I was on the pilot Scheme when it was introduced to girls in 1958/59 (with the Girl Guides) and received my Gold Award at Buckingham Palace with the first group of girls to receive their Award in November 1959. My daughter has since received her Gold Award and my granddaughter is currently working on her Gold. I continued with my Guiding which I did for my Service, for 60 years and for 20 years I working in the Midland Regional Office of the D. of E with Jim Parkes. The Award has had a tremendous impact on my life and I will be eternally grateful of the opportunities is has opened up for me. Long may in continue.