In 1961 when I was 16 I embarked on doing the Duke of Edinburgh’s award through my local youth club which was affiliated to the National Association of Youth Clubs. I was told it was an experiment, I don’t know when they decided the experiment was a success, which of course it has been.
Doing the award saved me from drifting aimlessly through my teenage years. I made new friends and was able to try out new activities and adventures. My activities ranged from ice skating and archery to cooking, fashion and pottery and I spent time caring for animals at the local RSPCA. But it was the expeditions that I remember most fondly, having to put up a tent and map read to navigate our way across Norfolk, also sailing and spending time on the Wherry ‘Albion’ and spending time in a windmill. I was also able to spend time in Germany helping in an old people’s home.
At that time we had to complete the award before (I think) our 20th birthday, so the pressure was on at the end.
Living in the North of England at the time I was asked to attend a garden party at Holyrood Palace to receive my gold award from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in the summer of 1965.
The whole experience was a meaningful achievement and I treasure the memories.