I have been a volunteer with Ballymore Open Award Centre in Tandragee for 22 years. I started off as someone sitting in the background to be being leader in charge. I got a invitation from Eric Rainey to attend the 50th Anniversary Garden Party in Buckingham Palace it was a great honour not only for myself but for Muriel Harrison and Peter Armstrong another 2 leaders in our Group. I was then told that I was to be presented to the Queen what an honour. After a few years Kate Thompson asked myself and Muriel to attend a Gold presentation at At St. James Palace. We thought we were going to watch but Kate had other ideas. We had to act as stewards and The Duke Himself came in the room. I was last and my nerves were shot by the time he got to my group. I was introduced to His Highness and he was so nice and made me feel so relaxed. After chatting to the young people he went to say goodbye but as he turned to leave he turned back and asked me were I had gotten my badge. I nearly collapsed as I thought I had done something wrong, then I realized he was talking about the badge I had been given at the Garden Party. I replied Sir, her Majesty held a Garden Party to celebrate your Award 50th Birthday he looked again and said I was there and I never got one and he had a good laugh and walked away. A memory I will never forget. I hope to continue to be a volunteer with the Award for many years to come. I still hear from young people who achieved their award many years ago and it always so interesting to hear about how their lives changed for the better after being a participant in a organisation set up by a great man.