I was the eldest of five children and times were hard. On leaving school at age 15 my father got me a job as Apprentice Patternmaker at Holwell Iron Works Melton Mowbray, which is where I found out about the DofE Award Scheme. I joined the scheme when it started in 1956 and it was the best thing I have ever done. It gave me the confidence and self assurance I needed to go forward with my life. I had always been very withdrawn and the experiences and challenges set us at Brathay Hall, along with new friendships have been with me ever since! I was among the first group of young people to achieve the Gold Award, and have kept every bit of memorabilia all these years, mostly including the invitation to Buckingham Palace and the Concert at the Royal Festival Hall in the presence of His Royal Highness. I have the Progam and even the three ticket stubs for myself and my parents. I have the official invitation and even the envelope in which it was delivered. As I said I have always been a very quiet man, and have been happily married for 60 years in November, with two lovely daughters, who along with my wife are always ready and willing to fill any gaps in my conversation!