Tony Causer
I was born in 1946 to poor but hard working parents living in a "prefab" in Peckham, South East London.
I passed my "11 plus" exam and was sent to an all boys Grammar school where unfortunately I suffered beatings, abuse and bullying which reduced what little self esteem I had to nothing. As a result I left school without a single qualification.
I did however belong to the Air Training Corps because of my love of aviation and through that organisation began my DofE Award starting with my Bronze Award.
Though I started an apprenticeship as an electrician the two things that dominated my life were the ATC and my DofE Award. For the first time I began to strive for something worthwhile. I wanted to learn and do new things. My appetite for these was immense. At last I found the confidence I had lacked for so long,
In 1964/65 I gained my Gold Award having done my expedition as part of a month at Outward Bound Ullswater in mid January! I was the first in 444 squadron ATC and went to the Palace to get my Award with my Mum and Dad who were able at last to have pride in my achievements. Who have gone on to produce hundreds since then.
My life changed immensely wanting to study to get professional qualifications. Eventually having my own business for 20 years. Then being a Director of a number of top companies in the UK, I became a Chartered Engineer and even a Private Pilot!
It is impossible to state the magnitude of debt I owed to those who changed my life both in the ATC and the DofE. They literally turned a frightened young boy into a successful man.
I am now retired and lucky to live my final years in the beautiful Algarve but I never forget my roots or the part those people and organisations played in my life.
It was why I was deeply saddened and shed a tear when I heard of the passing of Prince Philip. His imagination and determination changed my life through his Award scheme and doubtless so many others like me.
To him I can only say "Thank you sir"!
I passed my "11 plus" exam and was sent to an all boys Grammar school where unfortunately I suffered beatings, abuse and bullying which reduced what little self esteem I had to nothing. As a result I left school without a single qualification.
I did however belong to the Air Training Corps because of my love of aviation and through that organisation began my DofE Award starting with my Bronze Award.
Though I started an apprenticeship as an electrician the two things that dominated my life were the ATC and my DofE Award. For the first time I began to strive for something worthwhile. I wanted to learn and do new things. My appetite for these was immense. At last I found the confidence I had lacked for so long,
In 1964/65 I gained my Gold Award having done my expedition as part of a month at Outward Bound Ullswater in mid January! I was the first in 444 squadron ATC and went to the Palace to get my Award with my Mum and Dad who were able at last to have pride in my achievements. Who have gone on to produce hundreds since then.
My life changed immensely wanting to study to get professional qualifications. Eventually having my own business for 20 years. Then being a Director of a number of top companies in the UK, I became a Chartered Engineer and even a Private Pilot!
It is impossible to state the magnitude of debt I owed to those who changed my life both in the ATC and the DofE. They literally turned a frightened young boy into a successful man.
I am now retired and lucky to live my final years in the beautiful Algarve but I never forget my roots or the part those people and organisations played in my life.
It was why I was deeply saddened and shed a tear when I heard of the passing of Prince Philip. His imagination and determination changed my life through his Award scheme and doubtless so many others like me.
To him I can only say "Thank you sir"!
