During the three years for the Service element I choose First Aid, first with a Junior Certificate at the Bronze stage, Initial Adult at the Silver stage and in the Gold stage I obtained an Initial certificate in Nursing. From doing this I got involved with the British Red Cross, initially helping to push Wheel chairs for those suffering from Muscular Dystrophy and later joined the British Red Cross.
In respect of the Expedition element I had my first taste of outdoor camping and enjoying the experiences from the second and third stages.
In regard to the Interest element, I was a member of the Drumchapel Gospel Hall Youth Club, I enjoyed playing badminton and table tennis, and latterly I helped in coaching the younger members.
In participating and completion of the Gold stage 3 things stand out for me.
1-I was part of the maiden crew who were to sail a newly built Training Schooner called the Captain Scott from Buckie to Plockton in October 1971.
2- The then Corporation of Glasgow arranged a reception for the Gold Award recipients, at the reception we were presented with our Gold Badge/Brooch and a DOE Tie/ Scarf, the presentation was made by the then Chief Constable of Glasgow Sir David McNee.
3-Invite to Holyrood House, to receive our Gold certificates and see the Duke.
Now having recently retired and about to move back to Scotland, I reflect on my life since completing the 3 stages of the award.
Helping to push wheel chairs, helping a school friend with his Sunday school class, then becoming a church member (50 years this May), initially helping out with junior section BB then becoming an officer and later Officer In Charge, the Church Treasurer and later a Church Elder. Getting involved with our children’s schools both in primary and secondary. Lastly being a Trustee and Treasurer of a local Deaf charity in Bury for around 11 years.

Who knows what my life of service would have been if I had not participated in the Duke of Edinburg’s Award.