Having done my DofE from 1970 to 1974 I have lots of wonderful memories from then. It was the best thing I did at the time to stretch myself to do activities that I would not have done otherwise. I met lots of new people and experienced new situations. My best memories were of my residential qualification when I helped at a PHAB course at Paignton. It was such a enjoyable and rewarding week there. For one of my interests I learnt how to ring church bells and did so for many years until time didn’t allow so much. Also memorable was the visit to Buckingham Palace to collect my gold award. Although I didn’t actually speak to the duke I remember how good it felt to have done this amazing thing and was so proud to be there with my mum.