David Blakeley
Firstly may I offer my sincere condolences to the Royal Family.
I started the Bronze Award Scheme in the late 1970's with my Secondary School. I continued through Silver &Gold with the same school into the 1980's. I then got the chance of Leadership training and helping to run the DofE club at the same school with others who travelled the same D of E journey as myself. I am most lucky to have lasting great friendships with these people to this day. As a shy reserved person back then, the Award Scheme changed my life and me as a person. Giving me greater confidence, resilience and focus for the journey of life ahead. All qualities that are essential to increase a young persons life chances. Sure enough I have done just fine. My DofE Awards where always noted on my CV when applying for jobs.
Through the whole experience of DofE I gained and developed new friendships. Learned new skills, visited new places and largely kept me active and keen to better myself so adventuring into new zones of challenge both mentally and physically.
I recall all of the sections of the scheme that I entered into. Including Physical Activities, Fishing, Windsurfing, Police Service National Trust Service and Expeditions. I remember camp craft, first aid, map reading and route planning training evenings in school after school days and leading up to summer in preparation for practice and final expeditions. i also recall all my expeditions. What great times. I still have my Certificates, badges and books with all the comments made by assessors. Love reading these over. I was very fortunate to have the undivided support of the teachers in school to help and guide me through the award scheme from start to finish. All credit to these teachers who where inspirational to me. The focus from them was so amazing to see us all succeed. Then off we all went on the train to St James Palace for the Gold Presentations. Unforgettable and forever sincerely grateful for the rainbow of experience
I started the Bronze Award Scheme in the late 1970's with my Secondary School. I continued through Silver &Gold with the same school into the 1980's. I then got the chance of Leadership training and helping to run the DofE club at the same school with others who travelled the same D of E journey as myself. I am most lucky to have lasting great friendships with these people to this day. As a shy reserved person back then, the Award Scheme changed my life and me as a person. Giving me greater confidence, resilience and focus for the journey of life ahead. All qualities that are essential to increase a young persons life chances. Sure enough I have done just fine. My DofE Awards where always noted on my CV when applying for jobs.
Through the whole experience of DofE I gained and developed new friendships. Learned new skills, visited new places and largely kept me active and keen to better myself so adventuring into new zones of challenge both mentally and physically.
I recall all of the sections of the scheme that I entered into. Including Physical Activities, Fishing, Windsurfing, Police Service National Trust Service and Expeditions. I remember camp craft, first aid, map reading and route planning training evenings in school after school days and leading up to summer in preparation for practice and final expeditions. i also recall all my expeditions. What great times. I still have my Certificates, badges and books with all the comments made by assessors. Love reading these over. I was very fortunate to have the undivided support of the teachers in school to help and guide me through the award scheme from start to finish. All credit to these teachers who where inspirational to me. The focus from them was so amazing to see us all succeed. Then off we all went on the train to St James Palace for the Gold Presentations. Unforgettable and forever sincerely grateful for the rainbow of experience
