The recent death of H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh has highlighted the importance of his DofE Award for young people throughout the world. My wife and I were heavily involved as leaders, trainers and assessors from 1982 until our retirement in June 2019. We were invited on five occasions to St James’s Palace to witness the presentation of Gold Awards to participants. Normally this was by the Duke of Edinburgh who joked his way round the rooms looking for a participant who had a parent with a Gold Award. Lately the Earl of Wessex has taken over this role. In November 2019 we were delighted to receive an invitation to the Palace to receive the award of certificates for long service, Margaret for 37years and me for 35years. We were presented to the Earl who wanted to know how I got involved. Inevitably this was so that I could see a bit more of my wife. He thanked us for our help over so many decades.
Margaret started by helping with the Award at Beaconsfield High School and then as Centre Co-ordinator for 8 years. We worked with various bodies and charities until our retirement. My major role was in organising Expeditions at Gold level which required Wild Country First Aid, Hill and Moorland Leader, Safeguarding, Assessor/ Supervisor Accreditation and DBS (CRB) screening. The paper work required has increased considerably but I have really enjoyed supervising and assessing young people on some very exciting expeditions. These often required us to shadow groups for safety and I have wild camped in the Brecon Beacons, Cairngorms, Knoydart, the Isle of Sky and Snowdonia.
Not many activities can be said to develop the whole person: mind, body and soul. The Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections are done individually but the expedition requires team work. I have many happy recollections but some standout. Working with Special Needs has been especially rewarding as the feedback was so positive.