I became part of the story when I was recruited at secondary school in 1963. I completed my Gold award in 1967. Memories of that include the Gold Expedition in North Wales when it rained for the entire four days, but then isn't that what is supposed to happen on Expeditions? I still remember a very damp sleeping bag at the end of the four days.
My first teaching job in 1971, was gained on the proviso that I started the Award in the school. That was the start and I have been involved ever since, firstly in Education and lately with Merseyside Scouts as County Adviser for the Award.
I was honoured to meet Prince Philip on a number of occasions and was always impressed with the way he was with the young people. They were always the most important part of whatever was going on and I am sure that he must have upset some of the dignitaries who had been gathered to meet him, but who got only minimal time with him, as he wanted to meet the young people. To him it was the young people he had come to meet who were the most important and rightly so. He never failed to get a smile from them and to give them inspiration. My last meeting with him, was at St James Palace when I was presented with a certificate to show my 40 years as a leader with the Award. He asked what I did for a living and when I told him I was retired, his answer was "Oh full time D of E then?" with a smile.
I guess he was right as I am still doing my bit to help young people get their awards and hopefully will be able to continue for a long time to come.
A great man and he will be greatly missed.
RIP Sir.