Duke’s work will stay with youngsters for life
THE sad death of Prince Philip has shocked people across the world.
Sympathy to Queen Elizabeth. He was her much-loved husband for 73 years, a caring father to Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward and a lot of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
My father, Ron Bond, was at Gordonstoun School with him. It was a tough gig, all cold showers and runs across the countryside.
Prince Philip was a tough man. Unlike Prince Charles and my dad, who were soft, caring men.
Mum was in ATS with a young Princess Elizabeth, who was taught how to repair ambulance engines. This was in Guildford, Surrey.
I lost Dad over 50 years ago and Mum the same. It does not get better. But during times like this all memories come flooding back.
All the great music on the radio has me in floods of tears.
I was a community volunteer for the air ambulance for 10 years, during which time I worked with students from Oadby Beauchamp College who were doing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards, gold, silver and bronze.
They came out in Oadby, attending with me air shows, car shows, school fetes, etc.
This was a great way of preparing them for life’s ups and downs.
I attended a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace as representative for the air ambulance. The Duke of Edingburgh was there at the Queen’s side. It was a great experience.
The other thing I did for DofE students was put them forward for Lord-Lieutenant’s Youth Awards. All good experience for life.
All this will now be with the young people for life. This was all done by HRH Prince Philip. Thank you from them all and me.
Anne Bond, Oadby