Colin Howard
Taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme some 60 years ago gave me a range of experiences, opportunities and memories that have stayed with me ever since. Some aspects of the Scheme were more difficult to achieve than others but all provided a very worthwhile challenge.
Things that I still enjoy, having been introduced to them by involvement in the Scheme include map reading and a wider interest in maps generally (only using a satnav when absolutely necessary), photography and nostalgic returns to Snowdonia, and the Ogwen Valley in particular that was the centre for my expeditions. The Scheme also introduced me to volunteering, something that I have found through various different aspects to be a worthwhile and rewarding activity ever since.
The teamwork, fun and resilience that the Scheme engendered has stood me in good stead over the subsequent years; having achieved the Gold Award helped in so many ways in the nearly 60 years since.
Visiting Buckingham Palace in 1964 to receive my Gold Award from Prince Philip was a rather daunting prospect at first; receiving specific instructions about what we were to do and say in the ballroom; a scene a bit like an investiture. Prince Philip put us all at ease with his observations and comments, and in a very proud moment for my parents and others present he thanked everyone for their support.
Meeting Prince Philip again some 27 years later when my son was presented with his Gold Award led to jovial banter about meeting again a generation later and how often it could be repeated!
Colin Howard
Silver 1961, Gold 1963.
Things that I still enjoy, having been introduced to them by involvement in the Scheme include map reading and a wider interest in maps generally (only using a satnav when absolutely necessary), photography and nostalgic returns to Snowdonia, and the Ogwen Valley in particular that was the centre for my expeditions. The Scheme also introduced me to volunteering, something that I have found through various different aspects to be a worthwhile and rewarding activity ever since.
The teamwork, fun and resilience that the Scheme engendered has stood me in good stead over the subsequent years; having achieved the Gold Award helped in so many ways in the nearly 60 years since.
Visiting Buckingham Palace in 1964 to receive my Gold Award from Prince Philip was a rather daunting prospect at first; receiving specific instructions about what we were to do and say in the ballroom; a scene a bit like an investiture. Prince Philip put us all at ease with his observations and comments, and in a very proud moment for my parents and others present he thanked everyone for their support.
Meeting Prince Philip again some 27 years later when my son was presented with his Gold Award led to jovial banter about meeting again a generation later and how often it could be repeated!
Colin Howard
Silver 1961, Gold 1963.
