I qualified for the Gold award in 1964. At that time it was necessary to complete all sections before your 19th birthday & I was having great problems finishing the fitness section. After several weeks of very hard work I managed to complete it with just 3 days to spare. Undoubtedly it was the expedition section that I got the most enjoyment from which gave me a love of hiking which I still have to this day. The gold expedition was over 4 very wet & tough days in Snowdonia which bought home the importance of team work as without it we would not have completed the course.  The principal lessons that I learn from participation in the scheme were to never give up & to keep pushing oneself. After all the hard work the experience of going to Buckingham Palace to receive there award from the Duke of Edinburgh is a memory that I still cherish.