A golden day for three Essex cadets
17.11.11
During teh last week in October St James's Palace was awash with outstanding young people who had achieved something very special, their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Amongst those invited to the ceremony in the presence of HRH the Earl of Wessex KG GCVO were Adam Smith, C Coy, Steven Fisher, A Coy and Alice Chalmers, B Coy.
Achieving a gold award demonstrates an individuals dedication, mentality and skills to achieve at a high level.
Once you are 16 you can apply to do your gold award which is broken into four areas. You must complete 12 months volunteering. You also have to undertake a physical and skills elements which you must spend 12 months on one and six on the other. There is also a four day expedition you must complete.
An extra requirement for this award is a five day residential performing an activity with people you may not know.
Collecting their Gold Award Certificates on Wednesday 26th October 2011 at St James Palace were three cadets from Essex; Alice Chalmers, Steven Fisher and Adam Smith.
Presenting them with their certificate was the Earl of Wessex who was particular keen to hear about their sailing expedition around the Scottish coastline.
Alice who has now been an adult instructor for a year said: “I am really pleased to have achieved my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was able to try some new activities and assisted with a local outreach programme for a week. I also supported my local scout group, learnt how to play bowls and also learnt to drive.
“The best part was the expedition when a group of us went up to the West Coast of Scotland and learnt to sail.
“Overall, it was a really good day and the award will benefit me in the future when I apply for new jobs as it gives me something to talk about and demonstrates a number of valuable skills.”