Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Buckingham Palace

May 2019 - As the sun shone brightly, eleven Churcher’s College students travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Michael of Kent, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Edward, Earl of Wessex.  The students were among 1,000 proud young people from across the UK receiving the coveted Gold Awards which every young person worked incredibly hard to accomplish. 

The Churcher’s College students, six boys and five girls, who received the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award were: Oliver Sanders, Catriona McColl, Robert Chamberlain, Calum Bryant, Flo Anderson, Anya Pigden, Rosie Botham, Charlie Morris, Miles Prosser, Ryan Wilkinson and Hannah Cordall

The Duchess of Wessex spent time with the Churcher’s students asking about volunteering and residential experiences, which are essential to completing the Gold Award.  The Duchess was also interested in the highs and lows of the gruelling final expedition which forms a vital component.  She also spoke to the Churcher’s parents about her own daughter who is currently working towards her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, empathising with the parents’ role in supporting and sharing a joke about the “unique smell” that returns with teenagers from expeditions.

Also demonstrating a sense of fun, Anne Diamond, the TV presenter, presented certificates introducing herself to the students by apologising for “not being a rock star”.  Nevertheless, Anne proved highly engaging with the story of her start in the world of journalism, reporting and news reading, and stories of some of the fascinating people she has interviewed during her career.

Accompanying the pupils was Steph Jones, DofE & Adventurous Activities Administrator - appears in the top photograph back left. 

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