Brian Roberts
Before submitting my memories of HRH Prince Philip over 62 years I wish to send my condolences to HM The Queen and her family on the death of such a wonderful and inspiring man.He is at peace now and with his Lord.
In 1959 the Boys Brigade was asked nationally to help to expand the Award and locally on the Wirral,as a recently qualified Outward Bound leader, I volunteered as a DofE leader.The enthusiasm of HRH at the early Presentations in the gardens/stables at B.Palace encouraged me to do other things. Girls being able to undertake DofE led me to be a HALO (Hon.Award Liaison Officer) for Bucks Housewives, and then later for Wirra l. As a HALO we preceded the paid Regional staff and the Regional Officers worked from their dining room tables. As Chair of National Advisory the enthusiasm and encouragement from HRH was so forward looking ,but so practical.
I had the immense privilege of supporting Gold recipients as a regular Marshal and observed the wonderful rapport of HRH as he tried to speak to all the young people at the Palace. My daughters and grand daughter too look back at their Award with pride.
The phrase "Mr Motivator"sums up the energy that HRH transmitted to participants and Leaders alike.
Perhaps my final and lasting memory is from one of the final Gold Presentation at St James. I was with a group in the last room and HRH,as usual,was preparing to hand me the Certificates for my group and paused to look at me with a twinkle in his eye, and said that the certificates were not as they used to be!!!!realising HRH meant back in the 1960's my response was to say that the ones handwritten in copperplate hand by Mrs Ippa Sloot were superior. His response was total agreement.
So why am I still volunteering today, some 62 years later, well ........thank you HRH, you inspired me to start, you encouraged at every turn, led by example and (like a good book) I cannot stop trying to serve and enthuse young people.
We are so indebted to you HRH Prince Phi
In 1959 the Boys Brigade was asked nationally to help to expand the Award and locally on the Wirral,as a recently qualified Outward Bound leader, I volunteered as a DofE leader.The enthusiasm of HRH at the early Presentations in the gardens/stables at B.Palace encouraged me to do other things. Girls being able to undertake DofE led me to be a HALO (Hon.Award Liaison Officer) for Bucks Housewives, and then later for Wirra l. As a HALO we preceded the paid Regional staff and the Regional Officers worked from their dining room tables. As Chair of National Advisory the enthusiasm and encouragement from HRH was so forward looking ,but so practical.
I had the immense privilege of supporting Gold recipients as a regular Marshal and observed the wonderful rapport of HRH as he tried to speak to all the young people at the Palace. My daughters and grand daughter too look back at their Award with pride.
The phrase "Mr Motivator"sums up the energy that HRH transmitted to participants and Leaders alike.
Perhaps my final and lasting memory is from one of the final Gold Presentation at St James. I was with a group in the last room and HRH,as usual,was preparing to hand me the Certificates for my group and paused to look at me with a twinkle in his eye, and said that the certificates were not as they used to be!!!!realising HRH meant back in the 1960's my response was to say that the ones handwritten in copperplate hand by Mrs Ippa Sloot were superior. His response was total agreement.
So why am I still volunteering today, some 62 years later, well ........thank you HRH, you inspired me to start, you encouraged at every turn, led by example and (like a good book) I cannot stop trying to serve and enthuse young people.
We are so indebted to you HRH Prince Phi
