In 1956 shortly after my 14th birthday, I saw a pamphlet at school mentioning the DofE Award ‘Pilot Scheme’. I thought it was a scheme to teach me to fly, which sounded exciting. The literature did not mention flying at all but referred to a series of Awards for boys who reached certain standards in a range of activities over a period of three years. I was already a Sea Scout and I enjoyed, working for “badges”, outdoor activities, and trying different things, so I immediately signed up for the scheme.
I initially struggled to achieve some of the standards, but with the help and encouragement of my overseeing Youth Officers I persevered and eventually succeeded. I therefore felt a degree of satisfaction and pride when I achieved first the Bronze, then the Silver and finally, in 1960, the Gold. I was among the first 200 boys in the country to reach that level, and one of only 10 in Surrey. At the subsequent ceremony in the garden of Buckingham Palace I was thrilled and honoured when the Duke stopped and spoke to me about my Gold expedition.
In 1961 I co-founded the Surrey Association of Gold Award Holders to promote the DofE and provide training and advice to new participants of the scheme within the County. I then spent 3 years in the Territorial Army before leaving the UK to live and work overseas.
The pride I have always felt at achieving my Gold, has been exceeded only by the pride I felt when my daughter, Cherie, achieved her Gold in 1984, followed later by my granddaughter, Danielle. She received her Gold Award at St James’ Palace in 2015 in the presence of Prince Phillip and was thrilled when he stopped and asked about her gold expedition. She replied, ‘It was pouring with rain the whole time, and we were soaked through, but it didn’t dampen our spirits”. With a broad smile the Duke said, “I didn’t realise you could take alcohol on those trips”. He then gave a broad grin, chuckled to himself and moved on. It was a memorable moment.