Clem Davies
We were the first ones in our grammar school in Oxford to join the scheme in 1961. We were a group of six and all of us successfully completed the award in 1963.
The highlights were the expedition along 35 miles of the Ridgeway when we were altogether. We camped in farmers fields. It was a scorching hot weekend and we slaked our thirst with water flushed from the cattle troughs en route.
The top highlight was receiving our award from Sir John Hunt in Oxford Town Hall.
My hobby was cycling and we were monitored by Jeff Lomas who ran a cycle shop in the Cowley Road. He was an inspiration who cycled everywhere with only one leg! The following year a friend and I cycled around Wales - 550 miles in 5 days staying in Youth hostels. One memorable one was Colwyn Bay when in the morning we had to complete a task. Ours was to dig up 2 rows of potatoes before cycling to our next hostel in Borth. Character building or what!
The Dof E scheme has certainly contributed to the development of my life and taught me how to be a leader. I became a magistrate and a secondary school governor, 10 years of which were as Chair. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became Financial Director of an international firm of architects and also volunteered my expertise as a director of London Welsh RFC when they played in the Premiership. Prior to that many years ago I applied as Financial Director of the D of E award scheme and was one of two shortlisted. Sadly for me I came 2nd!
The highlights were the expedition along 35 miles of the Ridgeway when we were altogether. We camped in farmers fields. It was a scorching hot weekend and we slaked our thirst with water flushed from the cattle troughs en route.
The top highlight was receiving our award from Sir John Hunt in Oxford Town Hall.
My hobby was cycling and we were monitored by Jeff Lomas who ran a cycle shop in the Cowley Road. He was an inspiration who cycled everywhere with only one leg! The following year a friend and I cycled around Wales - 550 miles in 5 days staying in Youth hostels. One memorable one was Colwyn Bay when in the morning we had to complete a task. Ours was to dig up 2 rows of potatoes before cycling to our next hostel in Borth. Character building or what!
The Dof E scheme has certainly contributed to the development of my life and taught me how to be a leader. I became a magistrate and a secondary school governor, 10 years of which were as Chair. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became Financial Director of an international firm of architects and also volunteered my expertise as a director of London Welsh RFC when they played in the Premiership. Prior to that many years ago I applied as Financial Director of the D of E award scheme and was one of two shortlisted. Sadly for me I came 2nd!
