This ceremony was a real "first" for Sunbeams
and represents a hugely significant landmark in the lives of 22 very brave and courageous people in West Cumbria, who have worked so hard to achieve their Entry Level and Level 1 NVQ’s in Music Performance. The students were from Cleator Moor COSC (Copeland Occupational Social Club), Maryport COSC and Hensingham Adult Training Centre.

The programme was written by the 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 NVQs with what the External Examiner described as "the best and highest quality of evidence she has ever monitored for this level of learner."

Annie said ‘We were extremely proud to arrange the Award Ceremony to celebrate this pilot scheme (funded by DEFRA)’. 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 NVQs. Tony Cunningham MP, who is also the patron of Maryport COSC and Jamie Reed MP presented the awards. The celebration was concluded with a cream tea.

Many of the District and County Councillors were present
as funding was obtained from the Neighbourhood Forums to arrange the ceremony. Annie Mawson stated ‘I have always wanted to hold the ceremony in Cleator Moor as I was brought up on a farm at Parkside, in between Frizington and Wath Brow, and I always refer to Cleator Moor as "The Mecca of the North" wherever I sing in the world.’

It was a great opportunity to introduce our work to the wide range of people that attended. Sunbeams actually provides ‘Music For Life’ in 26 project-venues in West Cumbria alone, and organizes 110 live music workshops/concerts every month for people of all ages with Special Needs. Annie said ‘We feel strongly that our vision should be supported by West Cumbrian strategies, so we are delighted that the councillors are recognising our worth’.