I remember the occasion of this photo so well, although it was taken in 1971. DofE participants from local schools met together, in a marquee, to welcome HRH Prince Philip. I had chosen to study heraldry as my hobby and had copied a number of shields. He was attracted to the paintings and laughingly asked why I hadn’t included his own but so kindly said I should have been better advised. Any embarrassment I felt was instantly diffused.
My service involved taking a St John Ambulance course; I kept hold of the skills and now regularly renew my first aid at work certificate for the school where I work. The best part was the adventure. The walks, the meals, the camping, the arguments, blisters and team building all worked together to form memorable events. We walked over private land where we were questioned and reprimanded and from then on imagined helicopters tracking us. I loved the orienteering and later took an HND in cartography!
The scheme is brilliant and I am so grateful to The Duke of Edinburgh for his vision and steadfast dedication to it. Long may it continue.