Gwendolyn Fall nee Richards

I gained the Gold award in 1967. My secondary school had encouraged me and fellow pupils to participate. The Snowden Horseshoe, Cader Idris and Eskimo canoe rolls being just 3 of the challenges faced. The ‘carrot’ to succeed as we climbed and staggered was the visit to Buckingham Palace to receive the Award from HRH.
Four years later(1971) I met HRH in Alexishafen in Papua New Guinea where I was a VSO at an upcountry secondary mission school. There at a reception for HRH and students I was spotted lurking at the back wearing my Gold Award brooch. HRH spent a few minutes talking to me, much to the envy of the missionaries and students.
I went on to live and work in Thailand, Republic of South Africa, Australia and Vietnam. The initial step to move out off one’s comfort zone and face challenges where ever they took you came from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, for which I shall always be grateful.
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