After joining St Austell Grammar school at the age of 11 in 1954, I joined into the D of E scheme as soon as it was launched gaining the Bronze award and then followed by the Silver standard as soon as my age made me available. I left the school at age 16 and joined the RAF as a radio engineering apprentice at the the No 1 radio school at RAF Locking. Situated close to the Mendip hills I soon joined the Potholing and climbing club where the experiences of the outdoor activities gained during the bronze and silver times soon boosted my confidence and lead me to eventually become the club caving and rock climbing leader and to be the main club organizer. During that time I continued to participate in the DofE Award scheme , leading many teams from Locking on expeditions into the Mendip Hills and spending many hours being a hospital visitor at the district hospital in Weston Super Mare. I took part in many other activities that I would never have contemplated without the guidance and the enthusiasm for the scheme. I first had the privilege of meeting Prince Philip when I attended The Gold Award presentation ceremony at St James Palace when he presented my Gold badge to me . This was the first of many occasions during my life when I have had the pleasure of meeting with Prince Philip during my years.
Some years after graduating from RAF Locking I found my leadership and organizational skills gained from my Award Scheme years of help again when attending an aircrew selection course . I was accepted for pilot training and commissioned .
Throughout my life I have been a keen walker and charity worker, becoming the SSAFA County Secretary for Cornwall for 25 years . During that time, my wife and I met The Duke and many of the Royal Family , including the Queen and the Queen Mother on several occasions . I think that the one thing that gave me the confidence to enjoy all these experiences was the basic grounding that was given by the Award Scheme.
Thank you Prince Philip