Charles Black
I was in the Boys' Brigade and at the age of 15 (pilot years) in 1958 I was encouraged to tackle D of E. This led to receiving my Gold at Holyrood when Prince Philip presented all 150 awards, asking each individual 2 questions each. So humbling to be in Royal presence to receive this accolade. Going for a job a few weeks later, the award went before me - it was chat not an interview!
I was member of local 'Edinburgh Golds' for next 3 decades carrying out all sorts of organising of events, even with other Gold Award Holder groups in UK. I recall a typical memory of Prince Philip when he arrived at a Edinburgh secondary school. He arrived by helicopter and met the 5 /6 of us. I was first to speak to him. He asked me 'What did I work at' My reply along the lines of 'I work in insurance, sir' 'Very ordinary' and walked on!
From 1990 to current day have worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis on working parties, committees, assisting local charity - Friends of the Award, (FOTA) formed in 1998 here in Edinburgh, in very wide range of ways. During this time I have met the Duke in excess of 20 times.
I was asked to work on archives in Scottish Award office. Very challenging but I uncovered a copy of the draft pilot scheme report by Lord John Hunt, after the Scheme had been running 3 years. How exciting. I honestly believe there may not be another copy in existence. Windsor destroyed their archives, N Ireland had serious fire destroying their office records. A job which lies awaiting completion.
Being a trustee of FOTA was a very responsible position for many years. I was swept away when in 2014 I was made an MBE in Queen's Honours list, through services rendered to D of E Award. What an accolade to receive on behalf of everyone I have worked with in the Award.
Since 2005 to the present day I have signed off many hundreds of awards on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council - a great responsibility. A whole life spent with the award making me what I am today.
I was member of local 'Edinburgh Golds' for next 3 decades carrying out all sorts of organising of events, even with other Gold Award Holder groups in UK. I recall a typical memory of Prince Philip when he arrived at a Edinburgh secondary school. He arrived by helicopter and met the 5 /6 of us. I was first to speak to him. He asked me 'What did I work at' My reply along the lines of 'I work in insurance, sir' 'Very ordinary' and walked on!
From 1990 to current day have worked tirelessly on a voluntary basis on working parties, committees, assisting local charity - Friends of the Award, (FOTA) formed in 1998 here in Edinburgh, in very wide range of ways. During this time I have met the Duke in excess of 20 times.
I was asked to work on archives in Scottish Award office. Very challenging but I uncovered a copy of the draft pilot scheme report by Lord John Hunt, after the Scheme had been running 3 years. How exciting. I honestly believe there may not be another copy in existence. Windsor destroyed their archives, N Ireland had serious fire destroying their office records. A job which lies awaiting completion.
Being a trustee of FOTA was a very responsible position for many years. I was swept away when in 2014 I was made an MBE in Queen's Honours list, through services rendered to D of E Award. What an accolade to receive on behalf of everyone I have worked with in the Award.
Since 2005 to the present day I have signed off many hundreds of awards on behalf of City of Edinburgh Council - a great responsibility. A whole life spent with the award making me what I am today.
