I was privileged to be a leader in the school at which I taught, chairman of the local district, on the county and the South-East Region committees. It became my life but I did not regret a moment as I watched the participants develop.
As a consequence, I attended Buckingham and St James’ Palaces on many occasions, often helping to marshal the Gold recipients. That meant that I often met him and chatted. It was as if he was my next-door neighbour, not a leader within our country. Once I shook his left hand as he had damaged his right one.
There were a couple of rallies too. One at Hever Castle and another at a County meet. We had some Young Farmers showing their animals. The Prince turned to me saying ‘Are these your pigs?’, something I’ll always treasure!
I’m retired from D of E now. I began finding it difficult to crawl in and out of a tent. I’m sure the Prince would not give up for such a lame excuse.