David Little
My story started way back in 1963/4 when an enthusiatic geography teacher persuaded myself and some friends to participate in the newly started D of E Award Scheme.
My distant memories are of going to night school (special dispensation since we were still day shool pupils) and did a course on what to do after an atomic bomb attack. Back then that was a serious concern though what a dad's army of helpers could have done is now beyond me.
I remember I was a usueless runner and while some candidates passed athletics by running 100yds in 11 seconds I had to do a 3 mile walk round and round the track.
My favourite memory was the expeditions. We were mostly kitted out in ex Army and Navy Stores stuff which was not really up to the job. Just as well we were young and could cope. We went up to the Highlands by steam train, sometimes on lines which would be shortly closed by Beeching.
I finished the Gold just before leaving school in 1966 and it was presented by The Duke of Edinburgh himself in the Hall at Edinburgh Castle.
Both my daughters participated in the Award and the eldest also achieved Gold which was presented in the ground of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.
Both myself and my eldest daughter also attended Edinburgh University while Prince Philip was the Chancellor so one way or another he played a part in the life of our family.
One of the friends I had during my Award days at school remains in touch and I was his best man at his wedding.
Unfortunately in those days we did not have cameras to carry around so I have no photographs except for my daughter getting her award.
I am still proud of participating in the Award and that my daughter also got to Gold level.
We have to be thankful for the life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who has been a familiar figure all my life and who has left a legacy worth remembering.
R.I.P.
My distant memories are of going to night school (special dispensation since we were still day shool pupils) and did a course on what to do after an atomic bomb attack. Back then that was a serious concern though what a dad's army of helpers could have done is now beyond me.
I remember I was a usueless runner and while some candidates passed athletics by running 100yds in 11 seconds I had to do a 3 mile walk round and round the track.
My favourite memory was the expeditions. We were mostly kitted out in ex Army and Navy Stores stuff which was not really up to the job. Just as well we were young and could cope. We went up to the Highlands by steam train, sometimes on lines which would be shortly closed by Beeching.
I finished the Gold just before leaving school in 1966 and it was presented by The Duke of Edinburgh himself in the Hall at Edinburgh Castle.
Both my daughters participated in the Award and the eldest also achieved Gold which was presented in the ground of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.
Both myself and my eldest daughter also attended Edinburgh University while Prince Philip was the Chancellor so one way or another he played a part in the life of our family.
One of the friends I had during my Award days at school remains in touch and I was his best man at his wedding.
Unfortunately in those days we did not have cameras to carry around so I have no photographs except for my daughter getting her award.
I am still proud of participating in the Award and that my daughter also got to Gold level.
We have to be thankful for the life of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh who has been a familiar figure all my life and who has left a legacy worth remembering.
R.I.P.
