THE High Sheriff of Devon was guest speaker at last week?s final graduation ceremony of the year at C-FAR, the rehabilitation centre for young offenders based at Burdon Grange in Highampton.
Major General Nicholas Ansell congratulated the trainees on their graduation from C-FAR and praised the dedicated work of staff at the centre, whose help and support meant so much to the trainees who have started out with such disadvantages in life.
General Ansell presented framed certificates and diplomas to Stuart Lawley, Alan Lamb, John Brookes and Lee Hamilton.
The trainees jointly presented an illustrated talk of their eleven-week course to the audience of parents, police, mentors, staff and guests .
They said the highlight of their stay at Burdon Grange had been a challenging three-day winter sailing expedition from Falmouth to Plymouth and back, which taught them the value of teamwork and tolerance.
The presentation concluded with Lee Hamilton reading two poems he had written while at C-FAR. Lee had previously been a persistent offender and served sentences in a number of prisons, the last being Channings Wood in Devon.
And for another of the trainees, this will be the first Christmas he has spent out of prison for the last three years.
C-FAR spokesman Richard White said all those present found the occasion moving and rewarding.
In January another group of trainees will start the ?Life Change? programme with the determination to change their lives.
If Times readers would like to assist C-FAR with its work, particularly as a mentor or employer, contact the centre on 01409 231 665 or through
[email protected]">[email protected] or http://www.c-far.org.uk">www.c-far.org.uk . Comprehensive training and support is provided.