Left to Right) Tony Cunningham MP, Annie Mawson, Jamie Reed MP and Justin Pearson

The ceremony was held in the Main Hall at the Civic Hall, on The Square at Cleator Moor. The ceremony was opened by Annie Mawson, the Founder and Chief Executive of Sunbeams, with an introduction by Michael Lawson-Johnson, Manager of Evaluation and Development at Sunbeams. The well renowned Cello player Justin Pearson, who is a patron of Sunbeams, gave a presentation informing everyone of Sunbeams work.

The Awardees stunned the audience with their performances, integrating some of the work that they had done to gain the Music for Life Programme Qualifications.

Four of the Awardees performing with Charles Daniels and Mary Kipling, the two tutors.

Tony Cunningham MP, who is also the patron of Maryport COSC and Jamie Reed MP presented the awards.

Tony Cunningham MP presenting Michael Thompson with his certficate.

Presentation of Awards.

The ceremony represented a hugely significant landmark in the lives of 21 very brave and courageous people in West Cumbria, who have worked so hard to achieve their qualifications. The students were from Cleator Moor COSC (Copeland Occupational Social Club), Maryport COSC and Hensingham Adult Training Centre.

The programme was written by Sunbeams Music Trust and approved by The Open College Network as one of the most innovative and well-thought schemes of work. The candidates gained their qualifications with what the External Examiner described as ''the best and highest quality evidence she has ever monitored for this level of learner''.

Sponsorship was gained from DEFRA, CCC Neighbourhood Forum, CBC Neighbourhood Forum, ESF Global Grants, LSC Cumbria and Cumbria Community Foundation to enable the Music for Life workshops and the ceremony to take place.

Barrow Mayor and Mayoress, Bill and Connie Crosthwaite with Jimmy Currie.

Approximately 120 people attended the ceremony. The ceremony was concluded with a cream tea.

To see photos of Music For Life, click here