When I first joined the Duke of Edinburgh's Award staff at the London headquarters in 1965 I had no idea that, happily, the Award Scheme would still feature in my life 56 years later!
From being PA to the inspirational Assistant Director Commander David Cobb, to becoming Press and Public Relations Officer, to a break volunteering for the DofE in Buckinghamshire, and then in 1976 when Prince Philip said he wanted Gold Award holders to be encouraged to continue supporting the Scheme and connecting with each other after they had gained their Awards, I was appointed as the first International Gold Award Holders' Co-ordinator, convening the Golds Working Party (GWP) in 1977, the members selected from around the UK, and meeting Golds in places as far apart as The Gambia and Hong Kong.
On the occasion of the Award Scheme's 25th anniversary, a group of Gold Award holders presented Prince Philip with leather-bound books containing the signatures of Golds from all over the world.
On every occasion I watched Prince Philip at Gold Award presentations or on Tours, his enthusiasm, and genuine interest in all the young people he met, was powerfully and infectiously evident.
I think Prince Philip would be pleased to know that the GWP members are still in touch with each other, and that we will be meeting on zoom not long after his funeral has taken place to share our own memories of him.