Glenda Cabaret

My story culminated with receiving a Gold Award in 1985 at St James’ Palace from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Previously I had completed my Silver and Bronze here in Jersey, Channel Islands.
DofE was life changing in so many ways. It built my confidence, made me an achiever, gave me life-long friendships but most importantly, introduced me to my husband.
Alain received his Gold Award from Prince Philip here in Jersey at the St John’s Recreation Centre in 1983. The Duke had come along to open the Centre and in so doing presented Golds to half a dozen young Jersey people.
Although I had initially started my Bronze Award at FCJ school, I soon became very serious about the Scheme so joined the Awarders Club. Here we concentrated on expeditions and this is why Alain joined from the Jersey Marine Cadets.
We had an opportunity to meet the Duke during our time in the Scheme when he and Her Majesty The Queen were on a visit to Jersey. The Duke always made a point of meeting as many young Awarders as possible when on official duties. He would take time to engage with us and took a real interest in our progress.
The Award Scheme gave both Alain and I skills for life. Our successful marriage, family and business is in no small part due to our experiences and competencies gained in the Scheme.
On one occasion we were introduced to HRH Prince Edward, The Duke of Wessex who had come to meet us representing his father.
We feel very privileged to have been part of the Award Scheme. We recognise the efforts put in by our DofE leaders and thank them for all the hours they put in. Especially when on expedition on Dartmoor in snow and ice, in France in extreme heat and in the New Forest where we worried our instructors for several hours while we were lost and way off course.
During our involvement with the Scheme we felt motivated to continue through the difficulties because we were doing it for The Duke. We always had his values at the forefront of our thoughts.

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