Julie Johnson
A very sad loss of a remarkable person.
Not being the most academic person, I was encouraged by our local Award Officer that I could do still do my award even though I had left school and was now working. So a nervous journey of doing direct Gold it was. Completing many of the sections through my youth organisation - Sea Rangers and being supported by the award officer was amazing. The expedition section was another story! All the training was walking based, however this was not becoming my friend with bad knees - so not wanting to waste the new walking boots I had purchased, I asked why could I not do an adventurous journey of a shorter walk over the black mountains and then kayaking down the river wye. After submitting my plans it was accepted. What an adventure this was! little did I know then, that I would repeat the kayak section twenty years later for a charity! I was presented with my award in 1984 and it was a very special day.
The Award Scheme has made me more confident with a can do attitude. After receiving my award I was asked to represent Gold award holders from the SE region on the National Advisory where the Duke was really supportive of us on this at first daunting committee, but he listened to our ideas and our experiences. I also had the honour of being a palace guide at a couple of Gold Award Presentations and saw many times how Prince Phillip engaged every young person to make them feel valued and special. A unique talent.
I am still offering D of E to other youngsters through Sea Rangers - rowing expeditions being our speciality. Finally I actually married my d of e expedition instructor the same year I was presented with my award - so D of E has had a huge impact and I am sure will impact so many more people.
thank you.
Not being the most academic person, I was encouraged by our local Award Officer that I could do still do my award even though I had left school and was now working. So a nervous journey of doing direct Gold it was. Completing many of the sections through my youth organisation - Sea Rangers and being supported by the award officer was amazing. The expedition section was another story! All the training was walking based, however this was not becoming my friend with bad knees - so not wanting to waste the new walking boots I had purchased, I asked why could I not do an adventurous journey of a shorter walk over the black mountains and then kayaking down the river wye. After submitting my plans it was accepted. What an adventure this was! little did I know then, that I would repeat the kayak section twenty years later for a charity! I was presented with my award in 1984 and it was a very special day.
The Award Scheme has made me more confident with a can do attitude. After receiving my award I was asked to represent Gold award holders from the SE region on the National Advisory where the Duke was really supportive of us on this at first daunting committee, but he listened to our ideas and our experiences. I also had the honour of being a palace guide at a couple of Gold Award Presentations and saw many times how Prince Phillip engaged every young person to make them feel valued and special. A unique talent.
I am still offering D of E to other youngsters through Sea Rangers - rowing expeditions being our speciality. Finally I actually married my d of e expedition instructor the same year I was presented with my award - so D of E has had a huge impact and I am sure will impact so many more people.
thank you.
