Andy Stewart
A few memories of my Gold Award expedition by Bike 1967, recorded also in a two page article in the D of E ‘Gauntlet’ magazine January 1968.
As a schoolboy attending Hodge Hill Secondary Modern school in Birmingham I was fortunate enough to take part in the award scheme. My interests knowledge and life time passion for the outdoors was shaped by D of E experiences. I became a Physical Education teacher from 1974-1988 encouraging and promoting D of E participation, then also as a Lecturer in Outdoor Education 1988-1998. My work then took a new direction as an Adviser for Outdoor Education for Lancashire LEA and on occasions still involved as an assessor for D of E. My career in the outdoors culminated 2005-2011 as Head of Birmingham’s Outdoor Learning Service.
My Gold Award
I arrived at Buckingham Palace with my mom to receive my Gold Award. I was on crutches having broken my ankle and consequently the Duke’s keen eye spotted the crutches and an entertaining conversation took place!
I have to thank the D of E award scheme for inspiring and shaping my life and work in the outdoors. As a 69 year old in retirement I’m still active, a keen cyclist, mountain walker and skier.
I spend much of the winter season in the Alps, skiing for myself and also Coaching the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Telemark Race Team (it keeps me young at heart!).
The Duke of Edinburgh’s will be missed, he has always been part of my life, his fantastic legacy and inspiration will remain with us all!
As a schoolboy attending Hodge Hill Secondary Modern school in Birmingham I was fortunate enough to take part in the award scheme. My interests knowledge and life time passion for the outdoors was shaped by D of E experiences. I became a Physical Education teacher from 1974-1988 encouraging and promoting D of E participation, then also as a Lecturer in Outdoor Education 1988-1998. My work then took a new direction as an Adviser for Outdoor Education for Lancashire LEA and on occasions still involved as an assessor for D of E. My career in the outdoors culminated 2005-2011 as Head of Birmingham’s Outdoor Learning Service.
My Gold Award
I arrived at Buckingham Palace with my mom to receive my Gold Award. I was on crutches having broken my ankle and consequently the Duke’s keen eye spotted the crutches and an entertaining conversation took place!
I have to thank the D of E award scheme for inspiring and shaping my life and work in the outdoors. As a 69 year old in retirement I’m still active, a keen cyclist, mountain walker and skier.
I spend much of the winter season in the Alps, skiing for myself and also Coaching the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Telemark Race Team (it keeps me young at heart!).
The Duke of Edinburgh’s will be missed, he has always been part of my life, his fantastic legacy and inspiration will remain with us all!
