My sister and I with three friends participated in the DofE scheme in the late sixties through the Girls' Brigade. We had so much fun completing all the various requirements and it certainly broadened our experience which was then mostly confined to life on a council estate and academics at school. Looking back, I feel the scheme was an excellent counter-balance to school life and through it we began to prepare for the challenges of adult life. In particular, service to the community was a major component of the experience. Working towards the DofE made me a more rounded and confident person.
Our hard work was rewarded by a trip to Buckingham Palace in November 1971 to receive our awards from the Duke himself. Mum and Dad were so proud of us and as there were two of us, they both got a ticket! I shall never forget walking across the front courtyard, climbing the stairs and having the chance to explore the palace for a few minutes before the ceremony started. We saw the throne room and gazed in awe at the paintings everywhere. We were grouped geographically so our Midlands group was in the music room which overlooked the gardens. At long last, HRH entered the room and stopped by each group for a short chat. I was so overcome that I haven't a clue what he said!