1959 was a very important year for me. I met the young man who has now been my husband for 57 years (so far!), commenced a course at Nottingham University leading to a degree in Social Administration and, on the 3rd November 1959, became the first girl to receive the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award from the Duke at Buckingham Palace.
As a Queen's Guide and a Ranger Guide I was amongst the first to be put forward for the new award scheme and was fortunate to be amongst the first to complete it. As my maiden name began with a "B". when the queue was formed to be presented to the Duke I was in front, so whilst my parents looked on, I was the first ever to receive the girls award.
I still treasure the badge.