I gained my gold award in 1980, after completing my bronze and silver. Most of the expeditions were carried out in North Wales the only time we didn’t seem to get soaked to the skin was in 1976 when it was beautiful weather!!
To me the friendships we made through school, the experience we gained, the volunteering we did makes whoever you are the person you are today.

I was able to take my mum to Buckingham Palace just before Christmas 1980. I think apart from the fact we were inside the palace she was just as thrilled when we hailed a cab at Euston and she was able to say “Buckingham Palace please’. We went through the main gates round to the side where we went up the steps to be faced with the most magnificent Christmas tree at the top of the staircase. Such a wonderful moment. Mum died in 2002 but she had kept her invitation all that time.

We were in groups and the Duke talked to each one, he showed a genuine interest in what was said and it was all in all such an amazing experience.

My university interviews centred around my award experiences and helped through many subsequent interviews for job applications.

A wonderful experience with many many happy memories.