Starting my Bronze Award through school in January 1967, I worked through the stages to award of my Gold Award in 1971. I thoroughly enjoyed every part and tried activities and learned about aspects of life new to me. Stickability and perseverance were some of the skills attained. Public speaking was required at the end as I was given five minutes to think about and present in 10 minutes, my experience to the full membership of Gloucestershire County Council at the time. Somewhat daunting as I remember. My service to the community included a twelve session course with the local police, a year assisting with Riding For Disabled, a charity in its infancy at the time and Working for a week in National Children’s Home amongst others.
Perhaps the service element was a taster for my later career in Probation Service and then Social Work both on the front line and in management positions. Continuing with Riding For Disabled some years later I became a RDA Coach and Chairman of the West Wales Area.
I remember meeting the Duke of Edinburgh on several occasions, and on each he expressed such genuine interested in the activities I undertook and the years I participated was such a champion for young people in the sixties and over the years. I valued all my experiences working for the award and it really helped my confidence particularly in my teenage years.