As a member of the St John Ambulance I was one of the very first to gain the Silver and Gold Awards. I received my certificate from HRH at Buckingham Palace in 1958. Having started the Award scheme in two schools I met him on many occasions when he visited Birmingham. At a Garden Party at the palace I was in a line where the Duke was to walk and an RAF officer and his wife was asked to stand in the middle and meet the Duke. During their conversation I thought he was looking across at me and was very surprised when after his conversation he broke ranks and headed straight for me, to talk about the scheme in Birmingham. I have continued in St John Ambulance, my Service section, still have tropical fish Pursuits section, and still go camping, Expedition section, however my Fitness section has not continued. Many happy memories ending with the presentation of the Diamond Award after absailing during a snow storm, and then meeting HRH at the palace, all this after appearing on the One Show. He was an excellent role model.